I need to get a nailing system for trim work, fixing floors and light construction. As far as I can make out, the advantages of air; greater reliabilty, cheaper to add other sizes of gun, cheaper nails. The disadvantages are; hassle and bulk of loading and unloading a compressor and hoses onto small jobs.
For paslode there is the convenience factor plus speed of use, the disadvantage is servicing and higher costs of fuel cells and nails. My work is mainly remodeling and small projects. I know that a nailing system will save time which will be good for both me and my clients, but I am finding it difficult to decide which way to go.
Replies
I have both. And I use which ever is apropriate. Not the answer your looking for. But considering the way you posed the question about the only answer you want.
So I'll validate what you want to do. Buy them both.
Edited 10/2/2005 5:52 pm ET by Gunner
I do smaller remodel and repair jobs. I have a Bostich coil and two Paslode impulse nailers. If I were framing a larger job and thought the compressor was a worthwhile carry I use the coil. Having 250 nails on a reload is better than 35 or so. Not having to trip over hoses or find an outlet that will not trip with the 2hp Hitachi is nice too.
It seems that the nails are a little cheaper for the coil but you have to buy bigger box that is harder to store and easier to damage. On the other hand the sticks fit in the tool belt better though.
For sheathing/decking it is pretty hard to beat the coil.
On the trim side I have an assortment of air and use a small hotdog comp. Have looked at the Paslode trims and will probably get one if the price is a steal. The DeWalt cordless( not really airless more hoseless) ones seem way too heavy and costly.
Edited 10/2/2005 7:38 pm ET by rasconc
It sounds like you are on the move often. I have to think that more work and less schlepping is important to you.
So thats the Paslode impulse.
I am at jobs for long periods, and have two compressors, so one stays on the site, and i use the standard array of air nailers, but if I had a different job each day, there is no way I'd want to carry a compressor in and out twice a day. It adds up over time.Jake Gulick
[email protected]
CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT
Right, do move around a bit but on the average spend a few days at a site but it is usuallycmany functions rather than framing or trim. If I was doing a whole house from start to finish a serious compressor would be one of the first items off the truck.
One of the things I look at is the percentage of use. I usually try to justify buying something and having it to do the job when needed. I own too many tools!
Bob
Blasphemer!
None of us own too many tools!
(SSSHHH, wives may read this, ya know?)
I don't know what got into me, must have had too much to drink or it could have been after hauling two truckloads back from a job.
Not just a choice of Paslode in cordless, either. Senco has one, there's a Porter Cable version, and (don't tell Marty) there's even a DeWalt.
Usually, care of the cordless units is down to cleaning and oiling.
Note, cordless almost always means needing one more thing (the propellant gas) that can run out on you when you need it most. The batteries will recharge, but having no gas means no go. Also, angle units need angled nails, which can be more expensive.
So, my recommendation is to go look at things like the oil, the propellant, the nails, before making a final decision. Maybe just having a "clean" set of hoses, and a smaller, quieter (and 15A & 120VAC friendly) compressor will be much simpler. Maybe not, too.
Thanks for the replies, I went for the impulse with the conversion kit for 14g nails so that I can do floors as well. I think it is better suited to the smaller jobs I do at the moment. If I end up on a longer term project where the tools will pay for themselves then I will go for air as well, but try and get the smallest compressor that will work!
As for having too many tools.. yes guilty, every now and the I have a clear out and sell off stuff or give it to my mate who is too mean to buy any! Something else that looks good is the kreg pocket jig, as a handy way of joining wood...
<with the conversion kit for 14g nails so that I can do floors as well>Okay, I went to paslodes web site and found no mentionof this "conversion kit" that you speak of,Can you fill me in? What am I missing?
I was wondering the same thing.
It is for the straight trim gun and is not on the Paslode site. However it is listed as a stock item with the nails under a few UK tool shops. I do not know how to do the link but "Protrade" in Derby have it under Paslode accessories. When I get it I will report back if it works ok!
Any word on how the "conversion kit" works yet?
It is simply a lever that you change at the front that lets the machine fire 14 guage nails. The kit, and nails are all paslode products. We tested it today on Scandanavian whitewood flooring onto joists and it seemed fine. Not as heavy duty as some larger nail sizes but still ok. I can see that if I had gone the compressor route you could have used 3 types of nail gun on this one job!
Yeah, I want to know about the conversion, too. Is it for the angle finish gun or the framing gun?
I love my Paslodes. I've had very few problems with them over the years. I bought my first one over 10 years ago, and wore it out. I replaced it , the RA finish nailer, with the newer angle finish nailer a little over a year ago.
I have air guns, but they only come out on big jobs. I've gotten used to NOT tripping over hoses all day.
just bought the paslode i like it . nothing to trip over
holds 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 16 gauge. can do it all
tyke
Just another day in paradise
even though U already spent the bucks ...
my take ...
air first ...
then cordless.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Theoeticly you're right, but - I went Paslode first, 'cause I planned on being a one man outfit. Now that I do big jobs and have three guys subbing, ( we swap and share tools with respect) my two Paslodes always see action before their air guns come out. Itr is only when there is enopugh action that all four guns are needed that the pneumatics get hooked up.One reason besides the air hose drag and compressor noise is that there is always sheet rock and plaster dust to contend with. The air guns tend to throw that right back in your face.
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