Nailer/Compressor Combo Suggestions

[Bob Moyer]

Is it feasible to purchase the 3 nailer/nailgun combos that are offered by Porter Cable or Bostitch. Any advice suggestions are greatly appreciated. Application will be a crown molding project; kitchen remodel with new baseboard, and door trim, picture frames, and birdhouse.

Thanks

[Daniel Berlin]

Is it feasible to purchase the 3 nailer/nailgun combos that are offered by Porter Cable or Bostitch. Any advice suggestions are greatly appreciated. Application will be a crown molding project; kitchen remodel with new baseboard, and door trim, picture frames, and birdhouse.

Thanks

Honestly?
None of them.
You can get a cheap compressor from HF that will last you through these projects for < 100 bucks, and buy better guns for less than the combo.

[Bob Moyer]

Honestly?
None of them.
You can get a cheap compressor from HF that will last you through these projects for < 100 bucks, and buy better guns for less than the combo.

Can you suggest what I would need for these projects? Thanks, this is why I love this forum.

[Tom Hargrove]

I bought the PC combo in late '04 to do the trim in our house remodel, and for other projects. I have fired in excess of fifteen thousand nails with only two or three misfires. I am careful to keep the guns oiled and clean, and they have never jammed on me.

On the downside, the stapler has limited size capacity - others in the same price range will fire longer staples. The compressor is really, really, really noisy. It has adequate capacity for trim guns, and can feed one frame nailer in moderate use, but not two at the same time. It will not feed continuous use tools such as wrenches or sanders. And yes, you can buy better components elsewhere. I won't represent that these PC tools would serve a professional well over an extended period of time.

With that being said, I would buy the combo again without hesitation for the uses you mentioned.

[Bob Moyer]

I am looking at the following combos; I researched this site and get pros and cons on all of them; some of them going back to 2005

Please comment on your recent experience.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HZGTIA

http://www.amazon.com/D55141FNBN-Heavy-Duty-16-Gauge-18-Gauge-Compressor/dp/B000HZGTF8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1212162020&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Bostitch-CPACK3-Finish-Stapler-Compressor/dp/B000JQSUUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1212670552&sr=1-1


These are $279.00 at the big box stores

Also; what else will I need.

Thanks

[Brian Weick]

A little word to the wise, in these "combo" deals, they are usually going to pair up the good nailer with a "oiless" compressor. Not a big fan of those at all. If you want something that your not going to have to repair every 2- 3 years, or less, get a compressor that requires "oil" for the compressor well, and I think you will be much happier.
I just purchased a 4 gallon pancake compressor for $89.00 2 weeks ago from Harbor Freight ~ normally $149.00 , around there and that is an oil filled compressor. The reason I bought the compressor from HF.
I have had a twin tank compressor from HF for over 5 years now that I paid $69.00 for, it was 1/2 off, I figured I would use it for a job and have to throw it out ~ not only was I wrong , but the compressor has been great with no problems~hence- that is why I "only" trust HF for my compressor needs, there nailer's???~ no,poorly made from what I hear, but the compressors~yes.
Right now I have 2 PC pancake compressors ~ oiless ~ that have stopped working after 3 years , I am repairing them for a friend of mine ~ the part is around $27.00 , but if you have them fix it ~ $87.00 ~ you are almost at the thresholded of what you paid for it at that point. My friend is going to run these out he said, and the next one he is getting is the "oil filled" compressors. I am not into disposable power tools so that is why I will only trust HF's compressors~ and not all of there other "power tools"
Just my thought on this one, :rolleyes:
Brian

[Brian Weick]

I am looking at the following combos; I researched this site and get pros and cons on all of them; some of them going back to 2005

Please comment on your recent experience.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HZGTIA

http://www.amazon.com/D55141FNBN-Heavy-Duty-16-Gauge-18-Gauge-Compressor/dp/B000HZGTF8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1212162020&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Bostitch-CPACK3-Finish-Stapler-Compressor/dp/B000JQSUUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1212670552&sr=1-1


These are $279.00 at the big box stores



Also; what else will I need.

Thanks
If it were me - you don't need all of those, I would get this Pairing (http://www.amazon.com/Porter-DA250BBN-Finish-Nailer-DA250B/dp/B0012NXJYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1212672708&sr=1-1) and get the compressor form HF , it will cost you less than $279.00 for everything . but you will have a oil filled compressor and 2 very good finishing nailer's that will last.
just my 2 cents
Brian

[Bob Moyer]

After visiting Harbor Freight, Lowes and Home Depot, I purchased the Porter Cable Combo for $279.99 less a 20% discount coupon I had.

[Prashun Patel]

Having bought a PC combo deal for the same thing yr gonna use it for, I can offer the following advice:

1) You won't use the 'pin' nailers for much unless you do upholstery.
2) Make sure the 18ga nailer shoots 2" or 2 1/2" brads. They try to sneak the 1 1/4" nailers in there which are IMHO useless for any trim.
3) The pancake compressors are loud and heavy and unwieldy.

My combo has served me well, but if I could do it again, I'd get the following:

1) Makita Hotdog Mac700. It's oiled, but it's QUIET, which makes it ideal for a homeowner.
2) an 18ga brad nailer 2". Bostitch gets good reviews on this, but I swear by my Porter Cable. You can usually get a reconditioned one from Toolking or the like fairly cheap.
3) a 15ga Finish nailer. If you do door jambs or thicker crown or closets, this is indispensible. I got a great Dewalt recond for like $130 (angled) which I love.

You'll pay slightly more than if you combo it, but I really think it's worth it.