Good2bGreen

I am still confused by the whole cost discussion. Let's just say that you lose a day going to see the doctor with a sore elbow - that's maybe $240 in lost wages plus the cost of the Dr. visit. Let's also say that swinging steel slows you down a bit over the course of a month - or two - you lose another 8 hours. For a framer, this is the same reasoning that justifies a Paslode.

I have been a happy owner of a Hart Woody for more than a decade, and several Paslodes, but I would love the chance to swing a Ti - it would make the weekend honey-do list go a bit more quickly and with fewer aches and pains....

Technology and modern materials are great. Think of all of the time and "labor" savings ideas and products that have been introduced into the market over the years - or just look in the back of my truck, under the seat, behind the half a box of fries that my seven-year-old spilled last month. It's always easy to buy into the latest innovation - but we should recognize that much of what we read and see about products are the result of well-paid marketing folks doing their job. I am not trying to say that a Ti hammer is - or is not - better than steel, or wood, as long as the nail goes in the right way - a hammer is a hammer.

Cost is only one aspect of the evaluation - function and value are just as important. So, if hand and elbow damage is a concern, spend the $400 and use a power nailer and get on with it. If you choose not to pay $200 for a Ti, then keep using what you have and take your family out for a night on the town. But if the Ti fits your needs, and performs well, then by all means add it to your collection and let that Eastwing join the rest of the outdated gadgets hiding under the seat of your truck. We don't buy tools based on how much they cost, but rather how well they perform - and that include functionally and emotionally.