Heat guns for shrink wrap

[sailfree]

I found the following in another thread. Has anyone else used or tried an electric heat gun to shrink wrap a boat. Sounds like a good idea IF it works. You could work inside the cover with the electric gun. Much safer and easier than working from a 12' step ladder outside the boat. Yes, I realize it would take a lot longer, the heat output is drastically lower than the propane guns.

"I used an electric heat gun and was able to use the low setting to make all the seams. With a pair of leather gloves I held the wrap together while moving the gun along."

 

[All U Get]

Heat gun

Yep, works well if you're doing seams or patches. I've done it several years in a row and have used some of the previous year's material to do the job.
All U Get

 

[Barnacle Bill]

I know if you use a regular torch for shrinkwrapping from the inside, you will deplete the oxygen supply under the plastic and then have some breathing problems, coughing, etc. I have also seen boat owners set fire to their boat (and others) because they don't know what they are doing. Be careful.

 

[sailfree]

All U Get,
Thanks. Do you use the electric gun for the whole shrink job or just the seams?
Is it one of the common models for 120volt (about 1200 to 1600 watts) or is it one of the bigger industrial units?

 

[petersea]

You will be able to do only very small areas at at one time with a hand held heat gun, they are just not powerful enough to do the whole job unless you get a large industrial model and they are quite expensive and draw lots of power. I used a hand held heat gun to "tighten up" some spots from inside under the shrink wrap, but in my estimation they are not practical to do the whole job unless you get a very powerful industrial model. Check the attached link for some more good info.
http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/A-Guide-To-Industrial-Shrink-Wrapping-Heat-Guns_W0QQugidZ10000000002797287

 

[All U Get]

Sailfree,
I did the whole job with the mast up so there was plenty of patching around shrouds and stays. Mine is 1000-1500 watts that works well if its dry and above freezing. Wind and rain slow down the job and makes me cuss. :cussing:
All U Get