I need to sand a wooden floor but am scared-is this the kind of thing people get maimed by?

[Fillyjonk]

ok I am a coward

I don't like big noises

seriously though, provided I have ear/eye protection and open all the windows, is it ok? will I end up getting pulled round the room by it?

and is it really noisy?

and no I can't Get A Man In. Its this or brown paint.

lol
It's a hell of a big job and the dust gets everywhere.

its hard but worth it!
it will drag you but you will get used to it quickly
never got maimed by it mysejf!

Done it twice. Might get it totally right next time!

Hire one, follow the instructions and turn the thing off before you try to change paper etc. Do that and the worst you'll maim is the floorboards!

It's really hard slog, the dust gets everywhere. (try and hire a sander with a dust extraction facility. You'll also need to get an edge sander to get up to the skirting boards etc.

Mop it all down with sugar soap then with clean water

Apply 3 coats of ronseal quick dry floor varnish.

Feel smug and admire handywork.

The very first time I switched the thing on it shot off into the wall.

Once you have done that, you remember to hold onto it and it becomes a lot easier.

I love watching the bits I have done come up all smooth and free of old varnish, and I love the wood smell!

It will leave dust everywhere, you will need to go over the boards twice (lenghways and crossways) and then once more with fine finishing paper (although I always skip this step)

Have never been maimed by one (and have done our entire house with one over the past 8 years). Just remember to switch it off before changing sandpaper.

Have fun, you will feel emancipated and enjoy the result!

am kind of MORE scared

am leaning towards paint

pls reassure me like hippo did (thanks hippo)

its fine - paint is NOT the way to go fillyjonk.CHILL!!

You will be so proud with your efforts if you strip it!

It is a big job and it's very noisy and the dust gets everywhere. Sorry I know that's not what you wanted to hear. Top tips would be obviously wear eye protection and a mask. If the floor has never been sanded before then before you begin make sure you hammer down any nails with one of those little gadgets that make them go under the surface because once you start sanding if these become exposed they will rip the sandpaper - here speaks the voice of experience. Open the windows in the room you are doing and keep doors tightly closed to try to isolate the dust. When you've finished leave the dust to settle for an hour or so before you tackle the clean up. The end result is worth it though .

you could do it by hand be careful of central heating pipes my neighbour went through two when he did his house.

it looks like fun though

Yes, bought a small belt handsander. Was sanding in bare feet yesterday and the the sander shot across the floor and has sanded my foot.

I have been maimed! Now one very very sore top of foot without any skin,

So..remember to keep your boots on!

dont give up .. varnished floors are lovely , painted floors are nice , but varnish looks much better