3/16'' crown stapler

[fingers]

I just picked up a swell new Senco stapler off of ebay for $89. They retail new for around $185 Problem is it's rigged for 3/16'' crown staples. Never occurred to me there could be a variant. Doh! Currently in the process of hunting down a company that can supply the parts for conversion unless someone on the forum can convince me that a 3/16'' crown staple is a must have for furniture upholstery. I've seen the narrow crown used for dbl welt but prefer hot glue myself. It's a really great looking gun, feels great in the hand, works perfectly and I'm chompin' at the bit to use it. Insights?

[Peppy]

I've never heard of a conversion before. It would seem you would have to change a lot of parts. I don't expect it would be worth it. I have a crown gun it's handy but I can't say I use it every day. It is handy for dbl welt and things like carpet. I do like having it around and wouldn't get rid of it. Senco's are good guns.

[byhammerandhand]

Is this the 19 gauge or 22 gauge model?  That would make a big difference in its application.

[Peppy]

Is this the 19 gauge or 22 gauge model?  That would make a big difference in its application.

True, I use the heavier on constantly. I assumed it was the thinner one. (sorry, I'm terrible with gauge- 19g is thicker, right?)

[fingers]

22 gauge with max leg length of 5/8'' so it couldn't be used for any wood assembly that I do with any regularity. Open to ideas..

[sofadoc]

The 22 gauge is what I've always referred to as a "gimp" stapler. It was originally intended to replace the use of gimp tacks (the tacks with the little round heads). Some use it between the rows of double welt, but it does tend to leave a dip at each staple. I used to use it only in the corner when turning double welt.
I had one for 20 years. When it finally crapped out, I didn't bother to replace it.
I've also seen gimp staples between the fake heads on nailhead trim.

I use the 18 gauge version for minor frame repair, and occasionally anchoring corners of skirts when the fabric is very thick. I got this idea from seeing thick skirts that were anchored on the corners with roofing nails.

I used to know an upholsterer who never bought metal nailstrip, or pli-grip. He would bury gimp staples under the welt cord everywhere.

[byhammerandhand]

Yes, 22 gauge is thinner than 19 or 18 gauge.  22 gauge is the range of upholstery staples, 18 gauge is the range of pneumatic brads.

I have an 18 ga / 1/4" crown that I use for stapling plywood backs on casegoods, attaching fiberboard panels and webbing on upholstered frames, and occasionally to get though and hold multiple layers of leather down that keeps pulling out regular staples. 
I've repaired way too many upholstered frames where structural joints were held together with staples to ever consider it for this application.  Screws and glue for me.


According to Senco's web site for their 3/16 crown 22 ga.:
Applications
Upholstering operations, furniture assembly, cabinets,
automotive vinyl roofs and interior trim, bedding manufacture,
TV and stereo grille cloth, picture frames, shoemaking,
molding and roofing felt.

22 gauge with max leg length of 5/8'' so it couldn't be used for any wood assembly that I do with any regularity. Open to ideas..

[Peppy]

Yes I looked at my gun. It's a 18g shooting up to 1 1/4" staples that I use almost daily. The other, the 'gimp gun' shoots 5/8" and I use that rarely. It is handy sometimes though. Sometimes it'll shoot into fiberglass where the normal staples won't. And I use it sometimes into plastic, like bucket seats, where it seems to hold a little better than a normal staple.

[ahkahn]

I'm showing that it could be a Senco "W" series gun.  If that is the case, that would cross over to a BeA 97 series... and we stock staples for that gun. 

If you can get a Senco letter/model off of the gun, I can cross it over for you. 

-Andrew

[sofadoc]

Here's an example of a minor frame repair with the 18 gauge:
This is a common joint on La-z-boys that separates. I clamp, glue, and then glue a thin piece of panel board over the joint. Then I staple with the 18 gauge nailer.
I did this repair about 10 years ago, the last time I recovered this recliner.

[fingers]

 I finally spoke with tech support at Senco, too expensive to convert over. Any one interested in buying it before I put it on ebay? Paid $89 to have it shipped to my door. Any offer real close to that and I'll ship it right out.

[MinUph]

I'll take 2

[fingers]

Paul, since you want two, you'll have to bid against yourself and the others that are forming a line while I pen this very imaginative marketing scheme. But I will show favoritism towards you when the bidding is over....

[kodydog]

Here's an example of a minor frame repair with the 18 gauge:
This is a common joint on La-z-boys that separates. I clamp, glue, and then glue a thin piece of panel board over the joint. Then I staple with the 18 gauge nailer.
I did this repair about 10 years ago, the last time I recovered this recliner.

Looks like a good repair job, similar to what I would do but I'm trying to figure out what part of the recliner I'm looking at.

[sofadoc]

Looks like a good repair job, similar to what I would do but I'm trying to figure out what part of the recliner I'm looking at.

It's the rear outside arm frame of a La-z-boy. The frame is turned upside down in the pic.