Special Sanding machines : part 3

Photo – Lägler GmbH

Whenever you finish a floor, there comes a time when you need some of the less prominent machines, such as corner sanding machines. A floor is seldom perfect in shape, and that means there are some places which are not so easy to reach. In such cases it is advisable to use a corner sanding machine. This is a sanding machine specially designed to sandpaper wood in places which are difficult to reach.

In this article we consider what is already available on the market and aim to find out primarily how the market is responding to the specific needs of parquet floor fitters. In short, what typifies professional corner sanding machines to enable them to sandpaper all corners and edges properly? We also consider specifically what details you should look out for when buying such a machine and whether or not there is a difference in equipment for smaller and residential sites as compared to larger project applications.

Obviously, we concentrate mainly on the use of these machines on wooden floors, but at the same time we don’t forget that these machines can also be deployed for other surfaces. For instance, corner sanding machines can also process metal and stone and we note that these machines can also be used not only for sandpapering, but also for grinding and polishing.

Motors A vitally important question here is the engine. Generally speaking, sanding machines are driven by compressed air, petrol engines, or electricity. In various sectors we have noticed that petrol engines are gradually being discarded, even in the heavier work segment where traditionally only fossil fuels provided enough power. In the latter case, the ongoing advance of electric engines and, especially, of increasingly efficient batteries is just about the biggest issue.

Parquet floor fitters would tend not to use petrol-driven machines because a lot of their work is done indoors where you certainly don’t want to leave unpleasant emissions. The more pressing issue is how electricity is used to power a machine. Until now, most machines have had electric cables, but we do note a vast change. Until recently, battery-powered machines couldn’t in any way match the performances of machines with cables, but nowadays there is little difference, if any. Battery packs are now more handy, lighter, more powerful, and long-lasting. This means that benefits such as much greater mobility and the opportunity to work in places without the need for a mains connection are playing a much greater part in the choice.

Working hybrid: mains current and battery We have noticed with these battery machines that manufacturers are also consciously stressing another extra asset, namely ergonomics. If you have to tackle corners and edges, it’s not the easiest of jobs on the whole site. Since with battery machines you don’t have to bother about cables and, moreover, the batteries are getting lighter and lighter, it seems to us that it’s well worth finding out about these machines. Furthermore, don’t forget that you can combine the best of two worlds with each other in this manner. Manufacturers often take account of ‘hybrid’ situations, so it’s certainly worth getting more information if you notice that a corner sanding machine can be converted from running on battery to running via the mains.

Two specialists

Lägler GmbH FLIP® - The ideal solution for processing edges and corners! Versatility - one machine, many possibilities! Coarse and fine sanding, milling, underfloor treatment - both wood and screed surfaces. The FLIP® manages all this effortlessly! Only the appropriate attachment is required. (You just need the right attachment). Short, long, corner or milling attachment - change the attachment easily and quickly directly on site! The FLIP® can be adapted to individual construction site conditions whenever necessary. The FLIP® is powerful, efficient and extremely easy to handle. In addition, it has a great extraction performance and thus enables almost dust-free work on construction sites. Almost no dust in the room or on the furniture - people and environment are protected! Housing as well as attachments are made of abrasionresistant, glass fiber reinforced plastic. This makes the FLIP® a very robust, durable and long-lasting machine.

Pallmann

For the sanding of edges and stairs Pallmann offers the sanding machines Pallmann Gecko Star 2.0 and Pallmann Gecko Flex. With its high performance, first-class sanding results and unparalleled smoothness, the Pallmann Gecko Star 2.0 is indispensable for comfortable sanding in the edge area. Its sanding attachment is available in two different sizes and allows also sanding under radiators. The machine comes with a robust housing and balanced weight for maximum sanding pressure with high power (1500 watts). The exceptional extraction technology with options between dust bag system and adapter for a vacuum cleaner ensure a clean working. The LED technology provides optimal illumination of the working area. The weight is approximately 9,6 kg. With a weight of 4,5 kg the Pallmann Gecko Flex is lighter and handier. This lightweight fully exploits its advantages especially when sanding stairs or smaller sites. Owners of the Pallmann Spider often rely on this machine because the offered Velcro discs fit to both machines. An optimum position of the handle, an almost dust-free sanding and a high removal rate are further advantages. It comes with a 1.5 kW original Flex Engine and flexible speed regulation: 1,400 – 4,200 rounds per minute.