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Nailer or stapler for bamboo floor?

lowtech | Posted in Tools for Home Building on March 26, 2009 07:20am

I purchased 1200 sq. ft. bamboo flooring from Costco 1/2″ thick Wellmade brand Wilsonvillle, OR. I have read some blogs about installation and problems with splitting the product because of 15.5 gauge staples x1 1/2 long. Any sugestions about staples vs. nails and a good reliable tool? I was set to buy a Bostich MIII stapler but decided to get some more info.    Thanks

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  1. calvin | Mar 26, 2009 02:04pm | #1

    I've used 2'' staples in the big bostich on bamboo with good success.  You'll need to take the air down.  Remembering 70lbs or so.  Test b/4 you get at it.  Stay away from the ends a couple inches.  If you need to know the ga. of the staple I can look in the shop.

    I looked, 1/2'' crown 2'' from Prebena.  No ga. on the box.

    A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

     



    Edited 3/26/2009 7:14 am ET by calvin

    1. JLazaro317 | Apr 11, 2009 12:56am | #6

      Cal,

      How ya been, stranger. I've been away from here for a while working my arse off. I always know when I have a question I can come back for help.

      I'm hitting it at both ends here. I asked Mongo for his opinion and while I'm waiting for his reply, I'll ask yours. I've got a bamboo job coming up, I've got the big bad Bostitch (MIIIFS), and did you use the 1/2" shoe on yours vs. the 3/4" shoe? The flooring is 5/8"

      Thanks,John

      J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

      Indianapolis, In.

      “You can either wait for the storm to pass, or you can learn to dance in the rain.”

      "I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office."—Washington, D.C., May 12, 2008

       

      1. calvin | Apr 11, 2009 01:09am | #7

        A couple of times I worked with my Cleveland flooring friend, not sure if we had a 5/8's pad or not.  Eddie led the charge.

        Know that you can make an adjustment with back of notepad cardboard, laminate chips.........etc.

        Dial the air down and test fit.  That seemed to be more critical on tongues holding up.

        Good to hear you have business.   A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        http://www.quittintime.com/

         

        1. JLazaro317 | Apr 11, 2009 03:36am | #8

          Thanks, Cal.

          How's business on your end? We're a bit slow but keeping busy. I've got 3 houses in various stages and trying for 3 more. Even remodeling has slowed to a trickle. I'm hoping once the weather improves that things will improve.John

          J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

          Indianapolis, In.

          “You can either wait for the storm to pass, or you can learn to dance in the rain.”

          "I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office."—Washington, D.C., May 12, 2008

           

          1. calvin | Apr 11, 2009 04:20am | #9

            John, I'd call it consistantly mediocre.  Work, but not anywhere near last yr.

            I've got two jobs in public places.  Bid them last yr.  Got them this spring.  One I have to schedule "when", 2 mo's in advance for 3 days work.

            The other, have to work around a private clubs restaurant rentals schedule.

            Oh yeah, fit the weather in there somehow too.  For me it's odd, I'm used to my schedule, when I get to it I go to it.  I don't do two at a time.  Don't have brains enough for that. 

            So keeping ok doing small jobs.  A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          2. JLazaro317 | Apr 11, 2009 04:45am | #10

            You could juggle 2 jobs easily....just means less time on the golf course.

             John

            J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

            Indianapolis, In.

            “You can either wait for the storm to pass, or you can learn to dance in the rain.”

            "I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office."—Washington, D.C., May 12, 2008

             

          3. calvin | Apr 11, 2009 05:02am | #11

            It's not the juggling, it's when you drop the ball.

            Being one guy, there's nobody else to send.

            Pizz's em off if you don't show.

            Golf?  that's after 5.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

  2. Waters | Mar 26, 2009 06:51pm | #2

    Low-etch,

    Here's an online how to I found on bamboo flooring - http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/article.asp?article_id=60347

    This guy's using what looks to be your everyday stapler.  I'd go with Calvin's rec. on that 2" long 1/2" crown staple, which is probably 16gau?

    The article speaks of adjusting the pressure on the unit so as to set the staples correctly without damaging the material.

    Then go SURFING!

    :-)

     

  3. BillBrennen | Apr 02, 2009 07:10am | #3

    I did a bamboo floor with staples, they were 2" by 15 gauge staples, shot through a Bostitch flooring stapler. Cleats work as well as staples, so I have heard.

    The floor was fully acclimated before fastening, but it squeaked after I put it down. Major bummer. Then the squeaks magically went away after a few days. It was really weird and I still don't know why or how it happened, but I was happy to take it!

    That was in 2003. Floor is still quiet to walk on. Still a happy mystery.

    Bill

  4. wallyo | Apr 02, 2009 07:48am | #4

    lowtech I installed the Costco flooring with staples no problem bostich 15g 2 inch.

    1. AGRACE | Apr 05, 2009 12:01am | #5

      We used a manual porta-nailer but we had to buy an optional shoe. I love the porta-nailer nails

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