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Thread: Nail Gun

  1. #1
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    Default Nail Gun

    Hey guys,
    I have been thinking for a while how great it would be to have a nail gun.
    There have been projects in the past where the use of screws would have split the timber, or it was not wide enough etc, and the use of a small nail was perfect. Besides the fact that a nail gun is much quicker than using a hammer, what other advantages do they have? Are they popular amongst woodworkers or are they really for someone who wants to save time ie a carpenter?
    What do you recommend if you do think I should go down that path?
    Regards,
    Andy.

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  3. #2
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    Thumbs up

    Advantages of nail guns:
    # Quick for jobs of all sorts.
    # Back saver when doing skirting boards.
    # Tend not to split timber as the nails have blunt points and punch though the timber.
    # Good for getting into difficult spots where holding a nail and wielding a hammer are a PITA.
    # Good for repetitive work.
    # no need to punch nails.

    Disadvantages:
    #Dangerous if not used correctly and responsibly
    #You need to buy a compressor if you don't have one.
    # Too many el cheapos on the market. A good one costs, but is worth the money.
    #If used to nail floor boards you don't have a neat round hole.

  4. #3
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    Could not do without my son's nail gun, one of the most used too, that and his Makita SMCS

    He has a Bostik model SB1664-FN which takes 16 gauge (1.6mm) brads. I use the 25mm ones, and this is ideal for fixing shelves to the dado slots in bookcases after the shelf is fitted amd glued. Much better than screwed joints, and so much easier to putty the nail holes. Biggest plus is that it does not split the timber.

    Makes the construction of MDF utility boxes for screws, bolts etc so much quicker and easier.

    Highly recommended

    regards,
    Jill

  5. #4
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    Thanks for your replies!
    What do you recommend for around the $300-400 mark, or am I better of saving up for a paslode?
    Id like to buy one that does not reply on a compressor. There are so many different sorts out there I get confused. What is the best for putting furniture together, decking etc ??

    Thanks,
    Andy.

  6. #5
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    Paslode guns are good but if you are only an occasional user they are a big cost. The gas also "goes off" so you would be better with a small compressor and a pneumatic gun. Problem is that you need different guns for different jobs. For cabinet work you need an 18ga brad nailer/16ga finish nailer and maybe a 24ga headless pinner to attach mouldings. For decking you probably need a framing nailer that will fire up to 90 mm long ring shank nails.

  7. #6
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    Just steal this post a bit, is there any suitable nail gun for fixing wall and celing board lining ?

  8. #7
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    The usual method for drywall is to use a screw gun, for example Makita 6824 or 6834. These guns use paper collated screws and are fast and easy to use. They also drive the screw to exactly the right depth. You can get screwdriver bits for a regular drill/driver that will also set your screws to the right depth, so you don't need a specific tool, especially if it is for a one off job.

  9. #8
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    The best finishing nail gun I've had was the Senco SN 40 - most brads/nails 20-65 mm, lovely balance and an angled magazine so getting into tight spots is easier. For small work tou'd probably need a little bradder of some kind. Unless you're a full time chippy, a framing gun is probably overkill, unless you get a cheap Chinese framer....
    Paslode gas guns are handy, but you've got to look after them and they're hopeless on hard timber.

  10. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by groeneaj View Post
    Thanks for your replies!
    What do you recommend for around the $300-400 mark, or am I better of saving up for a paslode?
    Id like to buy one that does not reply on a compressor. There are so many different sorts out there I get confused. What is the best for putting furniture together, decking etc ??

    Thanks,
    Andy.
    if you want a gun that doesn't need a compressor, this is an option

    it fires 18g C1 brads -- 15 to 30mm long

    I've had one for about 8 years and am quite happy with it.
    From memory the cost is within your stated range and they are imported by the same mob who import Paslode guns.
    regards from Alberta, Canada

    ian

  11. #10
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    Hey,
    Just reopening this thread as I have another question.
    I am not sure if there is a gun out there that would do all that I need.
    I am after something that could be used in furniture making etc (brads) and something to use on decking etc? Would I need 2 different guns or would a paslode bradder to the trick?
    Also a framing gun, are they used much in furniture making?

    Andy

  12. #11
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    Sorry,
    Meant to ask about finishing rather than framing guns

    Andy

  13. #12
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    You'd need two guns, minimum - one for structural work (decking, house framing) and a finish nailer, (internal carpentry and trim work) and then, optionally, a bradder (small work like frames or boxes).

    The difference between the guns is the size of nail they take (framing guns take a 3mm x 75-90mm nail; finishing guns take a 1.5mm x 25-60mm nail, and bradders take 1.2 x 10-30mm things).

    Paslode will cost you about $600 per gun, and if you only use them on the occasional weekend, you'll go through the gas as they don't like to be stored. If you don't need total 'anywhere, anytime' portability, the air powered ones still have the edge.

    If you go for an air compressor, you can get one of the Bunnies $200 cheapies as they will be ok for nail guns and even the occasional bit of spraypainting.

    I've been happy with a cheap (Arlec brand from Kmart) air bradder/stapler for the things I need to do - it was only $50 and seems fine so far - but I'm not a particularly demanding bradder, though!

  14. #13
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    Hi Andy,

    Master Splinter is on the money. You need at least two guns for what you want, furniture and decking.

    My personal view is that one does not build a deck every second weekend but you may be constructing furniture and the like. If you can only afford one gun then forget the decking gun. Go out and hire a coil nail gun for that weekend and job done. (Mind you there are many that would not recommend a nail gun for decks and advise you screw it, althopugh there are a lot of nailed decks out there).

    So if it is one gun for stuff in the workshop then, (again for me personally), forget the cordless Paslodes etc. and get a brad gun and compressor, probably a 16 gauge. And yes, a number of blokes I know have bought the cheapies from bunnies and the auto shops and they have served them well, not trade work just weekend jobs. But even the Bostich and Paslode and other top brands have 16 ga bradders for the money you want to spend, and they will last longer of course.

    Just my view, others may have different experiences.

    Cheers
    Pops

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