span tables/equipment tips

[mako]

Hey guys. Where would be the best place to pick up a span tables book in geelong area (vic)? Do bunnies have em? Also what should i be looking for in a compressor/nailgun combination for building decks/pergolas? I guess a decking gun and a framing gun but any tips on brands sizes etc and the same question for a compressor? What are the alternatives to air guns...gas etc. are they worth it and/or any good? Cheers guys. great forum.

[OBBob]

Hi Mako

If it's just for decks and pergolas I'm sure Bunnings would have books that include span tables. Otherwise any large books store will carry some.

You'll easily do a deck without any nail guns ... but I have to say mine is my favorite toy!! I have a cheap direct drive compressor from bunnings, which has been great (40L - could be a bit larger). But I have an expensive Bostich framing gun ... partly because I got a good deal an partly because I was affraid a cheapy wouldn't sink nails into 100 year old hard wood.

That said I know a couple of people who have built entire houses / extensions with a cheap framing gun.

Wouldn't bother with a decking gun ... do that bit by hand.

[Vernonv]

Here are a couple of downloads containing deck info and span tables:

http://www.hyne.com.au/downloads/<WBR>dih_downloads/timberTDS/04_decks.pdf

and

http://www.hyne.com.au/downloads/dih_downloads/<WBR>timberTDS/13_decks_on_ground.pdf

Hope that helps.

Cheers.

Vernon.

[mako]

Thanks guys. My story is that i have built a few decks for myself and friends and i have quite a few requests to do more so i want to set myself up with some gear ( nail guns etc) so it doent take me so long. I guess im getting a part time busiess going building decks etc so any adive on decent equipment would be great. thanks

[Pulse]

Mako, the definitive span tables (if you are starting a business) is the timber framing code (AS 1684.2 for non-cyclonic areas.) They have supplements for each timber grade including F stress grades and MGP grading. They also have a table for decks over 1m high which have a larger live load (2kPa rather than 1.5kPa I think...) requirements.

I think tradac also have a pdf with span tables although not as definitive as AS1684.

Cheers
Pulse

[bpj1968]

Bunnings have a book called "deck and pergolas construction manual", by Allan Staines, and it has the tables you are looking for. was about $20 It has a few more timber sizes than the Hyne.com tables.

[Ben (TM)]

Believe it or not, I found AS 1684.2 easier to read and understand than Alan Staines...