I am looking at installing 5/8" bamboo floors and am finding that the nailers are set up for 3/4 or 1/2. I have about 500 sq ft to do and was looking at renting a gun. I called to supplyer and asked what they recomend and they said they recomend shiming the 3/4" gun. I can rent a bostitch 2" stapler for 3/4" but was wondering if any one had run into this problem and found a good solution?
Sean

I guess I don't understand the issue you are having. 5/8 is right between 3/4 and 1/2. So, most nail guns shouldn't have a problem since they can shoot 1.5 and 2 inch nails. No shimming necessary.

Maybe I'm not reading the queston right . . .

Right...well it is the alignment that is at issue not the ability to reach the subfloor. I will be using 2" staples so it is simply an alignment issue. I hope that helps. I am a newbie so this may be a non issue. I just figured if I assumed that...well then it would be an issue and I would regret it later....
sean

I understand now. Good question then, I guess. I installed a 5/8 BC product a few years ago (2003) with a floor nailer (Porter Cable) and it worked just fine without shimming or anything else. To this day it still looks good and holds well.

I think someone more knowledgable than I am needs to answer your question.

Thanks for your input...it may just end up being a try and see and adjust where needed kind of thing.

Test, test test and you will be fine. I have seen a two bamboo floors where the staple caused a raised dimple because the nailer was misaligned. I belive they used the 1/2" shoe and it put the staple just a smidge high somewhat seperting the veneers these both were horizontal cuts. just something to think about. Bambbo has such a smooth texture it will show when low angle light kicks across.

That is what I will do...test test test.
thanks

I am currently installing 5/8" bamboo in my house. I rented the Bostitch M111 FS with the 3/4" adapter. When I tested the stapler on the bamboo, the staple was shot too high above the tongue. I removed the adapter (white plastic rectangle attached by three allen screws), and tested and the staple shot too low. I found that two pieces of cardboard taped together made the staple shoot correctly. So I attached the cardboard to the stapler with the allen screws and everything worked smoothly. I completed 350 sqft without a problem. Will be using the same method to finish another 400 sqft this weekend. Hope this helps.

Yes it does help because it shows that it can be done with out to much heartache. I am getting started this weekend and I will post any tips or tricks I figure out.

A peice of the box the deck screws were in was the perfect shim with the 1/2" shoe. No wories...Now I am coming up on my kitchen cabenets and am realizing that I won't even be able to face nail them under the toe kick of the cabenets. I guess I will have to glue...What type of glue should I use on bamboo? It is going on top of plywood subfloor.

Bostik's Best seems to be the one that comes up to most so unless anyone has any input to the contrart that will be the one. Now....where to find it...

Under toe kicks, any quality construction adhesive will work. Liquid nails and PL both have a good moisture cure urethane also, and they can be found at Home Depot or Lowe's.

Cut out the felt paper. Don't glue to it.

I'm curious how the Bamboo flooring came out for you. I had thought about using Bamboo for quite a while, but in the end choose maple. So I'm curious how you like the Bamboo.