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I love my ATG gun but have to admit that it is a bit cumbersome. But not so much that you can't get used to it. I feel that I save a lot of money on tape and the ATG tape really sticks!!!! I still always have a small tape runner that I use for very small spots but would recommend the ATG to anyone who wants their cards to stay together and wants to save money.
I love mine. As stated by the others, it sticks really well and is very economical once you have purchased the ATG. Each roll of tape is 36 yards and costs $3 - $4 depending on how many you purchase at one time and the shipping. The Tombows are only 36 feet (approx) and can cost more than $4 if you don't have a discount or coupon.
I love my ATG gun but have to admit that it is a bit cumbersome. But not so much that you can't get used to it. I feel that I save a lot of money on tape and the ATG tape really sticks!!!! I still always have a small tape runner that I use for very small spots but would recommend the ATG to anyone who wants their cards to stay together and wants to save money.
I agree with this 100%. I had a little trouble getting used to using the tape gun, but now I can't imagine making cards without it. I keep a glue pen and a bottle of Tombow MonoMulti to use for the smaller things I need to attach.
I was the same way about using the Cropadile. It seemed kind of big and awkward when I first got it. Now I use it quite a bit and like it.
I love to make altered composition notebooks, and the ATG is super to use for that. I tried making them with Mod Podge and it was a terrible sticky mess with wrinkles. The ATG is great for making these books.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I have a 3M 714 (can use only 1/4" width tape but I make mostly cards so this is fine for me) and love it.
1-At first it is combersome but the way the design distributes the weight evenly, you'll be glad you have one. I have small hands and have no problem using mine. I did have a generic one but had problems so gave it away and that person likes it fine.
2-Yes, you'll save money on adhesive. The tape roll come in yards and if you notice, the small tape refills come in feet. I was able to combine an order with another person so The Tape Depot 36yd tape cost me $1.25 /per roll. I know some people don't like this tape but I have used over a dozen rolls the last couple of years and have no complaints. I friend was ready to throw her 3M 700 in the trash but I helped her figure out the problem was her particular roll of 3M tape. Must have been a 'bad' roll because I have used the same type and didn't have a problem with this tape.
Right now there is a pink 3M ATG on the market for crafters. My LSS is selling it for $29.99 - a small portion goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. (Less than $2.00 but every penny counts) Some Michael's have them in stock and you can use a coupon if it isn't already on sale.
I only use the small adhesive dispensers when I'm not home because there is no cap to cover the exposed tape on my ATG.
Last edited by Crafter 4 Life; 08-11-2010 at 09:59 AM..
Reason: correct tape length & add info
I have only had my ATG for a week or two but I LOVE IT! I got the pink one at Michaels with a 40% off coupon and and extra package of adhesive. For $35 (roughly) I got my gun and 4 rolls of adhesive(36 yards EACH). I think it is a no brain-er on the savings over time. Honestly the size to me wasn't a big deal. In fact it has a home in my desktop carousel, so it isn't taking up too much storage space either. I have heard of people using the tape without the gun, but I wouldn't. I had a loading issue my first time trying to load the gun. (user errror... note to self, sqeeze trigger while loading...) That suff was really sticky so I wouldn't go no gun. I think almost everyone that has ever been on the fence about and eventually got the ATG has ended up wondering why they waited so long to get it. I say get one!
I love my ATG!! Not only do I save tons of money on adhesive, it holds better than just about any other 'roller' adhesive I've ever used.
The size takes a brief amount of time to get used to, but now smaller tape applicators feel strange in my hand. The reaction I get when I pull it out of my craft bag is always interesting, though.
I have the yellow model 700. I bought it a few years ago when all the red 714's were on backorder. I used the 1/2" tape... bought 36 rolls of it on ebay for about $60 around the same time I bought the gun. I do have the 1/4" adapter so when I finally run out of tape in a few years, I will be able to move to the narrower stuff.
Potentially yes to both questions, depending on the size of your hands. I find the ATG easy to use, but I also have big hands. If you have really little hands, you'll have difficulty. Regardless though, it's hands down cheaper than buying cartridge refills. Heck, I think it's still cheaper even if you buy ATG tape at places that mark it up considerably.
__________________ I'm a natural blonde. God just dyed my hair brown. -me My Blog
I have had carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists and I also have rheumatoid arthritis. I have no trouble using my ATG even though my hands are small (I'm 4' 10"). There are days when I use almost an entire roll of tape, and it is waaaaaay more economical than the snail adhesive.
There is a bit of a learning curve to using it, but after an hour or two you'll be a pro.
I have a converted 700. Big, bulky but - you completely forget about that as soon as you get used to the feel. I save a TON on adhesives. The refills pop in easily.
I even painted mine but I need to work on that. I think I didn't wait long enough for the paint to dry. *laugh*
I also would never go back to any other kind of adhesive (unless, of course, I need a liquid or a super heavy duty like Scor-Tape or the red tacky tape). It also took me about a day of use to get the hang of it.. this was me coming from the little red "Duck Tape" dispenser. The hardest thing for me to learn was to keep pulling after I let go of the trigger. Once I got the hang of that, it became second nature. I have small hands, and my young daughter is also able to use it with no problems. It looks big, but actually the part you have your hand on isn't that big. It's the part that holds the adhesive that's big, but because it's so balanced, it's comfortable.
I buy my tape from The Tape Depot, and have NEVER had a single problem with it. I prefer it.. for one it's super cheap ($1.25 a roll.. which is 36 yards.), for two, it is acid free with no extra cost just in case I get around to scrapbooking, and for 3, it seems to apply smoother.
I love mine so much I bought another one yesterday-- the pink one. Love it! The cost savings alone is a no-brainer for me. At $1.25 for 36 yards I have money to spend on the good stuff--stamps, embellies.. etc.
I have had my ATG 714 for about 3 years now. I have gone through countless rolls of tape and would never go to anything else. As with any new tool there is a small learning curve. The size is not an issue and my hubby built me a cute little stand for mine. The tape I buy at www.tapedepot.com is great and way economical for all the cards I make. No need to be stingy with this adhesive. I love my ATG.
blessings.
I would recommend purchasing the name-brand ATG gun because the off-brand one just doesn't have the same features. I have been super disappointed with the cheaper off-brand dispenser. I plan to purchase the Scotch dispenser as soon as I can.
-Adhesive last for a long time.
-It doesn't get lost very easily under my mess.
-Refills are cheaper.
-It's not heavy.
-Great adhesive, it holds things together very well.
There is a slight learning curve when you first start to use it. You have to get used to squeezing the trigger as you pull, then releasing it right before you stop. It takes a couple of times to learn to refill it quickly.
I won't ever go back to another adhesive unless I absolutely have to.
I have my craft area in my basement and found that after a while, the rolls of tape I purchased all at once a long time ago,,,, don't work so well. I love my ATG, but lesson learned. Tape + humidity = not so good results!
I have my craft area in my basement and found that after a while, the rolls of tape I purchased all at once a long time ago,,,, don't work so well. I love my ATG, but lesson learned. Tape + humidity = not so good results!
That's one of the things I love about the adhesive I buy from The Tape Depot.. each roll is individually wrapped and sealed in a cellophane wrapper, so no chance of being ruined.
Also another fan of the way The Tape Depot packages their rolls individually. I live in an area where humidity is not an issue but still store my rolls in the plastic jars that doggie treats come in with those small packets that come with products to prevent humidity damage. (i.e. shoes, etc. - 'Desiccant Silica Gel') I use these little packets in my stamp storage also.
When I went to a photo taking class, the instructor recommended placing the small packets in your camera bag to prevent moisture building up in your camera from differences in temperature. For instance, in a hot area where the outside temp was high and then you go into an air conditioned building.
I LOVE mine! I actually have 2 - the original gun from Scapa and now the Scotch 714....BUT!!! I just found a PINK one...and I am ordering it! So make that 3!
It is much more economical than Tombo, and you get used to the size. I take it everywhere~ The stick is awesome!
Good Luck! Maybe you can find someone in your area that has one...or visit your local craft store and see if they will let you try one! IT ROCKS!!!
__________________ Children are our future...love them with all of your heart! Play with them, read to them, stamp with them, hug them, spend every minute you can with them...for tomorrow comes too soon! Theresa
Here's another ATG convert...I just got a pink ATG yesterday at Mike's and I'm totally in love! It took me just about 5 minutes to get used to it and I love how QUIET it is (compared to the Pritt/Duck), and well it holds. Made 30 monogrammed wedding thank you cards this afternoon and I didn't even go thru a whole roll of adhesive...probably have 1/3 left. This is awesome!
Pia, I can wholeheartedly endorse the ATG.....let us know what you decide!
Blessings,
Kat
__________________ "Be Still and Know That I Am God" Ps. 46:10
Ditto to everything that was said...so have you ordered one yet???
Someone smack me. I had a 50% off coupon to Michael's that I wanted to use on the pink gun.....I forgot to go back and buy it. It will expire today in 20 minutes. I have just been so busy this week getting my daughter ready for back-to-school and a horse show this weekend. OOOOOPS!
__________________ Pia "I am not old and haggard. I am Shabby Chic."
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned in this thread, but really like about the ATG is that the adhesive will, at least for me, rub off cleanly and leave no residue if I accidently put the adhesive in the wrong place. For instance, sometimes I'm not completely paying attention and I've put the adhesive on the wrong side of my patterned paper. Before adhering it to my cardfront, I can rub off the adhesive and start over.
I love my ATG gun. I use the tape from the Tape Depot because it is so cheap and it works great on cards. The Tape Depot's tape is not good for making bags and boxes. It is not thick enough to hold the paper seams together. The 3M tape is much thicker and holds better for making bags and boxes.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned in this thread, but really like about the ATG is that the adhesive will, at least for me, rub off cleanly and leave no residue if I accidently put the adhesive in the wrong place. For instance, sometimes I'm not completely paying attention and I've put the adhesive on the wrong side of my patterned paper. Before adhering it to my cardfront, I can rub off the adhesive and start over.
I agree...this is a huge benefit for someone like me who does this more than I should I've had mine for 2 weeks now and think I am getting the hang of it. Not a problem, just a difference from the small dispensers.
does anyone know where to buy replacement parts for the atg 700 gun? I lost the rewind liner retainer. It's the black oval piece that connects on the right side of the gun.
Sadly we do not have an ACMoore. I once visited when we were traveling and I loved this store
Maybe Michael's or jo-Ann's will honor the coupon? I know Hobby Lobby only accepts their coupons but the other stores accept competitor coupons (just not sure if they do if it's computer-generated).
If you own the ATG can you answer a few questions?
