Which do you prefer for bubble busting in finish, and why?

Also - if it's a heat gun can you recommend one in particular?

Cigarette lighter. Hold flame to side as you rotate wrap, about 3 seconds per wrap. A gentle warming is all you need.

If you employ a mechanical mixer and apply finish in the steps I've outlined here many times, you don't even need any heat as you won't have any bubbles to start with.

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None. Just your own breath, for about 30-40 sec per guide. Not fastest, but works. Absolutely no chance to ruin your wraps. I had bad experience with both heat gun and flame.

I use a heat gun, but its a mini one.

After blowing thru a straw to get rid of bubbles when on the foil plate, I now do the same for the wraps with less fear of a mistake.

I am using the flame atm, seems to work better on the high build for me, the alcohol torch type, tried the gas torch but was worried about the amount of 'hot' heat it applied instantly, thinking of going down to two coats of light build soon and hopefully wont need any bubble busting device..tho bubbles seem very temperature dependant for me, colder more, warmer less.

SG Custom Rods
Australia

Have been using the Mike Quinn method for decades, had very few issues with this easy method. Just keep a supply of straws on hand.


Rich Kline Custom Rods

I use an industrial heat gun. A light pass over the finish takes care of any issues.

The key is to keep the gun moving and never let it dwell on any spot.

Be safe

Here's my take on it for what it's worth:

Blowing with your breath risks spit in your finish, heck we're human right?

Heat gun can pick up air born dust and deposit it in your finish. Is it going to happen often? No. Will it happen ever? Yes.

Alcohol flame? A disaster waiting to happen. The potential danger from an alcohol spill just doesn't warrant their use.

Lighter. Cheap, convenient, but somewhat inconsistent heat application risks cooking the finish until you gain skill over time.

Propane/butane torch? Very easy to use, especially a propane handheld tip on a hose or a small butane torch. Very fast. Risk cooking finish. If you treat the finished area like it's your finger and just swipe the flame quickly over it (where you would not burn yourself) it works great. I just switched from propane to butane.

Radiant heat source? Never tried one, but probably good results, but slower and a lot safer than an open flame. If I didn't just invest in a good butane torch recently, I might have given this a try.

Then Why use heat I like a light finish - Stays wet longer - releases bubbles quicker and easier. Flows nicer Yes more time to put on two coats But for the look when the secound coat goes on is worth it

Bill - willierods.com

I'm with Mike Quinn on this one. Works perfectly!

The straw works well I do use it -- Just don't spit on the finish

Bill - willierods.com

I use a 60w incandescent light bulb placed about 4 - 6" over the wrap for 10 or 20 revolutions.......gentle heat !!!
Rog

These butane torches work well, as long as the user uses common sense.

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I use an electronically controlled Industrial heat gun (just happened to have one...). It has variable heat & blower settings. Blower adjusts down to a whisper and the heat dials down enough to not burn your hands. It busts bubbles beautifully, quickly and consistently. Gentle heat.

I use a double flame wind proof butane lighter. A quick couple of passes while turning does the trick... The lighter is also an awesome tool to heat up guide foots for gluing. 1 second over the flame and its hot enough to melt the glue...