anybody using air operated nail gun in build?

[tcason]

asked this question in a build thread but wanted a larger audience thoghts??

Why have I not seen the use of a air gun nailer on any builds?

Seem like it would be great on console build to glue, square and then air nail "tack" the console all together while the epoxy sets. I realize the nails are "permanent" vs screws that you remove and then fill holes.
Would also be useful for gunnel and or seats install also in lieu of clamps.

Is this a we are building a wood/epoxy boat purist ideal?
OR
Do we worry about the nails rusting and or "working" themselves out over the life of the boat?
Or another reason?

Have not used my air nailer gun yet on any thing but seems logical at some stages in build IF it is not taboo?

Cracker larry response:
I'm often tempted, I've got a great little finish nailer and it would sure make some things easier. I just can't bring myself to shoot a bunch of steel nails into the wood and leave them in there to rust later. The easy way is seldom the best Hot glue is almost as easy and I don't have to worry about any corrosion issues later.

[sds]

I wouldn't want to leave the nails in. You might be able to reduce air pressure and shoot them with the heads sticking out. Then use a vicegrip to pull them.

I"d be concerned about splitting out the edge you're nailing into. Last time I used my little stapler on some boxes, I got ends poking out all over the place -- and that was going into 3/4".

[jacquesmm]

Many years ago, I tested plastic nails and staples from a company named Raptor.
It works, you can leave them in but you need a special stapler and nail gun.
It is worth the investment for a professional builder but expensive for an amateur.

[BarraMan]

I take a degree of perverse pleasure in the fact that there are no fastenings in my boat (so far) - just wood, epoxy and glass!

Cool!

[gk108]

Do we worry about the nails rusting and or "working" themselves out over the life of the boat?

That's my reason.
For something like a console or other non-load bearing structure, you may not have that problem, but for something like cleats on a stringer, you have a hard spot that won't move with the rest of the structure. I'd be worried about eventual breaks in the epoxy seal around the nail in a place like that.

[tech_support]

I make frequent use of the glue gun.

[ericsil]

I did make good use of my 16 gauge brad nailer to tack weld a few hard-to-clamp pieces. As suggested by SDS, I set the pressure too low to completely set the nails and pulled them as soon as the epoxy hardened. I definitely do not want any nails in the finished product.

[Aripeka Angler]

anyone using air operated nail gun in build?

I did, a couple of years ago. Canoe build stations on a jig.



I started tacking on strips with a hand held staple gun, way too slow. Switched over to a real staple gun



Almost finished product in this photo minus the 1,000 staples I pulled out by hand Not a trace of metal left under the surfboard cloth...



FWIW, my strip canoe build was way different than a plywood stitch and glue build.
But I can see where a staple or nail gun would have some value in building a complex, curved console like you would see on a bass boat. Just pull the nails

[Boater45]

Ever tried to pull out brad nails? They always break...I wouldn't use one!