The parquet edger (or edging machine) is an essential tool for craftsmen looking to achieve a professional finish on their parquet floors. This machine allows you to reach corners and edges that are difficult to sand with a conventional floor sander. In this article, we will explain the advantages of the parquet edger, how to use it and what to look for when purchasing a parquet edger.
The parquet edger is a versatile tool that can be used for several tasks, including:
Sanding hard-to-reach corners and edges: Corners and edges are often the most difficult areas to sand when renovating a floor. A floor sander allows you to reach these areas without having to use a conventional floor sander.
Achieving a professional finish: A floor sander is capable of sanding floors right up to the edge of walls and skirting boards, resulting in a professional and uniform finish. The same applies to the underside of radiators, stairs and the floor inside cupboards.
Save time: By using a floor sander, craftsmen can save time and effort by avoiding having to sand corners and edges manually.
The edge sander uses the same operating principle as the orbital sander and works under its own weight, without the need to apply additional pressure. It is controlled by two handles located on either side of the device, and it is important not to press down on the machine, as this could damage the motor and the entire gear system.
The discs used for the edge sander are available in a wide variety of grits, allowing you to choose the right disc for the job at hand. For example, the abrasive disc used for roughing the surface differs from the one used for finishing.
The edge sander is particularly useful for working on small areas such as corners, edges, steps and hard-to-reach places. However, for large areas, it is recommended that you supplement its use with a floor sander or concrete sander, depending on the surface to be treated.
Here are the steps to follow to use a floor sander correctly. Even if you already know how, it is always important to refresh your memory:
Equip yourself with protective gear: Before starting work, it is important to equip yourself with ear and eye protection to protect yourself from noise and dust.
Prepare the floor: Before starting to sand, it is important to clean the floor and remove any objects that could interfere with the work.
Position the floor sander: The floor sander must be positioned so that the blade is in contact with the floor.
Start sanding: Switch on the floor sander and start sanding by moving it back and forth along the edges and corners.
Sand gradually: To achieve a uniform result, it is important to sand gradually and check the result regularly.
Repeat the operation: Repeat the operation until all corners and edges have been sanded.
Clean the surface: After finishing sanding, it is important to clean the surface to remove dust and sanding residue.
When buying a floor sander, it is important to look for the following features:
Yes, there are different arms for floor sanders, each with its own characteristics to meet the needs of craftsmen. The two most commonly used arms are the single arm and the long arm.
The single arm is most commonly used for small sanding areas. It allows for greater manoeuvrability and better visibility for craftsmen when sanding edges and corners. This arm is generally used with an overhang of around 15 centimetres.
The long arm, on the other hand, is used for large sanding areas. It allows a larger sanding area to be covered in a single pass. This arm is generally used with a 35 cm wide overhang.
It is important to note that some models of parquet edge sanders can be equipped with interchangeable arms, allowing craftsmen to quickly and easily change arms according to their sanding needs.
Edge sander or border sander?
‘Edge sander’ and ‘border sander’ are actually two terms that refer to the same machine for sanding the edges and corners of parquet floors. Depending on the region and country, one or the other term is used preferentially.
In France, the term ‘edge sander’ is more commonly used, while in Quebec and Belgium, the term ‘edge sander’ is more commonly used. However, there is no technical or functional difference between the two terms, and the machines they refer to are identical.
The floor sander is an essential tool for craftsmen looking to achieve a professional finish on their floors. It allows you to effectively sand corners and edges that are difficult to reach with a conventional floor sander. When choosing a floor sander that suits your needs, it is important to consider the size of the blade, the power, the manoeuvrability and the quality of the blade. By using a floor sander correctly (without removing the wheels!), craftsmen can save time and effort while achieving a superior result.
New since 2024: the twin Original sander with main switch
Technical data sheet available on request
Yes, there are essentially two types of arms for edge sanders. The short arm, used for small areas, offers greater manoeuvrability with a reach of around 15 centimetres. The long arm, with a reach of 35 cm, is designed for large areas and allows you to cover a larger area in a single pass. Some models feature interchangeable arms to suit different sanding requirements.
It is recommended that you choose an edger with a blade 20 to 25 cm wide, a minimum power output of 1,200 watts and a motor speed of 15,000 rpm. Manoeuvrability is also key: opt for a well-balanced machine to avoid unnecessary strain.
The edge sander operates on the same principle as an orbital sander and runs under its own weight, without the need to apply additional pressure. It is guided using two handles located on either side of the machine, and it is important not to press down on the machine to avoid damaging the motor and the gear mechanism.
‘Bordeuse’ and ‘bordureuse’ are two terms that refer to exactly the same machine used for sanding the edges and corners of wooden floors. In France, the term “bordeuse” is more commonly used, whereas in Quebec and Belgium, the term ‘bordureuse’ is preferred. There is no technical or functional difference between the two terms.
The edge sander allows you to sand hard-to-reach corners and edges efficiently, achieving a professional and uniform finish right up to the edges of walls and skirting boards. It saves time and effort by eliminating the need for manual sanding of difficult areas, and allows you to use sanding discs of different grits, suitable for rough sanding or finishing.
