Glue-Gun Filler Rod Dispenser

The Ratchet Gun is a filler rod dispensing gun for TIG welding. The purpose of the ratchet gun is to allow beginners in TIG welding easy control of dispensing the filler rod. This document will inform you the specific use of the product and the different components of the product. The original glue gun will be striped of the electrical cord, the glue gun heat extruder, a hinge, and a hinge pin to convert it into the ratchet gun. Depending on the size of the filler rod use, a 3D printer will build a nozzle with the allowable dimensions for the filler rod to be dispense. The ratchet gun will be wrap in tin foil which will make it heat resistant against the torch. The Ratchet Gun is a new product on the market that will help beginners weld as well as keep them safe from the torch.

Step 1: Parts and Tools Needed

• Standard Glue Gun
• ¼ inch Philips Head Screwdriver
• Push Pin or small paper clip
• 1 Roll of Aluminum Foil
• 3D Printer
• 3D Printer ABS Plastic Roll
• Solidworks, PTC Creo 2.0, or Autodesk Inventor

Step 2: Glue Gun Disassembly

To disassemble, use a standard Philips head screwdriver.

Step 3:

Use the screwdriver to unscrew the three screws holding the frame together

Step 4:

Once all screws are removed, the frame can be split into two as shown. Please do not lose the screws as they are needed for the assembly process.

Step 5:

Next remove the slide and spring assembly by lifting it directly out

Step 6:

The overall slide and trigger assembly should look as shown (note the spring positions on the hinge and slide). Do not lose the springs as they will be needed for the assembly.

Step 7:

Next remove the heating element shown by lifting it out along with its wiring

Step 8:

Once all the pieces are removed from the frame, the parts should look as shown.

Step 9:

Now to disassemble the slider/trigger assembly. You will need a small push pin or paper clip for this.

Step 10:

Use the push pin to push out the metal pin holding the hinge to the slider. Make sure the pin is being pushed out from the side shown in the picture to the left. The pin does not need to be fully pushed out, just enough to remove the hinge.

Step 11:

The last step in the dis assembly is to gently unsnap the hinge from the trigger piece. Gently hold the hinge and trigger with two hands and bend/twist the pieces apart.

Step 12: Ratchet Filler Assembly

Snap the hinge back to the hand trigger and the hinge to the slider.

(Note the hinge is not included because off the 3D printer is needed to build it)

Step 13:

Push the pin back into the slider with the push pin or paper clip. The trigger, slider, and hinge should look as seen to the left.

Step 14:

Insert the two springs to its original spot as shown in the figure to the left.

Step 15:

Insert the filler guide collet into the slide from the back as shown to the left. (Note the collet is not included because off the 3D printer is needed to build it)

Step 16:

Insert the whole moving mechanism into the frame half noting where the springs attach (in red).

Step 17:

Gently snap in the 3D printed nozzle into the location where the heating unit was in. (Note the nozzle is not included because off the 3D printer is needed to build it)

Step 18:

Gently snap back on the second frame half on top of the assembly.

Step 19:

Use the Phillips head screw driver to screw back the three screws.

Congratulations, your Ratchet filler is ready to use!

Step 20: How to Use and Technical Description

Please refer to the attached Technical Description Document to learn how to use and what this project completes.