We looked at bostich & hitachi at Lowes. There were choices of 15, 16 and 18 guage. Also some were oil free.
What are benefits of oil free. Hitachi cost more but was not oil free. Which guage will do the job.
I will appreciate any help I can get so I get the right equipment for this job but not spend more than I need.
Oil free is not a gun I would want. Simply because the parts wear faster and replacement costs are higher. Using a gun that requires one or two drips of oil every few days when using it all the time is not that big a price to pay for this device. ...»
As far as nail size. The three Gauge nail sizes would depend upon exactly what your going to use the gun for in the future. Sure the smaller nail size may be great for doing picture frames, but that is about it. Forget about doing larger trim projects. The same goes with the larger nail size. You will be able to install trims, but on fine woodwork items it may split the wood. So you need to determine just how important this gun will be for you and what your primary use will be. Otherwise you will end up with a tool that you only use once then collects dust.
Also remember the smaller the nail gauge the shorter the nail you can purchase. Also something to consider.
Stick with larger brand names when it comes to tools that require accessories. You want to be able to purchase these parts at all supply stores, not just one that only sells at one store and not the others.
Sure you can purchase nails that are universal for many gun types, but your not always able to do this at all lumber yards and home centers.
I think Senco and Hitachi are the very top of the line. But I dont think you need top of the line if only going to use it occasionally.
Good luck, enjoy and most importantly, be careful.
all of them are the oil type. One argument for oil free is the "convenience" but also some woodworkers prefer it as it reduces the chance of oil contamination on the wood itself for future "finishing" issues. As long as your not "over oiling" this has never been a problem for me.
MY boo boo. More boo's to come later. Thank you a lot.
I'll send pictures when we get the strips done. Hopefully tomorrow.