Replies

1. 
   Splintie | Dec 22, 2002 06:01am | #1

   I use a Stanley Bostitch N62FNK for larger trim work bec i like the little extra heft of a 15 ga. nail over a 16 ga. and the tool is incredibly tough for its weight of <4#. The handle is devine. Prices have come way down since i got mine, too.

   I got a PC 150 for stapling some soffit material and it performed well. The PC100 had a few bad reviews for upside down stapling so i waited for this one. Staples are good when you might blow a nail through some composite material and i feel they hold a bit better so i use them if they won't be seen. I also did some upholstery with it and it performed well.

   For smaller trim like 1/4-round, i have some imported thing i got dirt cheap that fires from 5/8" to 1 1/2"--reliably, too! It's larger than a pinner, but it's done everything i've needed it to do with the large range of sizes it takes.

2. 
   RW | Dec 23, 2002 12:43am | #2

   From the vastly opinionated brand loyalty crowd:

   Buy it only once. Get a Senco.

   " You are young, my son, and as the years go by time will change and even reverse many of your present opinions. Refrain therefore awhile from setting yourself up as a judge of the highest matters." - Plato

1. 
   Splintie | Dec 23, 2002 03:52am | #3

   Senco if you're using it every day and your livelihood depends on it; otherwise, way overkill for a hobby. Ever tried the Bostitch 15 ga.? I wouldn't trade it for the Senco, to be honest. Don't let the light weight fool you; the thing packs a wallop!

   Edited 12/22/2002 7:53:00 PM ET by SPLINTIE

1. 
   RW | Dec 23, 2002 11:28pm | #4

   Probably true. Have tried Bostitch. And Hitachi, PC, Duofast, Paslode, Maxx, . . . but I do use them everyday. Or almost. Still prefer the Senco. But thats why I put in the part about being opinionated. Everyones got one. Mostly the track record. Havent had a misfire with a Senco yet, had my finish gun for two years and had only two jams, haven't had to fix one yet,  . . . they've done good for me." You are young, my son, and as the years go by time will change and even reverse many of your present opinions. Refrain therefore awhile from setting yourself up as a judge of the highest matters." - Plato

3. 
   3puttjay | Dec 24, 2002 12:46am | #5

   I also bpught the bostitch 15 gauge finish nailer. It is light but very powerful, I drove nails thru a 2x4 into concrete block! I also like not having to put oil in it ( a minor point). I used it to put down base and window trim in my house and not a single misfire or jam. I priced the senco (a good nailer as well) and I saved about a $100 on the bostitch thru E-Bay. When I got my compressor thru e-bay, the guy threw in a acushnet (by senco) brad nailer in with it. I use them both because it sures saves the arm pounding those nails and brad. You might want to check amazon's and epinions feedback on air nailers, it might help in your final decision. I wish you success in your search.

4. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 24, 2002 03:52am | #6

   I have a 14 ga Airy finish nailer that I use for larger mouldings like baseboard.  Smaller mouldings get shot with 18 ga brads from a no-name import.  Really small stuff gets tacked down with my Accuset (Light duty Senco line) 23 ga micro pinner.  The micropins are headless so not much strenght on their own.  I use them on small stuff w/ glue that would be hard if not impossible to clamp.  They are almost invisible.   Anyway no trouble with any of these guns.  I probably use them all more for quick jigs and stops than finished work by far.

   Free tip:  Turn the gun so that the chisel point is perpendicular to the grain.  That way the point will cut the fibers otherwise the chisel point of the fastener acts like a wedge and splits the moulding.

   I still haven't found a way to prevent 'shiners' yet.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne