Anyone know anything about flame guns???

[Jeannine]

Have been pondering about buying a Sheen 300x for a while, does anyone know anything about it, any info appreciated on this or indeed any other flame gun.  Thank you Jeannine

[Jeannine]

[Gillysdad]

I have a flame gun Jeannine, it is clumbersome to handle and uses a fair bit of paraffin. Mine will burn a litre of fuel in about 20 mins. It does burn the weeds to a crisp (and anything else that gets in the way) but the roots are still in the ground. One other thing is that my flame gun is noisey. So all in all its a hoe for me. Hope this helps. :) ;)

[Marymary]

I got one from Lidls a few weeks ago & it seems to work well - it uses gas canisters.  Best part about it is it's great fun.  :)

Might be a good idea to try a cheapy & see how you get on with it.

[asbean]

Try hiring one to try it out.  We did that we the pressure washer, A bit of experience of using it gives you an idea of what it can do and what to look out for when buying.

[Larkshall]

To use one most economically, you need to scorch the weeds and leave them for a day or two, then go over them again and they will quickly burn up. Sheen flame guns are very heavy so you really need a shoulder strap with them. Not sure how good the gas guns are (they may work out rather expensive for gas).

[Jeannine]

John could use it if yiu think they are effective XX Jeannine

[tim]

Nail on head, Larkshall - and for the wimpier weeds, the second pass is often not needed. Maybe for scorch I would say wilt.

Gas?  'Lances'? Fine for the cracks in a small patio! Unless you get the gallon+ canisters. Very heavy.

If you do get the 300, Jeannine, do buy the hood as well so that you can 'inter-row'.

[Jeannine]

Tim, I really respect your opinion, John is able to use it, would you recommend one, and  why and vica versa  if not.I know this is putting you on the spot,promise I won't hold it against you !!!!. Why the hood?  We are very close to ordering it. XX Jeannine

[tim]

"so that you can 'inter-row'."  ie do between rows without burning the plants.

On the spot? Yes! I'm sure others have wider experience?

1. They are noisy like a Primus stove.
2. Fuel costs money. And it's smelly & messy. When you want it, you don't have any. And it's Sunday!
3. Like a Primus, they can bung up - & you have to thingy the jet.
4. Unless you have a 'patch' of weed, you would be going from weed to weed with this roaring flame. A hoe is much more 'particular'. And 'push-pulls' are no effort. Flame gun effort = pumping & carrying.
5. Offset against age & ability?
6. Yes - lots of arguments about long or short term effect on what sort of weed.

[Jeannine]

Thanks Tim, really appreciate all of that, I think I will save the £200 plus. Ta...Jeannine