Hey Guys,
Thanks for the advice on coping, it seems to be going alright. However, I’m having a little trouble with spliting short pieces of trim.
I’m using a 16 gauge, 2 inch nail with my air nailer. The trim is 3 1/2 oak, with a very swallow (1/16) wide dado on the back. It seems like where ever I nail then pieces split.
Should I be doing different with the nailer or should I think about some construction adhesive for the smaller pieces?
Thanks!
Patrick
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Replies
Examine the orientation of the 16 ga. nails. I can't remember how they are so you'll have to look at them yourself.
You want the chisel point to go against the grain. It may not be your only problem but I've found it to help.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
I think Jon meant to get the chisle point to punch across the grain...going with the grain can cause splits, just like an ax. I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
I would consider a 18 ga brad nailer, or headless pinner. If you only have a 16 ga nailer, try shorter nails and lower pressure.
pat
The wood should not be splitting if the stock is like 6"or more. Smaller pieces may split when nailed,so just glue them.
On very short pieces, maybe 2" or less, I use a little construction adhesive to glue them on.
On somewhat longer pieces, I'll use my 18 ga. brad gun with 2" nails.
All the rest is fastened with my 15 ga. gun
Glue is your friend, but you could also pre-drill and nail.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
23 ga pinner and wood glue works wonders. Tis is what I use for even the smallest of returns
Predrill and handnail.
Pre-assemble the outside corners with some clamps and glue or just some 2P-10, then construction adhesive to the wall and prop it in place until the glue sets or pin it with the 18 or 23 gauge, whatever you have.
I have a 16GA nailer. It's pretty useless. It tries to be a finish nailer as well as a brad nailer and fails at both. The nails are rectangular in shape as well as the heads. You have to hold the gun sideways or upside down, most of the time, so the large head will run with the grain. The straight magazine often hits the wall or trim, since longer nails stick out of the magazine, they can hit and scratch or get bent. You also have to change an insert in the magazine when you switch to different size nails. I'd start by getting a 15GA finish nailer. Don't nail too close to an end and use adhesive for small pieces. If you have a molding that has been hollowed on the back, don't put nails in the hollow section. There should be two flat spots that land flush to the wall, keep your nails in this area.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match