Brad Nailer & Compressor

**Little Festo** · 6th November 2002, 09:58 AM

I was thinking about buying a nail gun but I would like a bit of advice. I saw the Porta Cable Nailers in Carba-Tecs catalogue. Are they OK?

I'll be using it for cabinet making and other smaller jobs so I guess that I wouldn't want to use any more than 50mm brads. One of the models (PC-FN250A) uses C series 16 gauge finnish nails, 19 to 63mm. I suppose that it may be handy to have the extra length (don't we all), BUT would this be suitabe for my intended use.

Also any advice on a suitable compressor would be appreciated. I would also like to use a paint spray gun too. I would prefer a smaller unit as space will be a problem.

Peter

**Rod Smith** · 6th November 2002, 09:07 PM

G'day Peter
I believe the porter cable are very good but never used them. I reckon senco are the best nailers. I think 50mm (though I agree that extra 13mm would be handy elsewhere)is plenty in that guage. Small compressors will happily run a brad nailer but you'll need something decent sized for spraying, shane can tell you more on that, but I believe 12cfm would barely do it?
cheers
Rod

**DarrylF** · 6th November 2002, 09:47 PM

I have a Bostich brad nailer that takes 15-50mm or so. Had it for over a year, used it a lot and not a spot of trouble. Works well.

Also recently bought a combo gun - does a heavy-ish staple and brads. Took the advice of a good local specialist fastener shop that does good trade business - it's a no-name, and I was a little dubious, but I'm sold now I've used it.

I have a good mate who's a brilliant auto spraypainter. Took him with me to buy the compressor. I wanted the same things you do - initially for the nail gun & duster, later for spraying wood projects. He recommended 12cfm minimum, and I've been very happy with my choice. Bought it from Tool Specialists - Total Tools import.

Remember with a compressor, the smaller it is the harder it works. If it's working hard, it's making a lot of noise. Listen to whatever you're looking to buy running and buy as quiet as you can afford.

**peter** · 7th November 2002, 08:22 AM

G'Day,
I have the Porta Cable C nailer and have never had any problems with it. I use 32mm, 50mm and 63mm brads and have used it for making cabinets and fixing skirts and arcs. Very happy with the nailer.

**Little Festo** · 7th November 2002, 09:33 AM

Thanks for all of the advice. I was looking at buying a smaller compressor but I'll go for the larger one. I'll probable use the spray gun a fair bit. SWMBO will also want to use the spray gun too, so that will release some extra funds.

Thanks again - Peter

**Eastie** · 7th November 2002, 10:29 AM

Agree with doorstop – never seen a porter cable on a building site yet – probably cos it’d get nicked in the blink of an eye. Plaslode are the most common I see and mine although its back in its box these days is still great to use – no hastles. Needless to say there are countless others out there though that will give you good service – top of the range are great but then again so are most in the middle price band.

Keep in mind that at the top end they are designed for semi to constant day in day out use – so ergonomics factors like grip, weight and balance are generally big features - which you’ll pay a premium for.

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