Opinions Wanted quipment/V-Nailer suggestions

[alacrity8]

I'm in the the process of opening a new framing store in the next few months.

I've a meeting scheduled in the morning (Great time to ask for advise) to see the equipment from the company I used to work for to see if I want to purchase any of the equipment.

The V-nailer is a ITW VN2 with some issues. (Occasional jamming of V-nails, more than occasional jamming into the second nail position, non-functional PLV valve (all replacements fail in less than a month))

I have also been contacted by an friend of my wife about purchasing a Euro 8006. I know next to nothing about Euro V-Nailers. Are they pneumatically powered, or are they manually powered (I see parts lists involving springs, and am curious).

Also available is a Pistorious double mitre saw. No idea what model, but in great working order. I've been told that it requires 3 phase power, and am concerned that my new shop will not have 3 phase power available to it.

Various other equipment is also available, but these 2 items are the ones I am most interested in, and most concerned about.

After my meeting the current owner of the equipment has invited another local framer, and someone who may open a store out to determine what they would like to buy.

As I'm just starting up, I'm looking at used equipment for it's cost effectiveness. I'm not planning on cutting hundreds of frames a week.

Any timely suggestions would be helpful.

Brian

 

[David Waldmann]

Unless you're mechanically inclined I would pass on any piece of machinery that has a history and current diagnosis of "needs work", such as the ITW. The Pistorius is probably worth getting IF you have the proper power. If not, it will almost certainly be cheaper to find a different used one - one that is right for you. Even though Pistorius is now out of business they have a reputation of lasting for ever and most of the wear parts are generic, except the phenolic inserts - and someone is now offering reproductions.

 

[dougj]

Unless you're mechanically inclined I would pass on any piece of machinery that has a history and current diagnosis of "needs work", such as the ITW. The Pistorius is probably worth getting IF you have the proper power. If not, it will almost certainly be cheaper to find a different used one - one that is right for you. Even though Pistorius is now out of business they have a reputation of lasting for ever and most of the wear parts are generic, except the phenolic inserts - and someone is now offering reproductions.

If the Pistorius is worth is you can get a roto-phase which will convert your power to run 3 phase.

 

[Jim Miller]

If the Pistorius is worth is you can get a roto-phase which will convert your power to run 3 phase.

A phase converter is one of three practical solutions to the electrical service problem, but generally, that would be costly and inefficient. For permanent installations, it is usually better and cheaper to have 3-phase service installed. Or, if that is not an option, you could trade your 3-phase motors for single-phase motors.

 

[Jeff Rodier]

For permanent installations, it is usually better and cheaper to have 3-phase service installed.

Only if it is already at the building. To have the utility company get it there is a $10,000 to $15,000 expense.

A v-nailer with these problems is a pass. You will most likely spend more in parts and time rebuilding added to the purchase cost to the point where buying new would be the best option. Even after rebuilding it you may need a new one anyway.