Using an orbital floor sander is easier than you might think, especially for smaller projects or touch-ups. However, for large-scale floor refinishing, a drum sander is usually preferred for removing significant amounts of material.
Understanding Orbital Floor Sanders
Orbital sanders, unlike drum sanders, use a rotating sanding pad that moves in a random orbital pattern. This pattern prevents deep scratches and swirl marks, making them ideal for smoothing existing floors or light sanding. Remember, orbital sanders are not designed to remove significant amounts of material. They are better suited for finishing work or minor repairs. For extensive refinishing requiring significant material removal, a drum sander is typically necessary. [Source: Multiple Reddit and forum discussions linked in the references]
Preparing for Sanding
Before you begin:
- Clear the area: Remove all furniture and obstacles from the room.
- Protect the surroundings: Cover walls and doorways with plastic sheeting to prevent dust damage.
- Vacuum thoroughly: Remove any loose debris or dust from the floor.
- Choose the right sandpaper: Start with a coarser grit (e.g., 40-60 grit) for initial sanding and gradually increase to finer grits (e.g., 80-120 grit) for smoothing. This approach, along with maintaining tool movement (detailed below), helps avoid deep scratching or swirl marks. [Source: YouTube video reference]
Using the Sander
- Start the Sander: Turn on the sander and let it reach operating speed before applying it to the floor.
- Overlap Passes: Maintain consistent, overlapping passes across the floor. Avoid stopping in one spot for too long. [Source: YouTube video reference]
- Keep it Moving: The key to preventing swirl marks is to keep the sander moving constantly throughout the entire sanding process. Let the machine do the work; don't press down excessively. [Source: YouTube video reference]
- Change Sandpaper: As needed, change the sandpaper to finer grits for a smoother finish.
- Work in Sections: For larger areas, work in manageable sections to avoid fatigue and ensure even sanding.
Post-Sanding
- Clean Up: Once sanding is complete, thoroughly vacuum the floor to remove all dust.
- Inspect: Carefully inspect the floor for any unevenness or remaining imperfections.
- Finish: Apply the desired finish (stain, polyurethane, etc.) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Limitations of Orbital Sanders for Floor Refinishing
While useful for touch-ups and minor smoothing, orbital sanders might not be sufficient for major floor refinishing projects requiring substantial material removal. For such tasks, a drum sander is generally more effective. [Source: Multiple Reddit and forum discussions linked in the references]
