Kev Godwin
05-01-2009, 10:57 PM
I build small bird feeders and birdhouses as gifts for people and often make some theme bird houses as well. A lot of these assemblies have small decorative pieces of pine, cedar and redwood that are attached with 18 ga brads and 23 ga pins. Sometimes the 18 ga brads split thin pieces when I try to attach pieces near the end grain. Sometimes even connecting the enclosures also is a problem.
My question is twofold. Could I moisten the wood to reduce the times I have problems with splitting with the brad nailer or would I just be better off using a fast setting exterior glue and a couple 23 ga pins instead?
I will say I have had a few problems with a couple bird houses that fractured due to swelling from exterior moisture. Those that fractured were much more heavily glued than the others.
Any recommendations is appreciated. Thanks Creekers.
Kev
My question is twofold. Could I moisten the wood to reduce the times I have problems with splitting with the brad nailer or would I just be better off using a fast setting exterior glue and a couple 23 ga pins instead?
I will say I have had a few problems with a couple bird houses that fractured due to swelling from exterior moisture. Those that fractured were much more heavily glued than the others.
Any recommendations is appreciated. Thanks Creekers.
Kev