From reading the various postings on this subject, I think that there
might be an Atlantic divide on the type of hot melt adhesive in common
use.  The postings from the USA suggest a wax based adhesive and those
from Europe maintain a polymer based product.

Although I have never contemplated using hot melt glue on restoration
work, I do have a Bostick glue gun (made in Western Germany, it says)
and having switched it on I find that the nozzle reaches a temperature
of 175 degrees C (315 F).  The melted glue which comes out is at about
140 degrees C (252 F).

The melted glue does not have the least appearance of waxiness, nor
does it impregnate a wooden surface in the way that melted wax does,
even when re-heated.  So my guess is that glue guns here -- and mine
is a very common variety -- do not use wax based adhesive.  And never
having experienced the difficulties encountered by Tim Gautreaux with
my gun, perhaps the polymer type is easier to use?

So it seems to me that it probably depends on where the work was done
as to the type of hot melt adhesive which is encountered.

Keith Reedman
Derbyshire, England