Building cabinets/need nailer suggestion.

[Jared Drake]

This sort of belongs on this forum, because eventually, what I learn from building my night stands and low entertainment cabinets will help me build my kitchen cabinets. So, I got a Craftsman air compressor that's made for using nailers with. The little buying guide said so. Here's what I don't know. Do I buy a brad nailer or finish nailer? I've got a router, so I'll be building my night stand, and eventually the cabinets for my tv, with dados and glue. Anybody, especially Paul and Glen, got any suggestions? I won't be leaning toward DeWalt or any other brand, so the only suggestions I need is brad or finish. Thanks.
Jared

[Redoverfarm]

Jared I think that a brad nailers will be a little light for the cabinets.  A finish nailer would be my choice with a shorter nail length.  Most likely you will be using at least 3/4 material. Although I have used a brad nailer in larger projects but with the aid of carpenters glue and clamps.  I also like using biscuit's rather than dowels in face frames attachments.

[Jared Drake]

I was thinking that a finish nailer was the right way to go too. I think I'll just go ahead and buy this reconditioned P-C for 113 off of ebay. Thanks for the reply. But before I buy, I'm definitely going to wait on others' responses.
Jared

[MountainDon]

It will be interesting to see what PEG says on this.

My feeling is if you are planning on a number cabinetry projects, then a brad air nailer is fine. Brads are smaller in diameter than finishing nails so the holes are easier to hide. Depending on model/make brads can go up to 2 inch, I think. A good brad nailer will have a drive depth limiting device. 

A finishing nailer usually shoots larger diameter 15 0r 16 gauge nails and the heads are normally larger so there's more filling required. A finishing nailer is better suited to larger work; casings, trim.

That said, if you are doing just a few small projects you can do it the old fashioned way, a hammer and the appropriately sized nail set. I've a nice light weight hammer for this kind of work and a set of assorted nails sets. I also use a pair of needle nose pliers to hold the small nails/brads at times. Sometimes manual beats hauling the compressor, hoses, etc. out from where they're kept.

[Jared Drake]

All due respect Don, this is something I've wanted for a while, so I'm going to go with it. Just because. As far as hauling things out, it'll all be in my garage, and I can do whatever I want with the garage since it's the only part of 1346 square feet (heated) that's mine. (My part, incidentally, isn't heated.) So I can leave it in one place and always have it handy.
Jared

[glenn kangiser]

It will save you from developing spatula finger syndrome also.

[MountainDon]

... spatula finger syndrome also.

That's what the pliers are for. Been there, done that. 

I understand the desire for toys...    That's why I have 2 framing nailers, 2 finishing nailers, and a stapler. (pairs, because sometimes I don't like switching nail sizes back and forth.... lazy as well sometimes. 

[Jared Drake]

Ok, so knowing I'm not running a cabinet shop and that this'll be used gently and not often, do you think a Central Pneumatic from HF would do the job? Or should I buy the reconditioned Porter-Cable DA250B on ebay?
Jared

[glenn kangiser]

I have used the HF - have one yet.  It still works.  The safety guard occasionally needs readjustment- read -- bend it.  They have had different ones so quality could vary but generally they work pretty good.  Hard beating high quality tools though.

[PEG688]

 Given those choices I'd go with the PC. They're a bit jerky and noisy but other wise they'll do what your asking.

The nail gun would be the most versatile , gauge isn't that big a deal but the finish nail gun would be better , pinners are OK for nailing on face frames but for assembling cabinets the  Finish nail is better . I'd recommend screwing the partitions and cleats etc hide the screws where ever possible.

[glenn kangiser]

Jerky and noisy   Oh --- thought you were talking about me for a minute there, PEG.

[PEG688]

Jerky and noisy   Oh --- thought you were talking about me for a minute there, PEG.

  Well if the shoe fits   

[John_M]

For constructing the cabinets themselves...I would look at an item called the Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System.  It allows you to join the wood at 90 degree angles perfectly and drills the screw hole at just the right angle.  Super simple and rock solid!!

[Jared Drake]

How weird....I just bought a Kreg system at Lowe's right before I posted this. I'm going to use that, some "european" hinges (I can't think of what they're called right now) and adjustable shelf braces to make faceless cabinets for my entertainment center.
Jared