Replies

1. 
   andybuildz | Feb 01, 2003 11:44pm | #1

   why arent you a fan of Paslode?

   a

   "Attachment is the strongest block to realization"
   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

1. 
   woodtick | Feb 02, 2003 01:36am | #5

   My experience with Pasalodes is that they are unreliable.  I own one of the old black ones that would be better served as a boat anchor.  I have also used the newer versions.  I used them for punch work, so I would only shoot a few nails an hour.  They wouldn't fire and then I would have to figure out if the fuel cell was empty or the battery was dead.  To Pasalodes credit I own a framer and two brad nailers that require air and all three are Pasalodes.  I also know several builders that swear by Pasalodes.  For some reason I have had less than good luck with them and do not want to invest the money in that system.

1. 
   andybuildz | Feb 02, 2003 01:46am | #7

   woodtick.......just asking cause I been looking on Ebay and seeing bout getting the framer one for under two bills if possible.    Just as a backup to places I dont want to deal with hooking up my hoses....Maybe it really isnt worth it.

   a"Attachment is the strongest block to realization"http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

1. 
   woodtick | Feb 02, 2003 05:59am | #9

   I have heard enough good things about the new Pasalodes that one day I may buy a new one for the same reasons.  I bought the black Pasalode used, based on my experience with that one and the others I would not invest in a used gun. 

1. 
   user-22015 | Feb 02, 2003 11:27am | #10

   Woodtick--I sympathize with your frustrations with the 'blackie' Paslodes,  but you may have given up too soon!

   I  bought the IM-325 black angled framing nailer used 11 years ago;  and I was having trouble getting it to fire consistently.  I soon discovered that the contact between the magazine and the body of the gun wasn't great.  I bent up the  contacts,  this helped,  but for a top shelf tune-up I installed new contacts.  Also I am careful to push the slotted magazine attachment fully towards the body when tightening the knob--it is possible to secure it some distance from 'home' position.  I rarely have to undo the magazine, however--jams are not common for me.

   Something else I improved on was tightening the grip of the tab that keeps the battery in the chute.   I glued a coin onto the tab--it pushes the battery more securely into the chute;  I had noticed that sometimes overhead/out of position nailing caused a 'power failure'  and this fixed it for me.......

   Lastly,  make sure you are using fuel canisters that still have  fuel in them:  these things have a residual liquid or filler in them that is perhaps to help them dispense effectively;   that means they still have a little weight and liquid feel to them even when they are truly spent.  (Ask Paslode exactly what this is.....maybe it stabilises the fuel like in acetylene tanks??????nahhhh....)

   In anycase,  if your battery shows good charge by making the green light glow if the battery is well seated in the charger,  then change out the gas canister--you will be glad you did and the gun should respond right away.   I think a lot of users must get fooled when they shake the spent canisters and mistakenly decide that they still have gas in them.......but overall, I  do get good 'mileage' out of the canisters.  Used only 3 I think, when I built my 950 sq. ft. workshop, including sheathing, siding,  framing;  all of it.  Also,  I am using the ORIGINAL battery still!   Hard for me to believe, too.    (way outlasted  my Makita 9 volt batteries.)

   I love this tool---and my elbows thank me for it, too.  I have heard that the Senco airless nailers have a 'pause' when you press the trigger,  something like waiting for the recoil mechanism to set up each time..... if that is true,  I would not like it compared to the rapid nailing of my Paslode---don't want to hold a nailgun up any longer than I have to!

   cheers,  'Lil'  Acorn.   (think oak tree)

2. 
   MRockwell | Feb 01, 2003 11:49pm | #2

   woodtick,

   I got a new Senco 18ga. battery powered nailer about a week ago.  The Senco isn't made for production work, but is great for small jobs and punch-list items.  The way I was explained that it works is through centrifugal motion.  You press the safety down on what you're nailing, pull the trigger, and the motor winds up and shoots the nail.  It sounds like a lengthy process, but it's fairly quick.  When I got mine, I was worried about driving nails in oak.  When I tested it out, it worked great, after playing a bit on the depth adjustment.  I plan on making marks on the gun referencing what depth setting to use for what wood.  Try checking out a Senco dealer in your area and seeing if you can "test-drive" one while you are there, that's how I got to know how they work.  Hope this helps.

   Mitch

3. 
   Shoeman | Feb 02, 2003 12:01am | #3

   Kinda with Andy with this one - curious why you are not a Paslode fan.  I have the 16 gauge angled nailer, and the 18 gauge and they are some of my favorite tools.  Really like the feel of that angled 16 gauge. 

   Not real sure how the Sencos work.  Looked at them briefly in a store once and it seemed to me that they were a lot larger in size than the Paslodes.  If you want to try one though - now is the time.  Recently saw an ad in a magazine - believe it may have been the most recent FineHomebuilding, that metioned Senco was running rebates of $25 - 50 on the air free guns now and they want you to try them for like 60 days and if you don't like them they will refund your money - plus give you an extra $20.  

   Seems like a good time to test them out if you are interested.  Go for it and report back to us.  Also please let us know why you are not a Paslode fan.

   Shoe 

   Just checked the Senco website http://www.senco.com/rebate/index.asp seems the rebate is and test drive deal is still on.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/1/2003 4:06:04 PM ET by Shoeman

1. 
   Piffin | Feb 02, 2003 12:10am | #4

   Maybe his first Paslode was, like mine, an old black framer that continually disappointed him. A beautiful woman with promises of a good time who rarely showed up on time, if at all.

   But I've got two of the 16ga. trimpulses, old blackie and new orange racer, and both are amoung my favorite tools..

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   Shoeman | Feb 02, 2003 02:42pm | #11

   the "new orange racer" you mention - is that the angled (IM250A)?  Man that thing fits my hand nice!  Think it must be my favorite tool.  I also have the angled framer (IM325 I think) - being a remodeler it comes in pretty handy.  Works great on new spf studs - not so good going into hard materials.  If I need to nail together some lvls or do any serious amount of framing, I roll out the hoses and and the F-350S.

1. 
   RodBishop | Feb 02, 2003 02:59pm | #12

   Hi woodtick,

   Gotta say, it looks like Paslode is what you want, wether you realize it or not. I've got the framer (3 yrs.old), and the 18 gauge trim gun, (1.5 yrs) and haven't had any trouble with them. Just have to set the depth gauge correctly, (not too hard), and keep them clean. Just routine maintanance.

   It's not that hard to figure out when you need a fresh battery. Or a new fuel cell.

   I've heard those Senco guns. They sound like a toy. Haven't tried one yet though.

                                                                                                            Rod

2. 
   woodtick | Feb 02, 2003 01:38am | #6

   Yes this helps a lot.  Thank you for the information.

4. 
   artacoma | Feb 02, 2003 04:07am | #8

   I've been thinking of going cordless for awhile to but every time I go into the store and see those porter cables I bust a gut and can't continue . rik