Replies

1. 
   BobKovacs | Jan 09, 2007 03:44am | #1

   I often see Porter Cable combo sets on sale at HD and Lowes for around $300.  They typically include the compressor, 1 or 2 finish guns, and possibly a stapler.  I don't think I've ever seen one that included a framing gun though.

   Bob

2. 
   FatRoman | Jan 09, 2007 04:11am | #2

   I just went through a similar search over the last two months.

   I looked at the combo packs and ultimately decided against them because the pancake compressors included tended to be really loud, and the guns were not the nicest available. My rule is buy it once and use it for the next 50 years, and the combos didn't seem like they'd live up to that standard.

   After looking through this forum, the Journal of Light Construction one, Tools of the Trade, and a couple of other sources, I finally settled on some Hitachis (the 15 ga NT65MA2, the 18 ga NT50AE2 and the NV83A2 coil framer). There were those who liked the Bostitch, the Max and the Senco guns, but with all of those there were many people who disliked them for one reason or another. I found very few, if any, complaints about the Hitachis.

   If you are set on the combo pack, they usually come with either a couple of trim guns and a compressor, or a framer and a compressor. I never found a set that had all the guns in one box.

   You could most likely get by with a hot dog compressor if you are not framing much. Some other guys here can tell you more than me, but if you are just putting up a single wall or two, that should be fine. Much lighter to carry around and more than enough to take care of your trim work. I looked hard at Thomas for mine, but wound up with a Porter Cable C3151 Job Boss. It has wheels, which was a plus, and I decided on something larger so I could sheathe a roof and put up a couple of fences.

   Hope that's helpful.

   Tua res agitur, paries cum proximus ardet ~ Horace