Uhm, I’ve been putting this review off. Why? Because this pneumatic nail gun is a Senco and it’s so lightweight and very good looking but there’s something about it’s action and shape I can’t get used to. As the primary means of fastening my work, the finish nailer is my most important pneumatic.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Specifications:

• Sequential Actuation (Restrictive)Tool
• Weight: 4 lbs (3.6 kg)
• Height: 11-5/8” (249 mm)
• Length: 13” (330 mm)
• NailCapacity: 100
• Reg. Operating Pressure: 70-120 psig
• Mode of Operation: contact actuation or sequential trigger mechanism
• Hose Fitting: 1/4″ NPT

Experience:

Read it all over this blog, I’m a trim carpenter. Of all my tools; in combination with my hand tools and a chop-saw, a Finish Nail Gun is indispensable for my trade. I rely on it to function flawlessly but also to feel right, to be a tool I can hook up and go to town with. I’ve used various nailers over the years but I’ve always stuck with my own personal gun, the Paslode 3250-F16 which I’ve archived here on toolboxblog.com. I bought the Senco FinishPro to replace that Paslode.

Comments:

First of all the switch from the thin profile Paslode to this plump Senco nailer is a big one. This is a whole different beast. It does smell of quality. I haven’t beaten this tool up at all and it hasn’t seen a single day as rough as my Paslode had it for years.

I don’t like the 15 gauge nails. I don’t like the bulky gun. I don’t like the way it shoots. I don’t like lifting my finger to fire again, which may be something I can change but needless to say, so far I’m not enjoying what seems to be a really nice nail gun. Yeah, I think it’s partly the 15 gauge round head Senco nails vs the 16 gauge rectangle head Paslode nails. The gun works. I expect it to work. I expect it’s top of the line. I just haven’t gotten there yet.

If you had the chance to pick up my old nail gun and this one simultaneously, I wonder which you would prefer.

Links:

There’s an in depth review of the Senco 41XP at OnlineToolReviews.com

Senco FinishPro 42XP 15-gauge Finish Nailer at Amazon.com

Find 41XP product data at Senco.com

1. Famowood Water-Based Wood Filler
2. *Mixol Universal Tinting Paste – get a couple colors, a little goes a long way.
3. Hyde Tools 3/4″ Flexible Putty Knife

Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

Specifications:

• Model:    3250-F16
• Part Number:    403700
• Weight:    4.4 lbs.
• Height:    9 1/2 in.
• Cycle Rate:    12 nails/second
• Nail Capacity:    150
• Air Req./100 p.s.i. (6.9 bar):    .040/cycle
• Op. Pres. p.s.i. (bar):    80-120 (5.5-8.3)

Experience:

Every day for years. 10 years of trim carpentry, my Paslode 3250 16 gauge finish nailer has been the best. Truly lightweight, rarely failing; I have nailed it all with this one.

A few years ago, realizing this Paslode had seen it’s time, I replaced it with the Senco 41XP. Although the Senco is lightweight, I’d trade back in a heartbeat. As you can see it’s still got nails in it and ready to go. For a while I had a hard time switching over to the Senco.

Comments:

Only after about seven years did this gun start to leak. The odd thing is it leaked when you connected a hose but as soon as you shot the first nail, the leaked stopped. I used it like this for a few years but now it’s got to be taken apart and refreshed even though it still sees a jobsite when it’s needed.

Links:

Paslode 3250-F16 Finish Nailer at Paslode.com
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Paslode T250A 16-Gauge Finish Nailer at Amazon.com top rated new Paslode.

I have to be very careful not to swear while writing about my Paslode Cordless Finish Nailer. I have a serious love-hate relationship with this tool. For certain applications the Paslode Cordless Nailer is indispensable but that’s highly conditional upon it actually working. It’s truly unfortunate, my Paslode Cordless 16-gauge nailer is the most unreliable and unpredictable tool I have ever owned.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Specifications:

• 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch cordless 16-gauge gas angled finish nailer with non-mar tip and sight lines
• Depth-of-drive wheel with probe position-indicator; locks tool at 10 nails to prevent blank firing
• Comfortable in sure grip-inch and soft trigger
• Includes nailer, battery, 2-hour charger
• 11-1/2 by 10-3/4 by 3-1/4-inches; 4.9-pounds with battery; 5-year warranty

Experience:

Ok, Imagine this: You’ve wrapped up a huge job, the crew is gone and the painters are doing their thing. The special-order crown moulding finally arrives for the kids bedroom. You throw your cordless nailer in the truck and head over for a simple install. Only six cuts and you will collect your final payment!

What a great invention; a finish nailer without a heavy compressor in tow: the “cordless” nailer. Too bad it doesn’t work. Well, that’s not entirely true since my nailer works sometimes. I’ve used this nail gun for it’s appropriate task; nailing trim without a compressor on site. Look at the photo above; my case is filled with nails and fuel cells. The batteries and fuel cells last a long time! I’ve used my Paslode Cordless Angled Finish Nailer in basements and attics and second floor closets, on bathroom remodels where a hose would have had to come from 3 floors away and snake through a fancy home, on sites without electricity and on my own home. It’s ideal for those last few pieces you have to go back and fasten.

The best thing about this gun is you don’t even have to own a compressor, let alone bring it to your job, set it up and pull cords all the way to your work. I love it for exterior trim when I’m perched high on a ladder. I have put this gun to the test but not too often, because betting on this tool to operate is a bet with very poor odds.

Comments:

It’s a liberating tool but it jams so often that you will spend more time opening it, pulling out the half-fired nail and shoving the firing pin back into place. I’ve learned to use a nailset to retract the pin. I can clear a jam in under a minute. WHAT HAPPENS: You place the gun against your material, you pull the trigger and POP! the nail shoots into the material. How often is impossible to say. I think my best run of nails without a jam is about 20-30 shots. However, standard experience with the Paslode Cordless Finish Nailer is 1 out of 3 will jam. If I get five shots in a row, I’m happy. If I get 10 shots I’m lucky. If I get more than 10 shots I’m totally shocked and amazed.

A jam happens in one of two ways. Either two nails come out and one doesn’t fully penetrate or 2) the nail shoots but the nail-head sticks inside the gun, basically nailing the gun to the board. There is a very easy to operate latch which opens the front so you can extract the nail.

• Unjamming this gun is not easy.
• It will jam ALL THE TIME
• It’s awesome to have a cordless nailer!
• It really sucks when it jams every 3rd or 4th nail all day long.

I don’t know what more to say. I absolutely love the idea, but f-ing hate this tool. I actually forget I own this one until a job absolutely requires a cordless, then I bring my Paslode 16 gauge nailer and fight and curse with it’s piss-poor operation. Please comment on this tool if you own one because I’m curious to hear your experience.

Links:

Paslode Cordless 16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer at Amazon.com

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Paslode-Cordless.com

Experience and Comments:

Working as a finish carpenter for years, I brought this Fini compressor with me whenever one wasn’t provided. In combination with a 16 gauge Paslode this little compressor has driven millions of nails. Until about 8 years ago I used to drain the tanks at night. One of the valves got a little sticky so I cranked it shut. I checked the oil three times over the years and I think I added some once. That’s about it. This has been one maintenance-free tool that I’ve used regularly, proving it’s outstanding quality.

I remember the day I bought it and the salesman saying “You’ll be happy with this one” and I remember thinking “What? The weird orange one I’ve never heard of before? – OK, I’ll take it.”
I couldn’t find references to other Fini compressors with the exception of a few classified ads.

Links:

Fini Compressors at FiniCompressors.com (Manufacturer Data)
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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Features:
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Experience:
True enough, I haven’t had the Makita saw for long. My decision toward the Makita was based on magazine reviews and Amazon.com feeback. When I first set this saw up on my job, I literally could not believe how smooth it is. There is no compare! I am not exaggerating when I say this is by far the smoothest machine in my shop; literally, silky smooth. It puts my Bosch 3915 to shame in terms of it’s incredibly smooth action. It’s a carpenter’s wet dream. Every pass through the material is a cut of precision and there’s a light to illuminate each perfect slice. (Don’t laugh at the light, it’s handy for getting those last few cuts at the end of the day without having to setup real work lights)

Comments:
Unfortunately I’m suffering buyers remorse to some degree but I’m committed to this saw so hopefully I can adapt to the features that trouble me. Being an old hand at adapting to new technology, new levers and buttons and even new ways of thinking I am still confused as to what good putting the angle indicator at the far right of the table does?

Something new to me is the steel lever for changing the angle. It’s as fluid and easy to operate as making a cut, however the slide lock is a large twist knob above the angle lock knob and it sucks! When do you lock the slide? I lock it when I am moving the saw; unplug, lock down the motor, turn to 45º, lock the slide and transport… but no! With the Makita if you lower the housing you can’t get the tight grip you need to effectively twist and lock the slide. Even with the housing up, it requires sufficient torque to effectively lock the slide in place. I go through the step of tightening the control, thinking it’s locked, then I upright the saw stand and the damn thing slams backward. WTF?
A complaint other than the slide lock and the tendency for sawdust buildup limiting full slide motion, is the tiny fence. True, Makita offers a better fence as an ‘optional accessory’ and that’s because it needs it. With the Makita LS1013FL you are cutting your crown moulding flat. Not even standard 3 1/2″ colonial will be supported by the itsy-bitsy little fence.

The pin that locks down the housing works better than Bosch’s spring-assisted twist thingy. The depth stop is nice, doesn’t get in the way and is easy to adjust.

This saw has a weird balance to it on the stand. I think it’s awkwardly balanced in general with a lot of weight up high that cantilevers beyond the base.

[View with PicLens]

In Summary:
It’s the smoothest tool in my shop. It’s as pretty as can be and that fact worries me. I am not always gentle. I’ve had it a few months and I haven’t gotten over the little things that bother me. Really, who can imagine actually producing an angle indicator that you can’t see? It’s like they forgot we needed one and threw it over in the corner because it interfered with some mechanism. Hey designer, the angle setting is the one thing I look at, need to check and make adjustments to on a regular basis.

This saw is another cause of frustration for me. On the one hand it is the best chop saw I have ever owned and on the other hand it suffers from a uniqueness that some may not be able to overcome. It’s like they made the best car the world has ever seen but put the steering wheel in the back seat.

The LS1013FL at Makita.com (Product Data)

Makita LS1013FL on Amazon.com (Good price and reviews!)
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In the above gallery, my Makita LS1013 sits like royalty atop the completely garbage Ridgid MS-UV which I positively regret purchasing.

Cabinetmakers take notice, It doesn’t matter if you can’t afford the Grex P635 Pinner, you should have a 23 gauge nailer in your shop.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Description:

• Uses 23 Ga. micro pin nails from 1/2″ to 1″ long similar to Senco® models
• Tool automatically adjusts for different fastener lengths. Easier loading and less problems with pins out of spec
• Rear exhaust port channels air and tool oil/condensation away from work
• Bottom load magazine holds 170 pin micro nails
• Dual trigger feature
• Nail reload indicator
• Rubber comfort grip on tool handle

Experience:
The 23 gauge pin nailer is a relatively new tool in my collection. I needed one to install some prefinished kitchen moulding. Now it’s part of most of my glue-ups. A single pin can hold a corner while you set-up for a larger fastener and they are tiny enough that you can still manipulate the joint for adjustments. That is until you shoot ten pins into a glued miter. They are nearly invisible in wood. I alternate between the 1″ and 5/8″ pins constantly.

If you’ve ever done cabinets supplied with pre-finished trim then you’ll appreciate the 23 gauge nailer. Most often it’s shoot and leave it. No touch up necessary.

Comments:
I love this tiny nailer and have since kind of forgotten about my brad nailer which leaves remarkable holes in comparison. The oil supplied in the carrying case leaked. The nails in the case got oil on them and when shot in dry wood leave a spot. Even with new ‘dry’ pins I am still getting a spot of oil marking the otherwise nearly invisible hole. I don’t know if this is unique to the P-C tool since this is the 1st and only 23 gauge pin nailer I own.

Links:
PIN100 at Porter-Cable.com (Product Data)
Porter-Cable PIN100 23-Gauge Pin Nailer at Amazon.com (Better price than I paid!)

Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

Features:

• 10-inch slide compound miter saw with dual guide rails for accuracy
• 13 amp, 2.8-horsepower motor; 3-inch wide sliding base extends base and fence to 28-inches
• Aluminum base; all ball-bearing construction
• Includes saw, 60-tooth carbide blade, dust bag, work clamp, blade change wrench, hex wrench, table-inserts
• 52 by 15 by 11-1/2-inches; 64-1/2-pounds; 1-year warranty

Experience:
The 10″ Bosch sliding miter saw has been my #1 for a long time, recently resigned to my shop in favor of the new Makita LS1013 for work. The Bosch 3915 and I have been in and out of the truck, up and down stairs, setup upon pump-jacks, setup on the roof, setup on the floor. I have run my company with this saw for years. It’s a nice piece of machinery and superior to yellow and orange brands by far. This is the kind of equipment a guy needs and relies on. Not only to work reliably but to be continually precise, easy to adjust repeatedly and manageable for transportation.

Comments:
A saw is a saw, right? I mean there are a dozen miter saws on the market from big name tool companies and we can expect they all will cut accurately and last us a reasonably long time. Is this General Motors vs. BMW vs. Toyota? Sort of because I liken driving one of those yellow saws to a clunky American beast and this Bosch to The Ultimate Driving Machine.

I like the detent lockout mechanism. I like the positive detents and they never clogged. The slide bearings occasionally need lube, like any, but handle a build-up of wet sawdust all day long. The motor is still running smoothly after years of service without maintenance.

I did suffer a few problem with the Bosch 3915 despite it’s overall quality. After a few years it became near impossible to push the handle downward, starting a cut. The plastic blade guard was stuck. I thought it was a bad bearing along the guard’s retracting cam but replacing it didn’t ease the lowering of the blade. The problem has been discussed and a fix posted online. The dust collection bag is around here somewhere but I haven’t seen it in years, it’s worthless.

My only real complaint has little to do with the saw and more to do with my line of work. These saws are too damn heavy and I am getting too old to lug this stuff all over the countryside everyday. To be perfectly honest weight is one reason I chose the Makita for my next saw, but I may list more complaints for that saw so be sure to read my review of the LS1013.

If I had to choose another compound miter saw, knowing the choices of Makita, Hitachi, Dewalt and Ridgid I would choose the Bosch again.

Bosch 4410L 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw at Amazon.com

Bosch miter saws at Bosch
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