Replies

1. 
   PenobscotMan | May 13, 2003 08:51pm | #1

   I had the same problem with red oak flooring in our ca. 1905 house. Like yours, the wood was very dry and brittle. So, I thought of it as a half-mortise problem: I scored across the stick to define the cut line, drilled right up to the line, then pared away with a good, sharp chisel. It wasn't that bad, and I must have done this close to a hundred times.

1. 
   caseyr | May 14, 2003 03:40am | #2

   I have the small Makita battery powered saw with the ~3" blade that I found worked well for cutting out sections of Oak flooring.  Drilled the edges, set the saw to the exact depth and then cut out the center.  Where I drilled, I did have to clean up a small amount with a chisel, but the Makita made a much straighter, cleaner cut than I could have with a chisel for the whole width. 

2. 
   dthodal | May 14, 2003 04:45am | #3

   Try using a router with a 1/4" straight bit. If you feel comfortable, just free-hand the cuts. If not use a straight edge nailed to the floor with 2 18g brads, pre drilled. A little wood filler will hide the holes no problem. Remember to play safe

   walk good
3. 
   luvmuskoka | May 15, 2003 10:49pm | #4

   The best tool I've found for floor repairs.

   Ditch

1. 
   calvin | May 16, 2003 03:53am | #5

   You can say that again ditch.

   Thanks.__________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

1. 
   luvmuskoka | May 17, 2003 04:36am | #12

   Dontcha just luv that old car decking?Ditch

2. 
   DougU | May 16, 2003 04:01am | #6

   ditch

   What is that tool, I cant make it out?

   Doug

1. 
   luvmuskoka | May 16, 2003 04:18am | #7

   It's the Multi-Master variable speed multi tool from Fein. Paid for itself before lunchtime.Ditch

1. 
   calvin | May 16, 2003 04:26am | #9

   Yeah,

   what you said.__________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

2. 
   Snort | May 16, 2003 05:35pm | #11

   Definitley a tool that's worth it's weight in gold...and their danged blades ain't cheap.

   Exactly which blade is that? I've gotten a couple of their cheaper ($25) blades which warped right up...the more expensive ($45) one is great, but it's round. EliphIno!

2. 
   calvin | May 16, 2003 04:25am | #8

   Sorry to interupt, but ditch tipped me to the blade.  Already had the Fein Multitool but the blade that costs 35 bucks is what makes this tool sing in floor patch.  Small enough for narrow strip flooring and lasts along time if you can avoid nails/plaster.  Its fast small oscillating action cuts straight and accurate.  Slight backcutting makes for an almost invisible patch.  The tool and accessories aren't cheap, but if you can produce results that don't look like you been there, maybe wisely spent.  Ditch is the floor guy, hope he'll give you his opinion.  __________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

1. 
   DougU | May 16, 2003 06:32am | #10

   Calvin and Ditch

   Thanks, I have actualy used one but for sanding, didnt know that they did that.

   Another tool to think about buying

   Doug

3. 
   Piffin | May 18, 2003 07:15pm | #13

   Your photo is labeled repair but that looks more like an almost total replacement! Nice job.

   I agree that for a big job and doing a lot of it like this that you need the Fein but for a couple pieces there is nothing like a sharp chisle, no metter how brittle the wood. Too many guys don't know how to sharpen a tool anymore. A sharp blade will slide the fibres off and clean the cut up like polished glass..

   Excellence is its own reward!