Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Framing Nailer Options

I have been informed that I'm going to inherit a few hundred bucks in the near future and my wife is not objecting to me blowing it all on tools. I'm thinking framing nailer (pneumatic). I'm slightly partial to Porter-Cable because my brad and finish nailers are that brand, but I understand that cost is generally an indicator of quality and the PC is about 20%/$50 less than the Senco, Paslode or Bostich nailers at HD. Should it matter, this gun will receive only very occasional use.

The Porter Cable will give good service, just as the others will, provided you maintain it well. I finally relented and let my Bostitch framer go in for maintenance to replace the trigger plunger. I've had it for more than 10 years and had to listen to an earful from the repair guy about maintenance, which I deserved. It has had nothing done to it but regular oiling and daily use, so I must be quite lucky.

:D you sure that inheritence wasn't for me :p

I don't own a framing nailer so I can't advise but you know when it comes to buying tools, some of us just got to drool :D

Spend the money on your wife. Those are all good nailers, but I am partial to Bostich, have several, as well as Senco. But for occasional use, I have a 22oz hammer that really works great, requires no maintenance or oil, no air hose, no power of any kind except muscle power.

If you are going for a framing nailer for occasional use, a factory-refurbished PC should do very well and have some funds left over.

"very occasional use"

New Central Pnumatic from Habor Freight or a rebuilt named brand.

Thank you all for your help. BTW Bill, I was not telling the whole truth in my original post, the inheritance should be at least a few hundred dollars and my wife will be given as much as I blow on myself to blow on herself and anything left goes into our daughter's college fund. Also, this is, as you pointed out, obviously not a tool I need, it's just something I want.

"not a tool I need, it's just something I want."

Which makes buying it even more enjoyable.

I have a Bostich that I bought for a large project several years ago and it seldom gets used anymore, maybe once or twice a year. However, I've gotten my money out of it and when I do use it, it's a real time and work saver.
I too have a framing hammer, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of pounding nails, but after the first dozen or so I'm reaching for the nailer.

I'm too old to pound more than a few nails as well.