Replies

1. 
   MisterT | Aug 25, 2002 01:21am | #1

   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!

1. 
   rick047 | Aug 25, 2002 01:41am | #2

   I own the bldg. I want to do it.

1. 
   MisterT | Aug 25, 2002 02:17am | #3

   famous last wordsDo not try this at home!

   I am a trained professional!

2. 
   luvmuskoka | Aug 25, 2002 03:41am | #4

   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
1. 
   rick047 | Aug 25, 2002 07:58am | #7

   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

1. 
   SgianDubh | Aug 25, 2002 09:13am | #8

   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

1. 
   rick047 | Aug 25, 2002 06:07pm | #11

   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

1. 
   MisterT | Aug 25, 2002 06:53pm | #12

   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!

2. 
   rick047 | Aug 25, 2002 07:08pm | #13

   Thanks

   Rick

3. 
   grunt30 | Aug 25, 2002 10:53pm | #14

   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

4. 
   rick047 | Aug 25, 2002 11:48pm | #15

   It's not just money. I "WANT" to do it. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

   Rick

5. 
   luvmuskoka | Aug 26, 2002 04:54am | #16

   Rick,

   What's your local?

6. 
   rick047 | Aug 26, 2002 05:26am | #17

   The bldg is in western Colorado.

   Rick

7. 
   luvmuskoka | Aug 26, 2002 06:11am | #18

   Map quest says I'm 1660.8 miles and 28:15 driving hours from Grand Junction, see you Tues. morning.

   Ditch

8. 
   rick047 | Aug 26, 2002 12:08pm | #19

   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

9. 
   luvmuskoka | Aug 26, 2002 03:00pm | #20

   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

2. 
   luvmuskoka | Aug 25, 2002 03:08pm | #9

   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

1. 
   rick047 | Aug 25, 2002 06:03pm | #10

   Thank you Ditch. Great info!!!!

   Rick

3. 
   goldhiller | Aug 25, 2002 05:02am | #5

   Rick,

   Take a look here.

   http://www.iandgilham.com/floor%20sanding_files/sanding.html

1. 
   rick047 | Aug 25, 2002 07:52am | #6

   Thank You!!!