Floor sanding is an integral aspect of the construction process. Without it, a house would not be built and homes would not be built. Sanding is a process that removes rough spots or “depots” from the floor. When properly done, it leaves floors smooth and sturdy. Although most of the time a floor will need to be sanded several times before it is ready to be installed, there are a variety of different types of floor Sanders on the market today. Knowing what you are looking for in a sander can help you make the right decision when searching for floor sanding supplies.
Types of Equipment
There are three main categories that floor sanding equipment falls into drum sander, floor sanding discs, and belt sander/bench sander combos. Each type of sander has its pros and cons. Besides, each has specific applications where they are best suited. The three main types of equipment also have different price ranges. Before shopping for your new sander, know which application you plan to use it in. By doing so, you can narrow down your search for floor sanding equipment and avoid buying something too expensive for your needs.
A drum sander is ideal for removing large amounts of floor scuff and dust. It features a cylindrical drum that sandpaper is pressed into. Often a hand-powered, open-ended drum sander is attached to the drum and operated manually. This type of sander is ideal for a family handyman because it does not require a lot of upkeep and is simple to operate. Plus, it usually leaves very little room for making any personal adjustments or customizing your floor.
An orbital sander is similar to a drum sander, but it features an electric orbital roller that sands the floor. This sander requires no motor or electricity and can quickly and accurately sand larger areas. However, it is only practical for smaller areas or ones with little wear. An orbital sander is not recommended for home jobs or for a business where more sanding action will be required. It is also not a good choice for people who plan to sand floors daily because the tiny particles produced during normal sanding can be hard to remove from the floor.
A base shoe is perfect for a professional floor sanding job. Homeowners often use them because they are easy to transport and are ideal for domestic use. They come in a variety of sizes and prices, depending on the size of the base shoe. A family handyman or homeowner can purchase a base shoe of varying widths based on the needs of the job. Some base shoes are made of plastic with metal or rubber feet to withstand impact.
Other Equipment
The stapler is another popular floor sanding machine. Homeowners may have seen the product on television, but many homeowners do not know much about the product. The stapler is a simple device that holds a piece of sandpaper flat against a drum. The drum sander spins the sandpaper against the drum at a fixed, pre-set pace. Homeowners choose the size of the drum sander based on the amount of floor space available. Homeowners with very small houses may use a drum sander with one to two inches of clearance.
When the homeowner purchases a drum sander, he or she should keep in mind the power of the motor. Smaller motors are generally good for light-duty jobs and smaller jobs should be attempted using the largest motor that is suitable for the floor space being sanded. A homeowner can purchase a corded or cordless motor for heavier duty work. For most homeowners, the cheapest floor sanding equipment is a hand-held portable drum sander.
The most versatile home improvement equipment is the orbital sander. An orbital sander is similar to the drum sander only it rotates in a horizontal direction rather than in a vertical direction. Because it is stationary, an orbital sander is perfect for sweeping tile floors and large floor areas. There are many different models of orbital Sanders available. Homeowners typically select a model based on the space available for floor sanding and whether the flooring can be professionally installed. Some homeowners purchase more expensive models for industrial applications.
