METHODS FOR SHRINK WRAPPING

[pbadad]

What seems to be everyone's take on installing shrink wrap?
Here's mine: once determine for diameter of wrap , whether over blank or underlayment tape , I use either contact cement or spray adhesive to allow for adhesion on wrap especially between the spaces of the cord X design or spiral grooves. Also especially on the bottom hand area to assure a bond over the time used.
I carefully use a heat gun on the low setting and spin by hand the rod and move the gun as it shrinks not to keep it on one spot too long . I'm always concerned of overheating the blank materials. I figure if I can touch the area and hold my hand on it for a few seconds , it's at a safe temp.
I see other methods i.e. heat pump, hot water, hair dryer etc. Your thoughts?

[Fergal]

i tried a hair dryer and water before i had a heat gun - they do not work very well.

[numbskull]

I just try to use the smallest diameter shrink wrap that fits and then heat it well with a heat gun. Seems to stay put even on a bare blank, and certainly over cork tape.

Can the adhesives you mention withstand the temperatures needed to shrink the wrap?

[pbadad]

NE er had any issues with either. Keep in mind that over a lot of use , the shrink wrap may loosen from the blank/tape w/o adhesive.. it also keeps the cord X wrap in place when sliding over the shrink wrap.

[tlapinski]

The only time I have used epoxy was when the shrink tube I had on hand for a project was a little bigger than I wanted to use. Otherwise it goes right over the cork tape or bare blank and I heat with a blowtorch. I have learned to have a light hand with the open flame, though, as you can easily overheat the shrink wrap and blank. Started using a heat gun on last 2 builds but it is much slower going, not that it is a bad thing.

[pbadad]

When I need to shrink around a stepdown, I use a butane torch for a final cinching. I use contact or spray adhesive because I seem to repair to many butts from guys which loosen up around the bottom hand. Also when a cord X pattern is used over a uncorked blank, the shrink wrap doesn't cinch down securely over a small blank diameter between the X's. When u use a larger diameter wrap than needed , you get a thicker rubber layer. Makes for a softer feel especially with cork base.