orbital deck sander

reedsterstl

Member
Used an industrial grade orbital sander on a deck floor yesterday. I must say WOW. Made quick work of 360sf. Sanded the entire floor in less than 30 minutes. May just have to invest in one next season. Though it is heavy, worth the effort to muscle it out of the trailer and up the deck steps.
 

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Power Sanders

Reed-

Are you concerned with the stain application following a power sanding? I my experience, it has been necessary to come back after sanding and power wash again to "open the grain."

It seems that the heat from the sander friction draws the natural sugars to the surface allowing them to bond with the dust created by sanding. This prevented the stain from penetrating the wood evenly and resulted in a splotchy looking finish. I know that you use Ready Seal (if I remember correctly) perhaps it penetrates better than the TWP that we use.

If you wouldn't mind, I would love to come by and check out your work. If you get a chance, give me a call in the office at 636-946-2663 or 1-800-336-7924.

Thanks and Best of Luck!

Russ
 
Hey Rus,

Have called you several times, but get a machine!!!! No problem with the penetration of the ready seal. I used a 20 and 36 grit paper on the orbital floor sander I rented from RCtr. Alittle pricey, but did the job I wanted. I have not had any trouble with splotches. It actually opened up the wood for me and allowed the ReadySeal to absorb quickly. For newer wood, I have a special formula i use. Give me a ring cell ph 314-578-9818 office 636-397-2858. I would also like to discuss your HD-80 stripper. Heard good thing from those who tried it, would like to add some to my arsenal.
 

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Reed-

I moved my operation to a 6000 square foot warehouse in St. Charles, Mo. so that we can offer equipment service along with sales. If you want to stop by the shop, we are at:
R. W. Anderson, Inc.
403A Droste Rd.
St Charles, Mo 63301

All my old numbers are still active, but your best chance of reaching me is on the new lines at 636-946-2663 or 1-800-336-7924, or on my cell phone at 314-960-3860.

I will give you a call today.

Best of Luck

Russ
 
Reed,
What brand name of sander was that you rented? I rented one from Home Depot last week that did a great job for me also.
 
I my experience, it has been necessary to come back after sanding and power wash again to "open the grain."

By the way Russ...you don't have to worry about the grain of the wood getting gummed up like you said. Very important to use a lower grit sandpaper like Reed used. No higher than 120.

Even better when you seal with Ready Seal!
 
The one I rented from Rental Center was an "Orbital" brand. Can't find them anywhere on the net. It was a heavy beast and used large sheets of paper. I want to research the different companies that manufacture them, but can't seem to find any on the net. I am very seriously considering purchasing one for the next season. Anyone with any suggestions please help. By the way, the readyseal went in perfectly after sanding. Even when I use the 120 fine grit on the handrails, no problem with penetration. Sanding pressure treated pine is a little different, sap sometimes comes out.
 
Reed,
The name of the company who makes the sander I rented is called Alto U.S. I have a number for sales located in Michigan (810) 544-6300. Maybe you can call them and get some help. Good luck and let me know how you make out. I might buy one in the future myslef.
 
Hey Rick

Did you rent that square sander at home depot?
I very much want to buy a sander for next year as well as a floor burnisher to get rid of the fuzzies.
 
Sander was it the square one ?

I have heard this sander does okay on decks but never used it myself.

I think we can all say we hate sanding! Right now I use a bosh random orbit sander 5.1/4 inch disk. Yep Hands and Knee's . Ouch getting to old for that now but did bring in 65 an hour this week on and easy one.

Sanders are tuff I do redwood here in Northern ca mostley, its a soft wood and cup's are a major problem as well as high and low boards. I can't see how one could use a large sander and get around these most basic problems without taking off major amounts of wood.

The other NEW problem some of you may have encounterd is the advant of screws! These have to be a nightmare for sanding with large machines, in fact the small bosh is murder if the screws are flush and we all know most times the contractors don't send them in all the way.


So I still can't make the picture of using a sander thas really designed for hardwood floors like oak inside the house and applying it to soft unlevel extreior wood surfaces with the above basic problems listed.

Any How I found this board to day! And like the communications I am seeing about our trade.

Tim from Northern Ca.
 
The orbital sander I rented I rented fro the Rental Center, kind of pricey. The deck I did sand with it was "screwed" in. I always take the time to drive in deck floor nails and screws. It's part of the detailing I do. I didn't have any problems with the screws, the ones that are "boken" below the surface and won't drive in I use a nail set to get them just below the surface. I am still having a problem locating a company that I can purchase an industrial deck sander from. Any suggestions anyone?????


reedster
 
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