Biscuit Jointer vs. Brad Nailer

[bgavin]

Need a recommendation: the missus got me a Craftsman jointer for xmas... but I'm not sure it is the one I need for cabinet work.

It does 7/32 to 1/2 biscuits, which seems more appropriate for jointing 2x4 that baltic birch, etc.
It only comes with 1/2" biscuits, so I have to buy a stash of thin ones. No big deal, but...
It also has a steel blade, not carbide.

I wanted a Bosch instead.
I left the box unopened for easy return.

Any suggestions on a good biscuit machine?

I have an air compressor that never gets used, and also wondering if a decent brad gun is more useful.

[Chris_Allen]

also wondering if a decent brad gun is more useful.

I wouldn't be without one now and Leland's (or was it Tim?) observation he gave me about the tip was a good one. Shame I didn't understand until I got the nailer!

[SoundInMotionDJ]

I have an air compressor that never gets used, and also wondering if a decent brad gun is more useful.

Pneumatic nailers are the greatest invention since the wheel. I would not be without one for building any of the cabinets here. I have a 15ga finish nailer, and a 1/4" stapler (I use 3/4" staples). If I had to give up one, I would keep the stapler.

--Stan Graves

[Tim A]

Biscuit joiners are a waste of time on these builds. The PL and bracing makes them

A)Totally unecessary.
B) A waste of time.

Butt joints, a brad nailer and PL.

That's not to say a biscuit joiner doesn't have its place. Building some kitchen cabinets? They're a great way to make joints and attach the face frame to the carcass. They're faster than dados, rabbets, dowels, etc. for blind joints and they won't come apart. I use mine regularly, but not on these cabinets.

[SoundInMotionDJ]

Butt joints, a brad nailer and PL.

+ 1,000,000

I have a 15ga finish nailer, and a 1/4" stapler (I use 3/4" staples). If I had to give up one, I would keep the stapler.

I spoke too soon....I just walked out into the garage to install some butt cheeks on DR200's and my 1/4" stapler is DEAD!!!!

The safety foot you have to press down on the arm the gun broke off! (For the third time...the last two "repairs" did not hold. ) grrrrr... Oh well, 8 years and 17,000-ish staples is not a bad lifespan for a "free" stapler I got with the compressor.

Time to spend some a couple of of them X-mas gift cards I just got at my local home improvement megamart.

--Stan Graves

[DaveK]

I use both, but if I had to choose one it would be the brad nailer. The biscuit joiner is used on large butt joints. The brad nailer is used on every joint.

The biscuit joiner is good for aligning large butt joints. Very handy for building Tubas. I put a couple biscuit slots in each panel and then drop into place. Without biscuits I'd occasionally have a panel slip while I was squeezing out the glue. With a biscuit they stay perfectly aligned.

[LelandCrooks]

I use both, but if I had to choose one it would be the brad nailer. The biscuit joiner is used on large butt joints. The brad nailer is used on every joint.

The biscuit joiner is good for aligning large butt joints. Very handy for building Tubas. I put a couple biscuit slots in each panel and then drop into place. Without biscuits I'd occasionally have a panel slip while I was squeezing out the glue. With a biscuit they stay perfectly aligned.

+1. I use it as a third hand on larger panels. Saves lots of contortions. Choose one or the other? Brad Nailer, without question.

[wb2]

Need a recommendation: the missus got me a Craftsman jointer for xmas... but I'm not sure it is the one I need for cabinet work.

It does 7/32 to 1/2 biscuits, which seems more appropriate for jointing 2x4 that baltic birch, etc.
It only comes with 1/2" biscuits, so I have to buy a stash of thin ones. No big deal, but...
It also has a steel blade, not carbide.

I wanted a Bosch instead.
I left the box unopened for easy return.

Any suggestions on a good biscuit machine?

Imo, the fence and blade adjustments are the most important components to check when picking out a jointer. It has to be solid and easy to use. I checked out all the common makes and found some to be just junk. I ended up choosing the Porter Cable. It also came with a nice carbide blade. I tried a whole bunch of different biscuits and found the size #10 perfect for joining 1/2" plywood. I don't think a jointer is a must have item, but handy to perfectly line up panels.

I have an air compressor that never gets used, and also wondering if a decent brad gun is more useful.

I use both a nailer and stapler. 1 1/4" for both. The nailer for aligning parts and the stapler more for its clamping power. The air compressor gets used most for the air gun to blow off saw dust.

Of the three items if I had to pick one, it would be the stapler.

[bgavin]

I hear a lot of good arguments in favor of brads.

Q: what is the brad nailer of choice?
I don't mind paying for quality tools, but I expect durability and reliable operation. Bosch?

I have a good size Craftsman horizontal tank mounted on a two-wheel chassis.
It is 1 HP, 12 gallon, two cylinder and 100 PSI rating.

My interest is primarily in BFM building, and other projects using similar panel sizes.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

My shooter came in a $199 package with the compressor and a half dozen consumer grade tools, so I figure on it's own it might be a $29 gun. It's going strong three years and a dozen cabs later, so I would expect even a $100 shooter would last a lifetime.

[bgavin]

Some are better than others, i.e. less tendency to jam. I'm just curious if stepping up to a Bosch, DeWalt, Porter/Cable is worth it over a Craftsman or Harbor Freight.

I'm also looking for experienced input with the brad size. I don't want to buy a wimp, but also don't need overkill when there is a tool that works well for our projects.

[LelandCrooks]

Harbor Freight.

Don't scrimp here. Dewalt, Senco, Stanley Bostitch, Porter Cable, Hitachi. I use a Senco 18 ga brad on the cabs, I own a 16ga Porter cable for house trim and bigger stuff. The 18ga is carbide router friendly.
Parts accessibility is important. The namebrands last longer and you can get pieces. Stanley Bostich is ubiquitous, but I prefer Senco. The Hitachi's are supposed to be the cadillac. Never used one.

[DaveK]

No problems so far with a Porter-Cable nailer.

Definately 18 ga. brad thickness. Length is more of an "it depends" thing. The brads aren't structural, they just hold stuff in place while the glue sets. The downside to brads is if you miss in an exposed spot they stick out and have to be removed, which can be messy. Thus, I like the shortest brad that will hold until the glue sets. That gives me more room for error on shots that aren't quite straight. 1" to 1.25" seems to be the best compromise for my shooting skills (or lack thereof).

[Mark Coward]

I got my two Dewalt guns in a kit with a small air compressor, 16ga & 18ga brad guns. The guns alone cost more than the kit if bought individually. I'd suggest looking around Home Depot & Lowes, the kits are usually the best deals. The small compressor is handy for toting around where needed.

[vlad335]

My best friend's older brother is a local contractor. He swears by Stanley Bostich nailers for outright durability. He said he has tried every brand and these are by far the best in every catagory.

On a side note he ranks Hitachi as the most problematic and least durable and the Paslode gas nailers the least cost effective. Keep in mind though he and his crew fire thousands upon thousands of nails through his guns and they receive tremendous abuse. Dropped from ladders, etc.