Floor sander: make the right choice!
It is important to use a suitable sander for sanding wooden floors. A hand sander will not be sufficient, which is why a floor sander is necessary. The latter is a larger version, specially designed for parquet floors. It is much bulkier than a hand sander and generally weighs a lot more. It must be used in a standing position, guided by a handle. Sanding is done in the same way as with a conventional sander, and the weight of the machine makes the work easier.
If you need to sand your wooden floors, it is best to use a floor sander to avoid spending long hours in an uncomfortable position. Not only will it save you time, but it will also ensure a more even floor surface. If you are looking to compare different models of floor sanders, it is important to consider certain features in order to make the best possible choice.
When purchasing a floor sander, it is important to consider the average size of the sanding surface. Opting for a floor sander with a large sanding capacity is a wise choice, as it allows you to sand a larger area in a single pass. This makes the job easier and saves time. Tests and comparisons have also shown that large sanding surfaces result in more uniform and consistent sanding, whether for small or large areas. In short, choosing a floor sander with a large sanding capacity is a wise decision.
The choice of abrasive for your sander depends on the type of floor you want to sand. For wooden floors, the most commonly used abrasives are silicon carbide or aluminium oxide abrasive discs. Coarser grains are better suited to roughing and levelling work, while finer grains are more suitable for finishing and polishing work. We will see later that for concrete floors, diamond abrasives are recommended, as they are more resistant and effective on this type of material. It is important to choose the right grain size for the abrasive depending on the condition of the floor and the type of work to be done.
A belt sander is equipped with an endless loop-shaped abrasive belt that rotates around cylinders. It is mainly used for roughing and levelling work, as it can quickly remove thick layers of material thanks to its high power and high rotation speed. It is therefore ideal for larger surfaces and wooden floor renovation work.
In contrast, a disc sander is equipped with a rotating circular plate to which an abrasive disc is attached. It is mainly used for finishing and polishing work, as it produces smooth, uniform surfaces thanks to its fine abrasive and moderate rotation speed. It is therefore ideal for smaller surfaces, corners and edges.
In short, belt sanders are more suitable for heavy-duty work, while disc sanders are more suitable for finishing and precision work.
Another important consideration when choosing a floor sander is the type and capacity of its dust collector. There are two types of dust collectors for floor sanders: flexible and rigid. Sanders with flexible collectors are easier to empty because their dust collection bags can be easily removed and cleaned. On the other hand, rigid dust collectors are more practical for larger jobs.
The capacity of the dust collector is also an important factor to consider, regardless of the design of the collector. A larger dust collector will allow you to work longer without having to stop to empty the floor sander. This is particularly useful when sanding large wooden surfaces. In summary, it is important to consider both the type and capacity of the dust collector when purchasing a floor sander.
Another criterion to consider when choosing the best floor sander is the length of its extension cord. Since it is powered by an electrical outlet, a floor sander requires an extension cord to be used. A long extension cord will allow you to reach the most distant areas from the power outlet, which is essential for sanding large surfaces or areas that are difficult to access, such as a wooden deck, for example.
In addition, to avoid being hindered by the power cord while using the floor sander, it is advisable to choose a coloured extension cord that is easy to spot on a construction site. Extension cords are easily stepped on and then disappear. At Repex Floor, we have chosen a bright pink colour, so there's no mistaking it!
The power of the floor sander is an important criterion to consider when choosing a model. Power is expressed in watts. A more powerful floor sander will be more efficient, but it is important to choose the power according to the type of work you want to do. For roughing and levelling work, a floor sander with high power is recommended, while for finishing and maintenance work, less power will suffice. It is therefore important to carefully assess your needs before choosing a floor sander based on its power.
Craftsmen often choose a powerful sander and then vary the type of abrasive to suit the floor in question.
Choosing the right floor sander is essential.
Choosing a cheap floor sander may seem like a cost-effective solution in the short term, but it can prove to be a risk and a cost in the future. Cheap floor sanders often have inferior components and a shorter lifespan, which means they can break easily or have performance issues.
As a result, this can lead to high repair or replacement costs in the future, as well as delays in wood floor renovation projects. In addition, inexpensive floor sanders often have inefficient or non-existent dust collectors, which can cause health problems for workers who breathe in dust and wood particles.
It is therefore advisable to invest in a high-quality floor sander, even if it means spending a little more money initially. High-quality floor sanders have a longer service life, superior components and better performance, allowing wood floor renovation projects to be completed more quickly and efficiently.
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