I have been going crazy this morning trying to find a thread I read in the last month concerning using a flooring nailer to install solid wood flooring. The discussion was on using a manual nailer or going to a cheaper Harbor Freight pneumatic nailer to install the flooring. There was also discussion on using cleats vs. staples. The last post I read had someone suggesting just grab a handful of spiral nails and a nailset and go at it. I am failing at the new forum's search function!

I have rented a manual porta-nailer before from the Orange borg - but the installs were about 200sf (kitchens) and I could do it in a day by myself. I am committed now to installing 1000sf in a basement and I know it is going to take a month of Sundays for me to complete the job.

I am installing Platon and 3/4" tongue and groove 3/4" OSB over the slab per the recommendations. I am installing 3/4" cherry unfinished. I need to use a 1.5" fastener to prevent any puncturing of the vapor barrier.

I had read some good reviews of people using these from Amazon :

http://www.amazon.com/NuMax-SFL618BR...486480&sr=8-12

or

http://www.amazon.com/Ramsond-RMM4-H...6486480&sr=8-2

or the HF one with an additional 20% off coupon? http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...ler-99640.html

I have the following questions:

Cleats or Staples?
What nailer? Amazon or Harbor Freight?
Face nailing the first row - 16ga or 15ga?

Thanks guys!