Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Jun 09, 2003 11:31pm | #1

   For cabinet making, a finish nailer will primarily be used to tack things together while the glue dries. Once the glue is dry, the glue joint will be stronger than a few nails.

   With that in mind, I'd go for the smallest guage that you can find/afford. Note that there is a relatively new "micro-pinner" available that uses 23 guage brads. I haven't seen one, but I've heard that the nailholes are so small that you really don't need to use any filler.

   Between the 16 and the 18 guage, I'd go for the 18 in this case. If you were also involved in installing trim in houses, my opinion would be different.

   Vast projects should not be founded on half vast ideas.
1. 
   fdampier5 | Jun 10, 2003 06:26pm | #2

   I second the 18 gauge.  My 15 gauge is a little more prone to splitting..

     for brands I like the Bostich..  Hate Porter Cable   (It's not called a nail starter for nothing)   evan tho their nails fit everyone elses and  are the most common nail used..

1. 
   Kell | Jun 12, 2003 11:20pm | #4

   Sorry I have to disagree with Frenchy.  I have the PC and find it excellent.  I've never had a jam, never not had a nail counter-sink.  Used it in hardwood, softwood and all sheet goods, including baltic birch 3/4 ply, too.  I recommend it.

   Kell

1. 
   handtoolguy | Jun 13, 2003 01:27am | #5

   Senco $20.00 less than Porter Cable?!?!  Whats up with that!?!?  Seems like an easy decision.

2. 
   JDorn | Jun 10, 2003 09:06pm | #3

   Amazon has 2 different "micro pinners" listed that I've been looking at lately.  One by Porter Cable that runs 149.99 and another from Senco which runs 129.99.

   JD

2. 
   MIKEBUETTNER | Jun 13, 2003 01:41am | #6

   I have the Senco FP25XP 18 gauge and love it:

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000051WTZ/qid=1055457590/sr=1-6/ref=sr_1_6/102-8597909-9700159?v=glance&s=hi

   bit

1. 
   Robbie | Jun 13, 2003 01:51am | #7

   You can get an 18 guage Porter Cable brad nailer for less than $100 through Superior Distributing in Indianapolis, Indiana.  No tax and no shipping, as I recall.

   I have one and love it.  Never jams, rarely splits trim.

   good luck

1. 
   mwinkle | Jun 13, 2003 01:19pm | #8

   have the porter cable 18 guage- it works just fine - even on G scale railroad modeling.  Only splits when I do something dumb-  (Infrequently)

3. 
   wrick2003 | Jun 15, 2003 04:08am | #9

   i have two PC 18g nailers. one goes up to 1 1/4" and one goes up to 2". i also have the paslode 15g finish nailer.  the paslode will slpit small trim, especially maple, but works great on 1x casings and the like.

   i love my PC nailers. never had a problem with either of them. oil your guns before each use, and spray cleaner/degreaser  when they get a little gnarly.

   my PC narrow crown stapler rocks too.

   i think PC finish nailers have become home depot-ized, when they really are decent tools.  

   good luck     rg

4. 
   Manchild | Jun 15, 2003 04:59am | #10

   What about an electric pin nailer? It seems I've seen one out there and was wondering if anyone had experience with one. I have air but thought that electric might be fine for small ga. and a bit more user friendly.

1. 
   svleck | Jun 15, 2003 09:37pm | #11

   Seen a 23G pin nailer on amazon, don't recall the manufacturer at this time.  However, I have talked to a few people that have used them and said that they are great for small projects.

   Thanks to everyone that have replied to my question.  I have decided to go with a PC 18G brad nailer (3/4"-2") along with the Porter-Cable CPF23400S compressor.

   Sheldon

5. 
   patricks13 | Jun 17, 2003 09:24am | #12

   For your first nailer 18 ga would probably be most useful. Be careful with brads over 1 1/4" changing directions and shooting out the side. Always keep your free hand far enough away so the brad won't change directions and nail your finger. It's something you only do once.

    

   My Senco is a fine gun but I would get involved in large glue-ups and forget to check how many brads I had left. I would realize that what I just nailed wasn't sticking and I would have to back-track through the little holes I just made to find the last one that had a brad in it. I got tired of that and bought a Makita a couple of years ago. Run out of brads with it and you can't squeeze the trigger. My type of gun.
1. 
   JDorn | Jun 17, 2003 06:23pm | #13

   I recently picked up a Stanley Bostich combo Brad/Stapler (18 guage) and i agree with Pat, watch your hands, i put a 1 5/8 brad through the tip of my finger last weekend assembling a small case.  Definately was not fun.

   JD