Replies

1. 
   Hooker | Apr 16, 2005 06:28pm | #1

   Hey Kevin-

   The orbitals are good because they are designed to not leave sanding marks against the grain.  I think orbital would be the best overall.  Belt sanders are scary in your case because of the risk of sanding too long in one place.  You could aslo use a small detail sander to get the corners. 

   Be sure to get a few grades of sandpaper for the orbital.

   Good luck! 

   Quality, Craftsmanship, Detail

1. 
   kevreh | Apr 17, 2005 03:39pm | #2

   Thanks! Looks like I'll tackle the steps with a scraper and orbital. Not looking forward to hand sanding the piece of trim under each step though!

    

   Kevin

1. 
   Frankie | Apr 17, 2005 08:07pm | #3

   The orbital is the right tool to use, along with a scraper for the corners. Don't use any higher than 100gr on the orbital or you will seal the wood and limit the stain-hold and/ or limit the grab for the finish.Maintain a sharp edge on the scraper. Be sure to purchase a file along with the scraper. You will need to file the scraper every other step. It takes time to file but it takes less time than using a dull blade.Be very careful using the orbital on the nosing. Even though you are going l-r or r-l, be sure to also go up and down, around the nosing.Sometimes it is easier and faster to replace the moulding under the nosing.F

1. 
   kevreh | Apr 18, 2005 04:17am | #4

   Yeah, I was thinking about replacing the trim. Feel kinda bad throwing it out but then again how much time do I really want to spend sanding??

   BTW, when everyone talks about the orbital sanders do they mean the ones for woodworking or the floor ones like this: http://www.hardwood-floor-sanders.com/details.asp?EquipID=super7r

    

   Kevin

    

1. 
   Frankie | Apr 18, 2005 04:57am | #5

   "BTW, when everyone talks about the orbital sanders do they mean the ones for woodworking or the floor"For woodworking.F

2. 
   DougU | Apr 18, 2005 05:23am | #6

   Do not use that sander that you linked to!

   Man you'll have some screwed up treads.

   Use your everyday hand held orbital sander. Personally I'd use a RO sander and come back over the top with a orbital sander.

   Doug

3. 
   kevreh | Apr 18, 2005 05:33am | #7

   RO? Random orbital (versus just orbital...if there is such a thing)??

    

   Kevin

4. 
   goldhiller | Apr 18, 2005 06:44am | #8

   Speed block = orbital sanderhttp://doityourself.com/store/6870752.htmRandom orbit is a different critterhttp://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/tools/article/0,16417,398323,00.htmlKnowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

5. 
   DougU | Apr 18, 2005 07:02am | #9

   Yes, look at what Goldhiller posted.

   The RO will take more off quicker, but it will leave swirl marks. If you go to 150 or more though you will be hard pressed to see any swirl marks.

   Doug

6. 
   kevreh | Apr 18, 2005 04:26pm | #10

   Hmmm, the article says the random oval pattern PREVENTS swirl marks from happening:

   "The sandpaper disc spins in a circle while the whole pad moves in an oval loop. As a result, no single abrasive particle follows the same path twice, leaving a swirl-free finish even when sanding across the grain. "

    

   Kevin

7. 
   DougU | Apr 19, 2005 12:21am | #11

   Kevin

   Dont believe everything you read!

   I use the RO to finish sand a lot of stuff. As I said, its hard to see the swirls once you get up over 120.

   You would be fine with using just the RO sander.

   Doug

8. 
   goldhiller | Apr 19, 2005 06:07am | #12

   Well call me anal. <G>No matter what power device I use to sand, I always in-line sand just a tad with the final grit used.....by hand with a rubber block or whatever is appropriate as a backer......whether I can see any traces of sanding marks or not. Been bit one too many times when staining. Takes very little time, so for me is worth the little extra time and effort.Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

9. 
   DougU | Apr 19, 2005 06:20am | #13

   GH

   I'd never call you anal!!!

   I don't have to do any(very little) finish work so for me I can get by with RO sanding. If theres swirls then the finisher better get them out. :)

   I agree that those damn sanding marks will show up when you think they are not there. I blame a lot of that on my ageing eyes.

   Doug

    

10. 
    goldhiller | Apr 19, 2005 06:38am | #14

    Your aging eyes do some mighty fine work. I've seen enough of it to know that.Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.