Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 01, 1999 08:39pm | #1

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   I buy when the need really arises i.e. I get a big job and I can justify the expense. I have been interested in a cordless trimmer from Porter Cable, but saw some bad reviews here so am waiting.

   A 1 horse pancake should run a framing nailer, you just may not be able to bang down sheathing as fast, but going a little slower it will work. Also, they are easier to lug around for trim. I have trim guns and love them, so much faster and easier than hammering. I may have to set an occasional nail but that is it.

   Try renting equipment for a day when you need it to see how it goes. You might only buy one gun and rent others while saving for your own. I rent roofing nailers, because I only do occasional roofing.

   I would not get an electric brad nailer. I was tempted years ago when I was in your shoes, but I held out. Don't know, but I doubt they work real well.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 02, 1999 03:09am | #2

   *Tim: I think you're in the market for a compressor and TWO nailers because the framing nailer can't be used for trim work. I use my nailers off a 1 hp pancake compressor and it works fine. Lots of sheathing or fast framing by two workers would deplete the air supply, but doing remodelling by myself, I don't approach its capacity. Consider that you not only save time and your arm, but nailers do a better job. Toenailing without banging the wood all around and, during remodelling, framing without knocking all the old plaster of the walls. And the trim nailer can shoot brads into thin wood without splitting it as often. I picked a trim nailer that took a wide range of brad sizes and have found that helpful for cabinets, baseboards, and crown modeling - often picking different brad sizes from task to task. -David

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 05, 1999 10:55am | #4

   *Tim:I resisted buying the compressor/gun arsenal assortment for years. I started out with the Paslode cordless finish nailer thinking (incorrectly) that it would save me money, but it did save me time. I still use it almost every day, even though I now have a bunch of pnuematic guns as well. When I'm on a bigger job that will justify the hassle of dragging along a compressor/hoses, etc., I use air stuff. Otherwise, I use my Paslode(s). Easier on my back, too!Brad

2. 
   Tim_J. | Jan 05, 1999 10:55am | #3

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   I am in my fourth month in my new home improvement business, and things are going well. I am learning a lot on the job as well as from this list. When is a good time to consider a major purchase like an air nailer/compressor set-up? I know it will save me time with finish and framing work, but how much? Will a small 1 HP pancake compressor be adequate to start with to run a framing or finish gun? How about buying one of the electric brad nailers in the meantime until I get the cash? I do all different kinds of work, residentially so I wouldn't use a nailer every day. I have never used one, so fill me in please.