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Sanders and Sandpaper
There are two types of sanders that are
commonly used. The first type is the drum sander. The second is the pad,
orbital or platform sander. Both kinds have their pros and cons.
Drum sanders are big, capable machines
that are commonly used by professionals. They must be used with care as they
cut fast and you can seriously damage the floor if you don't use a steady,
careful motion. If there is significant damage to the wood, this sander will
allow you to quickly remove it. If you are simply trying to take up the finish,
read on.
Pad (platform) sanders are normally rented
at home improvement stores. They are generally more forgiving than the drum
sanders as they do not cut as fast as the drum sanders. They also normally
employ an orbital motion that makes them easier to use as they seem to "float" a
bit. These are recommended for Do-It-Yourselfers. If you are just trying to
remove the finish from a floor, the pad sander is a great choice.
Just as there is more than one type of
sander, there is also more than one type of sandpaper. There is sandpaper that
looks like regular sandpaper and there is the sanding screen.
Normal sandpaper can be used for projects
all the way from finish removal to defect removal. They are available in many
grits and can do it all.
Sanding screens are commonly used when
removing the finish on the floor. They are also used on the final sanding pass
when you are trying to take out damage to the floor boards.
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