I'm looking into various methods for creating new cushions. One of them utilizes a plywood backing. I have a Harbor Freight nail gun but it's difficult to get the staples to sink to a consistent level. Some sink to far down, some still have space under them. It seems like it's dependent on how hard I push the gun against the wood. Would a higher quality gun deliver more consistent results?
Pneumatic Nail/Staple Guns
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
- Start date
Higher quality tools generally yield better results. Our old buddy Issac Newton said, "For every action, there is a reaction." When the gun fires, the nail goes forward and the gun kicks back. The kick back reduces the energy going to the nail to drive it into the wood. If the gun is held firmly against the wood more of the energy is directed towards the nail and the nail goes deeper into the wood. Also consider adjusting the air pressure on the compressor.
I think it is a matter of practice with your nailer and the wood you are using for your project. As you noted, depending on how hard you hold the gun against the wood, and the angle, can affect how deep the nail or staple is driven into the wood.
if your gun has the power to drive the nail in, you should be able to get it to do it pretty consistently. If the are left a bit proud, a hammer can pound them flush.
I am sure a Paslode or similar high quality nailgun would do better, but not sure it would be so much better to justify a purchase for a limited time use.
Greg
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,149
This is how I have seen professional upholstery craftsmen follow up and finish their work.
One time usage would be expensive. I bought a Porter Cable staple gun. I have been please with its performance.I have seen the pilot on the plywood used in some chair projects. Not sure they are as comfortable as the independent pillow upholstery work.
It certainly is quicker construction.
Plywood is tough. There are often large expanses of hard grain, I suspect that is where the problems lie, stapling through those hard sections. Up the air pressure and more pressure on the stapler before pulling the trigger. That's the advice Sir Issac would give. Take some scrap plywood and practice.
I've been using pneumatic staplers/nailers for years. Off shore brands have failed to give consistent quality results. Senco is my trusted brand of tool that delivers professional consistency whether hard or soft material. Pin (cabinet assembly), finish (interior molding) and framing (construction) nails, as well as crown (assembly) and flat (upholstery, roofing) staples; length matters not.
Name brand tools made off shore do not perform well, in my experience. Look for a Senco tool that is made in the USA. Even used ones perform well, if not abused. My finish nailer and upholstery stapler I purchased used years ago and they still deliver professional results.
Name brand tools made off shore do not perform well, in my experience. Look for a Senco tool that is made in the USA. Even used ones perform well, if not abused. My finish nailer and upholstery stapler I purchased used years ago and they still deliver professional results.
My concern with properly sunken staples is to keep the gelcoat under the cushion in tact while not poking anyone in the butt
The used ones are reasonably priced. Would you recommend one that's angled perpendicular to the material or one of the ones that's at an angle?
A Harbor Freight stapler may or may not be part of the problem. Some of their stuff works, some not so much.
Your wood can make a big difference. It's really hard to drive staples into hard knots.
You can rent staplers from tool rental places and many big box stores. Renting for more than a few days can cost more than the tool.
Your wood can make a big difference. It's really hard to drive staples into hard knots.
You can rent staplers from tool rental places and many big box stores. Renting for more than a few days can cost more than the tool.
Flush versus counter sunk fasteners is a function of the particular driver, given equal pressure. My pin, finish and crown fastener tools all use a counter sunk driver, whereas my upholstery stapler uses a flush driver. Most tools have different driver options.
Not aware that it makes a difference and no preference here. My upholstery tool is perpendicular to the material, whereas my pin and framing nailers are angled.
You could cover the bottom of the plywood with some of that peel and stick carpet tile
Flush versus counter sunk fasteners is a function of the particular driver, given equal pressure. My pin, finish and crown fastener tools all use a counter sunk driver, whereas my upholstery stapler uses a flush driver. Most tools have different driver options.
Not aware that it makes a difference and no preference here. My upholstery tool is perpendicular to the material, whereas my pin and framing nailers are angled.
This is some awesome info! I assume the driver is the pin/blade that strikes the top of the staple or nail to drive it into the material?
Good call!
Yes.
Anecdotal observation here, but ergonomic design seems more applicable than actual performance/function. My smaller tools have a perpendicular piston design whereas my large heavier tools are angular in design.
I think you're correct. Reaching into tight spots with an angled head is usually easier than with straight head.