Framing gun slection ?

[Swerve]

All,

Need some help in selecting a framing gun ?

Starting off I haven’t a clue, what model I should get ? gas or air ? etc.

So hoping some chippies here can set me straight. (Dave ?)

About to start laying the bearers and joints the next few weeks, yellow tounge flooring, framing, cladding. Once I finish this build I will have some house fences to do, but not much all in the future.

Talking on the owner builder forums, most would recommend an air framing gun and a direct drive compressor, my Chinese cheap compressor is crap anyway and at least the compressor will get a continued work out then going for a gas framing gun. Still I like the thought of the portability of a gas framing gun.

So in reality the gun will get 3-6 months of use while I finish the build, then handyman type stuff afterwards.

Happy to pay around $500, preferably new. Recommendations ?

[Esteban]

The gas framing gun is not a production gun, so you'll get bored and will be with fumes all day. Cost wise in the long run will be a lot more, since the fuel cells are an added cost. They are a beauty once you consider that inside is a piston that works very much like a gas engine. Fuel goes in, a spark is created, and the piston drives the nail.

Hitachi is a reputable brand. Max is another one (believe is made in Taiwan). I guess that all depends on servicing the gun from time to time, or if you want to sell afterwards. Then, just go with what people over there are using.

[Coyote Patrol]

I bought a Bostitch air framing nailer about 12 years ago. Ive put tons of nails through it. It still works like new today. I would definitely buy another. I also have a Rigid air nailer i bought about 6 years ago, not so many nails put through it, but i like it as well. PS: be careful toe nailing with the air or gas, the nail will bend and follow the board. If your hand is in the way, well it hurts! BAD!

[faux40]

I think mine is a Porter-Cable. I really like it and have put lots and lots of nails through it. I had bad luck with a craftsman. Also, at least in California, clipped head nails are not up to code so I suggest avoiding those.

Good luck!

John

[bosque]

Air rules. Paslode and othe gas and battery guns are specialty and have special problems.
When I framed exclusively I used a Halston brand gun but that was eons ago. Today I frame some interior walls and stair cases and I need a light gun. I use a Porter-Cable Round Head Framing Nailer FR350A. Shoots those angled clips of 16d's (82mm x 3.3) and 8d's. It has some depth drive adjustment, a way to have it shoot a nail on contact with the tip or restrictive mode where you must contact surface then pull trigger, and a professional feel to it. Some guys think Porter Cable sucks but I think they make really worthy tools.
That compressor will get killed if two guns are working it. One gun sporadically will be max for a limp compressor.
I would seriously consider a el cheapo gun though for just this job. The warranty will be short but so is the job. If they will exchange a broken one on the spot you will not have down time. If that is a worry spend the $250 for a PC. http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-FR35 ... B0000B3AR9
Good luck. Slay it Swerve!

[Swerve]

Have now decided to get a 2nd hand belt driven compressor and air tools. Watching a good auction now on fleabay of this with both senco frame and finish nailers.

[bosque]

I have 2 Senco finish nailers, quality.
You'll find the skinny hoses may not have the air volume to shoot a framing nailer. FYI

[Esteban]

You'll find the skinny hoses may not have the air volume to shoot a framing nailer. FYI

David, at the company that I work, the carpenters are using those clear, braided hoses all the time, and sometimes with lengths of 100' (30m) They are very flexible and definitely will help you fight the added weight and stiffness of the heavy duty ones. And probably Steve is not going to enter any driving nail competition. For a production type application, yes, they will restrict the flow as you say.

[Swerve]

[bosque]

Stevo,
I bet that thing could power a sand blaster or a media blaster box!!!
Clean new Patrol parts.......