Sunshine town heating

[anthonydpowell]

The rolife puzzle, sunshine town, has a step where wires are inserted in a tube. Then the tube is heated? to shrink and bend it. What’s the best way to do this. I never had to do this heating step. Please help.
Thanks.

[Nita_Davis]

I know that lots of people have used a lighter or a hairdryer

[ana_vlmt]

i hâve used a lighter

[jeanneL]

Some have used like a heat gun for crafting. honestly I take a lighter and hold it a few inches away. then run the tube (with wires inside) quickly back and forth. This causes it to shrink. Just do not hold too close or it will melt.

[MamaNheza]

I had to look this one up because I haven’t done that heating step either. For the Sunshine Town, it’s a heat-shrink tube, and the safest/easiestmethod I’d recommend is a hair dryer on high heat. Hold it a little away from the tube and move the air around it until the tube shrinks, then gently bend it into shape while it’s warm. Rolife also says a hair dryer can be used, although it takes longer. I’d avoid letting a lighter flame touch the tube because it can scorch it; if you do use a lighter, keep theflame very close but not touching the tube and move it constantly. Hope that helps, and don’t worry, I’d be nervous about this step too!

[Vangie]

I’ll be honest, i skipped this part of heating and applied an electrical tape instead. I saw some use lighter but like a flame kiss approach only

[chamelionboy]

Yes a lighter is quick and easy. Electrician use them all the time.for.heat shrink tubing.

[ThaoNguyen]

You can use a hair dryer or a lighter, though I usually use a heat gun.

[Zoe_Lau]

I probably would use a heat gun but I know many people also use a lighter. Either one should work.

[Robotime]

Hope you find some helpful tips in the comments!

[Gidge]

I used a candle so I could hold both ends and heat the tube evenly. You don’t even need to hold it close to the flame—just close enough for the heat to soften/melt it. Another option is to use a hair dryer on the hot setting.

[Sasa]

I’ve never built this kit, but I see you’ve already been given some advice.

[ana_vlmt]

it was my first kit !

[anthonydpowell]

I used the lighter method. I have a light with a long nozzle. Waved the shrink tube above it and it shrunk to fit the wires. Then I bent the tube at a right angle and it looks good.
Thanks for all the advice. You all are very helpful.

[anthonydpowell]

yippee finally finished. X. One of the roof supports broke but it still looks ok, to me. Too much glue!! Not used to glue. Most of the ROKR puzzles are less arts and crafts, and more active, sturdier, mechanical. oops must be a chauvinistic man thing.