Replies

1. 
   David_Rosendale | Dec 22, 1998 05:40pm | #1

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   I am very fond of Porter Cable and their line of finish guns.

2. 
   Rich_B. | Dec 22, 1998 06:35pm | #2

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   Ditto. I've used both the 16 and 15 ga nailers, and own the 15 ga.

   For general home use, IMHO, they are priced correctly and provide reliable service.

3. 
   Guest_ | Dec 23, 1998 04:44am | #3

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   Porter cable makes good stuff but they have falled short with there "Bammer's" stick to their air models and you should be fine.

4. 
   philkeena | Dec 23, 1998 04:48am | #4

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   I HAVE THE STANLEY BOSTITCH FINISH NAILER AND HAVE
   BEEN EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH IT. THE PRICE WAS A
   DETERMINING FACTOR ALSO.

1. 
   cavemike_ | Dec 23, 1998 05:21am | #5

   *Senco nail guns and real wood. MDF is crap.

5. 
   Guest_ | Dec 23, 1998 06:26am | #6

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   The Stanley has served me well, also.

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 23, 1998 06:54am | #7

   *Depends if it"s for every day use or not. We have Sencos and PC's. We have had the Sencos for 8 to 10 yrs and have only had to replace some worn drivers. The PC we have had about a year and it's already been in the shop for repair. they just don't seem as rugged as Senco. You can't go wrong with Senco. Barry E

6. 
   Mike_Merisko | Dec 23, 1998 07:37am | #8

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   I have also use Senco and without a problemin the 8 years I have owned them.

1. 
   Dann_P. | Dec 23, 1998 09:21am | #9

   *Senco distributors almost always stock "repair kits" for very few dollars so in the unlikely event that your Senco fails...you can overhaul it with an inexpensive kit without sending it to repair centers and waiting for the next ice age. I've had great luck and reliable service with my 18 gauge Hitachi gun too!

1. 
   Fred_B | Dec 24, 1998 11:33pm | #10

   *Having used a variety of brands over time I now have settled on Porter-Cable. The only exception is the airless model,Bammer. Like the airless models from other brands it just is too heavy, too expensive and too unreliable for practical use. Stay with compressor models regardless of the brand selected.Porter-Cables are tough, reliable and use any brand nail that has a similiar feed angle. I am real happy with the FR250 that I used on the last trim job. But pick one that feels best and has the right size nail for your application.

7. 
   Guest_ | Jan 05, 1999 11:27am | #11

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   Atleast CONSIDER the Paslode cordless finish nailers...mine has been VERY reliable, and can be put into service quickly. They aren't for everyone, but once you've used one, they're hard to put away. I find mine on loan far more often than I'd like!

8. 
   Steven_I. | Jan 05, 1999 01:03pm | #12

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   I use Porter Cable also, a 15ga. and an 18ga., and haven't had any problems.

1. 
   DAVE_WILLIAMS | Jan 07, 1999 08:14am | #13

   *CAVEMIKE,I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT THERE ARE STILL SOME REAL WOOD LOVERS OUT THERE! PLUS SENCO IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO. THE OTHER TOOLS ARE FOR ROOKIES

1. 
   Joe_Zeppy | Jan 07, 1999 10:57am | #14

   *First of all, I agree with one respondent that MDF is crap. It stinks and burns blades and bits like nothing else. Secondly, I dissagree that only Senco nailers are for the pro's. I started out with Senco's back in the early 80's when SoCal was hopping. True they are among the best, but when you compare the price of nails to the universal non-angled variety you can buy yourself two guns with the savings over the course of a year or less. I agree with the gent who recomended Bostich. Not a fancy gun, but a true workhorse for the money. Personally I like the Hitachi if your willing to spend a few more bucks. Stay away from Porter Cable, junk. Visit our site for more: http://WWW.users.net/~hammerhead

1. 
   John_A._Rorabacher | Jan 09, 1999 08:10am | #15

   *I purchased one of Porter-Cable's "Bammers" and after only a few hours of use, I returned it. It is the worst product created by P-C in a long time. The biggest problem is having to plunge the working head to charge the engine. The 17lbs. of pressure required, when you are balancing on a ladder trying to install a stubborn piece of crown molding, is totally unacceptable. The Paslode cordless, gas-powered finish nailer has its drawbacks, but is a much easier tool to use than the "Bammer".

1. 
   Donimal | Jan 10, 1999 07:06am | #16

   *I have to agree with most of the comments,,, PC finish nailers are not in the same league as Sencos which I feel are the Caddies of finish guns. My 12 year old Bostich keeps sink'n though. Also, go with real wood, even if it's pine.

2. 
   Donimal | Jan 10, 1999 07:09am | #17

   *I have to agree with most of the comments,,, PC finish nailers are not in the same league as Sencos which I feel are the Caddies of finish guns. My 12 year old Bostich keeps sink'n 'em though. Also, go with real wood, even if it's pine.

3. 
   bill_usher | Jan 10, 1999 08:39am | #18

   *Terry; I have a S-B nailer, and I'm quite happy with it, only one breakdown, water in the gun, cleaned up fine.

4. 
   dudley_ | Jan 19, 1999 06:41pm | #19

   *Paslode trim pluse is the only way to go -- its name is the real moniker, it is truly an impulse sort of thing. When dry wall screws came out with battery powered drills -- they were the rage. The Impulse I have been using for 4 years is really a joy to use -- and I don't loan it out.

9. 
   Guest_ | Jan 19, 1999 07:39pm | #20

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   Go with Dave. Spend the $$ and get an SFN40, i think that is the number on Sencos finish nailer. I love mine and I know you will love yours!!

10. 
    bill_pinkus | Jan 27, 1999 04:04am | #21

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    Senco finish nailers are far ahead of the rest. There does seem to be a small problem with the newer sfn40 skipping with 2.5" nails. MDF trim is o.k. until you try to paint it, you will see every nail hole. As a custom builder with over 9 years and 30+ houses, i used MDF on one project. NEVER AGAIN!!! Real men need real guns shooting into real wood.

1. 
   Stephen_Cantone | Jan 30, 1999 07:15am | #22

   *I agree with Bill, the Senco finish gun is the best around . I have owned a Senco SFN series finsh gun for six years without the skipping problem Bill described. The gun has never given me a lick of trouble, is extremely rugged, well made, and reliable. If you pick up another gunand hold it in your hand after holding the Senco, you'll think you were picking up a toy. These guns cost a little more, but are worth every penny. Quality costs.

1. 
   J._Elmer | Jan 31, 1999 10:55pm | #23

   *I agree with the remarks regarding the compressor driven nailers.However, since buying a TrimpulseII nailer, I think I've had my Senco out about three times and those times were because the Paslode does not operate below 25 degrees F. A minor but sometimes frustrating drawback. They are easy to field clean, too. Also, go with REAL WOOD!!! Our MDF venture was a nightmare-HATED IT!!

1. 
   Russell_Seaton | Feb 01, 1999 06:48am | #24

   *Does your gas/battery/cordless Paslode Trimplus replace your pneumatic finish gun? Is it used to trim an entire house?

1. 
   J._Elmer | Feb 02, 1999 06:08am | #25

   *Russell S., Usually, when trimming an entire house, we have two or three guys working so we have a compressor and Senco's plus brad nailers going. The Paslode is great because I can move from door to door, quickly doing casing without the hassle of dragging hoses around. Then one of the other crew can follow up doing b-board with the Senco. Those doing the b-board are usually less skilled and will spend longer amounts of time in a given area and the dragging around of the hose is not so much of a hassle. Amazing to think as I type this that a few short years ago hoses were praised because they were hooked to the almighty nail gun. How the times they are a changing!!!

2. 
   thadeus | Feb 09, 1999 11:18pm | #26

   *OK GUYS, YOU HAVE ME SOLD ON SENCO GUNS, WHICH COMPRESSOR DO YOU ALL RECOMMEND

3. 
   StevenH_ | Feb 15, 1999 02:39am | #27

   *I've been thinking now was the time to start buying nail guns too, since my shoulder isn't what it used to be and the construction season is about to get going again. A local shop is offering to sell me a Senco model 325 for $150. It looks like a well-used framing gun, and it isn't listed in the new catalogs. Is this a good buy, and what's it good for? Thanks for any helpful advice.

4. 
   Dennis_Loeffler | Feb 16, 1999 11:43pm | #28

   *While browsing thru one of my back issues of FHB, I noticed one author using a 16 Ga nailer for casing next to the frame. I have been using a brad nailer for the casing that is towards the door, window, and 15 Ga for attaching the casing to the trimmers. Any comments on the use of brad nailers (18 Ga) vs 16 Ga in this situation? Note: I have the Senco Sfn40 and a PC brad nailer.

5. 
   Russell_Seaton | Feb 17, 1999 04:26am | #29

   *Fine Homebuilding did a review of framing nailers about 1-2 or so years ago. They really liked the Senco coil framer and the Senco 325 you mentioned. Hunt through the FH site for back issues and get it for the review. Also go over to this site for a review of framing guns.http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/content/tools/1998/spr98/nailer/nailer1.aspFH also did a review of finish guns about a year or so ago too.

6. 
   StevenH_ | Feb 17, 1999 07:13am | #30

   *Thanks, I'll be sure and check out the old FHB. I greatly appreciate the information about the Senco 325.

11. 
    Guest_ | Feb 17, 1999 07:13am | #31

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    I will be doing finishing work in my house in about 2 months.
    Will be using MDF casing. Can anyone point me in the right direction in purchasing a finish nail gun?