How to Use a Floor Sander


If you think that your floor is not as smooth as it used to be, you should start planning a floor sanding. This is a challenging task, but, with proper knowledge and technique, you can get the job done without any hesitation. 

However, to do the floor sanding, you need to use two machines. One is the drum sander, and the other one is the edger. The following article will provide you with all the information about these machines. With this help, you will surely get a good grip on floor sander uses. 

Let’s check it out.

Table of Contents [show]

Get All the Required Equipment

· Drum sander

· Abrasive sleeve

· Edger

· Sandpaper

· Safety goggles

· Dust mask

· Air Filtration System

· Broom stick

​Steps for Using a Floor Sander

Below, you will find out the proper steps to use floor sander. 

Step 1: Check the Floor

First of all, you must check whether there are any nails, cracks, or uneven areas present before you start sanding the floor. Repair these areas and clean the floor with the help of the broomstick. 

Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask throughout the whole project. You never know when dust will come in contact with your eyes or mouth, so you should take precautions from the very first step. 

Step 2: Turn on the Drum Sander or Floor Sander

Use the drum sander for sanding the floor and avoid letting the machine hit the walls. Place the abrasive sleeve onto the sander and make sure you center it very gently. Check the dust bag and its connection with the exhaust pipe. Connect the machine to the power supply and turn it on. 

Step 3: Sand the Floor with the Drum Sander

Move the sander onto the floor in one direction. We highly recommend that you avoid using this machine in a diagonal or circular motion. Sand half of the floor first and then continue with the other half. Move the device in a forward and backward direction in a specific area first and then shift to a parallel area. 

You can do this by gently lifting the drum and putting it safely in the next position. After you finish sanding half of the floor, lift the drum again and rotate it 180 degrees so that you can start sanding the other half. Continue the same process for the other half. When you complete the whole floor, empty the dust bag. 

Always move the machine constantly. Don’t keep it in a single place for a longer time, as this will create rough surfaces on your floor. If you are not careful about this, your time and effort will surely increase to an enormous level. 

floor sander

Step 4: Turn on the Edger

Accordingly, when you finish with the drum sander, replace it with the edger. Place the sandpaper onto the edger. Check whether the dust bag is properly fitted with the exhaust pipe. Make sure it is tight. After completing all of these steps, turn the machine on by connecting it to the power supply. 

Step 5: Sand the Floor with the Edger

Move the edger in a clockwise direction and make sure you are covering the perimeter of the wall so that all edges are getting sanded adequately. Try to sand around a foot or two as you move the machine constantly. 

Don’t put the machine in a single area for an extended time as this will create the same problem as the drum sander. After you are done with the sanding, clean the dust bag. 

You can map out your work by marking the perimeter of the floor with a pencil. Thus, you can keep track of all the edges that you need to sand. 

Step 6: Clean the Whole Floor

All the tough tasks are finally over. Now you can have relief. Just finish it up by using the vacuum cleaner to clean all the leftovers and hidden dust. 

Conclusion

As you have seen, sanding a floor can be an enjoyable task if you have the proper knowledge about it. Schedule an appropriate amount of time for this project and never attempt it when you are in a hurry. Use patience and time to your advantage.

Have a good day!

David Harper

I'm David, and I've been a craft & woodworking enthusiast for over 10 years. Sanders Guide is the place where I share some tips, tricks and reviews on all things DIY, tools and of course sanding!

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