Using automatic taping tools

Scott_w

I just started purchasing some auto tools. I haven't used them other than trying out one box (I was curious ).

So far I have:
-7,10,12 tapetech boxes
-36" and and adjustable tapetech handle
-2 pumps (first one was junk, but I am fixing it)
-mudrunner and 3" head
-3" tapetech nail spotter
-I also have the full BTE kit. 3 sizes of flushers, sausage tube, supertaper and case.

I am looking for a tapetech taper right now and the goose neck for the pump.

So far I have always taped everything by hand with knives and the BTE flusher kit, with the super taper.

Now, I have a few questions with the auto tools:

1>What is the best sequence? Does tapetech have training videos? I emailed, but no response yet.

2> do I require a roller or can I still just use the BTE corner flusher to embed the tape?

3> some have said you can finish corners in one shot with the mudrunner and 3" head. How many of you do this?

My current job right now is a full house (2 story, approx 750sqft of floorspace/floor)

Thanks in advance for any help.

scott

Saul_Surfaces

a roller makes a world of difference. I used to use my bte flushers to bed my tape after rolling, thinking any raised screws might damage the blades on my 2.5" angle head, but the DM angle head works so much better than the flushers I figure its worth the risk.

I'd suggest you not pigeon hole yourself into a Tapetech taper. It's likely a nice tool, but if you can get a good deal on a Columbia, or DM, or a Northstar, they'll treat you fine too. My Columbia has been great. Bought it on ebay for cheap, and its been great. Or you might consider a Marshalltown Banjo. It's a whole lot easier to clean.

Check out youtube for videos. There's lots of good info on there.

Hammy

I agree with Saul.

I use BTE flushers and finally bought a roller, what a huge difference.

cazna

Agree with all that, good advice guys, go the corner roller and angle head, takes some getting use too but better result, i still whip the flushers around the cupboards though, U tubes great for video clips, Drywallmasters site have some too. Still in the process of learning the angle head on the mudrunner but looks promising.

Scott_w

I appreciate the advice, so it looks like I am on the lookout for a corner roller too. Do they wear out, I have been looking on ebay.

Now for corner tools, is the 3" angle head enough? Or do I need a smaller one to bed the tape? I imagine I could still use the 2 or 2.5" flusher?

Thanks...scott

Saul_Surfaces

Corner rollers wear out. I'm all for used tools on ebay, but corner rollers are likely best bought new. Leading Edge is Canadian and ships everywhere. They've been good to me. All Wall is good too, but the $50 shipping to Canada sucks.

I doubt you'll be happy using the same head 3 times on your tape. It'll built up too much. I use a 2.5 to bed the tape, second coat with a 3", and third coat with a 2"--but I'm a tool whore too

Scott_w

Shipping isn't an issue. I have a US address as well and just drive over to pick the stuff up.

Anyone have a decent taper for sale? I would prefer Tapetech... I like things to match!

scott

cazna

Northstar adjustar corner roller on the handle is great, and i think you need a 2.5 and a 3.5 angle head. My drywallmaster bone heads are great.

Saul_Surfaces

mmm. . .the Northstar roller does look nice. That'll be my next one. My current one is a can-am that I bought on short notice. Took what was on hand. But the back of the wheels are open and will fill with mud. it's the devil to clean.

DSJOHN

Scott,use the roller 1st then follow with your flusher, or angle head,you need to make sure theres plenty of mud and wet,it takes practice, Ive got a tape-tech roller, always clean it ,dont even know how old it is,if you,ve never used one you,re in for a treat. You need 2 size angle heads; unless your super great with flusher 1 pass and then one angle pass.

Scott_w

Ok, just won a tapetech taper for $355

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Don't mind the ebay ID... its my wife's!

Now for my pump, do all goose necks fit any pump? Anything I should look out for?

Can someone outline the process they would use to do corners, using the tools I have? I only have the one 3" angle head and 3 sizes of flushers. Also, assume I have the roller as well.

Does the roller really make that much of a difference?

So now I am hunting for a corner roller, goose neck and a 2" (or 2.5"??) angle head?

Hopefully my mudrunner works when I try it. I haven't yet (its used).

So who wants to come up to Canada for beer and pizza? Ohh.. and a little tool fun!

thanks for the advice...scott

Capt-sheetrock

Scott, there isn't alot to a mudrunner,, they are touchy, but they are not that finicky(by that I mean, there is a bunch of little adjustments that make em work right, but mostly, they don't brake down alot. You just have to keep em adjusted and all the screws and stuff in place). Take the tube off and push the plunger down with your hand. If it ccomes back up, the cylinder is working.The rest is just adjustment and so on.

Good luck

Capt-sheetrock

I haven't seen every goosneck nor every tube, but for what I have seen, all goosenecks will work on any tube, with the exception of,,,,, the filler tube that comes out of the taper will sometimes need to elongated to recieve the goosneck. In other words, you may have to ease off on the set screw and pull the filler tube out abit on the taper to get it it to fit the gossneck, but the gossenck WILL fill the tube.(that happened to me on a DM tube I bought). You will know if that is a problem, If you try to fill the tube, but the nud runs out on the floor and not in the tube. Its an easy thing to fix.

Scott_w

Well I now have the tapetech goose neck and a tapetech roller with adjustable pole.

So I guess the only things missing for my collection is a 2" angle head? I guess I could try to get by with a 2 or 2 1/2" flusher for now?

Just waiting for the rest of the stuff to arrive now! Almost like Christmas all over!

thanks...scott

Scott_w

Just an update. I just picked up all 3 sizes of Northstar angle heads (2.5, 3 and 3.5).

It looks like I have everything but the nailspotter. But I can live without that.

Now before I break the stuff out and try them, can someone give me a rundown on the sequence from the the board is up?

Do I leave all corner bead off until the corners, flats and butts are done?

Much appreciated, I'll be using them next week. I will post a walk thru video of the house before mud when the board is done.

thanks...scott

suncoast drywaller

Where are these little adjustments and how often do they need attention.Just wondering .Cheers

cazna

Yeah me too?, i have one but dont see much to adjust? I did get a pipe clamp and put it on under the top clips and only take the bottom clips off for cleaning as you suggested capt, this helps to stop the top tube from cracking i think you mentioned.

Capt-sheetrock

Down on the very bottom, there is a #8 (I think) machine screw with a plastic bushing around it. If it comes loose or the plastic piece wears out you will wallow out the bottom of the brass color tube. Be sure to keep an eye on it and keep it snug, and remember to replace the plastic bushing before it wears out. They are like 50 cents whereas the brass tube is like 150.00.

Also If you notice, the white piece (PVC) that you grip to twist, has a little hole on either side. That is there so you can slip that little plastic (red) tube that comes with a can of wd40(I know, you guys hate it). You can keep the twister working alot easier if you give up on hateing wd and keep it lubed.

After you get done using it and got it all cleaned up, turn it upside down, place the nose on your foot, grasp the shaft with your left hand and then twist the tube. This will force the brass pieace down just a hair, then spray the HELL out of the gap between the brass and the end cap with (what-else) WD40. this will clean all the grundge out of the bottom.
Makes it work alot easier, but then again, you have to use wd, alas!!!!

cazna

Cheers Capt, Thanks for that, I know what else you do with the WD from another thread so now i think of that whenever i see it My old mate Mr Lanox will do just fine.

suncoast drywaller

Have used wd40 on all my stuff for about the last couple months .Works fine for me . I get it in the 4 litre container and pour in a spray bottle , top stuff .Thanks for mudrunner info .Its going ok Cheers