I need a more powerful random orbit sander for a number of sanding tasks. I also need to refinish my oak hw floor.
Instead of renting the edge sander for the floor, are the mid level random orbit sanders (non-palm models), powerful enough to edge sand a hw floor?
BoschBosch 3725DEVS 5″ Random Orbit Variable Speed Dustless Sander
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008NFDM/ref=pd_ys_ir_hi_5/104-4774424-4455113?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance
orter-Cable 97355 5″ Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander Kit with Carrying Case and Dust Kit
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000222YJ/ref=pd_ys_ir_hi_8/104-4774424-4455113?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance
I know it will probably take more time to sand the floor but that’s OK. Since it’s my first time refinishing a floor, I’d rather go slow and make sure I don’t groove the floor than go faster with a machine that may groove it. I’ll rent a dedicated random orbit floor sander for the majority of the room.
If the sander is just not powerful enough, I’ll just rent the edger and wait on the sander.
Replies
There was a review in either FHB or FWW withing the past 18 months. There were one or two that had very agressive sanding modes, but I don't remember the brands.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I have that issue. While it said that the models I listed were more aggressive, it didn't really do a good job describing how aggressive. I'm trying to get a feel if they are up to the job of sanding down a clear finish off of a hardwood floor or not.
My floors are parquet so I used that PC and a 6" AEG but really I wanted to rent a 4 headed random orbit sander but it wasn't available locally.
If you can rent a http://www.u-sand.com/index.htm machine I say go for it.
The direct drive option of a Bosch or Festo are attractive for floor sanding.
I am very pleased with the result however.
Well, I bought the Rigid model at Home Depot. I'm really impressed with it. At the highest speed, it stripped the finish off of my floor in seconds (with 36 grit sandpaper). It is a little less powerful with a vacuum attached. In the end, for edging a floor, it's too small. I ended up renting an edger and the USAND at Home Depot. The edger was really aggressive and tough to handle. I wish I watched the USand video . I probably wouldn't have rented the edger. I was very impressed with the USand. It took a little bit of effort to control. After a few minutes I got the hang of it. However, after 5 hours of sanding, I realized how much effort I was actually exerting to control the sander...my body is sore like it hasn't been in a long time. The vacuum bag on the machine was worthless if you ask me. I had more sawdust in my shop vac from vacuuming the floor than what was in the bag. I had dust everywhere on the floor.