I am looking to get a compressor and nail gun setup for home/hobby use.
Porter-Cable has several setups one that includes a 18-Gauge Brad Nailer and
one that includes both the Brad Nailer and a 16-Gauge 2.5" Finish Nailer. I
expect to use this for home trim work, some simple woodworking projects like
building bookshelf headboard, shelf units, etc. Is the Finish Nailer a
better choice?
Thanks for your input.
Jim
Maybe. People will sometimes pay the damndest amounts for stuff when they get
caught up in an auction.
Charlie Self
"Say what you will about the ten commandments, you must always come back to the
pleasant fact that there are only ten of them." H. L. Mencken
You've gotta be kidding me! I know codes are strict, but as far as
not
allowing clipped head nails, that sounds a little outrageous.
Justin
Makes sense if you think about it. Clipped head nails don't have as
much holding power.
Mike
Jim,
Keep in mind that when joining two pieces of hardwood such as oak, that some
of the small brad nails and guns have trouble sinking, going in straight and
not bending due to their light gauge. Also you are limited usually to 1 1/4
inch lengths which for some applications is not enough penetration. Finish
nails range in length from 1 to 2 1/4 inches. While they make a bigger hole
and are heavier to handle, I think they are much more versatile for
woodworking. I loved my brad nailer when it was my only fastening tool and I
still use it for light duty craft work etc. But I reach for the Porter Cable
finish nailer for must jobs these days.
As a side note, after you decide what you want to buy, particularly if you
go with the brad nailer, pick up one of those portable air tanks. One of my
old "Tips and Techniques" highlighted in my contribution to the book "
Woodworkers Problem Solver" is to fill that portable tank with your
compressor ( or at the gas station if you don't have a compressor) and use
it to shoot up to 100 brads before refilling. It is light, portable,
requires no power and can be easily taken anywhere. Since I have a big 5 hp
220 volt compressor, I keep mine filled for quick and easy jobs without
having to fire up the big machine.
Good Luck,
--
Dennis Slabaugh, Hobbyist Woodworker
www.woodworkinghobby.com
Make sure your finish nailer is a "angle" nailer. A lot easier to get into tight
spots, inside corners etc. I have the PC 15Ga nailer, a Senco FP25XP 18Ga
nailer, a PC 18Ga 1/4" stapler and a PC BN125A 18Ga Brad nailer that I got as
part of a kit with compressor. I wouldn't suggest getting the nailer/compressor
combo that includes the BN125. The BN125 only shoots 1-1/4" brads which severely
limits its use. That's why I got the Senco FP25XP.
Another thing to consider is the nailers ability to fire when it runs out of
nails/brads. It's a real PITA when you think your driving a bunch of brads only
to find out the last 20 were dry fires. Some models of the Senco and others
won't allow dry firing.
Hey Erik - just to tag onto your post since you recommended the
following to me a month or so back:
I bought a Senco 15g angle nailer (combo pack: FinishPro35 w/free SLS15
stapler, $199) and a Senco 18g brad nailer (FinishPro 25XP, $150) to put
in a poplar frame and panel wall. I experienced only one bent finish
nail when I must have hit a framing nail dead on - folded the 15g 2"
into a "Z".
These are my first (and likely, only & last) nailers and they worked
wonderfully. Advantages occurring to me as I worked were no donkey
tracks, cracked plaster or nail setting (OK, had to set 3 or 4 a little
deeper, but overall not an issue).
I'd also second Erik's recommendation to me to go with a 15 gage over a
16 gage for the heavier trim work. The 7/8"x4.5" wide poplar (or old
plaster wall) was slightly bowed for some door trim, as was the 7" tall
baseboard, and the 15 gage held it firmly with no trouble.
--
Owen Lowe and his Fly-by-Night Copper Company
Offering a shim for the Porter-Cable 557 type 2 fence design.
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