Advanced Guide On The Different Floor Sanding Machines

Sanding wooden floors as a part of the wood floor repairs process is an important step. The first question, which usually comes to mind is related to the type of equipment needed.

The "mighty" belt sander is a good mate in most of the floor restoration works we may face. However, when dealing with hardwood floors in relatively good condition, the orbital buffers are an alternative, which may outperform the finishing in terms of time. If there is a lack of experience and confidence, they can be a preferred option.

Here are some useful facts about sanding equipment and their differences.

Belt sanders

Features:

• Type: Portable (handheld) or stationary.
• Sanding Mechanism: Uses a continuous loop of sandpaper (belt) to sand surfaces.
• Power: Typically has a strong motor for aggressive material removal.

Applications

• Ideal for leveling surfaces, removing paint, and preparing wood for finishing.
• Suitable for sanding large areas quickly, like floors or tabletops.

Advantages

• Efficiency: Fast material removal makes them great for rough sanding.
• Versatile: Can be used on various materials, including wood and metal.

Limitations

• Less Control: Can be aggressive, making it easy to remove too much material if not handled carefully.
• Limited Detail Work: Not ideal for intricate shapes or edges.

Drum sanders 

Features

• Type: Typically stationary, designed for larger workshops.
• Sanding Mechanism: Uses a rotating cylindrical drum covered with sandpaper.
• Conveyor Belt: Feeds material through the drum for even sanding.

Applications

• Best for sanding large, flat surfaces like hardwood flooring or thick panels.
• Excellent for high-volume sanding tasks in professional settings.

Advantages

• Consistency: Provides an even finish across large surfaces, reducing the need for additional sanding.
• High Capacity: Can handle thick materials and large projects efficiently.

Limitations

• Size and Space: Requires significant workshop space; not portable.
• Cost: Generally more expensive than belt or orbital sanders due to their specialised nature.

Orbital sanders (buffers):

Features

• Type: Available as handheld models, often lightweight and easy to control.
• Sanding Mechanism: Uses a round sanding pad that moves in a random orbital pattern or a linear motion.
• Variable Speed: Many models allow users to adjust the speed of sanding.

Applications

• Ideal for finishing tasks, smoothing surfaces, and sanding in tight spaces or curves.
• Effective for preparing surfaces for painting or varnishing.

Advantages

• Ease of Use: Lightweight and user-friendly, suitable for beginners.
• Reduced Swirl Marks: Random orbital sanders minimise the risk of swirl marks, resulting in a smooth finish.

Limitations

• Less Aggressive: Not designed for heavy material removal, making them less effective for rough sanding.
• Edge Work: Round pads can be challenging for sanding edges and corners.

If the wooden floor comprises planks or boards (especially pine floorboards), which are at a perfect level against one another, you may find it difficult to work with an orbital type of machine. Hiring a belt floor sander will be highly recommended.

Start with the lower grid of abrasive belts and go up the ladder to the finest ones. Once the perfect level is achieved you can either move to the orbital buffing machine or continue with the finer grids. The same applies to the abrasives of the Edger and Corner machines.

Hardwood floor buffing is an important step of every floor renovation. If your sealant of choice is a lacquer, use a fine buffing mesh before your first coat and before the last one with your orbital buffer. This operation will also help remove differences between the vertical and horizontal circulations of the different sanding equipment used during the works - the belt drum or the disc of the edging machines. It will help smoothen the final finish by removing minor imperfections and cut the timber grain, which has been raised during the drying time of the first coat of lacquer.

The majority of modern floor sanding machines collect sawdust from the sanding. Some can be more efficient than others. Some uncaptured dust particles will not be visible to the eye and may settle down hours after the sanding is complete. Working with respirator masks is recommended for sanding equipment, which does not come with a dust capturing unit.

Summary: Choosing between belt sanders, drum sanders, and orbital sanders depends on your specific needs. Belt sanders excel in rough material removal, drum sanders provide consistent finishes for large projects, and orbital sanders are perfect for detail work and smooth finishes. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each type will help you select the right tool for your projects.