[mark_roberts]

Customer asked today if I could sand her floor.

Its about 20x12.  Its the block type with each block about 8inchs x 3 inchs.  How can this be done.  When using a sander how do I use it so as not to dig into the floor?

thanks
Mark

[Len Gribble]

Mark

If you have never done it before don’t get involved, it could cost you big time, more then a new carpet, another way round it look in yellow pages and pass it on to them but be there when the do it and take notes, don’t sub it out still your responsibility.

Len

[adl]

You can still sub the job out as long as the sub contractor signs to say that he is covered under his own insurance, however do check his policy before commiting

regards DaveADL

[Keith_Robertson]

Hi Mark,

There is nothing too technical about floor sanding, however, it is never a good idea to experiment on a customer's floor.

Most hired equipment is harder to use without causing damage than professional.   If you are determined and you are using a hired drum sander, start, with abrasive above the floor, move forward gently letting the head kiss the surface and at the end of the movement forward carefully caress the floor as you lift it away.   You also need to careful with the edging sander which on its own doesn't go right into corners because if the pressure exerted using it is uneven it will certainly show when sealed.

The 3 grades of abrasive from most hire centres is just not enough to produce a professional job.   The readily available sealants may not produce the best look and longest lasting finish that your client will expect.  Oh yes, you also need a finishing sander which might be orbital or 3-headed depending on the type of wood and don't forget a triangular sander for the corners.

Going in without the correct kit is a bit like only owning a Numatic George and claiming you are a professional carpet cleaner.

Should you decide to sub-contract please don't be like one contractor who some month's ago had me sand one of his customer's floors.   He keeps promising to pay.


Regards,

Keith

[Fintan_Coll]

Sound advice from Keith, I sand an occassional floor from time to time, bought good Premiere equipment about six years ago and at that time did quite a few floors, however carpet and upholstery cleaning got busier over the years and I now have very little time for sanding.
Gregg Lane from Cork is an expert at floor sanding imo and if you are interested in contacting him for advice, Mark I will give you his telephone no.