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My Nicole heating tool is making strange noises so I'm planning to replace it soon. I need to buy from SU or brick and mortar stores. With that in mind I need recommendations. I see the SU heating tool has two settings. For those if you who have it, does it work well and last long? I think the only other options I've seen is another Nicole or maybe Martha Stewart. Any testamoniaks? I've heard about the Milwaukee but don't think they sell it in stores around here.
Kathy, the Marvy heat gun is the one I have, and I've liked it. It only has one speed, but seems to do the jobs I need it to do very well. I don't know about the longevity. I've had mine for about 5 years, but don't use it constantly.
Am I remembering this wrong or is the SU heat tool actually made by Milwaukee? I thought it was.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Am I remembering this wrong or is the SU heat tool actually made by Milwaukee? I thought it was.
I love the fact that it has two settings, even though I'd mostly use the hottest for heat embossing. I thought I read something along that line too, but can't remember for sure.
I read something about the SU tool used to be made by Milwaukee. But even that was an "I think..." statement.
If there's anything in the shape of the case, the SU one has the same shape case as one labeled "Dovecraft" in the UK. There's absolutely no resemblance to the Milwaukee. It's interesting to do a google image search for "heat tool".
The best place to potentially find the Milwaukee (besides online at Amazon or craft suppliers) might be the hardware store, believe it or not.
I have a hardware store heat gun (Mine is a $20 Wagner) and a Stampin' Up heat gun. I like my hardware store heat gun best. It melts embossing powder faster, is quieter and the fan doesn't blow as hard.
The down side is that the tip gets super hot and it doesn't have a kickstand for it to rest on when not in use. You really need to have some sort of heat gun holder. Also, if you held it one place for too long, you can scorch your paper. I suppose if you held it there long enough, you might even be able to set it on fire. :shock:
No, you can't use a hair dryer for embossing. First, it would blow the embossing powder off the paper. Second, it doesn't get hot enough to melt the powder.
It can probably be gotten even cheaper at a Joann's or Michael's with a coupon.
It's gets the job done just fine. When the time comes to replace it, I don't know if I'd buy anything different. I know the Tim Holtz one is very quiet, but that's not an issue for me. I'm sure the SU is very good because their tools tend to be very good, but I'm not sure this would be a place to spend a lot of $$$.
If anyone thinks there are actual performance differences between tools - besides noise - I'd really love to know. I've only every used the one I have so I've nothing with which to compare it.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I have a Ranger's Heat-It tool and love it. It's quiet and gets the job done. I've had it for quite a few years and it is time to replace it as it's iffy whether it will start. Problem: the only ones I can find now are made for UK, Eur, and Aus. I'd like another but if that's not possible does anyone have any suggestions for some quiet heat tools. I already have a Marvy Uchida that is ancient and it still works but it is loud!
It can probably be gotten even cheaper at a Joann's or Michael's with a coupon.
It's gets the job done just fine. When the time comes to replace it, I don't know if I'd buy anything different. I know the Tim Holtz one is very quiet, but that's not an issue for me. I'm sure the SU is very good because their tools tend to be very good, but I'm not sure this would be a place to spend a lot of $$$.
If anyone thinks there are actual performance differences between tools - besides noise - I'd really love to know. I've only every used the one I have so I've nothing with which to compare it.
I've had my Marvy since 1999. It hasn't seen heavy use (except for Christmas cards every year) so that's probably why it's lasted so long. But it's beginning to make a strange noise when I turn it on, although the noise goes away as it heats up and it works still works fine.
So I've started looking to replace it with another Marvy since this brand has served me well & I know I'll be getting the same quality (hopefully). I looked at Joann, Michael's & Hobby Lobby hoping to be able to get it with a coupon but none of them carry the Marvy. I found it at Walmart (as posted above) for about $22. There is one near me so I can order online & do a store pickup to save on shipping.
I've had my Marvy since 1999. It hasn't seen heavy use (except for Christmas cards every year) so that's probably why it's lasted so long. But it's beginning to make a strange noise when I turn it on, although the noise goes away as it heats up and it works still works fine.
So I've started looking to replace it with another Marvy since this brand has served me well & I know I'll be getting the same quality (hopefully). I looked at Joann, Michael's & Hobby Lobby hoping to be able to get it with a coupon but none of them carry the Marvy. I found it at Walmart (as posted above) for about $22. There is one near me so I can order online & do a store pickup to save on shipping.
I think my Marvy was purchased about 1995 when I first started seriously embossing (I used a toaster to heat the very first few cards, lol). The Marvy still going strong and the only reason I needed to buy the Heat-It embossing tool was for the noise level (and a plus is that it doesn't blow the embossing powder around as much as the Marvy either so I can heat it from above the card instead of underneath the card). I have my craft area in one corner of our family room and my DH is often watching the tv when I craft. I try to use the Marvy when a commercial comes on but that sort of holds up the process when I'm crafting. I'm wondering if Ranger is only making the tool for other countries as no one here seems to have them and if they are, why?
Thanks all for your help but it looks like I'm going to be out of luck buying a quiet embossing tool:(
Another Tim Holtz/ Ranger Heat it gun user here. The reason I love it so is that it's so quiet. Used to be a big consideration when my craft room was next to my sons bedroom, and he worked nights!
The Tim Holtz one wasn't available for awhile, but I've seen it available in quite a few places lately. I have one & love it, and also have a Milwaukee which I use once in awhile. The Milwaukee one is a bit noisier.
__________________ Keep what is worth keeping
and with the breath of kindness
blow the rest away.
The Tim Holtz one wasn't available for awhile, but I've seen it available in quite a few places lately. I have one & love it, and also have a Milwaukee which I use once in awhile. The Milwaukee one is a bit noisier.
If you can remember, would you share where you've seen it, please? I've Googled and gone to every place I can think of and all there are are the UK, Eur and Aus versions. No place seems to have the US version that I can see. Thanks for any help you can provide.
I emboss everything and have gone through many heat tools in my stamping lifetime. My current SU! heat gun is about four years old and going strong but I'm ordering a new one anyway to get the feature of two heat settings. Well worth the money, IMO.
Mary Beth
Someone gave me an older (single setting) Stampin' Up heat gun. It's going in a bag of stuff for my not-a-granddaughter. I still prefer my hardware store model. The only thing I didn't like was that it didn't have a resting wire. I solved that problem by storing it in a creative memories cup holder attached to my table (with the rubber mat removed). It's like a little heat-safe holster.
I have the Marvy, which I've used since 1995. If it ever gives out, I will get a Wagner, who now makes the Milwaukee.
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I got my Ranger Heat-It by USPS today, yippee! This morning I threw my old one away because it was "deader than a door nail" (strange saying) and my new one arrived this afternoon - great service from the Frantic Stamper! Thanks again Sue! I'm a very happy camper
heating tool replacement
