Heavy duty floor sander

[GallardoOwner]

Anybody have one of these they would be willing to hire out for a few weeks, have a lot of wooden floors to sort at home ? Thanks

[herbialfa]

Try HSS or the like, they hire them with all the kit required.

• IMPORTANTANT RULE No. !*

Its all in the prep!!!!!! I can't say that strongly enough! Go over your existing boards with a fine tooth comb hammering down any protruding nails until they are at least flush. Check & double check.

The more time you spend doing this the less time you will spend replacing shredded sheets of sand paper trust me and thats a PITA in itself. Try & go diagonally across the room first to avoid "BIG" gouges in the floor boards. After 5 minutes you should have the hang of it!

Let your neighbours know and open all windows. Wash down the floor after before varnish!

Best of luck!

[Konan]

It may be worth looking out for a contra rotating sander that uses discs. They're a lot easier to handle and you don't run the risk of making a mistake and running a groove into the floor, which you then have to spend all day sanding out.

You can also spot nail heads that are sitting too high as it polishes them up without really damaging the discs.

[Muffsy]

I have hired them myself from Jewson after having my own Stolen off site...
You want a Drum Sander and Edger...
They are cheap enough to Hire or even cheaper if you know someone with an Account...
The Expense is in the Sanding Sheets, can end up being costly if the floor is currently waxed as it will take a helluva lot of Sheets due to clogging...
The above tip about hammering the nail heads down is spot on, otherwise you will waste Sheets by ripping tearing etc...
I don't think you are asking for Tips on how to do it but I recommend Waxing every time...

[KevF]

OP,

Did you get anywhere with this? Will need to do two rooms myself soon. Have found a couple of local companies who do it for you but in two minds.

Kev

[crisp500]

KevF said:

OP,

Did you get anywhere with this? Will need to do two rooms myself soon. Have found a couple of local companies who do it for you but in two minds.

Kev

I used to hire them out Kev. Really isn't that hard, as previously said just a little preparation needed knocking in any nails etc. We used to do the kit (floor sander & edger) for about 40 quid for 24hrs plus the sheets and discs. Save a bit of money and do it yourself, you won't regret it!

Harley

[crisp500]

KevF said:

OP,

Did you get anywhere with this? Will need to do two rooms myself soon. Have found a couple of local companies who do it for you but in two minds.

Kev

I used to hire them out Kev. Really isn't that hard, as previously said just a little preparation needed knocking in any nails etc. We used to do the kit (floor sander & edger) for about 40 quid for 24hrs plus the sheets and discs. Save a bit of money and do it yourself, you won't regret it!

Harley

[KevF]

Ok mate heard ya the first time

Well the floor gets delivered Wednesday so will need to be laid first. This way I know the nails will be all tapped in properly first time.

Will have a look and see. Have been recommended to try and hire a machine made by Lägler?

Kev

[Muffsy]

Needs to be done with Care...it's not as easy as you make out...will take a couple of attempts to get the hang of it...I did my practising on an Old Mansion 15 years ago...Floor was Solid Oak and very uneven...did the worst parts by Electric Plane first and then the Sander...put 2 or 3 coats of Clear Matt Diamond Floor Varnish...came out Fantastic...actually went back to that place 2 weeks ago to measure up some Sash Casements and Floor hasn't been touched since i did it and it still looks the Biz...

Edited by Muffsy on Monday 2nd June 22:34

[crisp500]

I've sanded a few floors in barn conversions and old terrace houses with a 'Hiretech' floor sander (as hired by Jewson), last one about 5 years ago. Some reclaimed boards and some new. With the dark stuff (mostly around the edge of the floors) I used a 24 grit sheet which did block reasonably quickly but not enough to make it a chore. I can only say how I personally found it which really wasn't that bad at all. Wouldn't hesitate doing the job for myself again