In my new shop, I have a “trap door” to the basement for the purpose of throwing fire wood down for storage. It is framed with steel but the concrete was finished about a half inch high on one end. I have a wooden door covering the hole that is the correct height. This makes for a sudden height difference and makes it uncomfortable to walk on and some of the machines catch on the edge when trying to pull them over it. Question: Is there a practical solution to this dilemma? Is there a way of grinding the area down, yet leave a suitable floor finish? A hearty thanks to anyone who will venture a solution.
Edited 1/3/2009 6:19 pm ET by Tinkerer3
Edited 1/3/2009 6:28 pm ET by Tinkerer3
Replies
There are commercial floor grinders available at most rental stores that specialize to the const. business. It is a pretty noisy/dusty operation(at least the ones I have used and seen used) but it will get the job done. It will not leave a fine finish on the floor, will probably need Floorstone or some other topping to give you a good look on the floor. You will notice the area that has been worked but that may not be of great concern. Good luck to you--------WW 57
Thanks so much. First of all, I wanted to grind it down so it is not rough to walk or drive on. Also, I wouldn't want it to keep flaking off afterwards. Is that what the Floorstone is for? Is this Floorstone thin enough so I won't need to grind extra to compensate for it's added thickness? Suppose I should find that out from the salesman. Looks is of some value but secondary to getting the floor down to grade.
concrete grinder.
it's like a big round floor sander ... coupla grinding blocks held in with wood wedges that U swear are gonna fly out at any given moment.
have a hook up for a hose for a constant stream of water, but with a trap door and space below I'd just wet the area with a garden hose as I went. Be prepared for a nice slury of mud to clean up ... but finished surface will be plenty good for walking/driving.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I had pictured it in my mind being sort of like a floor sander. Is it a more heavy duty. That water hookup thing sounds sort of inconvenient. Maybe I can make some sort of impoundment below and let her run. Thanks
I've used a garden hose with a sprayer before with no problem.
That way you can use alot less water, not a constant stream.
just spray where you're going next.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
They also make carbide grinding wheels for this application that fit onto an angle grinder... 8" or 4"
They also make stone/grit versions
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I don't like to bend over ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Dang... then all this time I've spent being nice to you has been for nothing?
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
thanks for the new nightmare material ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
LOL... sweet dreams
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I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
If'n you got time, a 4.5" angle grinder with a cup. Maybe 20 minutes.
If'n you're in more of a hurry, a 6" grinder also with a cup. Maybe 5 minutes.
You'll spend far more time dealing with the dust after than what it took to make the mess...
Maybe a couple days...
Rent the Milwaukee with the dust attachment... it sucks<G>http://www.tvwsolar.com
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And she began to shout,
"Go on back to see the gypsy.
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Are you serious? I could take it down with an angle grinder in twenty minutes? Might try this first, though I have several places that I might try to sand down also. I have been somewhat concerned about what kind of surface I'd have left after having it ground down. I might get this problem solved yet. I am not too concerned with the dust that it might produce.
I'm serious.
That blue picture is a cup. A 6" or bigger will test your family jewels. But it'll flatten that ceement out so it looks polished in no time. The bigger the cup, the bigger machine needed. And propotionately less time.
But the dust! You got no idea how much.
When grinding down a bunch, I prefer to cut "ribs" into the surface to show how much I gotta go. It also provides an out for the dust and goes faster.
Hi the easiest/cheapest way is the 4" cup wheel you may want to make a duck tape vacuum attachment. or for about $400 you can have a hilti DCG 500 with vac attachment. It is the most versatile 5" grinder on the market. 12 amps and designed for concrete apps. http://www.us.hilti.com/holus/modules/prcat/prca_navigation.jsp?OID=-19412