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I’m getting ready to purchase a 2 1/2″ 15ga finish nailer and would like hear some thoughts and experiences with a Porter Cable DA250 or a Senco SFN40 and since I’ve been reading some old scripts I see a lot of people seem to love the Paslode(don’t know the model #’s or much about them). My choice will come from this list of 3 and no others.
One thing I noticed about the PC is that the rear of the handle is offset from the clip to the right whereas the Senco is in line and the Senco feels lighter. Any opinions on this? Any info greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jeff
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Jeff,
I own both the Porter Cable and the Senco models you refer to, so I can give you some insight into them.
I bought the Porter Cable first, when the price of the Senco gun was still about $150 more. I was reasonably happy with its performance for a couple years. It did everything I asked of it.
Later I ran across the Senco in lightly used condition at an auction for a very reasonable price. I've always been a big Senco fan and couldn't pass up a good deal. I'm glad I didn't.
While both the Senco and Porter Cable do about the same thing, the Senco definitely feels better in my hand to use. It is lighter and better balanced. You are correct in describing the Senco as an inline style gun versus the Porter Cable's offset handle design. I have always used Senco framing guns before and they all had inline handles like the finish nailer. It is just a more comfortable design, in my opinion. Also the fit and finish of the Senco is clearly better, as is the case.
I also don't like the magazine on the Porter Cable. It is the same loading type as the Senco, but it is a real pain in the rear to unload nails from the magazine if you want to change sizes. Its really hard to get your fingers on them to push the nail strip back out the magazine.
Hope this helps,
Dick Streff
*Jeff:Go for the Senco. I bought a bostitch finish nailer and took it back, as it had no power. I bought the senco, and never looked back. When I bought it, it was fairly new to the market and was one of the most expensive. Now they have comedown alot in price, so I would recomend it.I really like the "inline" design of it. I think that the only other nailgun with such a slim design is the hatichi, which might merit a look into. I have had very few problems with it. I had the feeder spring replaced once, and that was about it. As far as jams are concerned, it virtually never does. Although I once drove a nail (accidentally)into steel, and the entire nail crumpled up into the nose. Had to take it to my dealer to have it removed, it was that bad. Guy said he had never seen anything like it.I would definately recomend it.Eric
*Have a PC FN250A 16ga and the Senco 15ga. I just use the Senco for everything now. Have tried the PC 15ga. and the Senco wins for confort and performance hands down. Comfort being the most important(as long as it's reliable!) Find a place with both, and walk around the store holding each for half an hour. You'll decide which feels better. Looking to trade the PC16ga for a small Senco, either an 18ga. or if I can find it, the little 23ga pin nailer. Jeff
*Jeff,If your firing oak to oak with 2 1/2" nails the big Senco (not the oilless) is the only one I know of that will work consistently.
*I've got the SFN40 for 5 yrs, no problems at all. I have no problem oak to oak, but I run 90-100 psi air. I did buy the rebuild kits for the Senco's I have, for stock, but haven't needed to use them yet. Probably couldn't find them now if I did need them.
*Rob,Is that the new oilless model?
*It's oilless. I think it was a fairly new model in 1995 when I bought it. The only thing I don't like is the exhaust which is at top front and blows in my face if I'm close, and trying to line up the shot exactly.
*The builder I work for puts t&g 1x6 on the walls and ceilings of almost every house he builds. Needless to say we put a lot of nails through our funish nailers. When a new guy comes on with us if he doesn't have a sfn40 senco we make him get one. Nothing on the market matches them for power, reliability, and balance.
*Thanks for the replys everyone,On the subject of oil or oilless is there an advantage to one or the other? Is the Porter Cable oilless? So far hands down the Senco seems to be the fan favorite. With that in mind, is there anything that anyone dislikes about this SFN40 other than the additional cost of about $140? Does it accept nails from other guns (such as PC)? Does the nose size allow you to shoot nails into tight spaces easily (such as between the chamfer and tongue on T&G boards?)Thanks again, Jeff
*Jeff Well you've heard from the guys that use them to make a living have to say, now are you using them every day or just around the house. I've used the PC once, not all day but it seemed to do the job. I personally own the SNF40 as well as their pin nailer and stapler.
*Jeff:As far as oilless or oiled, I can't really think of an advantage.The PC uses Senco nails.Eric
*Finish Nailer Recommendations?Hello all, I need to trim out my new house, extension jambs, casing, sills, baseboard ... (all 3/4 - 5/4 flat pine stock) and am trying to figure out which would be the best all around finish nailer. 18 guage brad's seem too light, the 15 guage seems like the way to go, but perhaps too heavy. I'm pretty handy (framing, finish, elec, plumbing, masonary...) but never owned / operated a power nailer. I like the idea of the oil less, I don't have a lot of time for unnecessary cleanup. Several posts suggest the Senco SFN40, some the SFN30, the Porter Cable FN250A seems middle of the road (but it's straight and uses oil). Suggestions?
*Jeff,Hands down the Senco SFN40. Have mine for 5 years. Oilless, durable & jamb free, well almost. Jambs are easy to clear.
*Mike...That trim you are using is thick...Use the SN40 and 15 gauge...And all above say it is by far the best.near the stream looking into a pin gun myself for model work,aj
*I ordered both the Senco FN40 (15 ga.) and the Senco Finish Pro 25 (18 ga. 2 1/8") from Amazon (Tool Crib).They had what seemed a good deal, $425 for the pair with shipping.Thanks for the suggestions. I'll let you know how I make out.-mc
*why limit yourself to the senco or pc 15g nailers when hitachi makes an excellent modle. powerfull, bullit proof, but heavy just like the old nr83a. once you buy a hitachi nail gun anything else is second choice.
*I don't know about the rest of you, but that squirt of air when you depress the hitachi gun just pisses me off. I have the roofing guns(great guns, light and small but still annoying)and was going to get that newer trim gun, but realized that that air squirt was a hitachi trademark. Senco SFN40 for me thanks. Have gone through a few air valves in it, but it is still going strong. First valve lasted 45 houses. Keith C
*Senco is fantastic for finish guns. Advantages to oil-less should be obvious-no fooling around spilling oil on your hands, the floor, your pants, the gun, and spraying it on sensitive unfinished wood. Plus, you don't need oil.The brad nailer is the most trouble free tool I've ever had. 12 years, many thousands of nails, not one jam ever, no oil, just keeps working.Worth the extra money. They should charge more.MD
*You're right about oil-less MD. Have you seen or tried the SFN 30? I think it replaces the SFN1. It shoots up to 2" 15 ga, and it weighs in at a little over three lbs.Also had the chance to try Bostitch's new 15 ga nailer. Like Senco, this model is oil-less and weighs about the same. It sure has a good feel to it. I think they call it the N68FN and it is equally priced with Senco's SFN40.
*No, I haven't tried that one yet, MDM. I use a lot of 2 1/2" nails, so it probably wouldn't be of much use to me.Hey everyone, this is a tad off-topic, but why does the Senco framer have a round tip like a finish nailer? Ever use this? I tried toenailing some studs and it moves all over the place, didn't like it at all--anyone else have better luck?
*I bought the N62FNK (is this the right number for what you tried-out, Frank? )after reading tons of good reviews and liking that it weighs least of all, 3.8 pounds. I used it to make about 30 windows, sash and casing. No jams after using two kinds of 2' nails (the ones they sent with and some i bought from Amazon), several other sizes, and the occasional knot didn't throw it off, either. The grip is very nice, too. It shoots 1 1/4-2 1/2" nails, oil free. I paid $300 last April. Highly recommended..
*Yeah, SG that's it N62FNK.
*SG, have you had any difficulty in finding nails for the Bostitch? I am on the brink of buying one (over a SFN40), and the only thing that bothers me is their collation angle (i think it is 28 degrees, but I could be wrong on that). Do you use Bostitch or generic nails? I am not specifically worried about brite finish nails, but thinking of galvies or stain-less, maybe ring shank. Can you find these type of nails for a Stanley gun? To Mad Dog, I think the Senco framer tip you are refering to is the old style SN models, as opposed to the Frame Pro's that are now offered. I own an ancient SN4, and it is pretty much indestructible. The smoothe tip takes some getting used to, but really isn't that bad once you get the hang of it. I actually prefer it to the "jaws" style safety on the Frame Pros.Jon
*Jon, i ordered my gun from Tool Crib/Amazon and bought the B&C Eagle galvie nails to match, used them after i went through the complimentary 1000 nails that came with the package. I did a search on the Stanley Bostitch site and came up with 25¼º as the angle. I also ran across several sites for silicon bronze, SS, and AL nails, though i didn't notice any ring shank in my travels. I'm far enough from cilivization that paying shipping is the smart deal for me, so i can't speak to whether they are readily available otherwise. The Amazon site for the best price on the tool and some customer reviews (esp. vis-à-vis the Senco brand) and tech info is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004RJXI/o/qid=977783410/sr=8-1/ref=aps_sr_th_1_3/103-4690866-1418238
*Thanks Jon,I was hoping someone would say that you could get used to this tip. It's a brand new gun.Frank,I checked out that little Senco finish nailer, and it sure is sweet. Must be a cabinetmaker's dream come true. Wish it handled 2 1/2's, I'd buy it instantly. What a perfectly balanced, light little baby!Closest thing I got to new tools this Christmas was a mall gift certificate. Good thing they have a Sears.MD
*SG, I just bought the bostitch n62fnk from a recon place in New York, through ebay. My invoice is $206.73, with a 1 year factory warranty. I am looking forward to using it. Thanks for the advice.jon
*You saved a third! Good job! Maybe you could post the site of the recon place in NYC? Had good luck going that way with Tool Crib, but struck out with Northern.
*SG, http://www.toolsteal.com
*Thanks very much, Jon, there's 1/2" Milwuakee there calling out for my Christmas money... ;)
*Mad Dog,If you think that the SFN 30 has a good feel you should try that N62FNK from Bostitch. Whats more is it'll fire 2-1/2" 15 ga, it's oil-less, and weighs less than the SFN30.
*SG, I never really have liked the Milwaukee drills. What do you find that makes them superior to a 3/8 bosch drill for instance?Jon
*Mike:Was this a special offer on Amazon/ToolCrib? Do you know if it is still available, seems like a good price for the two. By the way, how have they worked out for you?sp
*Yeah, I've looked at that puppy. But I also need 2 1/2 capacity.
*I bought the 3/8" Milwaukee after going through Sears, Makita, and Skil, but mostly because the grip is so comfortable for my smaller hand to use all day long and it has survived so much abuse, both physical and electrical, over the last ten years--i've never even replaced the chuck. The trigger is also very easy to control, smoother than others i've tried. Bosch is not popular in these parts, so i honesty haven't had an opportunity to try one. I've been borrowing a friend's 1/2" drill when i needed to punch a couple well-casings for pitless adapters, and recently when i drilled a whole bunch of 1/2" holes in several steel flitches to make a long clear span in my new shop--i'd just rather have my own 1/2" at hand when needed. I hope it comes with the 3"-diameter-wrist accessory kit!
*Jon...SG....good info you two....I am bookmarking the toolsteal site and checking out the Nail gun...near the stream using my impulses mostly these days,aj
*Have both the SFN40 and PC angled 2 1/2" trim nailers. I like them both, but I like the senco a little bit more. Better balance, weight, and more compact. Both slam 2 1/2" nails through hard maple into SYP. I just rebuit the senco for 55 bucks after 4 years of workin' for a living, shoots like new. Only had the pc for 9 months, but no problems yet, and it's so less expensive.SG, if you're looking at the 1/2" cordless milwaukee of the 14 volt flavor, it's the best cordless I've ever had. Makes me want to use it for everything kind of balance. And, the batteries don't stop 'til they're DEAD.
*Senco SFN40. State of the art finish nailer. I have been in the biz since the early 70s and have been using Senco nailers and staplers exclusively. The SFN40 was a welcome advance and I have 2 of them in my shop at this time. They are reliable,quiet,and of course,oiless. At my previous place of employment we had 6 of them and,once educated on maintenance,we never had to send them out for service. We also use Senco 18g brad nailers and Senco staplers.
*The SFN30 is also a great nailer. I have not used it on hardwood but have installed several thousand board feet pine and cedar paneling with it. It comes with a hanger hook that easil hooks too your belt, bags, or whatever. I you combine it with the new lightweight clear reinforced hose by Coilhose Pneumatics you almost forget it's hooked up to a compressor.rh
*I haven't seen these hoses yet, can you elaborate on them a little? Thanks,MD
*i've recently been looking at the accuset finish nailer, but i'm kinda scared off with it being made for DIY types. the price is low and the design reminds me of senco's older oil-less finish gun (before SFN-30&40) so that makes me wonder if they just dressed it up and slapped that new label on it.has anyone had any experiences with this gun?BTW i am not a DIY weekend worrior (if that matters)thanksgabe
*Hi Steve, They had a deal going just around Christmas. The prices were still $299 for the SFN40, and $199 for the Finish Pro 25. They knocked $75 off ($500 or more), threw in free shipping and a 16' tape. I hit it just right. I've been busy using both nailers. I love the brad nailer! I've been using it for light stuff, window stops, extension jambs, mulls etc. Hard Maple or Pine both look the same to this one (1.5" brads). It seems to be pretty darn accurate. The SFN40 is quite a bit larger / heavier, and I'm not as comfortable with it yet. I'm using 2" finish nails they work well, very secure (it's the resin coating). I'm busy nights and weekends trying to finish my new house, and it's very nice not to have to fool around with oil and the associated issues.Regards,-mc
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I'm getting ready to purchase a 2 1/2" 15ga finish nailer and would like hear some thoughts and experiences with a Porter Cable DA250 or a Senco SFN40 and since I've been reading some old scripts I see a lot of people seem to love the Paslode(don't know the model #'s or much about them). My choice will come from this list of 3 and no others.
One thing I noticed about the PC is that the rear of the handle is offset from the clip to the right whereas the Senco is in line and the Senco feels lighter. Any opinions on this? Any info greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jeff