Hi Folks, I'm new to this so please forgive me if I screw this up somehow. My question to all you "experienced" framers, I'm going to purchase an underpinner, but I'm not sure which one of the two I have in mind is the better. The two are (a) Fletcher F-5600 Corner Pro, or (b) Inmes Im3 P/SE. I suspect the Fletcher is the better of the two, suggestions please. I live in Toronto Canada, does anyone know of a Cassese distributor in Canada? Thanks in advance, Denis.
Which underpinner?
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Hi Denis, sorry I can't answer your question but did you try the search link at the top of the page?
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Denis,
Over the past 23 years I have had a number of vee nailers and have tested many others. The current one, Cassese, is what I should have bought first!
Cassese machines have a long list of exclusive features that provide you with the ability to make tight mitre joints, if thats what you desire!
Many vee nailers have the ability to insert vee nails in joints, but few will join them and hold them tightly together!
It's well worth spending some time and money visiting suppliers and trying out machines for yourself so that you have no regrets!
Over the past 23 years I have had a number of vee nailers and have tested many others. The current one, Cassese, is what I should have bought first!
Cassese machines have a long list of exclusive features that provide you with the ability to make tight mitre joints, if thats what you desire!
Many vee nailers have the ability to insert vee nails in joints, but few will join them and hold them tightly together!
It's well worth spending some time and money visiting suppliers and trying out machines for yourself so that you have no regrets!
gemini
CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
I believe Cadre Verbec distributes Cassese. Not sure where they are in Canada, I'm sure a quick google would find them.
I don't know about the Inmes model you mentioned, but the Fletcher 5600 is a durable machine for general purposes, especially if you plan to join lots of similar mouldings after one setup. Having one vertical clamp (like most other underpinners) you would have to readjust the clamps for some wide mouldings. For corners with multiple fastener insertions, you have to move the moulding as the driver mechanism is stationary. Cassese machines are good, too.
Fletcher has a significant advantage in its distribution network. You can buy Fletcher machines, consumables, and parts from any Fletcher distributor. To my knowledge, there are far fewer sources for Inmes machines & parts.
If you have a lot of variety in the frames you join -- wide/narrow, soft/hard/poly/MDF, grain finish/vinyl/paper/gesso/metal leaf -- and if you join an average of more than about 30 per week, then the ROI (investment payback) numbers usually favor the Fletcher 5700. That machine costs about $1,000 more, but has two vertical clamps, which eliminate re-setups in process, and the driver mechanism moves, while the moulding stays stationary. It also has some pneumatic goodies not typically found on machines in its price class: adjustable descent speed, pneumatic fastener bale, two separate air adjustments for front & upper pressures, manual/automatic switch, and several optional accessories.
Fletcher has a significant advantage in its distribution network. You can buy Fletcher machines, consumables, and parts from any Fletcher distributor. To my knowledge, there are far fewer sources for Inmes machines & parts.
If you have a lot of variety in the frames you join -- wide/narrow, soft/hard/poly/MDF, grain finish/vinyl/paper/gesso/metal leaf -- and if you join an average of more than about 30 per week, then the ROI (investment payback) numbers usually favor the Fletcher 5700. That machine costs about $1,000 more, but has two vertical clamps, which eliminate re-setups in process, and the driver mechanism moves, while the moulding stays stationary. It also has some pneumatic goodies not typically found on machines in its price class: adjustable descent speed, pneumatic fastener bale, two separate air adjustments for front & upper pressures, manual/automatic switch, and several optional accessories.