Question about heat guns for blade replacement

[Doctor Hook 0]

I noticed they vary a bit in their wattage and price. Will a lower level (and inexpensive) gun be sufficient in its output to heat shaft and melt glue in order to pull blade or is a higher "caliber" one better for the job?

So far, I got my eyes on this baby:

http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-H0800-Heat-G...e=UTF8&s=hi

Also feel free to pimp your own heat guns in this thread.

[Chadd 916]

That will work fine. I got my new one for $9.99 at Harbor Freight a few months ago.

[Datsyukiandeek 0]

Heat gun?

Takes a quarter of the time and when you're using prostock sticks as shafts it really doesn't matter.

$2.50 for a tank of propane at Home Depot, lasts a season. $8 for the lighter/nozzel.

[Chadd 916]

Heat gun?

Takes a quarter of the time and when you're using prostock sticks as shafts it really doesn't matter.

$2.50 for a tank of proane at Home Depot, lasts a season. $8 for the lighter/nozzel.

Worst advice I've seen here in a long time. Guaranteed to ruin your shaft. If you aren't going to help, don't post.

[Datsyukiandeek 0]

Heat gun?

Takes a quarter of the time and when you're using prostock sticks as shafts it really doesn't matter.

$2.50 for a tank of proane at Home Depot, lasts a season. $8 for the lighter/nozzel.

Worst advice I've seen here in a long time. Guaranteed to ruin your shaft. If you aren't going to help, don't post.

Ive never had a shaft break in three years using a torch?

[Chadd 916]

Heat gun?

Takes a quarter of the time and when you're using prostock sticks as shafts it really doesn't matter.

$2.50 for a tank of proane at Home Depot, lasts a season. $8 for the lighter/nozzel.

Worst advice I've seen here in a long time. Guaranteed to ruin your shaft. If you aren't going to help, don't post.

Ive never had a shaft break in three years using a torch?

I'm sure you haven't but every person I've seen use a torch on a comp shaft has ruined it or greatly reduced the lifespan of the shaft.

[Datsyukiandeek 0]

I'll take back my suggestion.. As a matter of fact, I didn't know capable heat guns could be had for anything less then $50. Maybe i'll ditch the propane after all.

[Andoy 5]

not to mention that exposing your sticks/shafts to open flame will void the warranty

[Datsyukiandeek 0]

Pretty much only a prostock guy. Paying double for a warranty i'll never use doesn't suit me.

[BK 0]

That will work fine. I got my new one for $9.99 at Harbor Freight a few months ago.

I probably got the same one (orange).

Cost me like $12 a few years back and it still works great.

[--notorious 0]

Heat gun?

Takes a quarter of the time and when you're using prostock sticks as shafts it really doesn't matter.

$2.50 for a tank of proane at Home Depot, lasts a season. $8 for the lighter/nozzel.

Worst advice I've seen here in a long time. Guaranteed to ruin your shaft. If you aren't going to help, don't post.

So whats better torch or stove top? I'm way too lazy for blowdryer and I hardly change blades

[JR Boucicaut 3810]

Torch will scorch the shaft. Stove top is better as there isn't a direct flame.

Just buy a heatgun. They are cheap.

[hurricaneoasis 0]

Just get a heat gun, you can get a good one for $20 and you can provide a bit more consistent heat to your shaft instead of using the stove where it's easy to burn it or weaken it by heating one part up too much, plus a heat gun can be used in mid game or before a game to quickly replace a blade. It'll last forever and it's just a good investment.

[LkptTiger 1]

So whats better torch or stove top?

Neither. Buy a heat-gun. Quick, easy, clean, safe. Mine sees regular use, as I use the lower setting for melting wax into the tape.

[--notorious 0]

Oh alright thanks guys. Yeah heating wax with a lighter sucks I'll check out Home Depot

[LkptTiger 1]

...plus a heat gun can be used in mid game or before a game to quickly replace a blade.

Eek. You don't actually do that, do you? Personally, I won't hardly touch a stick for, at minimum, a few hours after a blade replacement. This is one of the reasons I'm such a stick whore - if I have issues with one stick, I like to have two or three more (of the same exact stick) to go to so I don't have to be making major changes to a stick pre/during game. Using a stick right after heating the shaft up and throwing a new blade in there is asking for trouble.

[Datsyukiandeek 0]

...plus a heat gun can be used in mid game or before a game to quickly replace a blade.

Eek. You don't actually do that, do you? Personally, I won't hardly touch a stick for, at minimum, a few hours after a blade replacement. This is one of the reasons I'm such a stick whore - if I have issues with one stick, I like to have two or three more (of the same exact stick) to go to so I don't have to be making major changes to a stick pre/during game. Using a stick right after heating the shaft up and throwing a new blade in there is asking for trouble.

Have you actually had trouble with this or is it just an assumption? Im not trying to be rude but ive used a torch five minutes before games on shaft/blade combos and the sticks have never changed. Im sure it could eventually be a problem if you held the flame directly in one spot long enough for the composite to melt. The only effect its had on my shafts so far is paint discoloration.

[LkptTiger 1]

Personally, I've never had issues. I've seen guys mess some shafts/tenons up pretty good, though.

[hurricaneoasis 0]

...plus a heat gun can be used in mid game or before a game to quickly replace a blade.

Eek. You don't actually do that, do you? Personally, I won't hardly touch a stick for, at minimum, a few hours after a blade replacement. This is one of the reasons I'm such a stick whore - if I have issues with one stick, I like to have two or three more (of the same exact stick) to go to so I don't have to be making major changes to a stick pre/during game. Using a stick right after heating the shaft up and throwing a new blade in there is asking for trouble.

well. I've never done it in game, I suppose i was thinking more in a tournament, where I have replaced blades, in between games. you're right, I'd not mess with a stick or blade that close to a game either. I feel you on the sticks though. I have four warrior dolomites and a team mate was making fun of me tonight before our game... I've yet to break one, but I still like having them.

[Chadd 916]

discolored paint is an indication that the heat was too hot. It happens with heat guns as well as an open flame, just not as frequently.

[Datsyukiandeek 0]

discolored paint is an indication that the heat was too hot. It happens with heat guns as well as an open flame, just not as frequently.

Well im not suggesting anyone else do it but ive had no ill effects with the torch. 4 different shafts, 3 different manufactures. Paint doesn't really concern me either, I black out half my stick.

[Roach 0]

I used to use 2 hair-dryers. I was able to buy a US$20 heat gun last year and haven't had any problems since!

[SirJW 207]

I've got this one too, works great!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Cate...7&pricetype

[hyprlte 0]

got a black and decker one for 30$ works amazing

[fastmiele 59]

I noticed they vary a bit in their wattage and price. Will a lower level (and inexpensive) gun be sufficient in its output to heat shaft and melt glue in order to pull blade or is a higher "caliber" one better for the job?

So far, I got my eyes on this baby:

http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-H0800-Heat-G...e=UTF8&s=hi

Also feel free to pimp your own heat guns in this thread.

back to the original question/post, in my experience a "higher caliber" heat gun does not really matter. I have a 1500 watt gun (vs. the 1200 watt gun in your post) and its more powerful than I need to take a blade in and out. In fact, sometimes I think its too powerful because the gun gets pretty hot quick and I lower it back down to the first setting to avoid burn marks on the shaft.

The only time I can think you might want a "high calibre" gun is when the blade/extender is really stuck/jammed in. That's when I really crank up the heat to get it out, but this is pretty rare.