Pneumatic stapler and pliers for canvas stretching

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Hazany

Hazany

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Posts
288
Loc
Philadelphia
I want to overhaul the way we stretch canvas and do gallery wraps.
I have been reviewing all the old posts regarding stretching machines, pliers, guns, etc.

Our pneumatic stapler is made by Bostitch. The staples are thin and small (1/4") and sometimes go thru the canvas. They are also very hard to remove. They break easily.
I need a stapler that would hold bigger thicker staples (1/2"?).
I also would want it to be light weight. Can you please recommend the brand and the size of staples, and the air pressure?

I might invest in a stretching machine but from reading everything, I am not sure if people are happy with them. We do gallery wrapping of giclee canvases that we print in house.

The pliers we use are the basic metal Frederick type. We need one that is better for gallery wrapping.

Thank you for your advise.
Bruce Hazany
Vision Graphics
Philadelphia
 
Senco makes a stapler that is not the fine wire stapler used for fitting. Looking at their site this one is the one I use with 22ga staples for most applications but the 20ga staples would be better and the pressure should be at the bottom range of 60psi but could go lower if you are not using poplar.

http://www.senco.com/ToolDetails.aspx?k=4C0012N
 
US has some heavy duty machines, Your stapler would equivalent to our underpinner in the UK
 
I've never found any pliers better than Holbein - expensive but very very good!
08922-0000-1-2ww-m.jpg
 
I prefer the red handle ones in this shot from Fredrix.

canvaspliers1.jpg


They are wide jaw and protect the canvas from damage. The grip on the canvas is done with rubber so they won't cut into the canvas. Very easy to get even tension since you can let the jaws slip as you pull into position. You don't need any where near as much grip using them so they are easy on the hands. You also won't snap the handle and crush your little finger as I have done a half dozen times with the "cheap metal" ones. $20-$30 depending on where and how you buy stuff.
 
Kwik Picture Framing said:
US has some heavy duty machines, Your stapler would equivalent to our underpinner in the UK
Click to expand...

How? How does a hand held stapler or pair of pliers compare with a floor-standing or bench top machine. Are you on Search Engine Optimisation or something?
 
You should be using a wide crown stapler of 5/8" to prevent damage and tearing. Staples should be stainless steel.
 
Senco had one that was 5/8" but I didn't see it on the site so they may have dropped it. Most frame shops use just one stapler for all jobs so the 1/2" is most common. I have both Porter and Senco tools and for the few dollars more the Senco is what I buy when I have a single need. All of my Porter guns have been part of a combo pack with a compressor. In 35 years of using Senco tools I've never wished I saved a few bucks buying another brand.

There are a couple of parts that will wear out on any stapler and I have repaired the Senco's for a very few dollars while I have tossed other brands in the trash. It will take several million staples through a Senco before you decide it is time to replace it.
 
I use a Bostich pneumatic stapler firing 10mm crown staples for all my work. I do not like the narrow crown staples at all and particularly dislike then when I have to open a frame someone else has closed with them. For canvases I use 8mm staples which pull out from pine stretchers fairly easily using my special staple remover which is just a straight screwdriver with a slightly bent and ground down blade.

Yes, if I press the stapler against the canvas and pull the trigger it will blow the staple clean through it. The trick is to angle the tool slightly so that the bottom lip of the muzzle just touches the canvas then the staple will hold firmly without tearing. Sounds tricky but it becomes automatic with a little practise. On the odd occasion that the staple is too loose I just reverse the gun and smack the staple in harder with the nut on the back.
 
Its a figure of speech, All these different types of staplers sound very industrial, Yes can not compare the underpinner with a stapler, I meant that in the size of of underpinner. Robo im a framer like everyone one else here. Your are more than welcomed to come and visit us anytime in sunny Bradford. UK
 
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