Any recommendations would be appreciated. I have noticed one on Giovanni's Tryphon site. Has anyone used this one?

Thomas,

I've not used Giovanni's model. Generally, my experience is, Giovanni's stuff is good. I use a Sears Craftsman Industrial model with an infinite temperature adjustment. The low temperature is well below 140 degrees (the temperature I use most often) and it will get as hot as you need. It has a small nozzle to direct the air flow where you need it and it has two blower settings. The gun will set on its end so you can use it "hands free". This heat gun isn't the cheapest you'll find, but it is a very good tool. I think I paid around a hundred dollars for mine.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_0...yword=heat+guns The url should get you there.

Get the one from Tryphon, or go to a scrapbooking shop (ask your wife or look in the yellow pages) and ask for an embossing heat gun. They are both the same thing.

I have one and swear by it. It is purple and has gold flecks, girly but it works.

Cheers,
Sean

Heat Gun---I use a Wagner variable temp heat gun---( $60-70???), has different nozzles for directing heat---use cut up pieces of jar opener/gripper material to shield pen from heat where it's not wanted. Heat gun stands upright so I can put both elbows on the table and keep the pen rotating and moving---very convenient.

I just got one from Giovanni at Tryphon, and so far I'm completely happy with it. Now, my skills at using it are pretty rudimentary, so maybe I'm not the most qualified to evaluate it... but for what it's worth, I've no complaints.

HI
HAVE A LOOK ON EBAY FOR HEAT GUN USED FOR EMBOSSING
REGARDS
LES

I bought one of these embossing guns at my local Hobby Lobby for $15. It's served me pretty well.

Chicago Tool makes one that's inexpensive and very good

To All:

Thanks for the input. I did end up buying the heat gun from Giovanni. And, much like when I FINALLY started using the dremel tool for vac pellet removal, I have seen the light. For years I would use hot water as my heat source with varying degrees of success. The heat gun passed the ultimate test last week when repairing a triumph nibbed sheaffer vac fill. For those who have worked on these, you know seperating the nib/feed/section from the barrel is a tricky operation. After a few seconds of direct heat from the gun, the assembly screwed out like it was greased.

My message: USE A HEAT GUN!

Thomas

Another tool that is IMHO a necessity is a simple dial thermometer. This lets you know with relative certainty the temperature your heat gun is producing. You don't want to stick your celluloid pen barrel into 350 degree heat & you can hold your pen in 130 degree airflow all day without softening the shellac. Knowing the temperature is a good thing. The dial thermometers can usually be found in your grocery or kitchen supply store for less than 10 bucks.