John,
I’m finally going to break down and buy a nailer – primarily to get rid of the hammer dimples and bungles. I’m just getting started in this hobby, and want to make furniture and some cabinets. I see the nails as holding mouldings and frames in place while the glue dries, or for parts that might need future disassembling (mirror frames etc.)
If you can only have one, would you think a smaller pin nailer or a brad nailer with several size brads would be more useful? Or put another way, assuming you have both, which one do you use more often?
Replies
I'm not the person to ask on this, I never liked pneumatic tools and don't own any. They are something of a time saver for commercial work, once you figure out how not to do damage with them, but I don't see that they have much function in a small shop that isn't trying to make money. A small hammer or two and a few small tipped nail sets are all I've ever used. I guess this qualifies me as a curmudgeon on the subject.
I'll repost your question in the "Ask an Expert" section and someone who thinks they're useful will give some advice.
John White
I have an 18-ga pin nailer (Porter-Cable via Home Depot) and a 15-ga nailer (Milwaukee). I've used both and I love them. I find the 18-ga nailer invaluable anymore for attaching molding. Like John White, I used to use a hammer, finish nails or brads, and a nail set. But I guess my aim was off too often. I do less damage to my work with the pneumatic nailer. Both run off the little Porter-Cable pancake compressor, which is just the right size for me.
The larger, 15-ga nailer was invaluable for a recent kitchen remodeling project. It made short work indeed of attaching furring strips to ceiling joists so I could then staple up insulation and (pneumatically) nail some reclaimed pine up between the joists for a rustic look.
If you're looking for specific brand recommendations, check our other web site, FineHomebuilding.Com.
David Heim
Managing Editor
FineWoodworking.com
John and David - thank you both. Esthetically I don't much like the idea either, but I really hate banging up or splitting something I've worked long and hard on just to get a stupid brad in to hold a piece of 1/4" molding while the glue dries.But my big concern is as to size - David, do you have problems with the 18ga brads splitting small molding? 18ga seems to have more uses and options, but splitting is why I am also thinking of the smaller 22ga pins instead.
I've seldom had a problem with the 18ga nailer. But it sounds as if you work with smaller moldings than I do. Perhaps a 22ga nailer would make more sense in your shop.
dh
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