#40: Heat Gun Holder Tutorial & Giveaway

More than any other post on my blog, the wonderful heat gun holder my DH made for me has generated many lovely comments and e-mails (see post #29 HERE).

I've e-mailed quickie instructions to those who have asked, but finally decided to do a step-by-step photo tutorial of Mike in action, creating one. As a result, I have an extra heat gun holder, and will be giving it away to a lucky random poster. Details at the end of the tutorial!

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STEP #1:

Measurements of the wood pieces are approximate. Mike uses scraps of pine that he has in the basement, so no two holders are exactly the same. Don't be afraid to experiment.

(1) BASE: 5" wide x 6" long x ¾" thick

(1) TOP: 3½" wide x 5½" long x ¾" thick

(1) UPRIGHT STAND: 3" wide x 10½" long x ½" thick

(6) Wood Screws, 1½" long

(1) Ceramic Tile, 4¼" x 4¼"

(1) Cup Hook [not shown]

2" hole saw for cutting hole in TOP

Polyurethane Spray [not shown--optional]

Silicone Glue [not shown]

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STEP #2:
Lightly sand rough edges of wood, if desired.

Center UPRIGHT STAND piece onto edges of BASE and TOP.

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STEP #3:
Drill 3 evenly spaced holes along ends of UPRIGHT STAND into TOP and into BASE pieces (total of 6 holes).

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STEP #4:

Use hole saw to cut 2" opening into TOP. Center the hole side-to-side, but place it more to front edge of the TOP.





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STEP #5:

Re-align TOP and BASE pieces with UPRIGHT STAND piece and insert screws. An electric screwdriver or a drill bit for screws speeds things up!

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STEP #6:

Almost done!

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STEP #7:

OPTIONAL: Sand the entire holder lightly with fine sandpaper and spray with one coat of fast-drying polyurethane. DH uses Minwax Clear Gloss or Matte Finish. Do not paint the wood as it may not withstand the heat from the heat gun.

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STEP #8:
Use Silicone Glue to adhere the Ceramic Tile to the base.

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STEP #9:

Center Ceramic Tile on BASE and press down firmly.

Screw a cup hook into the back of the UPRIGHT STAND to help control the cord on the heat gun (see original photo at top of page).

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Is this guy great or what??!

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Now, for the Giveaway:

Since creating this tutorial meant that a new heat gun holder was created, too, Mike and I thought we'd share the extra. If you could use this handy tool, here's your chance to win it!

Just leave a comment with your e-mail address, or send me a brief message [handsandheart (at) live (dot) com]. I'll have the DH choose a random number on Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 at 12:00 noon EST and will be in touch with the winner.

#29: Organizational Efficiency

I love to heat emboss stamped images, but found I did it infrequently because I was too lazy to haul all the equipment out and put it back for each project. Whenever I have a vexing question about how to work through a crafting issue, I turned to the delightfully generous and helpful ladies of Gingerwood, who supply endless hints, tips, tricks, encouragement, photos and how-to-do-it detail! As a result, I now have a wonderful custom-made heat-gun holder, courtesy of my DH. It has a very small footprint, allowing me to leave my embossing equipment right at hand, ready to be used and to allow safe cooling, as well.

My husband was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the ideas offered and really happy with the safety factor associated with the holder, something that has always bothered him-- the biggest concern was that one (or both) of the "craft cats" would be in the middle of the project area offering personalized artistic direction and set the place on fire.

So I showed him all the photos, hints, recommendations and suggestions from fellow GWs, and he made me this:

Perfect!

Many thanks to becky with a little "b" (for the detailed photos of the overall design), Greta in NY (wonderful suggestion to add a heat-proof ceramic tile), Mrs. C. (the idea to add cup hooks to help control cords), Sue Nelson (for putting the thought in my head that the DH could make it for a few dollars, rather than have me buy it) and a number of others who offered their help. I've done more embossing in the past week than I have in the past year!