Hi,
I recently borrowed a friend's pneumatic nailer this weekend and had some
questions for the folks in WRECK.
Is there a rule of thumb on the nail/brad length and gauge for a particular
thickness of wood? I was looking to put together some quick drawers made out
of 1/2" finnish plywood. My friend's nail gun is a 15 gauge finish nailer
and with 1" to 1.5" finish nails. This looked way too large to me and I
figured it would split plywood if I put a nail into it edge-wise. Am I right
to assume this or would this safely work?
Thanks!
Winthrop
> I recently borrowed a friend's pneumatic nailer this weekend and had some
> questions for the folks in WRECK.
>
> Is there a rule of thumb on the nail/brad length and gauge for a
particular
> thickness of wood? I was looking to put together some quick drawers made
out
> of 1/2" finnish plywood. My friend's nail gun is a 15 gauge finish nailer
> and with 1" to 1.5" finish nails. This looked way too large to me and I
> figured it would split plywood if I put a nail into it edge-wise. Am I
right
> to assume this or would this safely work?
>
> Thanks!
> Winthrop
A brad nailer (18" gauge) is often used for drawer pinning, although it is
wise to use glue and dado joints for joining the sides
to the front/back and a groove in front/sides/back to take the drawer bottom
(no glue on that).
You can get fancy and make dovetailed drawers if you have the right gear.
I'd definitely use more than just nails in a drawer construction if you want
it to last.
You might have problems with a 15 gauge nail in 1/2" ply, unless you are a
really good shot :)
(but then, still no guarantees)
--
Regards,
Dean Bielanowski
Editor,
Online Tool Reviews
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Latest 5 Reviews:
- Workshop Essentials Under $30
- Festool PS 300 Jigsaws
- Delta Universal Tenoning Jig
- Ryobi Reciprocating Saw
- Infinity Router Bits
------------------------------------------------------------
For everyday drawers, I use butt joints that are glued and nailed with 18 ga
brads that are 1 1/4" long. I use 1/2" birch ply for the drawer material.
I have built bunches of drawers over the years and so far, I haven't heard
of any coming apart. Of course, when making nice furniture, you might
consider hardwood drawer material with dovetails, eliminating nailing except
for tacking the bottom into place.
Preston
"W Chan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi,
>
> I recently borrowed a friend's pneumatic nailer this weekend and had some
> questions for the folks in WRECK.
>
> Is there a rule of thumb on the nail/brad length and gauge for a
particular
> thickness of wood? I was looking to put together some quick drawers made
out
> of 1/2" finnish plywood. My friend's nail gun is a 15 gauge finish nailer
> and with 1" to 1.5" finish nails. This looked way too large to me and I
> figured it would split plywood if I put a nail into it edge-wise. Am I
right
> to assume this or would this safely work?
>
> Thanks!
> Winthrop
>
>