Home Flooring Styles :: Wood Floor Sander
Wood Floor Sander:
Getting the Right Sander for Your Wood Floor
The wood floor sander of today is electrically powered and has replaced the conventional method of sanding wood floors by hand. These machines can be purchased, but are an expensive investment for the homeowner wanting to refinish their home’s hardwood floor. For the homeowner needing a wood floor sander many rental agencies rent this equipment.
Types of Wood Floor Sander
There are two distinct types of wood floor sander, drum or disk. Drum sanders have a rotating cylinder drum, to which the sandpaper is mounted. The sandpaper is the rotated over the floor, scratching its surface in a straight line, very similar to how a belt sander works when applied to wood. Drum wood floor sander generally are unable to sand close to the baseboard without damaging it.
The disk wood floor sander, on the other hand, utilizes a disk to which the sandpaper is mounted. The disk then rotates in a circle over the floor surface scratching it cross grain rather than in a straight line. This particular kind of sander is more effective and safer at sanding up to the baseboard. However regardless if you use a drum sander or disk sander it is suggested that you also use an electric edger to thoroughly sand corners and other places that either of these sanders are unable to sand. These are a hand held version of the wood floor sander.
Floor Preparation
Before using any wood floor sander you’ll want to sweep up any dirt and debris off the floor. Once you have done this, set any nails that might be exposed above floor level to prevent damage to the sandpaper and the wood floor sander. After the nails have been set you’ll want to putty all the nail holes.
Hardwood Floor Sanding
The convenience of the wood floor sander is its speed and effectiveness in removing the old finish from the floor. Sanding can be done in a couple of depending on the size of the floor and other factors. Generally speaking, most floors need to be sanded only twice: once with a moderately course grit sandpaper, followed by a finer grit. Depending on the age of the previous finish and the condition of the floor, you may have to sand the floor a third time.
When using the disk type wood floor sander, be careful about the grit, or coarseness, of sandpaper you use. Remember, disk sanders operate in a circular cross sanding spin over the floor. If the sandpaper is to course the wood floor sander will scratch too deeply into the floor surface and will be noticeable after the finish has been applied.
All Articles for Home Flooring Styles
Learn great tips about how to improve the quality of your home with
Home Improvement Tips and Money Savers
Order Online
24 Hours a Day
7 Days a Week
365 Days a Year!
Copyright 2008
Home-Flooring-Styles.com :: Wood Floor Sander