Colonial Moldings, casings, baseboards

sootybuttercup · 10-02-2006, 12:08 PM

I want to purchase a Porter-Cable air nailer for installing pine baseboards, casings, etc. I am wondering if the FN250B (finishing nailer-max 2.5") or the BN200A (brad nailer-max 2") would be best for this job. I would also like to use the tool for cabinetry and general light work later on. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Big Dave · 10-02-2006, 10:11 PM

I would go with the finish nailer as they will have more of a head than the brad nailer. A 2" nail is about all that you will ever need. Although when shooting through the casing into the door or window jamb a shorter nail is better and less chance of coming through the surface. I prefer a staple gun for this that shoots a 1/4" crown by 1 1/4" leg. Saves from having to change the nails alot.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 10-05-2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sootybuttercup

I want to purchase a Porter-Cable air nailer for installing pine baseboards, casings, etc. I am wondering if the FN250B (finishing nailer-max 2.5") or the BN200A (brad nailer-max 2") would be best for this job. I would also like to use the tool for cabinetry and general light work later on. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Just a point: I agree with Big Dave .... as usual. You will get more use out of the nailer (16g)

The reason why carpenters (especially finish carpenters) have several different sized guns is this:

Nailers: 15g or 16g - Used for 5/8" -3/4" casing, thick trimwork, crown molding etc. Used on 'outside' edges of window and door casings. Need Long 2" to 2 1/2" nail penetration. 16G = Will splinter thin wood.

Brad nailer: 18g - Used on inside edges of casings, molding which are thinner than the edges of outside trimwork and are VERY prone to splintering. More often used to nail 'picture framed' molding edges together as well. Only need 1 1/4" nail penetration.
18g = Less splintering on thin areas of wood.

So: If you are planning on doing a project once a year: 16g Nailer.

If you are planning on doing more and getting into more carpentry projects around your home:

Get BOTH: 18g Brad nailer and a 16G Nailer. That's a good start....

Good Luck.

sootybuttercup · 10-06-2006, 06:51 AM

Thanks for the replies. I had also e-mailed Porter-Cable with the same question. They replied...Thank you for visiting the Porter-Cable website. We would recommend using model BN200A since the nail head is smaller. I purchased this model a couple days ago and have been installing pine moldings ever since. I love this 18 GA. 2" Brad Nailer...it is perfect for this application (couldn't pull off a casing if I tried and the holes are tiny). Sure beats hammer, nails, and nail set!!!!