If you’re thinking of giving your beautiful wood floor a spruce up with a new wood stain, or you’d just like to remove some of the chips and damage that have been created over the years, then floor sander hire is likely to be next on your agenda. There are a couple of different types of wooden floor sanders, so it’s essential to understand which is best for you. So, let’s take a look at the differences between two of the most common and put them head to head in our orbital floor sander vs. drum sander guide.
What is an Orbital Floor Sander Used For?
An orbital floor sander is great for removing the top layers of a wooden floor and any varnish that’s left over. They’re a great option if you just want to refinish your floor and repair any unsightly chips or scrapes that have developed over time.
These orbital sanders work best for this because they work to remove small layers at a time. This way there’s less chance of damaging your floor. If you start to go too deep, you won’t cause an obvious dip in the wood and can even out the floor easily.
These sanders are also a great option for smaller projects and people who are new to sanding. They’re very forgiving and are the safest option to get started on your DIY project.
However, they do take much longer to complete a whole floor. If it’s speed you’re looking for, then an orbital sander might not be right for you.
What is a Drum Sander?
A drum sander is much rougher than an orbital sander. This means that they take off thicker layers of wood. They’re great for floor levelling tasks, or tasks that require you to remove coats of varnish quickly.
Because these sanders use a cutting motion, rather than the grinding motion of the orbital sander, you will get the job done more quickly. However, there’s more chance that you could damage the floor if you go too deep.
It’s also difficult to use a drum sander against the grain, as it can cause greater damage to the wood.
Should I Choose an Orbital Floor Sander or a Drum Sander?
Depending on your project, it’s essential to look at the pros and cons of using a drum or orbital floor sander. The option you choose to complete your DIY could completely change the final result.
Orbital Floor Sander vs. Drum Sander
A drum sander is the fastest way to get a job done. You’ll be able to level out floors in no time. They’re best used for larger jobs by an experienced sander. While they are fast at getting the job done, they can make it easier to make a mistake and cause damage to your floor by sanding too deeply. Make sure you always sand with the wood grain and be careful how many layers you’re cutting off.
An orbital sander is a great option for smaller, lighter jobs just to grind away the top few layers if you’re planning to re-varnish. They’re the best option for people who aren’t experienced in floor sanding as they are generally easier to use. However, they can take a long time to get the desired effect. An orbital sander is also physically smaller, meaning that it can get closer to walls and corners and is the lightest and most cost-effective option.
Orbital Floor Sander and Drum Sander Hire
If you’d like to freshen up your floor, Floor Sanders London has a range of quality floor sanders for hire. We specialise in providing top-quality machinery and equipment for hire at a fraction of the purchase price.
For support and guidance on achieving the perfect wooden floor with floor sander hire, contact us today!