Replies

1. 
   C._Webb | Jan 12, 2002 01:15am | #1

   *
   Stan, I have the clipped head version of your nail gun. While I am not a pro and have'nt used it day in and day out, When I have used it I have noticed that the depth that it sinks the nail does vary from time to time. I have never shot ring-shanks through it so I can't address that particular nail.

   I just figured that since it was my first gun that it was supposed to be like that, I did'nt figure I would be able to nail sheathing with it, and I kept my hammer handy.

   I bought it to build a some new decks with, I don't use it that much so I went for value, and I wish now that I would have gotten a framepro. It seems to me that with the better guns comes better consistency of depth.

   I am not sure if it has anything to do with the problem but I run 3/8 hoses with 1/4" fittings.

   I will eventually upgrade but since I am a part time user, I just deal with it.

   I have the P/C angle finish gun also, and don't have any complaints.

   I hope this helps.

   C

1. 
   Ralph27 | Jan 12, 2002 02:32am | #2

   *I have the clipped head Porter Cable version also. I like mine alot. It rarely misfires. It did take alot of adjustment to find the right combination of air pressure and adjusting the safety nose/depth attachment though. I have also found that you can make some adjustment by the angle you hold the gun. A nail on an angle will not drive as far as a strait one, in general. I have never found one that will drive flush in every wood every time.

1. 
   stan_ | Jan 13, 2002 12:01am | #3

   *Thanks, C. Webb. This is my first framing nailer too, so I wasn't sure if it was the gun or my expectations. I have a couple PC finish nailers and a PC roofing nailer and they all seem to be very consistent at driving their respective fastners home.I bought the framer to build a 840 square foot addition (additional stall for attached garage and a 400 square foot shop area, so II thought I could justify a framing gun. I tried a Paslode gun (cartridge Co2? powered) of a friends ( D-head nails) and it sunk every nail below the surface of the wood. Although this is not desired, it did have consistency.

1. 
   stan_ | Jan 13, 2002 12:06am | #4

   *When I get some free time ( in warmer weather!) I will try playing around more with the pressure and nosepiece. I set the nosepiece to drive into the wood the maximum amount and left it there for framing. (Had to change it for sheathing though)I also need to take the bump-trip trigger off. Found this out the hard way. Was holding a 2x6 stud to a plate for nailing, the recoil of the gun allowed it to double fire, except the second nail was at an angle--right into a finger. Drove the nail to the bone when it (fortunately) pushed the joint of the finger back and out of the way. The puncture wound wasn't anything, but the sprained joing and bruised bone lasted 3 months!

1. 
   Jim_Lovatt | Jan 15, 2002 12:55am | #5

   *Stan, I have the same nailer as you. It hits hard and has worked perfectly for many tens of thousands of nails. I usually set the air to ~95#. Less for sheathing. I think you got a bad gun...jim

2. 
   Steve_Joyce | Jan 15, 2002 11:56pm | #6

   *Jim - I also have the FR350....i haven't used it a ton yet but I have had no problems with its power yet. I have been running about the same, 90-100psi with it.SJ

3. 
   Matthew_Steadman | Jan 18, 2002 07:03am | #7

   *PC nailers are alright for occasional framing,but if you're serious about it you'll just buy a Hitachi and end the pain. I agree with Jim, your gun's a dud, try to get PC to replace it.

4. 
   stan_ | Feb 10, 2002 03:50am | #8

   *Thanks guys,I took the nailer to the local PC repair facility (we have a factory repair outlet about 15 miles away). After trying the gun, they agreed it was not up to snuff. It was totally rebuilt. Works better than it ever did before. I had to adjust the nose because I was driving 3.125 galv below the surface in 4x4 material (at 90 PSI no less)Thanks again to all that replied.PS The PC personnel were very cooperative and helpfull. I had heard negative comments and I was quite suprised.

5. 
   Phill_Giles | Feb 10, 2002 07:12am | #9

   *One thing I have noticed is that the smaller folks take the same gun and the same nails and leave them proud while the bigger folks drive them flush. Some sort of recoil effect.

6. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | Feb 11, 2002 06:21am | #10

   *That could be true, Phill. The gun does do the work of throwing the nail but if you are limp wristed (and this included the big guys, too) and don't have firm contact with the work the gun will recoil away from the surface and leave the nail proud.I have the PC350 now but in the past have used the Duofast boat anchor which by virtue of its weight will let even a 90 pound weakling bury a spike straight down but when held overhead for a shot even the muscle bound don't sink them all.