I recently had a project where I wanted a pin nailer, and since I have a tool problem, I went down to the local box store and picked up a PC PIN138. I tested it out, playing with various pressures from the compressor from 70-110 psi (no depth of drive on the gun), but could never get it to consistently set the pin below flush. Thinking I had a dud, I exchanged it for another PC, and again had the same issues…so I ordered a Hitachi from amazon.com.
The Hitachi seemed to work better, but even still on the project (solid red oak) I had a few pins hold proud. I’m now three pin nailers in and starting to believe that I may be the weak link.
So, here is the two part question:
a. Is this a common issue with pin nailers in solid stock?
b. Is this operator error, and if so, what am I doing wrong? I pulled out my old trusty brad gun which will consistently drive nails well below flush at the same psi.
Thanks in advance.
Replies
SB
What length nails and are you doing small mitered returns?
in hardwoods I guess it could be a bit hard driving, but I've not encountered a problem very often with an at least 10 yr old PC. 1" max pin size.
Pin Nailer
I was using 1" pins (both PC and Grex, in case that was part of the issue) into beveled returns. It was 3/4" red oak stock.
SB
I do not have a problem. However, I've taken to quick gluing of those returns instead. I'll apply a couple dots of 2-P-10 and Titebond.
oak has a tendency to redirect nails.
But, out at the thinner point of the mitre, 1" pins might be a bit long. You are gluing as well, right? If so, then all your doing is holding the pc till it sets.
beats me, I'm trying to retire.
best of luck
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