Everyone is sanding floors THE WRONG WAY

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  • čas přidán 26. 11. 2022
  • There is a myth in the floor sanding industry that has been around for decades. Today, I bust that myth
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Komentáře • 786

  • @Weirdaman
    @Weirdaman Před rokem +613

    Thanks CZcams for showing me a mad lad that build a floor just to prove a point.

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +42

      😂 you know

    • @Melicoy
      @Melicoy Před rokem +6

      Did I miss the part where he shows the finished floor with no waves...

    • @stephenc2296
      @stephenc2296 Před rokem +2

      Actually, it shows that his service is superior. I would only hire him.

    • @nunyanunya4147
      @nunyanunya4147 Před rokem +1

      white people with their never ending supply ov money and hubris....

    • @OVOAp0
      @OVOAp0 Před rokem +5

      @@stephenc2296 actually, as a wooden flooring professional from germany, with this machine (laegler hummel) you only sand from right to left due to a slight diagonal angle of the cylinder that holds the sanding paper.. which kinda proves that you really arent in a position to judge the quality of his service

  • @ajax9433
    @ajax9433 Před rokem +254

    Howdy from the States! Glad you're still making videos. I had never sanded, stained or finished a floor in my life. Bought a house over the summer and ripped the carpet out to find wooden floors. I followed most of your videos to a T. Took me about a week and wasn't easy. Had other contractors come in for varying work asking me who did my floors after it was all said and done. Got a bunch of compliments etc stating it looked like a professional job. Wanted to thank you man. I'm incredibly grateful for these videos and I'm glad I happened upon them. Along the way I got a ton of different and contradictory advice. I don't know why but I went with yours. It's amazing how hard it is to find the 'right' advice. Anyways thanks a million.

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +21

      Awesome, glad I could help and cheers 🍻

    • @teddybobeddy7374
      @teddybobeddy7374 Před rokem +6

      Kinda funny I’m on the same journey right now. Bought a house, ripped out the carpet and found some hardwood. Unreal. I’m hoping to get the same results as you! Atta boy

    • @lander3673
      @lander3673 Před rokem +1

      @@teddybobeddy7374 same same. just ripped out carpet to find a decent looking wood floor underneath. I have no clue what type of wood it is but i'm thinking its pine.

    • @RobertaAguilar-xg9lk
      @RobertaAguilar-xg9lk Před 8 měsíci

      Buying a house now. Don’t like the existing color and glad I found these videos.

    • @jkinzel5979
      @jkinzel5979 Před 3 měsíci

      This is a very helpful video. Thank you! 😊

  • @LordoftheJamesClan
    @LordoftheJamesClan Před rokem +207

    Hello, sandpaper manufacturer here. I can say that yes you need at least 15 degrees to offset the waves, this is also something that takes place all across sanding in general (not just floors). The screen we make for hand sanding and pole sanding in drywall is actually die cut at 15 degrees to avoid waves.

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +29

      Very interesting! Thanks for your comment

    • @jamesmurphy7828
      @jamesmurphy7828 Před rokem +4

      Some of my previous sandding projects make sense now >.> I couldn't figure out why I wasn't happy with them until I saw the video and this comment.

    • @mfmr200
      @mfmr200 Před rokem

      so don't follow the grain?

    • @marshallmort3190
      @marshallmort3190 Před rokem +9

      @@mfmr200 follow the grain, first sure, but not for the next pass. That's what the lesson is. You must have a different angle of attack so that the sander is held in a way where it cannot drop into the anomalies in the floor. He explains in great detail why this is in the video. Even with a simplified representation by using markers to show how the change in angle keeps the errors from propagating.
      Just watch the whole video.

    • @vger2
      @vger2 Před 7 měsíci +6

      @@marshallmort3190 There was definitely a bit of doubt left in “how to do it right from the start.” He said that the first pass following the grain was fine. But if it’s going to begin creating that “wave” from different board density, why say it is ok? i.e. is it best then to just ALWAYS cut diagonally on all 3 passes? If so, do we cut diagonally to the left on the first pass then diagonally to the right with finer grit then to the left again with finishing grit? Questions remain and I, for one, watched the entire video. It was dismissive to assume the other person did not. 😏

  • @valaverett9203
    @valaverett9203 Před 11 měsíci +30

    It took me 25 years as a Wood Flooring Contractor to figure this out on my own. You explained the science of wood grain and drum sanding perfectly. I wish I had had access to this video 24 years ago, which would have eliminated some callbacks to "fix the ripples!"

    • @ignacio5283
      @ignacio5283 Před 9 měsíci +1

      if you sand diagonally at first to avoid dips and ripples, why are there no dips and ripples on the second or third sanding passes when sanding with the grain?

    • @zacharyriley4122
      @zacharyriley4122 Před 6 měsíci +6

      @@ignacio5283you are removing much less wood with later passes. So it just doesn’t have time to become an issue. All your earlier passes are with lower grit paper. The higher the grit, the less wood you are removing with each pass.

  • @Cardinalfloors
    @Cardinalfloors Před rokem +43

    I started my own floor sanding business 4 years ago after working under my dad. Unfortunately he passed away when I was too young and didn't get a chance to fully learn. I have learned more from your videos and program than anywhere else, and for that I am forever grateful.

    • @lawrenceraven83
      @lawrenceraven83 Před rokem

      How's the business going? I might have the opportunity to adopt my father in laws business but I'm worried that it either won't make enough and or I'll ruin my back and arms.

    • @Cardinalfloors
      @Cardinalfloors Před rokem

      @@lawrenceraven83 it's been going great honestly! My biggest problem is finding helpers. Most of the time I'm too busy to even keep up with demand. But it is rough on the body. Got to make some wise investments

    • @justalittletoointrusive
      @justalittletoointrusive Před rokem +3

      @@lawrenceraven83 hardwood sanding is the easiest money for floor layers. I used to do this professionally and gave it up as most of what I was doing was vinyl and linolium (trust me, MUCH harder on the knees). The biggest safety issue after your knees I would say is dust. Timber, concrete etc... if its not asbestos employers try to tell you its fine. They're lying! Wear a mask at all times.

  • @matthewreynolds2384
    @matthewreynolds2384 Před rokem +81

    Great explanation. Sanded my upstairs over the summer and I couldn't explain what I was seeing after I finished it. Everyone said I was being too picky. Now I know how to fix it!
    Some of the best sanding analysis online. Beyond professional and skirting into scientific understanding of sanding as a trade.
    PS - the demonstration with the markers was a great way to explain why to diagonal.

  • @chrissavill8713
    @chrissavill8713 Před rokem +78

    That's how I was trained to sand a floor so it's good to see someone putting the record straight, and the reasons why. Good job

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem

      Cheers 🍻

    • @maximebedard6618
      @maximebedard6618 Před 11 měsíci +8

      That's the way.... first pass 45 degrees, sometimes even more, second pass 20 degrees and the final one straight

  • @mattwayand7361
    @mattwayand7361 Před rokem +13

    Cross checking a hardwood floor. I’ve worked in auto body and paint for 20 years and I cross everything from grinding metal to flat blocking clear at finish but probably wouldn’t have thought to do this. I’m doing my first hardwood floor this weekend and was dreading it until I saw this video. Now I can’t wait to fix and finish! One of more satisfying videos I’ve watched. Thank you!!

  • @Rusty_Raine
    @Rusty_Raine Před rokem +8

    I do the exact things when planning old work tables, so this makes perfect sense to me. I never thought about it on floors. I did a few 45 deg passes on the 2 floors that I refinished and never thought about it. Great video.

  • @Hawkeyelaotzu
    @Hawkeyelaotzu Před rokem +27

    As far as I am aware you are the only person showing how to sand floors correctly. Also how to fill holes and gaps between boards. Many Thanks.

  • @volundrfrey896
    @volundrfrey896 Před rokem +15

    Happy to learn that my dad taught me correctly, and especially glad that I just followed what he taught me when I sanded my own floors.

  • @bobhosler2024
    @bobhosler2024 Před 11 měsíci +1

    A bit late on the comment here, but I am glad I found your page, I have a house built in the 50’s that has original red oak floors that has been trashed by years of stains from spills on a carpet. I’ll be tackling and refinishing my wood floors. Thank you for sharing all the knowledge.

  • @justalittletoointrusive
    @justalittletoointrusive Před rokem +2

    I used to do this professionally and am about 10yrs out of practice. I am in the process of renovating my own house and have been trying to explain things to my father.... this video has been invaluable for putting into words the things I mostly remember but am very out of practice at. The WHY of things is important. Cheers mate, thanks for the clear and concise explanation.

  • @joelk9603
    @joelk9603 Před 11 měsíci

    Best explanation ever about the proper technique for using a drum sander to refinish a hardwood floor. You saved me from making a mess of things, thanks very much!!

  • @troys.9188
    @troys.9188 Před rokem +4

    I used to do scientific samples preparation for a laboratory for electron microscopes. We always alternated sanding directions until all of the previous directions marks were gone. Worked great for high precision work, makes sense to do it for floors. Thanks!

  • @griz2166
    @griz2166 Před rokem +3

    Very good explanation and demonstration. 👍
    With a typical 3 cut sanding I cross cut to the right, then left and then straight for the final sanding. I've tried explaining this to my boss and coworkers, just to get cut off with the same arguments about scratch and track marks. Keep it up!

  • @stevec404
    @stevec404 Před rokem +10

    As in most fields of endeavor, the prevailing 'correct' way is seldom challenged...though its results may be less than satisfactory. Good video. I have sanded and refinished my share of floors as a renter/owner. I will remember this video should the need arise again. Thanks. Subscribed.

  • @ironassbrown
    @ironassbrown Před rokem +55

    I was taught to sand 15-30 degrees to the grain with the drum sander. I find it varies depending on the floor sometimes you gotta hit it at 45 degrees from multiple directions sometimes 5 degrees is fine. There are so many variables I don't even know how to type a comment about it, and this video made me aware of even more variables, very informative and well presented.

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +17

      Thats true, and as you suggest you need to change your approach for almost every floor

    • @physiquemadness
      @physiquemadness Před 10 měsíci +1

      ​@@HowToSandAFloorone question: 15 to 30 degrees back and forward and clean the "scratches" left with the buffer only?

    • @LindaSmith-zq3pk
      @LindaSmith-zq3pk Před 7 měsíci +4

      @@physiquemadnessI asked myself the same question. The video doesn’t seem to be complete.

  • @olroy61
    @olroy61 Před 5 měsíci

    Excellent explanation and exactly right! I've sanded wood floors for 40 years. I always cross cut my first cut. Newly installed wood floors are especially important to do this due to the amount of overwood across the floor. I've never had problems with ripples

  • @WatchingTrainsGoBy-PassingTime

    It's great that we can share real experience like this to figure things out. Thanks...
    I've met lots of people with 30 years experience doing a job, wrong... And they rest their laurels on time instead of quality. The bad habits you learn when you start almost always carry on forever and get worse over time. Experimenting helps us learn when we see different results. It makes it easier to figure out what was actually happening. So kudos to you for this one.

    • @hensch1974
      @hensch1974 Před rokem

      Maybee they have done it wrong for 30 years

  • @nascarhyde
    @nascarhyde Před rokem +7

    I purchased your "How to sand a floor" training videos back in 2019 and really learned a lot! I'm in the process of installing some random width white oak flooring in our upstairs master bedroom and I'm very confident with that part.(I have installed hardwood flooring two previous times. But, I have never sanded and finished a hardwood floor yet! This current video came along just in time as I'm going to be sanding and finishing after the xmas holiday. Thanks again for your training videos and your youtube videos!
    Paul from Michigan, USA

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +1

      Well thats good timing Paul, because by then I should have another video up in the video course area that discusses sanding new floors 🍻

  • @radonvon3120
    @radonvon3120 Před 3 měsíci

    I just tore my carpet out of my first home I bought I knew there were hardwood floors since it was built in 1909 ! Someone painted them with house paint white for some reason I have no idea why but they seem in ok shape and I was looking for videos on sanding them found your video on people teaching the wrong way on CZcams! Bright me to this and I’m grateful for your videos since I don’t pay anyone to do work on anything I learn it myself and do it ! These videos are what I needed to find! Can’t wait to sand them in the spring ❤

  • @gurunathkale7853
    @gurunathkale7853 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I am going to do DIY project next week and follow your steps. And will share the result.
    Thanks for sharing the videos, very informative for beginners like me 🙏

  • @mrclean62
    @mrclean62 Před 3 měsíci

    Your technic makes all the sense necessary to fix the problem , thanks for sharing brother.

  • @tsetendorjee9040
    @tsetendorjee9040 Před 11 měsíci +1

    This is an excellent explanation and demonstration CZcams, we love it and thank you very much!!!❤❤❤👌👌👌

  • @regularguy9264
    @regularguy9264 Před rokem +5

    Love the explanation. I have watched enough of your videos to know that you have to go diagonal for the first pass! And now I know much better why!

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +1

      I’m glad the regular guy is starting to understand this 😂🙌🏽

  • @mhpjii
    @mhpjii Před rokem

    Excellent. A professional who discerns and cares. Good for you!

  • @billtsiopelas.6289
    @billtsiopelas.6289 Před 4 měsíci

    You definitely saved my floor boards, my time, machine hire and materials.
    Your a good man, thank you. 🙏💪👊👍

  • @hannahstclair02
    @hannahstclair02 Před 15 dny

    Thank you for this. About to DIY a floor. So glad I found this video. Watching all your content 😊

  • @laurenceosborne4261
    @laurenceosborne4261 Před rokem

    Great video!! The stain really brought out the ripples when you did the diagonal cut

  • @bartomiejkuczer3819
    @bartomiejkuczer3819 Před rokem

    Thank You for Yours videos ! Thanks to you, I have refreshed a perfectly oak floor in my home 👍👍👍

  • @IllumiNationGaming1
    @IllumiNationGaming1 Před měsícem +2

    I'm currently ripping up carpet and tiles in my house and found really nice hardwood flooring underneath, just needs a good freshen up, so I've been watching a bit on CZcams about repairing, sanding and refinishing old hardwood tongue and groove flooring. I'm a qualified automotive refinisher (spray painter) and was constantly wondering why people are sanding everything straight?? Then I see your video cross hatching it, exactly the way my brain would think to do it from my experience in getting car panels dead straight, so I'm glad to see that cross hatch sanding will work fine on the floor, and I'm not a complete madman for thinking to do it this way!!

  • @progdog4614
    @progdog4614 Před rokem

    Been crosscutting for surfaces caused by this density and relevel problem only on a much larger scale All your explanations how waves are caused and cured are true I have had to repair these problems as my work required for over 45 years I agree with what you say and proved it many times

  • @williambartholomew5680
    @williambartholomew5680 Před rokem +1

    Interesting indeed, I refinished and finished new floors many times without flaw but then again when I broke out that style sander it was only to remove pre-existing finish or level new boards and I made light passes to help mitigate any issues. Afterwards we relied on a few grit levels of sanding attachments for the buffer to do the real sanding to prep for finish like you do around the edges with edge/rotary sanders.

  • @davidward9059
    @davidward9059 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Great Video....having a laugh 😂 because you are so right!
    Been sanding for 30+ years and was taught from day one to always cross no matter what. Then for reasons I can only put down to laziness floor sanders begun forgetting or more likely didn't want to cross.
    Most floor sanders I talk to have this problem with the same excuses you mentioned, not knowing how easy it is to fix.
    Keep up the Great work.

  • @mtmbuilder
    @mtmbuilder Před rokem

    You are the man! Thank you for sharing all of your tried and true techniques.

  • @egyexpat
    @egyexpat Před 10 měsíci

    EXCELLENT tip and a PERFECT demonstration. Thank you!

  • @mwharwood
    @mwharwood Před rokem

    Great video! I'm about to start my first refinishing project on our entirely jarrah floored home in Aus and this, and your video course is an excellent training ground. Thanks.

  • @paulcs2607
    @paulcs2607 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Brilliant video. Makes sense. This is also the reason why car gearbox’s have helically cut gears (diagonally cut) to eliminate noise and vibration.

  • @nate2807
    @nate2807 Před 10 měsíci +1

    This is such an accurate point in this video. It's exceptional, the level of analysis and explanation you gives. I think so many folks are already a bit nervous when redoing their floor, and since there are so many folks who continue to say you should go with the grain always, that DIYers are just a little too hesitant to deviate from that "advice." I just did my floors. I think they look great because I did some research and paid crazy attention to detail since I've never done this before. Although, I saw this video after my first couple cuts, and in a really tight spot between the island and oven/fridge, I have some minor flaws that this technique would have eliminated. Awesome videos though! And definitely helped. Three other flaws... a damn mosquito got in the poly (my kids say in a few million years, they'll extract the DNA to recreate some animals that exist today). Also, while staining, I put my sweaty arm down over a towel, but the sweat went thru the towel and into the wood. I didn't notice and even though it dried, the stain became a little darker where my arm was. I totally didn't expect that. It's not noticeable unless I point it out, but it's a thing. And a few drops of water (or beer) from the sink got on the floor and resulted in a few dark drop-sized spots. I can live with that and it's covered by a rug.

  • @Apathetik
    @Apathetik Před rokem

    Helps a lot to take ur time with the trio between drum sandings as well. I’ve known some folks who don’t even use a trio or anything and they’ll have that ripple effect when all is said done

  • @garymckenzie4521
    @garymckenzie4521 Před 6 měsíci

    Absolutely brilliant tutorial it has taught me so much , you should be teaching this as it's brilliant well done for posting this

  • @MennoNeher
    @MennoNeher Před 3 měsíci

    Have done a floor or two in my time, but I have to say: good stuff here. Never realized this. Two thumbs up!

  • @Adam-fv1hb
    @Adam-fv1hb Před 11 měsíci

    You're doing an amazing job! Keep up the good work, great channel!🎉 😁

  • @nate2807
    @nate2807 Před 10 měsíci

    Redoing the floor was some legit hard work, though after seeing the great results that came from listening to your advice and wisdom, it's actually quite satisfying work. Would definitely have been a nightmare though to have done essentially the same amount of work, but with poor technique or even good technique but after just a few moments of doing something wrong, and end up with a floor that needs to be fixed.
    Here on CZcams, there is a lot of bad advice. There is also some decent or even very good advice but which lacks depth of explanation. And then there's your videos, that have solid advice AND in-depth explanations that address the subtleties that make all the difference. Thanks.
    I know I didn't pay to have you do my floors in-person, though I feel like I owe you a beer or something for all the helpful videos. CZcams should add a beer can emoji next to the thumbs up, that links to Venmo.

  • @robboot2801
    @robboot2801 Před měsícem

    Thanks mate
    That was super informative and I believe it will help prevent me making the same mistakes. Very comprehensive and clear explanation. Appreciate it! 👍

  • @Tezukuri
    @Tezukuri Před měsícem

    I totally get this. Thanks for your in depth analysis. I come from a ceramics background. We learn pretty early to smooth out hand thrown pots, ya gotta use your tool at an angle to even out the ridges and canyons created by the pulling of a pot through your fingers. Really, well down presentation of how to get a true mirror finished floor.

  • @lhpl
    @lhpl Před rokem +2

    Amazing results. Funny how the right method always seems obvious in hindsight, and yet some so-called "professionals" insist on doing it wrong.

  • @VinBSunday
    @VinBSunday Před rokem

    I sanded floors for twenty years ... I always did a 45 cut. Usually on the first grit to cut the floor level. I hadn't considered doing it on the second cut. Very interesting... I must have a go . Excellent video BTW 🙂

  • @charitygrant4542
    @charitygrant4542 Před rokem

    This makes perfect sense and I love you for this video. I really like things that make sense---thank you!

  • @c19curfew
    @c19curfew Před rokem

    You are making a lot of sense. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Here's something to consider: Could you make a video without any music? Just soften the sound of the sped up videos if you have to. Compare the results. You might also add few flashes or 'surprises' in between the sped up portions while the audio stays consistent with the sped up portion..

  • @binaryguru
    @binaryguru Před 2 měsíci

    I've been sanding floors diagonally just like you do in this video. I worked for a company known for the high quality finishes. You are %100 right about how to sand floors!

  • @adamrandles4055
    @adamrandles4055 Před 6 měsíci

    Love your perfection. Very helpful channel. Well done mate.

  • @jkinzel5979
    @jkinzel5979 Před 3 měsíci

    This had been an extremely helpful video!
    Thank you so much! 😊

  • @mindlessmeatball6239
    @mindlessmeatball6239 Před rokem +11

    I can’t get over the fact that you built a floor to make this video. That is some serious dedication.

  • @keithgardner3865
    @keithgardner3865 Před rokem +1

    Awesome info. My dad sanded his 100 year old floors back in 1979 and he sanded twice on a diagonal. No ripples

  • @gwils7879
    @gwils7879 Před 2 měsíci

    Just wanted to let you know how much this video helped me - I recently took over management of a floor sanding company, knowing nothing about floor sanding ( but I can do the other stuff ), and this video really helped me understand WHY crosscutting is actually extremely important to a good finished product and why my employees need to do it ( turns out, one of them already was and hiding it from the old boss, who will only use a crosscut method in extremely specific scenarios and has a freak-out in other scenarios ).
    Now, my guys are all basically doing it right, and it is SO obvious when we are done, because we're always flattening out horrible divots that "straight sanders" left in the past.

  • @tylerwarren8139
    @tylerwarren8139 Před rokem +2

    I've been refinishing floors and stairs for 25 years. You're absolutely right.

  • @s1283
    @s1283 Před rokem +6

    Almost always rough cut between 30-45 degrees. And then gradually bring it straight with consecutive cuts. Has always worked well here in new England where the floors are almost always trashed to start and you have to cut out more than wood density differences. Nice explanation!

  • @andrewe2853
    @andrewe2853 Před rokem

    Makes perfect sense I can see you've used trial and error to find the the sweet spot the come up with the fix. Well done, I'm a handy man and a problem solver, when I was seven years old I had to take the wheel of my bike without a shifter so I came up with the idea to use two screwdrivers flat head, and some rope I think you can get the idea, and thats how I knew I wanted to be a problem solver slash handyman then I went on to learn everything I could so as I say, good job well done.

  • @christianvalenza7354
    @christianvalenza7354 Před 8 měsíci

    Been sanding for a long time, thanks for the demo, I came across your style long ago when I started. I knew the physics, going forward at about 15 degrees from the finish point of my backwards pull, forward smooths it out and straight back straightens the grain simply because of the greater resistance put on the floor when pulling back, and if you are a pro you disc sand at 120 with a buffer for your finishes.

  • @kamoke1
    @kamoke1 Před rokem +3

    I'm still repairing holes and pulling nails and staples on some hardwood at my house.
    It's seen a lot of damage, so I'll be going for a rustic/battered look.
    I'll try a couple test spots, but I'm thinking about using a black filler on the cracks and repairs.
    If the floor doesn't turn out, I'll probably cover it with ply and laminate, but fingers crossed.
    I'm feeling more and more prepared though after watching these videos.
    Thanks for taking the time to make them, and I wish you continued success.

  • @leonardogranic-flores1860

    damnn i usually only ever sanded at a 45 if the floor was super uneven to begin with, this actually helped a lot cause i would notice the ripples(clients never complained or see them) but i do and it always bothered me, i want to do the jobs as best i can. Thanks for the thorough explanation it made a lot of sense.

  • @catrinasanchez1899
    @catrinasanchez1899 Před rokem

    The marker illustration was brilliant!!!! Brought it all together

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem

      glad to hear that because it seemed kind of silly at the time 😁

  • @ord44d62
    @ord44d62 Před 8 měsíci

    This video is great! It explains, in common sense, why the problem exists. Thanks mate. I will endeavour to create a good job with the correct technique 👍

  • @HLXanthus
    @HLXanthus Před rokem +4

    Absolutely! I always sand my first cuts (multi cuts because I sand gymnasiums so lots of poly to contend with) at about a 10-20° angle and then straighten up on my follow-up cuts. Just have to be sure to get any angle scratches back up first!

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +3

      Sounds good to me! Many gym sanders only go straight

    • @HLXanthus
      @HLXanthus Před rokem +2

      @@HowToSandAFloor agreed. 28 years in the industry and most other guys think I am nutz for doing it. It also helps flatten a floor that has high/low spots or cupping.

  • @toditron
    @toditron Před rokem

    I discovered this fact myself on accident when refinishing a floor. I'm happy to see this post confirming it.

  • @ohmygeeve
    @ohmygeeve Před rokem

    Amazing video updating veterans on the proper way to do something!

  • @edvinjansson1837
    @edvinjansson1837 Před rokem

    I was so excited to see the finish of the correctly sanded floor and you ended the video without showing us.
    I am watching this video right before bedtime, I don't know if I'm gonna be able to sleep tonight :(

  • @wildebeest88
    @wildebeest88 Před 11 měsíci

    Very good demonstration. Your comments are 100% correct. Never sand linear in line with the planks. There is wear and tear on wood especially at opening or doorways to also consider, which will be difficult to eliminate if not sanded at an angle across the long end.

  • @thytrin2103
    @thytrin2103 Před rokem

    Someone that knows their trade and not afraid to tell it how it is! I love it.

  • @loidis9347
    @loidis9347 Před rokem

    thanks for your time and dedication. great video.

  • @NicoSmets
    @NicoSmets Před rokem +3

    I don't have a wood floor. But man, this kind of dedication in making videos: I'm subscribing.

  • @vapeurdepisse
    @vapeurdepisse Před rokem

    Wow amazing demo, it really drives the point home. Not sure I'll do it myself but I'll be sure to ask any pros I'm hiring if they go straight all the way or diagonal!

  • @luigiee9
    @luigiee9 Před 2 měsíci

    Wow. Very well-made video. Very informative, with good examples. GJ!

  • @ktmkilljoy
    @ktmkilljoy Před rokem +1

    this is so brilliantly explained! great vid

  • @Jules-gm6wj
    @Jules-gm6wj Před 3 měsíci

    Awesome work! Thank you for sharing

  • @paulbishal9177
    @paulbishal9177 Před rokem +2

    For 9 years full time (and 4 years part time) I worked with my brother installing and refinishing hardwood floors. He did all the big machine sanding and I did all the edging, scraping, vibrating, etc. I noticed a few things in your video that did not look quite right at the 5:02 mark and the 11:45 mark.
    My brother has been installing and refinishing floors since 1985 so I sent the video to him. He said:
    The small waves (chatters) every 2" or so visible in the reflection in the middle of video at the 5:02 mark is from an out of balance/worn drum or loose belt. Probably the drum. If they are exactly uniform in spacing then it is an out of round rear wheel.
    The waves 1' apart you see at the 11:45 mark are from you walking too slow with the drum pressure set to max on your initial sanding.
    Everything else in your video he agreed with.
    BTW, he has been doing his initial sandings with 36 or 40 grit at a diagonal then 60 & 120 with the grain like you recommend since at least 1989 when I first started with him. He then uses 120 sandpaper on a buffer to remove any minor chatters that may have occurred and to remove lap lines.
    I've seen the diagonal system you use work on everything from:
    a 4000+ sq. ft. new 3/5/7" plank white oak job that was bleached & whitewashed in 1993 to
    a 2000+ sq. ft. 4" Douglas fir refinish job in about 2005 to
    a 3000 sq. ft. new 5" knotty walnut job that was dyed and stained black in about 2007/2008 just before the recession hit and I stopped doing hardwood floors.

  • @z.a.dewitt8664
    @z.a.dewitt8664 Před rokem +1

    Can I just say that you're the reason I'm afraid to post videos about the stairs I've done? I already know they're shit, but I'm terrified of you seeing them! I say that with much love, learned a ton from ya. Thank you for what you do.

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem

      Haha, I only criticise the people that post videos teaching people “how to” when they don’t know themselves.

  • @houwentien7529
    @houwentien7529 Před rokem

    Sheer dedication of this lad. Thumbs up!

  • @wendysandwell9838
    @wendysandwell9838 Před 22 dny

    Amazing thanks so much for sharing . Great tutorial. ❤

  • @ScottAgirs
    @ScottAgirs Před 5 měsíci

    … well, I hope that clears that up 😂😂
    Quality content, thanks for sharing this 🤘🏽

  • @hennapuffin
    @hennapuffin Před rokem

    Thank you for this video. I tried this on my second try And it turned out a ton better that the first go around

  • @DARKOvibrations
    @DARKOvibrations Před rokem +4

    Amazing production level content 👌🏻

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +3

      Cheers mate 😁 I’m never happy but fk it it’s out now. Done is better than perfect

  • @felixsinteco7344
    @felixsinteco7344 Před 11 měsíci +3

    Sou Brasileiro, moro em Salvador Bahia... trabalho com isso e seu vídeo me ajudou bastante, acredito que na cidade onde moro ninguém sabe disso... obrigado!

  • @hammerdownhammerdown2540

    I've been looking at all your videos I have learned a lot I am very grateful for you showing how to do the job what not to do follow the rules give it the time and needs to do the job properly thank you

  • @sermerlin1
    @sermerlin1 Před rokem +1

    I am not sanding the floor nor am in industry of sanding floor but am an avid learner of random stuff I may never come across to use and this was very well explained. Might come useful if one day i actually sand floor. LOL

  • @LifeontheBush
    @LifeontheBush Před rokem +1

    That’s the thing, doesn’t matter how many years of experience you have if you keep messing up and that goes for everything. My grandpa had a saying “if job is worth doing it’s worth doing right” he told my dad that saying and my dad told me. I never got to meet my grandpa (passed away when I was a year and a half old) but though stories he became something of an idol to me.

  • @godbluffvdgg
    @godbluffvdgg Před rokem

    I've only done two floor sand to bare's and finish in 30 years (as a remodeling contractor)...I screwed the pooch twice...:)...But, thanks to this video, I'll never do it again... Luckily, poor people aren't as picky...The floors were wrecks too...That floor looked BEAUTIFUL pre sanding...I would turn the job down, if someone wanted a price...I've been subbed for a bit now... I wish I had guys like you near me; I'd make a MINT...Good health and happiness to you and yours...

  • @turboflush
    @turboflush Před rokem

    Good stuff. I have DIY three floors in my life. Bit different every time. In the past had skipped the fine grit and floor had bit of visible roughness to it after the glaze. Most recent floor, I skipped the drum sander and used the flat vibrate sander. Took for ever down to fine grit. Floor looks good.. but I think I have temperature problem as all the edges lifted over the year.
    I had plans on buffing it out and reaplying glaze in another 10 years. Not sure of the effect on the raised edges ( dark stain ).
    Tough part for DIYers, ore even handymen; is that they don't want to rent every piece of equipment, skipping steps along the way. Not using correct equipment.

  • @joostkamphuis85
    @joostkamphuis85 Před 2 měsíci

    This video is helpful to provide insight in the variables when sanding. I have a short history in car body repair and applying that experience this makes sense. The amount of material removed is huge and I can imagine that during sanding with 40 grit you need to be very careful with not leaving the machine too long in a spot. In such a case a cross sand would also remove that. I can also imagine a large orbital sander would remove a lot of those dimples. I guess as long as you finish with a final pass in the grain direction it should be ok. I just wonder if a 40 to 80 step would work to reduce the amount of material to be removed. I learned that you can do max steps of 100 to remove the scratches of the previous grit.

  • @insaneAlchemyOfeviI
    @insaneAlchemyOfeviI Před rokem

    Excellent demonstration and explanation ... 😎

  • @Andy-ib6xd
    @Andy-ib6xd Před rokem

    Very good information!!
    Well done friend!!
    I've got a badly damaged 2nd floor in a 1920's downtown building i'm creating gathering room up there and need all the help I can get !!

  • @benjaminzedrine
    @benjaminzedrine Před rokem +1

    I did metal not floors. But yeah always cut out on an angle. Nothing is ever going to be dead flat. But you can get the reflection to appear as though it is if you cut out. Strait all the way all it's doing as you drop down the grits is further accenting those scallops. Then rotary buff them in! I like your work.

  • @pdm1289
    @pdm1289 Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks for a great tutorial.

  • @martincleeves4238
    @martincleeves4238 Před rokem +1

    Im living in germany and here many professionals use just a rotary sander or start useing one when they get to 120 grit ,seems to work nicely

  • @peterkotara
    @peterkotara Před rokem +2

    I've been sanding floors professionally for 40+ years (2nd generation sander, learnt from my father during the school hollidays whe I was 12).
    I only angle a floor if it's cupped.
    I'd never start an engineered floor (assuming it had waterbourne coating on it) with 40 grit, I'd fast pass it twice with 60.
    I run straight acoss the ends with old flat 60 or 80 (halves the edging time and effort).
    I never ever use the machine without a belt (Not that awful string they ship with the Hummel, a propper leather weight belt crossed over at the handles), I wouls sooner run the machine without a dust bag than without a belt which I consider an intergral part of the relationship with the machine/instrument.
    That's just me thought (and every floor sander in NZ and Australia I've ever worked with or employed).
    Love your videos, I really enjoy them and appreciate your effort.

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem

      Man, I need to do a video using a Hummel without a dust bag 🤣🤣 that would be great

    • @HowToSandAFloor
      @HowToSandAFloor  Před rokem +1

      Thank you for your comment Peter. What I’d really love is, instead of a belt, a harness that goes under the arms and over the shoulders, and connects at he middle of your chest. Pulling from the waist takes so much power out of it.
      I have had a few comments saying they wouldn’t do it without the belt. Maybe I should give it another try. Why don’t you like using it without the belt?

    • @peterkotara
      @peterkotara Před rokem +1

      @@HowToSandAFloor Without the belt the machine applies too much load to your back, the belt allows you to use your hands and arms to apply twist and load to the handles whilst maintaining constant uniform speed. All the load is handled by your legs and hips.

  • @DaveLewerenzCleaning
    @DaveLewerenzCleaning Před 6 měsíci

    Now that's a detailed craftsman! ❤

  • @joshhicks4019
    @joshhicks4019 Před 4 měsíci

    Great video. Keep up the hard work

  • @glynnepritchard2526
    @glynnepritchard2526 Před rokem

    Im a Civil Engineer and cabinet maker, you are 100% correct. Look at roads, look around manholes, youll find a rise and dip due to differing densities. The same principle is would on unpaved roads, usually called corrugations.