Recommend a tool for this big sanding job

[G-force]

I am giving my barn an interior makeover and I need to sand about 1500 sq. ft. of the T&G wall paneling seen in this picture.

Up until now I have been using an air powered DA with 80 grit. Can you recommend a tool that will get the job done quicker and easier?

 

[Mr. Brooks]

No recommendations here, but I really like it the way it is.

 

[stratman977]

How about one of these. I have a milwaukee 1/2 sheet sander, its a little on the heavy side but it does some serious sanding.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1-2-Sheet-Finishing-Sander-BO4900V/203162049

I don't know what you have for a DA sander but I tend to find that the auto body sanders have too large of an orbit for woodworking. I have a hutchins 3400 DA and I feel that my electric sanders made for woodworking do a nicer job. I'm no pro at body work or woodworking so take observation for what it is.

 

[PBCampbell]

9" angle grinder with sanding disks maybe. You could probably rent the grinder.

Depending on how well the boards line up of course. If edges are real uneven a belt sander may have to be used first.

 

[Givl Reggin]

a tool that will get the job done quicker and easier?

Depends on how "finished" you want the boards.

A belt sander will remove a lot of wood quickly...
PORTER-CABLE 362V 4x24 Belt Sander - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RFT5YA/awh

Eve more so will a powered plane and produce a lot less dust in the process...
Bosch 1594K 3-1/4" Planer - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000067S14/awh

But for a really smooth surface you'll need something like this sander...
Makita BO4900V 1/2 Sheet Sander - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000789HT/awh

FYI I like the reuse of the corrugated metal roof panels for a wainscot!

 

[7th Kahuna]

Your barn reminds me of another thread, the 'Mid-Century Moto Mecca Makeover'.

I believe he said the best sander for the job was the one he hired.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185104&page=4

 

[GYOGI65]

Saw a show that used a sand blaster with corn might be an optoin i wish my kitchen and living room were empty so i could try it just an option

 

[12husky]

Corn cob blasting is a common practice when refinishing the exterior of a log cabin


MCOC

 

[G-force]

Depends on how "finished" you want the boards.

I'm not trying to get them perfect, just trying to clean them up and remove 25 years worth of bird **** and water staining. These used to be the walls of horse stalls.

I may throw a light sealer on them when done. The ones I have sanded really came to life and brought some grain out.

Many of them do not sit perfectly flush with one another so the belt option may work best

Thanks for the recommendations and keep them coming.

That wainscot is 60 year old barn roofing. I just installed it last weekend. Once the concrete cures I will stain it and add a dark mohogany trim to the top and bottom of the metal panels.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

Yep rethought it, media blast it after researching media to use. Should make somewhat easy work, ladders, spray rig, shop vac/broom, power wash rest and use your drain.

 

[CobraRed]

I'm not trying to get them perfect, just trying to clean them up and remove 25 years worth of bird **** and water staining. These used to be the walls of horse stalls.

I may throw a light sealer on them when done. The ones I have sanded really came to life and brought some grain out.

Many of them do not sit perfectly flush with one another so the belt option may work best

Thanks for the recommendations and keep them coming.

That wainscot is 60 year old barn roofing. I just installed it last weekend. Once the concrete cures I will stain it and add a dark mohogany trim to the top and bottom of the metal panels.

That's going to be gorgeous

 

[G-force]

That's going to be gorgeous

Thanks. I'm pretty excited with how it's all coming together. Cant believe it took me eight years before I started doing something with the space.

As far as media blasting goes, I might be reluctant to do that for the simple fact of the mess it might make. I also like to hand work the wood so I can round all the sharp corners giving the wood a more vintage look. I've completed a couple of the smaller walls with the DA and love the look, but each one of the larger walls measures 12'x8' and there are 10 of them. I would estimate each one would take 3-4 hours the way I am going now, and lots of paper.

 

[FJ 432]

Wow. Your place is fantastic. Would really like to see it when it's done.

 

[southalabama]

A belt sander will be a biotch to hold. It eats wood fast.

For a better approach I'd use my dewalt orbital sander. I might even use my air sander on such a big project.

 

[G-force]

A belt sander will be a biotch to hold. It eats wood fast.

For a better approach I'd use my dewalt orbital sander. I might even use my air sander on such a big project.

I've been using an Ingersol Rand automotive DA sander up until now, but I know there is a better tool for the job. I may go into HD this weekend and see what kind of rentals they have. I'm not looking forward to holding a big old belt sander for long as I have bad wrists and they are still killing from using the circular saw to cut 66 pieces of metal siding last week. I may be willing to hire this job out to somebody that has the tools, but I would not know where to look.

 

[Sonny2010]

How about one of these. I have a milwaukee 1/2 sheet sander, its a little on the heavy side but it does some serious sanding.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1-2-Sheet-Finishing-Sander-BO4900V/203162049

I don't know what you have for a DA sander but I tend to find that the auto body sanders have too large of an orbit for woodworking. I have a hutchins 3400 DA and I feel that my electric sanders made for woodworking do a nicer job. I'm no pro at body work or woodworking so take observation for what it is.

Good deal!

 

[danski0224]

A Festool Rotex 125 will do that job. Easily.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

i would never even consider sanding that. Blasting would be so much faster, consistent, and much less headache. If it were my project, I would buy a used gun off ebay, rent a 49hp trailer compressor, and have the media at the ready. Several hours later you'll be finished. Then sell the gun on ebay again...or keep it for doing future tractors/trailers etc. My 2 pennies.

 

[Givl Reggin]

I'm not trying to get them perfect, just trying to clean them up

Then go with the power planer. I have a Porter-Cable model that's no longer made and it's a real beast - trim carpenters used them almost exclusively when hanging doors - it will take 1/8" off in one pass on soft woods.

The reason I say the planer over the belt sander is 1) you'll get a better (smoother) finish over what 80-100 grit paper will give you 2) one pass can remove more wood than several minutes of sanding 3) chip clean up is much, much easier than sanding dust and 4) the new planers are pretty light-weight compared to a belt sander.

 

[BikerDad]

1) Tyvek suit & respirator.
2) Pressure wash everything. That'll take care of the bird **** without putting bird **** dust everywhere. It will also raise the grain. hell, pressure wash the concrete while you're at it.
3) let dry
4) Media blast per Mohawk Dave's directions.

 

[G-force]

A Festool Rotex 125 will do that job. Easily.

That does look like a hell of a machine. I wish I could justify spending the $400+ for it. Anybody got one I can borrow? Do you think Home depot would rent something similar?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

That does look like a hell of a machine. I wish I could justify spending the $400+ for it. Anybody got one I can borrow? Do you think Home depot would rent something similar?

I really believe you'll spend $400 again in sanding pads. You have a TON of square footage. and that still wouldn't do the galvanized metal. and doing the ceiling joists will be a PITA. I'm still going for the blasting vote... But it will be more than $400 as well.

I think if you have more time and muscle than money, a plane will be cheaper than sanding. Pressure wash first. I can't imagine planing bird **** is good for the lungs.

 

[mattyrattypoo]

Festool Rotex 125 or 150 hooked up to a their extractor would make that job super easy!

 

[G-force]

Well I will try and find the festool to rent/borrow. If not available I may consider getting the Bosch planer. I have not used a hand held planer before and am not sure if it can leave a smooth transition vertically from board to board. I also have a bunch of boards that had been rolled with motor oil to preserve them, but I did not repurpose those ones because of the black color from the oil. I'm thinking if I had that planer I may be able to cut down to nice virgin wood with those boards. hmmm?

The only boards I want to resurface in that picture are the horizontal wall boards. I don't want to disturb the galvanized metal or ceiling joists. I will also be hanging a lot of signage on those walls so to be honest resurfacing them is not really even necessary. I have just done a few of the smaller walls and really like the way it came out.

 

[danski0224]

That does look like a hell of a machine. I wish I could justify spending the $400+ for it. Anybody got one I can borrow? Do you think Home depot would rent something similar?

I always find it funny that people will post pictures of garage projects that cost lots of money and then balk at a few hundred bucks for a tool....

If you are intent on sanding it (vs media blasting), there is nothing that will beat a Festool Rotex- at least in the USA. It will take material off faster and in a more controlled fashion than a belt sander. Any other sheet or RO sander is junk in comparison- if you are looking for a tool that works.

You will be wasting time with anything else, and you will probably buy 2 or 3 of them to finish the job. Let's not even get into actually using a lesser sander for more than a few hours at a time and the vibrations.

Festool also has lots and lots of different sandpapers. Different grits and abrasive materials.

Paired with a vacuum (preferbly Festool), you will have (1) virtually dust free sanding and (2) the sandpaper lasts much longer. You do not have to use the vacuum.

There is a reconditioned Festool sale going on now. This is the cheapest way to get into Festool as they have a fixed price system.

You will be able to sell the sander for at least 70% of new when you are done, unless you trash it.

First nail, staple, screw or hard knot you hit with that planer, and you will need new blades.

That bird poop is a health hazard, dust should be a major concern. Same goes for old lead based finishes if any exist on that wood. That said, a 4" grinder and a flap disc will remove lots of stuff very quickly.

 

[No Sweat Photos]

Pressure Washing is going to be the best answer, also get one or two helpers to shop vacuum the water up as you go !!

Any planner is going to get ruined by the nails in the wood !!

 

[G-force]

I always find it funny that people will post pictures of garage projects that cost lots of money and then balk at a few hundred bucks for a tool....

If you are intent on sanding it (vs media blasting), there is nothing that will beat a Festool Rotex- at least in the USA. It will take material off faster and in a more controlled fashion than a belt sander. Any other sheet or RO sander is junk in comparison- if you are looking for a tool that works.

You will be wasting time with anything else, and you will probably buy 2 or 3 of them to finish the job. Let's not even get into actually using a lesser sander for more than a few hours at a time and the vibrations.

Festool also has lots and lots of different sandpapers. Different grits and abrasive materials.

Paired with a vacuum (preferbly Festool), you will have (1) virtually dust free sanding and (2) the sandpaper lasts much longer. You do not have to use the vacuum.

There is a reconditioned Festool sale going on now. This is the cheapest way to get into Festool as they have a fixed price system.

You will be able to sell the sander for at least 70% of new when you are done, unless you trash it.

First nail, staple, screw or hard knot you hit with that planer, and you will need new blades.

That bird poop is a health hazard, dust should be a major concern. Same goes for old lead based finishes if any exist on that wood. That said, a 4" grinder and a flap disc will remove lots of stuff very quickly.

Good point about the nails and planer. Can you give me a lead on the reconditioned festool sale?

Reason I am counting pennies is because I have dropped so much into my barn in the last month. Concrete aint cheap, and this is just one of many current projects.

Thanks for all the opinions though. I may nut up and get the Festool.

 

[danski0224]

Just search Festool reconditioned sale.

 

[G-force]

Are the Festool ETS sanders heavy enough or do I need to go for the RO?

It doesn't look like any recon RO's are available right now.

 

[danski0224]

Are the Festool ETS sanders heavy enough or do I need to go for the RO?

It doesn't look like any recon RO's are available right now.

Not sure on the ETS line. Based on the description, it seems that they are designed for "light" material removal. Depending on your objective, it may work, but if you were considering a planer or belt sander for the task, probably not.

The recon "sale" started 7/14 and there is always a limited quantity of items. The sale only comes around once a year- maybe. I don't recall a sale last year.

 

[May Pop]

Id use an electric sander similar to the DA. A Dewalt with hook and loop is much quieter. Around 80 bucks. Again the abrasive is not cheap but close to the DA.

 

[bigredcornhead]

Get a floor sander, a transmission Jack rachet strap the sander to the jack and go at it...Redneck engineering at its finest lol....just walk the jack with the sander attached up and down the wall lol

 

[nmcqueen469]

I'd toss in another vote for the Festool, and I can't WAIT to see how it turns out when you're done!!

 

[mattyrattypoo]

The ETS and DTS are for fine sanding. The Rotex sanders have the ability to do both fine and heavy sanding. It really depends on what you are trying to do. If you are prepping for paint, the ETS and DTS will be prefect (that is what I have with a CT midi extractor). If you are removing more material, a Rotex would be the way to go.

 

[CJCar]

A Porter Cable drywall sander?

 

[Carla]

A way to sand those boards nicely would be to use an Aro or equivalent air belt sander, which will need a pretty good compressor to keep up with its air requirement, but would sand much faster than will the usual electric units.

If I were setting up for that job, I'd fake up a 'balance point' for the air sander, rig a 'counter-balance system', which could be as simple as a couple of c-clamps on the rafters, small pulleys and a bit of light line, to a weight which would balance the sander, then carefully instruct a low-wage, hard-working helper in the use of the tool. There would still be areas near the top of the wall where the swing of the counter-balanced sander wouldn't cover, so I'd want to have a really strong worker, who would be willing to handle the weight of the tool in those areas.

I'd make a point of providing the worker with suitable safety gear, including a best quality respirator, as bird dung dust could be pretty toxic stuff.

cheer

Carla

 

[danski0224]

The ETS and DTS are for fine sanding. The Rotex sanders have the ability to do both fine and heavy sanding. It really depends on what you are trying to do. If you are prepping for paint, the ETS and DTS will be prefect (that is what I have with a CT midi extractor). If you are removing more material, a Rotex would be the way to go.

I have a 400 DTS and it will out-sand a 5" Bosch RO palm sander that I have.

The Festool Rotex is something else entirely.

 

[Givl Reggin]

You made it kind of sound like you put the boards up and that they weren't already there? If so, then the time to have done something easy and simple was when they were off - you could have then run them though a surface planer or wide-belt sander... would have taken about 30-seconds for a 12' long board. I would have also pre-finished them before installing because it's so much easier to work on them at a comfortable height and flat than bending over or climbing ladders!

 

[G-force]

I did repurpose a few of them from the bottom to the top, and yes looking back that would have been the time to do it, but I didn't so here we are.

I may just sand the stained/painted areas of the boards clean and give the walls a good throrough pressure washing and call it a day. I may be over thinking what I want out of the space.

 

[Voi]

Well I will try and find the festool to rent/borrow. If not available I may consider getting the Bosch planer. I have not used a hand held planer before and am not sure if it can leave a smooth transition vertically from board to board.

You might also look into the Mirka sanders and vacs. Even more expensive than Festool but a year or two ago they had a deal where you could pick out $150 of free abrasives with your purchase. You'll go through that easy with this project and it might make the overall price a better value.

I would not plan on doing the entire job with a hand held electric planer but I'm sure there will be some spots where it would be useful.

Bosch also has a newer line of sanders that are said to be nice but not quite in the Festool or Mirka level of quality or price.

I do agree about pressure washing first. Get rid of the bird poop and raise the grain before sanding.