glkravit Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Hi all, I'm as new as new can be both to this forum and woodworking in general. The last time I built something was in high school shop class in 1978. My only experience working with wood has been balsa and light birch plywood while building radio controlled model aircraft, though I built a lot of them. Today, when I'm not working, I paint. I saw the finished black walnut easel posted here on this forum while Googling plans and was impressed. So I ordered the plans and am in the process of building one of myself. Photos below. I realized while building this that maybe a finishing nail gun would be better than hand hammering all the nails into the oak. In many cases I screwed them up and had to pull them, renail, and then fill holes. At the end of the day it all worked out but I'd like to do a better job as I will be building a second easel, and then perhaps other projects. Can anyone suggest a decent nail gun for me, please? I don't want to spend a ton of money, but i'm prepared to pay for value. Photo of easel attached - still needs to be finished and assembled. Thanks, Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayWC Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I highly recommend a DEWALT D51257K 1-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch 16 Gauge Finish Nailer - http://tinyurl.com/25vnvar I have it. I've used it. I love it. Price, performance and power are all good. I comes in a case ready to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechwood Chip Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Do you want pneumatic, corded electric, or battery powered? Do you already have an air compressor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmac Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 At the end of the day it all worked out but I'd like to do a better job as I will be building a second easel, and then perhaps other projects. Guess it depends on what type of projects you want to do, but I wonder if you'd be better off to forget the nail gun and instead buy a bunch of clamps and a bottle of glue. -- Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glkravit Posted December 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Thanks all, I do have an air compressor, a bottle of glue, and some clamps. I want an nail gun to work a little quicker and hold things in place while the glue dries. Maybe that's breaking some kind of convention or etiquette? I went to Home Depot today and browsed. I like the Dewalt mentioned by JAYWC, but I also looked a Porter Cable that was priced at like 70. It handles 16 gauge and up to 1 3/8" nails, I think. Thanks for your suggestions. Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 For this particular project I don't know that this would be the gun, but one of the nailers that I use the most often is a pin nailer http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-PIN100-2-Inch-1-Inch-23-Gauge/dp/B00006411F It leaves a mark that is VERY minor (I would say almost invisible, but not quite). Typically I use it when I am a little behind and don't want to wait for glue to set up before I can handle a small project (small project being the key word ) It allows me to glue and pin something and keep on rolling without the wait. I don't rely on the pin itself for any structural strength; just to keep things in place while gently handling them. Surprisingly the little guys have a lot of holding power. I was skeptical until I had to try and pry a test piece apart (without any glue). I really like it, but for something of the easel project might be a little under what you need... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmac Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Maybe that's breaking some kind of convention or etiquette? Some people will argue on principle against any kind of metal fasteners in furniture. I'm not a purist in that way, but for really nice stuff, I don't think most folks want to see either nail heads or the results of an attempt to hide them. That's why I said it depends on what kind of things you want to build. For lots of projects, there wouldn't be a problem, and nails are for sure a good way to hold things while the glue dries. -- Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glkravit Posted December 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 For this particular project I don't know that this would be the gun, but one of the nailers that I use the most often is a pin nailer http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/B00006411F Thanks Boatworks. That's a neat little pin nailer. I think I will go with something a little bit more substantial so that I have some flexibility as I move on to other projects. Best, Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glkravit Posted December 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Some people will argue on principle against any kind of metal fasteners in furniture. I'm not a purist in that way, but for really nice stuff, I don't think most folks want to see either nail heads or the results of an attempt to hide them. That's why I said it depends on what kind of things you want to build. For lots of projects, there wouldn't be a problem, and nails are for sure a good way to hold things while the glue dries. -- Russ Excellent, Russ. That's what I was wondering about. How should I phrase this ... I'm more of a utilitarian at this moment than looking to create real works of art. That doesn't mean that I won't continue to work with wood and get there, in fact, knowing myself I probably will. For right now I just want a bad-ass easel that will work and get me painting ASAP. I do appreciate the explanation! Thanks, Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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