What is a Floor Edge Sander? And The Best 3.

If you intend to sand your flooring, you need to understand the type of sanding machines to use for efficiency.

Different types of sanding machines are used for different and varying purposes. There are instances where you only need to sand the edges of your floor, that’s where an edge sander comes in handy.

What is a floor edge sander?

A floor edge sander is a specialized tool used in woodworking and particularly floor sanding and refinishing. It is one of the types of floor sanding machines that you can use to refinish hardwood and other floor types. It is designed to sand the edges and corners of wooden floors, which can be difficult to reach with larger, standard floor sanders.

Floor edge sanders are typically smaller in size and have a triangular or rectangular sanding pad that allows them to get into tight spaces along the edges of a room, around obstacles, and in corners where a larger sander cannot easily reach. These sanders are used to remove old finish, paint, or imperfections from the wood surface, preparing it for refinishing.

Using a floor edge sander requires some skill and precision to ensure an even and smooth sanding job without damaging the surrounding areas. It’s important to follow proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear like dust masks and safety goggles, as sanding can generate fine dust particles that can be harmful to breathe in.

Best 3 floor edge sanders

1.Super 7R edge sander

The Clarke Floor Sander Edger Super 7R stands out as the best choice in floor edge sanding, and it’s easy to see why.

With its exceptional performance, thoughtful design, and reliability, the Super 7R has earned its reputation as the best floor sander for both professionals and avid DIY enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth look at its features, pros, and cons

Main Features of Super 7R edge sander:

• Precision Sanding: Engineered for accurate edge and corner sanding, ensuring seamless blending between sanded and unsanded areas.
• Efficient Dust Collection: Equipped with a highly effective dust collection system for a cleaner and healthier work environment.
• Maneuverability: Compact and ergonomic design enables easy navigation around obstacles, tight spaces, and corners.
• Durability: Robust construction ensures reliable performance and longevity, suitable for both residential and commercial projects.
• Variable Speed Control: Adjustable sanding speed provides versatility and control over the sanding process.
• Quiet Operation: Operates at a lower noise level, minimizing disruptions and promoting comfort during sanding.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive controls and user-friendly features make it accessible for both professionals and DIYers.

2. Clarke American Sanders B2 Edger

The Clarke American Sanders edge sander is designed for sanding and refinishing hardwood floors both for commercial and residential projects. Clarke American Sanders is a well-known brand in the floor sanding industry, producing a range of high-quality sanding equipment.

Clarke’s lineup of floor sanders and is designed specifically for edge sanding. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Clarke American Sanders B2 Edger:

Pros

• The Clarke American B2 Edger is designed specifically for edge sanding, allowing you to achieve consistent and precise sanding along the edges and corners of hardwood floors.
• Its compact and maneuverable design makes it easy to navigate around obstacles, get close to walls, and work in tight spaces, ensuring thorough sanding.
• When used correctly, the B2 Edger can contribute to achieving professional-level results in hardwood floor refinishing projects.
• Many models of the B2 Edger are equipped with dust collection systems, helping to reduce airborne dust and creating a cleaner work environment.
• While its primary function is edge sanding, it can also be used for other detail sanding tasks on vertical surfaces or in areas where larger sanders can’t reach.

Cons

• Beginners may need some time to become proficient in achieving even sanding results.
• Edge sanding can be more time-consuming than sanding larger areas with a drum or belt sander.
• The B2 Edger is specialized for edge sanding and may not be suitable for larger sanding tasks on the main floor area.

3.Bona Combi-edge sander

The Bona CombiEdge is a remarkable edge sanding solution that seamlessly combines versatility, efficiency, and user-friendly design.

With its unique ability to switch between a short-arm edger and a long-arm sander, this lightweight machine offers a range of features that cater to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Let’s delve into its main features, pros, and cons:

Pros:

• Dual Functionality: The Bona CombiEdge’s standout feature is its ability to transform from a 120 mm short-arm edger to a 330 mm long-arm sander with ease. This versatility enables efficient sanding in various scenarios, whether you need to reach deep toe kicks or work in broader areas.
• Excellent Reach: The 330 mm long-arm configuration provides impressive reach under challenging spaces, such as deep toe kicks and radiators. This feature ensures thorough sanding and consistent results even in hard-to-reach corners.
• Enhanced Visibility: Equipped with a frontal LED light, the CombiEdge improves visibility during sanding, allowing for precise control and accuracy, particularly in dimly lit or shadowed areas.
• Efficient Dust Containment: The Bona CombiEdge’s compatibility with the Bona DCS 70 (Dust Containment System) ensures optimal dust reduction. This feature not only keeps the workspace cleaner but also contributes to a healthier working environment by minimizing airborne dust particles.
• Maneuverability: With its lightweight construction and clever design, the CombiEdge proves to be highly maneuverable, making it easy to navigate around obstacles and work in confined spaces.
• High Sanding Speed: The CombiEdge boasts a high sanding and working speed, allowing you to complete sanding tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Safety and Comfort: The inclusion of a safety operating switch button on the handle adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring that the machine operates only when intended.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: While the Bona CombiEdge’s design is intuitive, switching between the short-arm and long-arm configurations might require some initial familiarization.
• Availability: Depending on location, finding rental options for the Bona CombiEdge might be limited due to its specialized features.

How to Use a Floor Edge Sander

Using a floor edge sander requires careful preparation, technique, and safety precautions to achieve a smooth and even sanding job.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a floor edge sander effectively:

Safety Precautions:

1. Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety goggles, a dust mask, and hearing protection.
2. Clear the area of any obstacles, furniture, or debris that could interfere with your work.
3. Ensure proper ventilation in the room by opening windows and using fans if possible, as sanding generates dust.

Preparation:

1. Start by sanding the main floor area using a larger floor sander before using the floor edge sander. This will help create a consistent surface before tackling the edges.
2. Choose the appropriate sandpaper grit for your project. Coarse grits (around 40-60) are used for initial sanding, while finer grits (80-100) are used for smoothing.

Using the Floor Edge Sander:

Finishing Touches:

1. Familiarize yourself with the controls and handling of the floor edge sander. Most models have a handle for easy maneuvering.
2. Attach the appropriate sandpaper to the sanding pad on the floor edge sander.
3. Plug in the sander and ensure the power cord is positioned safely behind you to avoid tripping.
4. Hold the sander firmly with both hands and turn it on.
5. Start sanding in a corner or along the edge of the room. Gently lower the sanding pad onto the wood surface.
6. Move the sander in smooth, controlled motions along the edge, working from side to side and gradually moving forward.
7. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this can create uneven sanding and may damage the wood.
8. Keep the sander moving at all times to prevent over-sanding in one spot.
9. As you work, periodically check the progress and adjust your technique if needed to ensure even sanding.
10. Once the edges are sanded to your desired level, turn off the sander and carefully unplug it.

Finishing Touches

1. Vacuum or sweep the sanded area to remove dust and debris.
2. Inspect the edges for smoothness and evenness. If needed, you can hand-sand any remaining rough spots using sandpaper wrapped around a block.
3. Proceed with the rest of your floor refinishing process, such as staining, sealing, or applying a finish coat.

Remember that practice makes perfect. It’s a good idea to practice using the floor edge sander on a scrap piece of wood before tackling your actual floor. This will help you get comfortable with the tool and refine your technique.

Always prioritize safety and take your time to achieve the best results. If you’re unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking guidance from a professional floor refinisher.

Floor edge vs orbital sander

Both floor edge sanders and orbital sanders are tools used for sanding and refinishing wooden surfaces, but they have different purposes and are designed for specific tasks. Let’s compare the two:

Floor Edge Sander:

1. Purpose: Floor edge sanders are designed specifically for sanding the edges and corners of wooden floors, where larger sanders cannot easily reach.
2. Sanding Area: They are meant to work along the edges of floors, in corners, and around obstacles.
3. Sanding Pad: Floor edge sanders usually have a triangular or rectangular sanding pad to reach tight spaces.
4. Control and Precision: They provide more control and precision for detail work along the edges.
5. Maneuverability: They are designed to be maneuverable and allow you to get close to walls and obstacles.
6. Typical Usage: Used in floor refinishing projects to ensure consistent sanding across the entire floor, including hard-to-reach areas.

Orbital Sander:

1. Purpose: Orbital sanders are more versatile and can be used for a variety of sanding tasks on different surfaces, not just floors.
2. Sanding Area: They can be used on larger areas of wood, including furniture, tabletops, cabinets, and more.
3. Sanding Motion: Orbital sanders move the sandpaper in a random orbital pattern, reducing the risk of creating swirl marks on the wood.
4. Sanding Pad: They typically have a square or circular sanding pad.
5. Control and Precision: While they offer control, they may not be as precise as floor edge sanders for detailed edge work.
6. Maneuverability: They may not be as suitable for sanding right up against walls or tight corners as floor edge sanders.
7. Variety of Grits: You can easily switch out sandpaper grits on orbital sanders for different levels of sanding.
8. Typical Usage: Used for general woodworking projects, furniture refinishing, smoothing surfaces, and more.

Choosing the Right Tool:

The choice between a floor edge sander and an orbital sander depends on the specific task you’re working on. If you’re refinishing a wooden floor and need to sand the edges and corners, a floor edge sander is essential. However, if you’re working on various woodworking projects beyond floor refinishing, an orbital sander offers more versatility.

In some cases, both tools might be used together in a larger floor refinishing project: an orbital sander for the main floor area and a floor edge sander for the edges and corners.

Ultimately, understanding the differences between these two types of sanders and their respective strengths will help you choose the right tool for your woodworking or floor refinishing needs.

What are floor edge sander discs?

Floor edge sander discs, also known as sanding discs or sandpaper discs, are abrasive tools designed for use with floor edge sanders. These discs attach to the sanding pad of the floor edge sander and are used to sand and smooth wooden surfaces, particularly along the edges and corners of floors during refinishing or repair projects.

They come in various grits to achieve different levels of sanding and surface finish.

Key points to know about floor edge sander discs:

1. Grit Options: Floor edge sander discs are available in different grits, ranging from coarse to fine. The grit number indicates the level of abrasiveness, with lower numbers being coarser (more aggressive removal) and higher numbers being finer (smoother finish). Common grits for floor edge sanding include 40, 60, 80, and 100.

2. Compatibility: It’s essential to choose sanding discs that are compatible with your specific floor edge sander model. Discs come in various sizes and shapes, so make sure you select the right ones for your equipment.

3. Attachment: Floor edge sander discs typically have a hook-and-loop (Velcro-like) backing that easily attaches to the sanding pad of the floor edge sander. This allows for quick and secure attachment and removal.

4. Material: Sanding discs are made from various materials, including aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and other abrasives. The choice of material depends on the type of wood and the specific sanding task.

5. Use and Replacement: As you sand, the abrasive surface of the sanding disc will wear down. When you notice reduced effectiveness or the sandpaper becomes clogged with wood dust, it’s time to replace the disc with a fresh one. Regularly inspect the sanding disc and replace it as needed to ensure optimal sanding results.

6. Technique: When using floor edge sander discs, follow proper sanding techniques. Keep the sander moving continuously to prevent uneven sanding, and be mindful of the sanding pressure to avoid over-sanding in one spot.

Costs for floor edge sander discs;

The cost for floor edge sander discs will vary depending on the size and number in the pack. The following are the typical prices (in $$);

• 12 Grit- Pack of 25 costs $44
• 16-Grit– Pack of 25 Discs costs $42
• 20-Grit- Pack of 50 Discs costs $79
• 24-Grit-Pack of 50 Discs costs $77
• 36-Grit: Pack of 50 Discs costs $55
• 40 Grit: Pack of 50 Discs costs $52.50
• 50-Grit: Pack of 50 Discs costs $52.50
• 60 Grit: Pack of 50 Discs costs $39.50
• 80 Grit: Pack of 50 Discs costs $37.50

What does the number of Grit mean in edge sanding discs?

The grit numbers (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80) on floor edge sander discs refer to the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive particles on the sandpaper. These grit sizes determine the level of material removal and the surface finish achieved during sanding.

Here’s a breakdown of what each grit range typically means:

12 to 18-Grit: Extremely coarse.

These grits are used for heavy-duty sanding tasks, such as removing deep scratches, paint, or rough layers from the surface. They are suitable for initial sanding on very rough or uneven surfaces.

20 to 30-Grit: Coarse.

Used for aggressive material removal, leveling, and smoothing. Commonly used for initial sanding on hardwood floors with significant imperfections.

40 to 60-Grit: Medium to coarse.

Suitable for moderate material removal and preparing the surface for finer sanding. Used to remove scratches from coarser grits and refine the surface.

100-Grit: Medium.

Used for general sanding and smoothing. Effective for preparing the surface before applying finishes, paint, or stains. This is a common grit for final sanding before finishing.

The choice of grit depends on the starting condition of the wood or surface and the desired outcome. For floor refinishing, you typically start with a coarser grit to remove old finishes, imperfections, and scratches. As you progress through finer grits, you achieve smoother and more polished surfaces.

When using a floor edge sander, it’s essential to select the appropriate grit sequence based on the condition of the floor and the level of refinement you want to achieve. Always follow proper sanding techniques, keep the sander moving, and avoid excessive pressure to prevent over-sanding or uneven results.

Should you buy or hire an edge sander?

Whether to buy or hire (rent) a floor edge sander depends on several factors, including the scope of your project, your budget, how often you anticipate needing the tool, and your level of comfort and expertise with using such equipment. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Buy a Floor Edge Sander:

1. Frequent Use: If you anticipate needing a floor edge sander frequently for various projects, it might make sense to invest in one. This can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to repeated rental fees.
2. Convenience: Owning the tool provides you with the convenience of having it available whenever you need it, without the need to schedule rentals or worry about availability.
3. Customization: You can choose a high-quality floor edge sander that suits your specific needs and preferences.
4. Learning Curve: If you plan to use the tool often, you’ll have more opportunities to become proficient and comfortable with its use, which can lead to better results.

Hire (Rent) a Floor Edge Sander:

1. One-Time or Infrequent Use: If you have a single project or only need a floor edge sander infrequently, renting can be a more cost-effective option. You won’t have to spend a larger upfront cost to purchase the tool.
2. Budget Constraints: Renting is often cheaper for short-term or occasional use, especially if you consider the initial investment and long-term ownership costs of purchasing a tool.
3. Storage and Maintenance: Renting eliminates the need for storing and maintaining the tool, which can be a concern if you have limited space or aren’t familiar with maintenance tasks.
4. Expertise: If you’re not experienced with using a floor edge sander or don’t want to invest time in learning how to use it properly, renting might be a better option. Rental locations often provide instructions and guidance on using the equipment safely and effectively.
5. Specialized Models: Some rental places offer specialized or professional-grade floor edge sanders that you might not want to invest in for occasional use.

Combining Both:

In some cases, a combination of owning and renting could be a practical approach. You could own a versatile orbital sander for general woodworking tasks and rent a floor edge sander when you specifically need it for floor refinishing.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific circumstances, budget, and preferences. Consider the frequency of use, your skill level, the complexity of your projects, and the associated costs before making your choice. If you’re unsure, you might also seek advice from professionals in woodworking or floor refinishing.