The Hot Glue Gun
A hot glue gun is a very useful tool for joining modelling materials including Kappa board and even more substantial materials can be fixed together with it. ‘Sticks’ of solid glue are pushed into the back of the gun, the trigger is pressed pushing the glue stick forward and molten glue comes out of the nozzle. The glue is manufactured from thermoplastics.
Thermoplastics are plastics that melt and can be reshaped when they are heated. Some are suitable as glues.
There are different types of glue sticks and these are selected depending on the material being glued. Some glue sticks are more suitable for wood based materials whilst others are for general gluing of a variety of materials.
The diagram above shows a typical hot glue gun. Part of its side has been cut away so that the heating element can be seen. Glue guns should be switched on at least five to ten minutes before they are used. This allows the heating element and the glue next to it, to heat up. The glue stick becomes very hot and melts becoming molten. At this stage it can be used to glue materials together. However, care should be taken because hot glue is dangerous. Always keep hands and finger s away from the glue as it is forced out of the nozzle.
When the glue is applied to two pieces of material, they should be clamped together for a short time. G-
Clamps or a vice can be used for this purpose.
QUESTIONS:
1.
Draw a hot glue gun and explain how it can be used to join two pieces of material. Use diagrams to help your explanation.
2.
List the safety precautions you need to keep in mind when using a hot glue gun.