Recommend a compressor/nail gun combo?

[rcurley55]

My dad mentioned that he wanted a finish nailer/compressor and I'd like to surprise him with one for Christmas. I have no clue about nail guns, but it seems that there are a few combos out there at my price point (somewhere under $300 total is my goal).

Any opinions on these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YL4O4U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E96HEE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HZGTF8/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Any help would be appreciated. This would be for little DIY jobs. I'm also thinking he would like some compressed air while he's working on his cars (just blowing out crevices after washing, etc).

 

[AE2]

My dad (35+ year union carpenter) has a Porter Cable set similar to your above link, but older. Must be close to 10 years old. His has a coil and framing nailer as well. Everything has held up well, quality stuff. He uses that compressor for everything too. I have no experience with the either two. Senco is also very good, but I haven't seen a nailer compressor combo from them.

 

[jwo316]

I have the older version of that Porter Cable set and it has held up well to both my homeowner projects (lots of trim work) as well being lent out to family and friends. No issues with anything.

 

[rcurley55]

Thanks guys - I think I'm going to jump on that Porter Cable deal. I just wish the guns came in cases rather than a bag.

 

[crewchief888]

the porter cable you linked to looks like the same combo thats sold at HD.

i've had one or a couple years, or 'round the house DIY, no problems with the nailers or compressor

 

[cheechi]

I'd go the Bostitch based on the compressor. FIL has the PC, I have the Bostitch. You will want more PSI if you don't have it.

The gun that came with my Bostitch is nothing special, it works fine but if it ever jams it doesn't have the clasp to unjam it. The PC nailers between all of those are the guns I'd want.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

Im surprised you did not even mention on your wishlist...Hitachi??? I have one myself...no problem!

 

[dandan111]

I have a porter cable combo it's been great for 10 years now. All the ones you listed are nice in my opinion. Great gift.

 

[Conductor562]

I like the Bostich guns the best. My dad has the PC set and it's ok. I don't like the plastic cartridges though. These are all Stanley/B&D products and it sure looks to me that the Dewalts and the PC's are the same guns.

 

[TheGrooveking]

The Porter Cable of today is a mere shadow of what it was 10 years ago in terms of quality. Stanley in turning into a home owner brand/underling of Dewalt instead of the tool company that could produce tools that Milwaukee had a hard time keeping up with. When you say finishing nailer are you referencing 15ga or 16ga nails? In that size you won't go wrong with either the Bostitch FN series or the Hitachi. As to compressor the Bostitch is little better but make sure you check out Lowes deal on Hitachi, they have a deal if you buy compressor and 1 nailer you get 20% off, but 2 nailers get 30% off and buy 4 nailers get 40% off.

TheGrooveking

 

[racingtadpole]

I have the larger of the two Dewalt nailers you linked to. It drives nails into wood, enough said.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

www.tylertool.com or www.CPOBostitch.com have awesome deals on Bostitch pancake compressors/nail gun combos. I got a 6 gallon with an 18ga. brad gun from them and I'm pretty impressed with both.

Customer service is top-notch, also.

 

[shoot summ]

I'm going to throw something else in the mix. I've had a portable compressor and assorted nail guns for years. Recently I bought a Paslode cordless finish nailer. I will rarely, if ever use the compressor again...

Now I realize there are alot of other nailers, but the Paslode is now my go to finish nailer.

 

[RKA]

For $329 shipped on amazon you can get this pair:
Makita mac700 compressor - on the heavy side, but oil lubricated and quieter than most portable compressors. It's a really nice quality piece (I have one so I'm biased). It's on the heavy side though...pushing 50 lbs, so if you think that might be an issue, then don't buy it.

Hitachi NT65MA4 15 ga. Angled Finish Nailer - hitachi makes some of the best bang for your buck nailers and they aren't cheap junk, they are top quality. I don't own this one, but take a look at the reviews. They use commonly available nails (shared by porter cable, dewalt and many others), and the angled version offers a bit more flexibility in use which justifies the few extra bucks.

I know this is slightly over budget, but you're getting two top quality tools that will last a really long time and will be a joy to use! Whatever you decide on, post a pic of the happy "boy" on Xmas day and let us know how it works out! I love the "what should I get for him" threads this time of year.

 

[fred d]

I'm going to throw something else in the mix. I've had a portable compressor and assorted nail guns for years. Recently I bought a Paslode cordless finish nailer. I will rarely, if ever use the compressor again...

Now I realize there are alot of other nailers, but the Paslode is now my go to finish nailer.

Pasload makes a great nailer
The only problem is not everybody carries the nails or the cartridges

The Hitachi makes a very good nailer and most brands of nails will fit

 

[shoot summ]

Pasload makes a great nailer
The only problem is not everybody carries the nails or the cartridges

The Hitachi makes a very good nailer and most brands of nails will fit

Good to know, wasn't aware Hitachi was in that market. I bought the Paslode on a whim, HD had them clearanced for $200. I've done the crown molding and baseboards in a bedroom to far, really handy, don't have to drag the small compressor inside, drag the hose around, etc.

Even in the shop I use the cordless more, it's only when I need a specialty nailer(brad, pin), that I drag out the hose.

 

[48Classic]

I would suggest staying away from any pancake style air compressor. I have went through too many of them. Go with a min of a 2 gal tank compressor. I bought a porter cable combo years ago but I did more of a nailer combo. I have the framing, brad, finishing kit. I have a similar compressor like Rol-Air Air Compressor 2HP 4.3 GAL, I can run the framing nailer with no problem pus the compressor is small enough to carry around.

 

[BreeStephany]

I have a Hitatchi EC89 compressor that I have been using as a portable jobsite compressor for several years and have found to work flawlessly. It works fine for 2 finish nail guns, or a larger framing nailer without any problems or continuous cycling.

I primarily use Hitatchi tools for all of my nailers. I have a set of Senco finish nailers, as well as a set of Bostitch and Porter Cable finish nailers, but I have found that I have had the least amount of issues with the Hitatchi guns.

 

[theknurl]

what size nails does your Dad want to drive?

ga. and length?

my Senco SFN 40 has been flawless
drives 1 1/4" to 2 1/2" brads
has an angled magazine so you can get into tight spots

also you can find Senco nails anywhere (or ones that fit)

 

[Lightfoot]

I bought the Bostich on sale at Lowes about two years ago for $169. It came with the pancake compressor and three different size guns. (looks like the exact same one you linked) I've remodeled two houses and several motel rooms with it, and it still works as it did the first day. No problems at all. I came here and read about them first and a couple of people said bostich compressors weren't the best, but i have already gotten my money's worth out of it and it still works like new. I have no problem recommending it.

 

[TheGrooveking]

For $329 shipped on amazon you can get this pair:
Makita mac700 compressor - on the heavy side, but oil lubricated and quieter than most portable compressors. It's a really nice quality piece (I have one so I'm biased). It's on the heavy side though...pushing 50 lbs, so if you think that might be an issue, then don't buy it.

Hitachi NT65MA4 15 ga. Angled Finish Nailer - hitachi makes some of the best bang for your buck nailers and they aren't cheap junk, they are top quality. I don't own this one, but take a look at the reviews. They use commonly available nails (shared by porter cable, dewalt and many others), and the angled version offers a bit more flexibility in use which justifies the few extra bucks.

I know this is slightly over budget, but you're getting two top quality tools that will last a really long time and will be a joy to use! Whatever you decide on, post a pic of the happy "boy" on Xmas day and let us know how it works out! I love the "what should I get for him" threads this time of year.

+1 Bigtime! Both pieces are top shelf, great tools.

TheGrooveking