"Pistol_Pete" wrote in message
...
I need some advice about a pneumatic brad nailer. I've never had one,
and they look like they would be a real help when the guys on TV use
them. Question #1: Is an eighteen gauge nailer what I want? I will be
building a bookcase/desk out of ¾” plywood (to be painted) and I'll be
using the nailer to attach trim around the top, and to put on the
backs of the bookcases (½” plywood). Not sure just yet if I will use
it for the shelves, but I'm pretty sure I won't – they will probably
be adjustable.

I really know nothing about brad sizes. If I don't buy any air nailer,
I will probably use 1 ½” brads to attach the backs (with glue of
course) but a pneumatic nailer would make the job a whole lot easier.
I think ¾” or 5/8” brads of any diameter would be good for the trim
but I question if 18 ga. x 1 ½” would be big enough. The piece will be
built-in, and screwed to the wall through the plywood back, which is
the reason for using the ½” plywood instead of ¼”.

Question #2: Some nailers also drive staples. What are staples good
for? Upholstery? Insulation?

It goes like this: Once you get one, you will find out that one does not go
all things. Depending on what other things you do, you will probably end up
with several. Each will do a specific duty, and do it to perfection, but
the other will either be overpowered or wimpy. It is difficult to advise
you what you need, because there are so many variables. You'll find out.
The good thing is that they are not very expensive at pawn shops and yard
sales, and even if you want to splurge at retail, they do such a good
quality of work that you will wonder how you ever got along without one.
You may have one that is only good for one very very specific task. That's
the difference between a hacker and a craftsman. Using just the right tool.

Steve

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