Monday, February 23, 2009

Craft Critique Wannabe

So, you girls all know how much I LOVE Craft Critique! I am sure they won't mind if I become a 'wannabe' for one blog post!

Over on SCS, there has been a lot of talk about ATG guns and which one is better, etc, etc. I decided to do a comparison of the generic Tape Depot version (ATG-50) and the full-up Scotch 714. Up front, I will disclose that I currently own the Tape Depot version, but I promise I will not let that guide my 'research'!

To start, I thought I would give the specs of the guns.

ATG-50:

  • Color: teal

  • Weight loaded with a full roll of tape: 14.1 ounces

  • Dispenses 1/4" or 1/2" tape

Scotch 714:

  • Color: Red

  • Weight loaded with a full roll of tape: 14 ounces

  • Dispenses 1/4" tape
Below you will see a series of pictures of the guns next to one another. It will give you a good idea of how they compare to one another.









As you can see, the Scotch 714 has a larger body, but interestingly enough, it weighs essentially the same at the ATG-50.

There are some minor differences in the guns.
  • The trigger on the Scotch 714 is much smaller than the one on the ATG 50.

  • The ATG-50 has a wider handle width by 1/4".

  • The Scotch 714 has groves on the handle, where as the ATG 50 is smooth.

  • The ATG-50 does not have a cover over the take up spool like the Scotch brand does.
  • The ATG-50 can dispense both 1/2" and 1/4" adhesive
  • Price: The ATG-50 is $25 and the Scotch is between $42 and $58

For me, the cover over the take up spool has not been as issue at all. As you can see from the picture below, the used tape winds just fine without it. This has been a reported problem on the message board, however. In my own use, I noticed that if I did not have the tape roll loaded correctly, I had problems with my take up spool. Once corrected, it was winding pretty again. (And, let's face it...pretty is good!) Incidentally, if you are having issues loading your ATG-50, check out this YouTube video. She does an awesome job explaining how to load it correctly!




The biggest difference I can see is related to the side of the tape roller that the tape is dispensed from. The ATG-50 dispenses from the right of the roller, whereas the Scotch 714 dispenses from the left.




I will say that as a right handed person, the Scotch was easier to dispense from, as it was really easy to gauge where I was laying the tape. I would imagine the ATG-50 might work better for a left handed person. I do think that one gets used to their tape gun so this may become a non-issue over time.

I do like the feel of the ATG-50 better. The handle feels better in my hand (less floppy?), perhaps because it is a little wider. I also think I prefer the larger trigger. I just feel like I can control the gun better. The handle of the ATG-50 is almost 3/4" shorter which may contribute to a greater feeling of control as well.

What is the bottom line? I like both guns (that was highly conclusive, wasn't it?)! I went with the ATG-50 initially because of the cost. I could not justify spending $50 including shipping on a tape gun when I could get the ATG-50 and 12 rolls of tape for $43 including the shipping. If you are on a budget, the ATG-50 will suit your needs just fine and I can't see you being disappointed in the investment.

You can find the ATG-50 from Tape Depot here.

The cheapest place I have found the Scotch 714 is here.

If you have the opportunity to try out both guns, please let me know and post your findings here! I would love to hear what you think!

34 comments:

JazzyH said...

Thanks for the rundown on the adhesive guns.

Gina Lindsay said...

Great info! I have a couple of friends trying to decide betwee the two so I will refer them here!

Dawn said...

what a great reference! thanks for this!

Holly said...

I've heard of these before but never took the time to research what they were or their use. Thank you for taking the time to do so! Also, I love your blog name! I often feel like I'm living with monkeys too (I have 3 little ones myself!) LOL! You have wonderful projects and I know I'm going to get so much inspiration every time I come to visit my Surfin' Ocean's 11 sistah!

Kay said...

Fabulous critique! I admit I've been curious about these adhesive guns, but never curious enough to bite the bullet and get one. I love my Mono multi glue. Now you need to do a comparison of all the different types of adhesives!!

Kim said...

Great info!

Saved By Grace said...

Wow this was so informative, I had no idea these were even available. Great comparison.

Silly Skittles said...

Thanks for the in-depth look at ATG's and comparisons! I have yet to succumb to the lure of ATG but I'm getting pretty darn close!

I just read that Craft Critique is looking for new reporters, so if you were really wanting to be more than a "wannabe" (*smiles* it was an EXCELLENT review/comparison) maybe you'd want to try to be a reporter for them!

Thanks again!

kat9 said...

I really don't use either but the info is great and helps if I were to make a decision to get one.

Anonymous said...

I have the ATG 714 and couldn't live without it. I will admit when I first got it I thought it was going to be too big and heavy. Not the case. For those Canadians checking it out - I bought mine (and replacement tape) at www.nhsmedia.com (they also ship to the US).

laos348 said...

I haven't tried either of these yet although I've wondered if I should switch over. Thannks for the comparisons!

Dell said...

Very thorough critique. Thanks for the insight on the ATG-50.

Unknown said...

Great info!!! Thanks so much for sharing! I have been thinking about one of these! There is also a much smaller little version at HL GLue Glider pro or something.

Grace said...

Wow! How helpful this is to me right now... I am in the process of trying to decide which to get or if I should get one. I'm afraid that large size will be clumsy for me... I wish I could try one first!!! But your complete review was great... and thanks so much for doing it! Hugs from Ocean's11!

Tlbran said...

Great info! Thanks for the comparison.

Stephanie said...

I wanted the ATG for awhile now - your info has convinced me to place an order. Thanks for all the deets!!

thescrapmaster said...

Beautiful critique! I don't like either one because they are HONKIN HUGE!!!

I am so sorry I haven't played this last challenge yet. I will get right no it tomorrow!

CathyRose said...

This was a great comparison. I have the ATG-50 and I am very happy with it!

Holly said...

I just purchased the ATG-50 and 3M Gold archival adhesive. The plastic core on the Gold adhesive does not fit on the tab on the spool of the ATG-50. I had to cut the plastic between two of the little spaces on the plastic spool. Have you had this issue?

Jennifer Schmidt said...

Wow, this was so helpful and such a timely find- I'm in the market for one right now! Thanks so much for the tips and I'll let you know once I get one.

The Mama Monkey said...

Hi Holly, to answer your question, I don't use the 3M adhesive. I used the Tape Depot tape because it is so much cheaper. I am sorry I can't help with your issue! I bet if you post the question on SCS someone there will know the answer for you. :)

Louise F NZ said...

Cripes, great critique even if I had no idea of the products.lol.

Anonymous said...

Interesting. Thanks for sharing!

Sankari W. said...

This is the best comparison and explanation of these products!!! Wow! Thanks for sharing all of this with us!! I always wondered about it and am so psyched to check out more of your links!!!

best wishes,
Sankari :)

Heather said...

thanks for the info!

Anonymous said...

GREAT POST -
Like the Fair Comparison of our ATG-50 Dispenser and the Scotch 714.

We really think that our users are enjoying the Great Savings they find on the ATG-50 and the ATG 7502 Tape.

Your support of the Products means a lot - SUPER JOB ! ! !

The Tape Depot
www.TheTapeDepot.com

theneon said...

Good job! Your hired as a reporter! I bought one of yours after your earlier discussion and I am happy with it although sometimes the take up doesn't roll properly -- I'll watch the U-tube as I know it is probably something I am doing wrong.

Unknown said...

I have and LOOOOOVE my Scotch/3m ATG.

Unknown said...

oops my post got sent before i was finished -

I have seen different ATGs. I used to work at a craft store (will leave unnamed *smile*) and they had one other then the two you mentioned in your critique.

Regardless of which brad you purchase, I think these are just really good investments over time and so, so easy to use.

Megan said...

This is a great review! I'm thinking about one of these...

BTW, I'm a reporter for CC and there's an open call right now! You should apply!!

Anonymous said...

Great job on this! Thanks so much for the shout out!

Anonymous said...

THANKS!! for excellent comparison of the two ATG Guns...do you use BOTH sizes of tape ..the 1/2 and 3/4?? or if you had to pick ONE size to get..what would be your preference?? I checked out the website (TapeDepot)..does $23 sound about right for 12 rolls of tape needed for the ATG-50?? I figure it would be $48 for BOTH, not includ. s/h (has to be $50 or over)..you know what that means..buy something else :) to get to $50...breaks my heart..haha

SURE appreciate the help!!

Mona Pendleton said...

Thank you for the comparison. I currently use 3M double sided tape, not sure if I am ready to make the leap to a gun! Is it cost effective?

bruinbr said...

Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome comparison and pictures! It made my decision very easy! (I went with the ATG 714!) :)