Hi folks, new to this game, can I use a DIY heat gun for heat shrinking plastic film, coz they're a lot cheaper or should I go for the model shop gizmo at twice the price. I'd be interested to know what other builders are using? (ps i did try the wifes hair dryer but its not hot enough, and she wasn't to chuffed either!!)
 Phil

Some of the DIY heat guns are VERY hot, and I would not use them, to hard to regulate the heat you need. the real deal is "designed" to put out the correct heat range and in the long run will be cheaper. You only need to burn a hole in your covered wing once and ruin 15 bucks worth of covering to make up any price difference. The real deal heat guns are not that expnsive, seems they are bout 15 - 20 $

I'm no expert with iron on finishes, but mine seems to work fine.

I use the same gun (on high setting) to re-pitch carbon props.

As someone has already stated, "Even with a model heat gun do not pause too long in one spot".   Don't ask me how I know.  DOC Holliday

I have a "Hobbico" brand and it works quite well, but before I got it I often used a salon style hair dryer,
( my girlfriend/wife's - my hair doesn't need one). It had hi-lo heat range and got warm enough to shrink evry type of covering i tried it on. I also used a small travel iron to stick down the edges, and shrink covering on solid surfaces.