Heat Guns (What Is The Safest Set Up?)

[quesera]

My boyfriend makes leather masks. I am thinking about getting him a heat gun for his birthday, but I'm a little worried about the safety of using these devices indoors. He has a wooden work bench which is near a wall. I know these things can burn wood and melt paint. I'm having trouble finding safety info, however, because everyone assumes the heat gun is going to be used to strip paint or mold plastic.

Would it work to lay down a piece of granite on the bench and create a granite "back splash" to protect the wall? I know he doesn't need to turn the thing too hot to harden leather, but I don't want anything damaged, either. Anything else to know about heat guns and leather working before I buy this thing?

Sorry for the "newbie" question, but I obviously can't ask him and then try to surprise him with the present later.

Thank you!!

[chancey77]

Sorry for the "newbie" question, but I obviously can't ask him and then try to surprise him with the present later.

Thank you!!

Don't apologize:)

A granite back splash would be AWESOME...but it really is not necessary...but if you want it to be a very pretty place to work, then YES!

Maybe you can come decorate my work space:)... I am just kidding!!!!!!!...all kidding aside,

It is very nice to have a solid work table like stone, and granite is the perfect stone for leather work, it is water proof and heat resistant.

Heat guns are very safe to use indoors, and they have a high and low setting. They will only burn wood if you leave it there a while and I am sure he knows how to use one just fine.....

It is like a supped up hair dryer..very easy to use and very safe!

For anyone with common sense.

In order to burn paint you have to use it very close, doing what he is doing, I am sure it will not be used in that manner.

[Glendon]

As Chancey said, a little common sense goes a long way. Same thinking applies to all tools. If you really want to make sure that it is safe, the main thing that comes to mind is to get or make a stand that the heat gun can be set on in case your BF ever needs to set it down ready to use. I'm thinking a wire stand similar to what are used with soldering irons.

[TwinOaks]

A wire stand would be a great idea for having someplace to put the heat gun while it's still hot. Instead of a granite back splash, you might also consider some aluminum panels. They are much lighter weight and will help reflect some of the heat.

[quesera]

Thank you for the advice! I saw that some of the heat guns come with a stand, so I'll definitely invest in one.