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So I have been looking into different ways to custom form my figures and other then using boiling water I don't really like the options. A normal heat gun just puts out too much heat and is quite bulky. Not to mention with a normal heat gun you are tied to an outlet. I am working on a USB rechargable 12v mini heat gun. Was just wondering what the community thought about my idea.

Use the salt method. Works great for plastics as long as you don't leave them in too long.

What does that involve?

You heat up salt and then press the bit of model you want to bend into the salt. Its less likely to catch fire because the salt temperature is reasonably controllable, and there is less risk of scalding compared to boiling water. It is still risky, however, and care shpuld be taken.

Put about 1" of salt in a pan, and heat it on medium for a few minutes. Once it's at a decent heat, dip your plastic piece into it for about 2-3 seconds, remove and immediately shape. Use cold water to set the shape firm.

It takes a little practice, but I'm sure we all have pounds of sprue plastic laying around to throw at it. It is the best and lowest risk method of bending plastic.

I use surgical pliers to hold my pieces while dipping them.

I will have to give that a try. I mean I am still going to produce my low heat molding gun though. I think it is a novel idea and will have more uses beyond modeling.

I am mainly looking for input about if people would actually use it or not. I think it would be nice to have a adjustable temp cordless heat gun. It would allow you to not be tied to an outlet or a stove.

Honestly I think anything with forced heat applied to plastic is best avoided.
Because in order to do it proper you will have to heat it evenly. Forced heat can not do it properly without greater potential for damage, or taking forever with low heat and low flow.

That's just my 2 cents though.

 Denua wrote:
Honestly I think anything with forced heat applied to plastic is best avoided.
Because in order to do it proper you will have to heat it evenly. Forced heat can not do it properly without greater potential for damage, or taking forever with low heat and low flow.

That's just my 2 cents though.

This is why the salt method works well, the salt heats evenly and then heats the plastic evenly. The only real risk with it is getting the salt too hot or leaving the piece in too long, both of which can be worked out with a little practice.