BAN wagon question

[Kim1964]

I'm doing pretty well on the BAN, but now I have a dilemma.

On my list of "approved items" that I can buy whenever I run out is adhesive. I mean, you really can't scrap without it. I use tape runners that I get at ACM, and they run out fairly quickly. So, I started looking at the ATG 714 and it seems that, while it would be a big outlay upfront, it would save money overall.

What do my fellow BAN wagoneers think? Is this a legitimate interpretation of one of my "approved items"?

[AlexWyattMommy]

Yes!

[calanniebu]

YES, because it's AWESOME! and so much more cost-effective than any tape runner out there.

[MazdaUK]

I've never heard of it - what does it do that's special :confused3

[hopemax]

Yes, because you will save so much more money in the future.

Mazda, it's a tape gun that is primarily targeted for people to use in art framing. So since it's not marked for "scrapbooking" and not pink it's much cheaper. Consider that the CM tape runner refill costs $5 for 34 ft. In order to get the same amount of adhesive in one roll of ATG tape you would need to have a little more than 3 CM tape runners, or $15. Price of the roll of ATG through framingsupplies.com: $2.89. If you buy 12 rolls, the price goes down to $2.80. There is shipping, but it still works out to about $3.50 per roll.

$3.50...or $15

The gun is like $40 + shipping, but after 5 rolls of tape you've basically gotten your money back.

[AlexWyattMommy]

Is the gun heavy or awkward to use?

[hopemax]

Nope. It is WAY lighter and requires less grip than say a crop-a-dile. It is deceiving how light it is compared to how big it looks.

The only real issue with the ATG is if you are left handed. My MIL ordered one after seeing mine, but she has problems because the way she holds it tends to pull the tape off the roller. Other lefties have figured out ways to make it work for them though.

[nicurn]

man, sometimes it stinks to be left handed. :) I guess I'll have to see one "up close and personal" before I order one. maggie

[Kim1964]

Hmm, I'm left handed, too, and it never occurred to me that I might have a problem with it. Thanks for mentioning it!

I'm still debating. I've gotten the BAN so ingrained that now I'm having a hard time spending money:).

[PrincessNancy96]

Another lefty..and at times I have problems with certain things.. however, my teachers didn't like lefty people so she made me learn how to cut scissors w/ my right hand so for some things I can use my right hand better than my left...but I'd have to see this "gun" in order determine if I could use it..

[KerTggr]

The ATG is definately worth it. Just make sure you get the correct one for the tape you are going to use. 700 = 1/2" and greater tapes. 714 = 1/4" tape. You can get an adaptor for the 700 to use the 1/4", but that's another cost you'd have to factor in. I got the 714 because it is really strong tape and I figured - if I needed to, I could just do 2 or 3 rows when needed.

Something else to keep in mind is that it does take a little more time to load. This has only been an issue for me when taking a class & running out. So I always bring my Tombo adhesive and a refill as a backup for classes. HTH