Replies

1. 
   Jay_A. | Apr 26, 1999 03:17am | #1

   *
   I use a Polygun from 3M. It operates at about 380 degrees F., and will output 3.5 lbs of hot melt per hour. There are different sets of tips available, as well as a conversion kit to make it a trigger feed gun vs. pushing the stick with your thumb.
   3M has 3 or 4 different types of hot melt sticks for the gun, depending on the material you're gluing.
   Got mine from Briggs Hardware 800-355-1000
   I don't remember how much the gun was (I believe somewhere between $60 and $90)
   The glue sticks come in 11 lb. boxes. The type I use most runs about $85-$90 a box (also from Briggs)

2. 
   Guest_ | Apr 28, 1999 12:58am | #2

   *
   Richard,
   If you are talking about hot melt, you already have your answer. The 3M gun is the best.

   If you are talking slang, then this is the answer. The best construction adhesive guns, and caulking guns too are the orange ones that say Made in England on them. Brian's Tools in Connecticut, and Costal Tool in Connecticut both sell them. Do not buy identical looking ones made in Taiwan or China or the christmas islands.

   Glue will still drip from them, especially PL brands. This is because the folks at the PL factory long ago figured out that by putting air bubbles in the glue tubes, the air would compress, and stay that way even after the pressure from the gun was released. That internal air pressure causes the glue to continue oozing out resulting in, you guessed it, a high percentage of wasted glue and consequently, higher sales by (you guessed it again) astonishingly, the exact percentage of glue wasted.

   The people over at the Franklin glue company (SS400), either hadn't yet figured this out, the last time I used their glue; or else maybe they can't afford any air bubble injectors for their factory. Anyhow, their glue doesn't do this so bad.

   As for your unspoken question the answer is yes. Not only do I hate dogs and cats, and beat my wife and kids, but my back hurts my feet stink and I don't love Jesus.

   Have a good day

   Clampman

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 29, 1999 09:55am | #3

   *I have one of those orange guns, sold by HD surprise, and it works fine. the 10 oz. version of it, however, seized up pretty quickly. The PL on the other hand! Worked fine all winter, now is runs for about fifteen minutes after i put it down -- even if I remove the tube! The air bubble explanation is appreciated, i thought I was losing my mind. Maybe I'll try putting the Pl nozzle up in the sun for a while before i open it and then try to bleed the air out ... else I'll be switching brands. Too many glue slugs to pick up.

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 29, 1999 09:56am | #4

   *
   I need to know if anyone uses a glue gun that doesn't drip and burn out in 2-3 weeks. And if so, where did they get it.