>Now I have a pneumatic brad gun,
>but haven't tried it yet. Anyone have experience with brad guns on grooved
>bottom bars?
I also use a pneumatic brad gun with 1 1/4" brads for both top and bottom
bars, two in each joint (8 nails per frame) with glue (titebond 2). Have had
almost no splitting in pine, a bit more in popular and oak, etc. Typically
it's not enough splitting to require replacing the bottom bar (considering
it's glued as well) I normally make my own frames, and use whatever
scrap wood I have in the shop. I use plastic foundation, grooved bottom
bars, and top bars. I simply assemble them with the foundation in place
(no wedge on the top bar).
-Tim