Hi-Tech Caulking Gun!

erco

Not only has the caulking gun gone cordless, but it's on sale for just $26!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-%26-Decker-CG100-Cordless-Caulk-Gun/320613155964?_trksid=p1468660.m2000036

For those who can't be bothered to pull a trigger... oh wait, there's still a trigger switch on this one. At least it's cordless... oh wait, there has never been a corded caulking gun. At least it's cheap... oh wait, a regular caulking gun costs $2...

Maybe we can gild the lilly by adding some LEDs and a Propeller chip...

RobotWorkshop

You forgot to mention adding Bluetooth of WiFi so you can remotely monitor the amount left in the tube! At least that way it could automatically re-order more for you...

LoopyByteloose

Well.... it might be a very good source of linear actuators for other project. But I've always considered caulk guns a semi-disposable tool, like paint brushes as they tend to eventually become very hard to clean.

I believe there are industrial pneumatic ones that are quite sturdy and used in factory settings.

erco

XLNT upgrades, Robert! If we add a GPS and 3G connection (it that 3GPS?) then it can automatically TWEET the exact time, location, velocity, fluid volume, and progress of your most recent caulking event to your Facebook posse, so they know you're not going off half-caulked.

Gadgetman

I think I see the point of it...

I used one for caulking work when I did the finishing work on my apartment a few years ago, and when you have to leave an even bead of silione along a 2meter high vertical edge, you really want something motoried. (That was a corner of my shower stall. Quite a mess to get a decent bead all along the edge)
And if you use a caulking gun for an hour or two, you'll soon feel it in your hands.
(Imagine working on replacing window panes in a greenhouse or something... )

So, yeah, there's an actual market for these.

As for the '$2' guns...
I had one of those. The disc on the pushrod slipped aside and pushed past the plastic lid in the tube instead of pushing it in. Wasted half a tube of tile grouting. Never again.
When I bought a replacement tube, I also got hold of a GOOD caulking gun.

mctrivia

erco wrote: »

Not only has the caulking gun gone cordless, but it's on sale for just $26!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-%26-Decker-CG100-Cordless-Caulk-Gun/320613155964?_trksid=p1468660.m2000036

For those who can't be bothered to pull a trigger... oh wait, there's still a trigger switch on this one. At least it's cordless... oh wait, there has never been a corded caulking gun. At least it's cheap... oh wait, a regular caulking gun costs $2...

Maybe we can gild the lilly by adding some LEDs and a Propeller chip...

I have seen these in use many times. People that do a lot of cocking(window installers) use them to get perfectly even job every time. For me(a comercial electrician by day) there is no need since the only times I use one is to seal a hole i pounded through a roof or wall. usually with fire stop which the more the better.

WBA Consulting

We have a few of these at work. We picked them up for a project about 2 years ago where we were assembling solar panel roof tiles. Having to dispense a consistent and long bead of adhesive was only possible with automated dispensing.

I don't see it listed, but if it doesn't have a back-off feature, expect it to be messy. The push rod should be pulled back off the tube's plug when the trigger is released. Also, the long trigger would be annoying. The only purpose of a long trigger on a caulking gun is to give you the leverage you need. Ours look exactly like cordless drills and have a small, variable speed trigger.

LoopyByteloose

Well, there is more than one way to skin the cat.

For a perfect caulk, I have often seen masking tape used to make the margins perfect and then one pulls something to flatten the caulk after it is dispensed for a perfect look. This is often done in restaurant installations, where beauty and cleanliness are important.

Another way of getting better results is to push the tip through the outflow rather than pull. This seems to level the ripples in feed.

I am sure others have their own preferred means of caulking. I just happen to be a great believer in hand tools and trade skills rather than always turning to a power tool to solve the problem. After all, a good solution is only partially due to the tool and partially due to the technique.

I find it amazing how much beautiful woodwork has been produced without power tools AND especially without sandpaper. Sandpaper is great for refinishing auto paint and preparing rusted steel, but nearly completely unnecessary with a natural wood finish. But if I tell you how to do without it, I'd have to kill you.