Have LARGE project (10,000 sf) of sanding and re finishing hardwood floors. Would like opinions of orbital verses belt. Is this project big enough to justify buying a good sander? If so, what machine is most state of the art ,what is the cost of such a sander, and where is best place to buy one. Also would like to hear what is the best way to finish the floors. The bldg is over 100 years old. Thanks
Rick
Replies
If you don't know the answer to your question You should NOT be doing this project yourself.
10,000 #ft X 4$/#ft (to resand and refinish) = ONE BIG MISTAKE
T
Do not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
I own the bldg. I want to do it.
famous last wordsDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
Rick,
Is this one big space or a bunch of rentals?
If it's rental units look into buying some used equipment at your local floor finish supplier. Since you own the bldg. nothing really has to pass the payday test. There are some tricks you'll need to learn...that's why you do all your shopping at the same floor place,,,, machines, paper, finish,,,, and they'll help you get thru it and learn. After a few thousand sq. ft. or so you'll start figuring out what you're doing wrong and correcting/ perfecting. After 10000 sq. ft. you'll either be selling finish jobs on the street or selling the equipment and never going back.
If it's one big room, like converting a warehouse into retail or restaurant space, and a lot of people are going to view the finished product, then think twice about making that job your foray into the finishing market..... although the hand scraped defected look is a big thing right now.
Orbital is more forgiving than a belt for a beginner. Orbital uses more paper and is slower than a belt. I own and use both.
Good luck,
Ditch
It is a two story commercial bldg. 6500sf down, 3500sf up. Looking to convert to lofts. Your answer was generous and insightful. Thank you for your time!!
Rick
Looks like you've got about six to ten weeks of solid hard work in front of you rick, if splinties wee tale is factored into your floor area. Slainte, RJ.RJFurniture
Am doing it myself, so I figure to take even longer. Am not sure what splinties wee tale is but assume it is similar to Murphy's law. I work with Murphy on a regular basis.
Rick
Rick,
Our hardwood man has an apparatus that connects two floor sanders int one "rider". Uses it when he does Gyms and such.
Mr TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
Thanks
Rick
Rick,
Before attacking this by yourself, get quotes from a professional that you can check up on (previous large projects). For us, we have a few buildings with over 34 units, when we looked at the cost of doing it ourselves versus hiring a prof., the money makes sense. Take what your time costs plus the expense of learning plus the cost of machine and supplies versus what the quotes are. The guys we use do this everyday and we only use them when needed. Ie. if your time is worth $30 hr plus benefits which generally add 50%, so at $45 per hour if it takes you 40 hours = $1,800.00 in just your time.
Buddy
It's not just money. I "WANT" to do it. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Rick
Rick,
What's your local?
The bldg is in western Colorado.
Rick
Map quest says I'm 1660.8 miles and 28:15 driving hours from Grand Junction, see you Tues. morning.
Ditch
Wish it were so, but Tuesday morning I will be in Alaska. Going to see new grandson and then hunt caribou with my son. Might help get me in shape for the floors. You were close on the map.
Rick
You're going to create a lot of envy...Alaska...Caribou...must be tough...All I get to hunt is Snipe....ever hunt Snipe?
Ditch
Rick,
Those are some pretty large room areas. You would be best served using a belt sander and big spinner for the buff work. Some guys hook a sulky behind the belt sander, like a riding lawn mower.
Coating would be tough for one guy. At 6500 sq.ft. you could easily have a run as long as 125'. By myself I would coat with OMU using a "T" bar and 24" applicator.
Ditch
Thank you Ditch. Great info!!!!
Rick
Rick,
Take a look here.
http://www.iandgilham.com/floor%20sanding_files/sanding.html
Thank You!!!