Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 17, 2005 05:39am | #1

   I'm not your guy -- since I have not tried either one of them.

   However, given my reading around here and Breaktime, it seems fair to say that Senco ain't what it used to be, whereas Hitachi seems to be pushing for the top honors across most of the nailer categories.

   My 15 Ga is a Bostich, which is not a bad gun either. At least it is reliable and does what it's supposed to do. I've run mine hard for about 10-15 years; and in that time, it was in the shop only once (to change the seals).

   Overall, if I were buying another such gun today, I would spring for the Hitachi.

   ********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   zorrosdens | May 17, 2005 07:27am | #3

   Thank you Nikki, I just really prefer the angle and the heavier 15 GA., I have also been very familiar with using the straight head "t-nail" 16 GA. (I'm assuming you mean these are what you use).  I also think that Hitachi is better balanced than the Senco.  I just really want that hands on field knowledge from usage to speak up if it's there.....somewhere, I hope.   Thanks Again and it seems that you are VERY knowledgeable from all the imparts you give everyone...thank you.    ~Z~

   Edited 5/17/2005 1:17 am ET by zorro

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 17, 2005 04:19pm | #5

   No, I was referring to the 15 Ga nailers.This is the Hitachi I had in mind, which I seem to recall reading will also accept the Bostich 15 Ga nails:http://store.yahoo.com/tylertool/hint15gaanfi.htmlI also use two 16 Ga guns (the Paslode cordless and a PC) -- and both have straight magazines. Manuevering them into tight spots never seems to be a problem, but like you, I prefer the angled magazine of the Bostich.Have you posted this question at Breaktime? There are many more trim carps there (than at Knots), and you'd probably have a better chance of gathering some feedback from folks who have actually used one or another of the guns you're considering.********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   gregb | May 17, 2005 10:00pm | #6

   I've used the Hitachi gun for a few years now, buying it as a replacement for my old Senco sfn40. I have zero complaints about either gun, but I agree that the newer Senco's aren't great. I looked at the fp41 before deciding on the Hitachi, & wasn't very impressed. It just didn't have the feel of the 40, which was a workhorse for us for about 10 years. One of our guys had a couple newer Senco guns, & I really think they've cheapened them when compared to our other Senco's, all which are at least 6 years old. My feeling is you can't go wrong with the Hitachi, or an older model Senco, if you can find one- they're bulletproof.

   By the way, the Hitachi shoots Senco style DA nails, which look like regular hand-driven finish nails. IIRC, the Bostitch uses a t-head type nail, which is sometimes more prone to splitting the wood.

1. 
   zorrosdens | May 18, 2005 02:59am | #8

   I used to have a SFN2B, the older 2 1/2", before an SFN40 I bought when the 2B burned in a garage fire, and then the 40' was stolen....rough luck.  The old Sencos ARE great and I wish they had not changed their operations, but that's "progress" for you sometimes.  Also seems the safety foot is a bit smaller on the Hitachi, which will probably fit that much closer for toe nailing while also setting it's nail.  Thanks for your input.   Tom

   Edited 5/17/2005 8:41 pm ET by zorro

2. 
   zorrosdens | May 18, 2005 02:51am | #7

   Well you seem to the "full ring-around" of guns....sorry for thinking you were meaning the straight load on the Bostich.....I 'm going to probably get the Hitachi, but would like to hear more if anyone has usage with it......Thanks! Tom

3. 
   zorrosdens | May 18, 2005 04:05am | #9

   Never noticed the BREAKTIME discussion board, I'll do it, thanks.....Tom

2. 
   frenchy | May 17, 2005 06:18am | #2

   zorro,

        I visit an average of 8 new home sites a day and have for the past 14+ years.. I talk to dozens of contractors a week and the Hitachi seems to be the favorite finish nail gun of them all.. Oh a few old die hards still prefer the Senco but they usually make comments about how easy it is to repair in the field.. I don't often hear about the Hitachi needing repair.

     Other brands are used but usually some comment about how if they bought a pallet of nails or something they got one free.. (in my mind the weakest possible reason to use a particular brand)..  The final reason other brands seem to be used is they want to keep all of their nail guns one brand.. Bostich/ Porter Cable etc..

1. 
   zorrosdens | May 17, 2005 07:39am | #4

   I have been a field finish carpenter for many years and been around a fair bit. Thanks for your input and I agree that the Senco brand HAS been popular from the "old" days, and I have been on that wagon, too, but I learned, as most who are in this for their living do, that some guns are great and others aren't.  I get the gun that feels right and acts right for the purpose I want, FASCO, SENCO, HITACHI, so far these are the ones that I have been most satisfied with but times are changing and products do to.....so...since I think Senco has some guns that are still GREAT, some have slipped in their appeal to me and I hope someone has experience with these both for that comparison.......thanks again........~Z~ 

   Edited 5/17/2005 1:19 am ET by zorro

3. 
   dustinf | May 18, 2005 04:36am | #10

   http://www.nailersandstaplers.com/max_nf510.html

    I own senco and Max, Max is superior.  Not cheap but good.

1. 
   zorrosdens | May 18, 2005 05:02am | #11

   Have seen Max in a couple of stores but never seen any in the field or have any input......Tell me more if you can.  how does it balance in hand and drive in hard solids and anything else you can let me know.   Thanks...went to site and I just like more input.   Tom

   Edited 5/17/2005 11:03 pm ET by zorro

1. 
   dustinf | May 18, 2005 03:18pm | #13

   Like most things, it's personal preference.  I've used it everyday, all day for about 3 years.  Haven't had any problems at all.  It sinks 2 1/2" nails into 3/4 hardwood no problem.  I bought it because I heard they were indestructible, and I've found it to be true.

1. 
   zorrosdens | May 19, 2005 12:36am | #14

   Thanks, I'll be considering the MAX now as a very strong contender.  

1. 
   DustinThomps | May 19, 2005 02:55am | #15

   Another Dustin for the Max.  Have three max nailers and love all of them.  Balance and ergonomics are great on all of them.  The finish nailer is the newest acquisition of mine, it is lightweight compared to most of the guns I have used. 

   Dustin Thompson

2. 
   zorrosdens | May 19, 2005 06:03am | #16

   Ever have any problems in a full 2 1/2" drive into solid hrdwds?  And they I noticed it being about 1" longer than the Hitachi angle (I know....I may be picking hairs here just trying to catch any and all of each gun's characters.  I am becoming more aware of the MAXs and I even went to a shop that I knew carried them they just didn't have the NF550 to handle for comparison.  Also how well does it toenail whenever you need to get it to?  And is the safety foot the same size as the Senco or is it a bit smaller like the Hitachi's.  I feel like the MAX will be a great gun even if I haven't had in hand yet.  The dealer I talked with said he thought the Hitachi was a better finish gun than the MAX....though he said their framers are great.  He said he would wait till they have a few years to "bug it out", but I know if they have it right now I would want to use it,ESPECIALLY if it handles sweet and the features are well fabricated.  You Dustins, LOL, are selling me pretty well.  When I can handle one side by side with that Hitachi, I will let you know what I find and notice.....THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP EVERYONE!

3. 
   dustinf | May 20, 2005 12:11am | #17

   I trim 10-12 new houses a year, and I've never had a situation that the MAX wasn't adequate.  On the flip side, my original 15ga Senco, had similar results.  It's like anything, if you take care of it, it will last forever.  I don't have any experience with Hitachi pneumatic, but I've heard all good things. 

   Just a side note.  I've learned a lesson from a trim carpenter that works for one of the same builders.  ALL of his tools are either generic, or Craftsman from about 25 years ago.  He's one of the only pro's that I know uses a Black & Decker Firestorm cordless drill on a daily basis.  He does the most beautiful trim work I've ever seen.   He takes care of his stuff, and has adjusted to all his tools idiosyncracy's.  Sometimes I think people use equipment as an excuse, instead of a tool. 

   I know you are just trying to be informed and make a good purchase.  I'm just sharing my opinion on tools in general.  Like they say at the dirt track, "run what ya brung".

4. 
   zorrosdens | May 20, 2005 04:20am | #18

   Thanks for all the info, Dustin.  I'm now leaning strongly to the MAX tools, even considering the 2 3/16" 18 ga. brad nailer, also.

5. 
   nikkiwood | May 20, 2005 04:30am | #19

   What's the price for all these various guns you are considering?********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

4. 
   SRToolguy | May 18, 2005 06:30am | #12

   Having used both nailers, I prefer the Senco's. Hitachi holds the spot when it comes to Framers but still has a way to go in the finish and brad nailer categories. However, I'm not too fond of the 41 or any of the XP series nailers for that matter. My favorite 15ga nailer is the SFN30. The 41 will shoot 1-1/4 to 2-1/2" nails while the 30 shoots 1" to 2" brads so you loose that 1/2" on the upper end but I've never found it to be a problem.

   They say the Hitachi's are easier to work on in the field since they have fewer moving parts but the 30 is lube free. Since the lack of and/or over lubrication is the primary cause for failure one would have to believe that this is a good thing. You also don't have to worry about blasting freshly painted walls with oil or causing finishing problems.

   I've never broken any of my nailers so I'm not sure how easy they are to repair but I have had them serviced regularly and I've never had a problem finding a place to service the Senco's.

   Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy

5. 
   nikkiwood | May 20, 2005 05:22pm | #20

   Here is a review I stumbled across inb TOOLS OF THE TRADE:

   http://tinyurl.com/bl9kb

   The Hitachi came out on top.

   ********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   zorrosdens | May 21, 2005 08:02am | #21

   Nik,     You are a true fount of information or where to go to find it.  I appreciate the site you sent me to look at and it's in my favorites for reference.  I've decided to go with the MAX 550' nailer.  My reasons are the input from others on here and from one of my tool sources.  He also said the Hitachi is a GREAT nailer and it was the one I was leaning towards before I found out about the MAXs.  I am 53 and going strong....I remember the older Senco SFN2B, it was a tank of a gun and unsinkable....the MAX seems to built VERY strong also and I liked it's anti-double fire system the most of all the others without having to switch between bump and single fire operations....it's all there for the chioce without having to throw a switch.  I also am paying only $230 for the MAX, which seems to be a great price.  I read the test you sent and heard that the balance isn't the best of the lot, the Hitachi IS sweet in that department and I have felt it...real nice........the MAX just seems to have that fire style and build I prefer and am willing to accept the bit of imperfect balance for these.  Thanks Again Nik.          Tom

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 21, 2005 08:20am | #22

   I don't think it is a good idea to slavishly adhere to reviewer recommendations; after all, it just boils down to one person's opinion.Besides, I think all the guns in the group you considered are good -- so it is a matter of which features make the most sense for what you need and the way you use the gun. I don't think I've seen a single complaint around here on any of the Max guns; on the contrary, everyone who owns one seems to rave about it. I suspect you will be a happy trimmer..........********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   zorrosdens | May 21, 2005 09:49pm | #23

   Hey Nik,    I don't think I did slave too much in this....It's just there was a feel of extra high quality in the MAX guns from the ones one of my tool suppliers carried....and quality is just a "thing" with me, one of my loves, and I know what I enjoy working with and the main details of tools that will last (I've been called a techno-weenie, LOL, by a close art photographer friend, because I liked the nuts and bolts of photography and darkroom work and feeling out what makes a great frozen moment and why it works better than others on whatever level)....I just like a fine tool....like I say the Hitachi would have been the great gun also....and have you seen the new RIGID nail guns?  They are VERY well built it appears and I'll bet they are going to be the next best buys and top honors in many camps.  What is it that you do Nik, you seem to be well versed in all the ends of wood work and anything associated with.           ~Z~