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By considering things like energy-efficient mechanicals, window orientation, and renewable energy sources, homes can be evaluated to meet the energy codes. Here's what the IRC has to say.
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Read Gary Katz's article in JLC (Cadex)
SteveC
TJANJ
I have the Senco, it's "good" tool but not great, a few things I do not like about it.
One it's live fire, no saftey, I don't worry so much about myself using it but someone else picking it up and being stupid and of course I could always make a mistake and put a pin in my hand or thigh or something... Sure they're small but I bet it hurts like a bitch.
Two, I had to grind the nose down so it would set the nails in harder woods. Again not a huge deal but I don't like having to modify new tools to make them do their job.
That said for the money it wasn't a bad purchase.
I know several people here have the Grex and Cadex versions, I know nothing of them but for the money they charge for them they should be far better then the Senco.
Sure they're small but I bet it hurts like a bitch.
CAG, you're right about that, like a SOB. They will follow the grain and curl out the sides sometimes and seem to catch me looking when it happens. Auto-react says pull finger away. Unfortunately the pin is pointing the opposite way I usually pull. Ouch twice.
I have a Accuset, think Senco made them. It's old but works great. Won't handle anything past 1" though.
Joe H
I have the Bostich - it runs about $109 or so. Has a depth adjustment lever on it and seems to work very well in general. Of course, I've never used another model, but I've been real happy with it.
It's one of those tools that you find new uses for.
They work great for hold a template to your work for pattern routing - without much of a trace that it was there. Invaluable for fancy prefinished crown work.
One thing about the Bostich - it'll shoot longer pins than the Senco or PC will - It'll shoot
1 3/16" long pins - that comes in real handy for just about all the uses I've used mine for.
Still has a safety that's not that safe, but you get used to it.
For the money - I'm suprised it isn't brought up here more.
JT
I have the Cadex. It sets the pins slightly and shoots everything from 1/2" to 1 3/8". Soft tip keeps from marring the work surface.
Recently at a Habitat for Humanity site we had to cut and block 46 hollow core doors. Since we didn't have 138 C-clamps, I dug out my Cadex pinner to hold the glue joints together.
The safety is a second "trigger" under the real one - keeps you from firing by mistake when just handling the gun, but in actual use you hold down the safety with your middle finger, at which point you can fire with your index finger at any time, whether in contact with wood or not. A careless user could make a co-worker look like a porcupine.
Beware the crummy oil bottle (same one, by the way, as PC, Ridgid and Senco provide) that stows in the case with the gun and up to three packets of nails. The cap does not seal at all, so if you cut the tip to let oil out and you end up with well oiled pins and gun. Maybe if you puncture the tip with an ice pick or something instead of snipping it as I did, it wouldn't leak.
Speaking of the case, some genius at Cadex designed it with feet uneven so it falls over on one side if you try to stand it up on anything but a hard smooth and level surface.
BruceT
Edited 8/9/2006 10:55 pm ET by BruceT999
I never realized 'til now that there are alot of off-brand companies making pin nailers. I have never heard of Cadex before. Nor have I heard of Nikle, Omer, Bynford, Grex, Grip, or Fasco. Usually that means it is used alot in the industrial trades or specialty trades like upolstery or picture framing.
Of course, I hadn't heard of alot of tool brands until I started reading this forum (maxtools, thomas compressors, sandvik, flex, the list goes on). I try to frequent the pro tool stores but usually end up looking stupid asking about tools they have never heard of. I guess Michigan isn't the best state for great tool stores.
BTW: I have been wanting a pin nailer for years, but I have never met another carpenter who had one for me to try out. I was figuring on getting either the senco like most of my air tools or PC because it was cheap enough that I wouldn't kick myself for it's suckiness. I might try to expand my horizons and get an 'off' brand like the Cadex or Nikle.
thanks guys.
gk
Have you been to Performance Tool in Pontiac? Much better and full range than something like March Power Tool.You're right though, that even the good tool stores will not know about a lot of stuff. I've stopped asking.JT
Just for grins you might try a slightly larger font. (:-)
Bob
I have the Cadex too and it's a great tool. You're right about the crappy leaky oil bottle!
Billy
I've got a Cadex- far and away the best one I've used. Senco, porter cabel, and bostich are all frustrating to use by comparison.
Mine's a cadex CP23.35. It takes headless pins and slight head brads, from 1/2" to 1 3/8".
Being able to use the slight heads is a big plus. Surprisingly good holding strength with them. Many guns can't shoot them.
- gun has thin nose, easy to place. Comes with a no-mar tip.
- sets pin every time, never leaves them proud of the surface. Even the longest pins into hardwoods aren't a problem.
- has a smooth, solid feel when it fires. Almost seems to "slip" the nail into the wood.
- Comes with a reversible hook and a swivel fitting.
- It's one of those tools that if it was stolen today, I'd be buying a new one tomorrow...Buic
Grex is coming out with a new model that will shoot 1 3/4" pins! ( Just reviewed in the latest Wood Shop news) It's also available with a dry fire feature. My 1 yr old grex shoots 1 3/8" It is a great gun and I have had no problems with it. Wish I had the new gun now. New tool envy never stops.
Edited 8/10/2006 11:27 am ET by reinvent
I have a grex that works well. I believe it is the same as the Max. Several of them are the same gun just labled for different brands.
This gets discussed to death, do a search and you'll find all the info you can stand to read on the subject.
Or buy either the Cadex, Grex or Max and you wont go wrong!
Doug
I have a Cadex. Great tool. Buy one and you will never look at the Senco.
Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR Construction
Vancouver, Canada
Thanks to all that responded. Cadex looks like the winner. Where did you get your? On line or at a local outlet? Thanks again
http://www.floydtool.com/pin_nailer.htm
They have the best price on the Cadex.
Doug
and the best service.
which is far more important.
I have a Porter Cable, I think it can be improved upon.