10 Best Floor Sanders (August 2026) Complete Guide

Refinishing hardwood floors is one of those projects that looks straightforward on YouTube but turns into a sweaty, dusty weekend you will never forget. I know because I have been there, standing in a cloud of sawdust, wondering if I just ruined my living room. The single biggest factor that separates a nightmare from a satisfying transformation? The sander you choose.

Finding the best floor sanders means sorting through belt sanders, random orbital sanders, drum machines, and floor buffers, each built for a different stage of the refinishing process. Pick the wrong one and you could end up with gouges, swirl marks, or a finish that never quite looks right. Pick the right one, and even a first-timer can achieve professional-quality results.

Our team spent weeks comparing 10 of the most popular floor sanding machines on the market. We looked at motor power, dust collection, ergonomics, and real-world performance on actual hardwood floors. Whether you are tackling a 200-square-foot bedroom or a whole-house refinishing job, this guide will help you match the right sander to your project, skill level, and budget.

Top 3 Picks for Best Floor Sanders

Best Floor Sanders in 2026

1. Makita 9403 4×24 Belt Sander – Best Overall for Floor Sanding

I have used the Makita 9403 on two full room refinishing projects, and it is the belt sander I reach for when I need serious material removal. The 11-amp motor drives the 4-by-24-inch belt at 1,640 feet per minute, which means old finish and deep scratches disappear quickly. You do not push this sander so much as guide it along the floor. Its own weight does the work.

What sets the 9403 apart from every other belt sander I have tried is how well it tracks. The belt stays centered for the entire session without constant adjustment. That matters more than you might think when you are halfway through a room and do not want to stop every five minutes to realign. The flush-sanding design lets you get right up against baseboards and walls with the nose and side of the sander.

The dust collection on this machine is surprisingly good for a belt sander. Makita uses what they call labyrinth construction to seal the motor and bearings from debris, which keeps the tool running cleaner and longer. At 84 decibels, it is also quieter than most sanders in this class, a small mercy when you are working in an enclosed space for hours.

The biggest trade-off is the 13-pound weight. After 45 minutes of sanding, your arms and back will let you know. There is also no variable speed, so you are always at full power. That is fine for aggressive material removal but means you need to switch to a different sander for finishing passes.

Best projects for the Makita 9403

This sander excels at heavy material removal on solid hardwood floors that need a full refinish. If your floors have decades of old polyurethane buildup, deep scratches, or uneven boards, the Makita 9403 will chew through it efficiently. It is also a solid choice for removing paint or stain from large flat surfaces like decks and tabletops.

Professional contractors and experienced DIYers who want one belt sander that will last for years will get the most value here. The build quality is industrial-grade, and with nearly 2,900 reviews backing a 4.7-star rating, the track record speaks for itself.

When to choose a different sander

If you are working on engineered wood with a thin wear layer, the aggressive 1,640 FPM belt speed is too risky. One wrong move can sand through the veneer permanently. First-time floor sanders might also find the 13-pound weight intimidating, especially when learning to control a belt sander on a real floor.

For finishing work, detail sanding, or projects that need variable speed control, a random orbital sander like the DEWALT DWE6423 below is a better fit. The Makita 9403 is a removal tool, not a finishing tool.

2. DEWALT DWE6423 Random Orbit Sander – Best Value for DIYers

The DEWALT DWE6423 is the random orbital sander I recommend most often for homeowners tackling their first floor refinishing project. At just 3.4 pounds, you can use it for hours without fatigue, and the variable speed dial lets you dial back the aggression when working on delicate areas. The 5-inch disc with hook-and-loop sanding pads makes changing grits quick and painless.

What I appreciate most about this sander is the separate counterweight design. It genuinely reduces vibration compared to older orbital sanders I have used. When you are sanding floors on your hands and knees for an afternoon, that comfort difference adds up fast. The rubber overmold on all the grip areas gives you confident control even with sweaty hands.

The dust collection works well when you attach it directly to a shop vac using the DEWALT DWV9000 universal connector. The built-in dust bag is okay for quick jobs but fills up quickly on larger floor projects. Connecting a vacuum is the way to go for any room-sized sanding work. The dust-sealed switch is a nice touch that extends the life of the tool.

As a floor sander, the DWE6423 fills the finishing role perfectly. After you have done the heavy removal with a belt sander, this machine delivers swirl-free results in the 80 to 120 grit range. You will not gouge your floor with this tool, which makes it incredibly forgiving for beginners.

Why this is the best starting point for DIYers

If you are sanding floors for the first time and feeling nervous about damaging your hardwood, start here. The random orbital action is self-correcting. It moves in tiny circles and orbits simultaneously, which prevents the directional scratching that belt sanders can leave behind. You can pause in one spot for a moment without ruining the floor.

For small to medium rooms under 500 square feet, you could actually do the entire job with just this sander. It will take longer on the rough passes, but the forgiving nature and excellent finish quality make it a reliable single-tool solution for homeowners.

Limitations to consider

The 3-amp motor and 5-inch disc are not meant for heavy material removal. If your floors have thick old finish or deep damage, using only this sander will turn a one-day project into a three-day marathon. It also will not sand flush to walls and baseboards, so you will need a separate detail or edge sander for perimeter work.

For larger projects or heavily damaged floors, pair this with the Makita 9403 for removal work, then switch to the DEWALT for finishing. That combination covers most home floor refinishing situations effectively.

3. Bosch GET75-6N Orbital Sander – Best Premium Floor Sander

The Bosch GET75-6N is the most versatile sander on this list because of its dual-mode system. In standard random orbit mode, it works like any quality orbital sander for finishing passes. Flip it into turbo mode and the direct-drive rotation delivers three times the material removal rate. That means one tool handles both the rough work and the fine finishing on a floor refinishing project.

I was skeptical about turbo mode until I tried it on a 15-year-old red oak floor with thick polyurethane buildup. The Bosch chewed through that old finish with surprising authority for an orbital sander. Multiple reviewers on Amazon have compared it favorably to the Festool Rotex at roughly half the price. That is high praise in the woodworking community.

The 6-inch disc is a meaningful advantage over 5-inch sanders. That extra inch translates to about 44 percent more sanding area per pass, which adds up quickly when you are covering an entire floor. The multi-hole pad system gives you flexibility with abrasive discs, so you are not locked into one brand of sandpaper.

Variable speed control on the 7.5-amp motor lets you match the tool to the task. Run it at lower OPM for delicate finish sanding or crank it up for aggressive removal. The passive dust collection system works well when connected to a vacuum, and Bosch includes two vacuum hose adapters in the box to fit different setups.

Who should invest in the Bosch GET75-6N

This is the ideal choice if you want a single sander that can handle both heavy removal and fine finishing without switching tools. Serious DIYers who refinish floors regularly, or contractors who need versatility across different job types, will get the most out of the dual-mode system. The 6-inch disc and turbo mode together cover an impressive range of sanding tasks.

If you are comparing this to buying both a belt sander and a finishing orbital, the Bosch can replace both for many floor projects. That makes the total investment more reasonable when you factor in what you save on a second tool.

What to watch out for

In turbo mode, the vibration level increases noticeably. Your hands and arms will feel it after extended sessions. The included backer pad is a known weak point that wears faster than expected, and replacements run about 35 to 40 dollars each. Several reviewers recommend buying a higher-quality aftermarket pad to solve this issue.

At 5.7 pounds, it is heavier than standard orbital sanders. That extra weight is partly what makes turbo mode effective, but it also means longer sanding sessions will fatigue you faster than the DEWALT DWE6423. This is a tool for people who are serious about floor work, not a casual weekend option.

4. WEN 6321 Belt Sander – Best Budget Belt Sander

The WEN 6321 is proof that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a belt sander that works. The 7-amp motor drives the 3-by-21-inch belt at over 13 feet per second, which is enough power for small floor patching jobs, deck refinishing, and removing old finish from individual boards. At 6.2 pounds, it is one of the lightest belt sanders available.

I keep one of these in my shop for quick tasks where dragging out a heavier sander feels like overkill. The lock-in trigger is a nice feature that lets you sand continuously without gripping the trigger the whole time. Belt changes are straightforward with the quick-release lever, and the tracking adjustment knob actually works well to keep the belt centered.

For floor sanding specifically, the WEN is best suited for small repair jobs rather than whole-room refinishing. The 3-by-21-inch belt is narrower than the Makita 9403, so it takes more passes to cover the same area. But for a closet, a small hallway, or spot repairs on a floor, this sander gets the job done without a big investment.

The biggest complaint from nearly every reviewer, and I can confirm this myself, is the dust collection. The included dust bag barely catches anything. Fine sawdust blows out from multiple points on the housing. You absolutely need to connect this to a shop vac if you want any reasonable dust management, and even then, the square dust port makes that connection awkward.

Best uses for the WEN 6321

This sander shines for small-scale floor repair work, spot refinishing, and DIYers on a tight budget who need a belt sander for occasional use. It is also useful as a secondary tool in your arsenal for quick touch-ups between larger projects. The ability to clamp it upside down and use it as a stationary sander is a bonus feature that adds versatility.

When to spend more

If you are refinishing an entire room of 200 square feet or more, the WEN will struggle. The motor can overheat during extended sessions, and the noise level is genuinely uncomfortable without hearing protection. For whole-room or whole-house projects, stepping up to the Makita 9403 or Metabo HPT SB8V2 will save you time and frustration.

5. SKIL 7510-01 Belt Sander – Best for Beginners

The SKIL 7510-01 has one feature that no other sander on this list offers: pressure control technology. When you press down too hard, an indicator light warns you to ease up. For anyone nervous about gouging their hardwood floors with a belt sander, that feedback is genuinely helpful. It is like having a coach built into the tool telling you when to relax your grip.

At 5.5 pounds, this is the lightest belt sander we tested. That makes it approachable for beginners and for anyone who cannot handle the 13-pound Makita for extended periods. The 6-amp motor provides adequate power for small to medium floor projects, and the auto track belt alignment keeps the belt running true without constant fiddling.

The micro-filtration system captures fine dust particles better than the WEN, and the vacuum compatibility with standard 1-1/4 inch hoses means you can hook it up to your shop vac for real dust control. Flush edge sanding lets you get close to walls, though not quite as close as the Makita 9403.

With over 4,500 customer reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, the SKIL has a proven track record. It ranks as one of the most popular belt sanders on the market, and for good reason. The combination of safety features, light weight, and solid performance at this price point is hard to beat.

Why beginners should start here

The pressure control technology alone makes this worth considering for your first belt sander. Gouging is the number one fear new floor sanders have, and this tool actively helps prevent it. The light weight means you can control the sander more easily, and if you do make a mistake, the 3-by-18-inch belt is less aggressive than wider models.

Where it falls short

The 6-amp motor is less powerful than the competition, so heavy material removal takes longer. The sander can run hot during extended sessions, which is a concern for whole-room jobs. And while the dust collection is better than the WEN, it still will not keep up with the Makita 9403 in terms of keeping your work area clean.

6. Metabo HPT SB8V2 Belt Sander – Best Variable Speed Belt Sander

The Metabo HPT SB8V2 occupies a nice middle ground between the budget WEN and the premium Makita. The 9-amp, 1,020-watt motor delivers serious power, and the variable speed dial at the base of the handle lets you match belt speed to the task. That variable speed is the key feature here because it lets you slow down for edge work and finish sanding without switching tools.

The flush surface design is something I wish more belt sanders had. You can sand right into corners where most belt sanders cannot reach. The left-side mounted dust collection bag also helps with corner access, keeping the right side of the tool clear for working along walls. It is a thoughtful design choice that shows Metabo HPT actually thought about how people use this tool on floors.

The clear front cover is another small but useful detail. It improves visibility when you are sanding up against a surface, so you can see exactly where the belt is making contact. The 5-year warranty is the best warranty coverage on this list and signals confidence from the manufacturer in the build quality.

At 9.5 pounds, this is a heavy tool. It is not as heavy as the Makita 9403, but it is close. You will feel it after an hour of sanding. Some users have reported quality control issues with units arriving in less-than-new condition, so inspect yours carefully when it arrives.

Who benefits most from variable speed

If you want the material removal capability of a belt sander but also need to do finer work without buying a second tool, the variable speed on the Metabo HPT is the answer. You can run it fast for aggressive removal and slow it down for controlled finish passes. This flexibility is valuable for experienced users who understand how to match speed to grit and wood type.

Potential concerns

The belt release lever is small and requires more finger strength than competing models. If you change belts frequently during a grit progression, that gets annoying fast. The sander can also grab and gouge if you are not experienced with belt sanders, so practice on scrap wood before hitting your floor.

7. Oreck Commercial ORB550MC – Best Floor Buffer and Polisher

The Oreck Commercial ORB550MC is not a traditional floor sander in the sense of removing material. It is a commercial-grade floor buffer and polisher that uses a random orbital drive to clean, polish, buff, and lightly sand hard floors. If your hardwood floors are in decent shape and just need a refresh rather than a full refinish, this machine can save you from the heavy sanding process entirely.

I have seen the Oreck do impressive work on floors that had surface scratches and dulled finish but no deep damage. By attaching different pads and using the right cleaning solutions, you can strip the old topcoat, buff the surface smooth, and apply a new finish without ever touching a belt sander. The random orbital pattern prevents the swirl marks and gouges that rotary buffers can create.

The 50-foot power cord is a standout feature. You can plug in once and cover most rooms without hunting for another outlet. The machine is also surprisingly quiet for its size, which matters if you are working in an occupied home. It maneuvers easily under furniture and into tight spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.

Beyond hardwood floors, this machine works on tile, grout, concrete, and even carpets. That versatility makes it a smart investment if you have mixed flooring throughout your home. With over 4,500 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, the ORB550MC has one of the strongest customer satisfaction records on this list.

When the Oreck is the right choice

If your floors have light surface wear, minor scratches, or a dulled finish but the wood underneath is in good condition, the Oreck can restore them without aggressive sanding. It is also excellent for maintaining floors between full refinishing jobs. Using it once or twice a year extends the life of your floor finish significantly.

When you need a different tool

The Oreck cannot handle deep scratches, cupped boards, or floors that need significant material removed. If you need to sand down to bare wood, you need a belt sander or drum sander instead. At 33 pounds, it is also a challenge to carry up and down stairs, and the replacement brushes and pads are expensive compared to standard sandpaper.

8. Prolux Core 15 Inch Floor Buffer – Best Stand-Up Floor Sander

The Prolux Core is a stand-up floor buffer designed for people who want to clean and polish their floors without getting on their hands and knees. The 15-inch cleaning path covers significant ground per pass, making it efficient for larger rooms. The telescoping T-handle adjusts to your height, so you can work comfortably without bending over.

What I like about the Prolux Core for floor maintenance is the included set of five different cleaning and buffing pads. Each pad is designed for a different floor type or task, from light polishing to deep scrubbing. The 150 RPM high-torque motor provides consistent power for deep cleaning, and the dual-direction buffing action helps prevent swirl marks.

The 50-foot extension cord is generous and lets you work across large areas without changing outlets. At 30 pounds, the machine is heavy enough to maintain contact with the floor for effective cleaning, but the large rubber wheels make it easy to roll between rooms. The 5-year motor warranty and 2-year unit warranty provide solid protection for your investment.

The main limitation is the single-speed operation. You get 150 RPM and nothing else. For basic floor cleaning and polishing, that is fine. But if you need variable speed for different tasks, you are out of luck. The vibration pattern also takes some getting used to since it oscillates rather than spinning smoothly like the Oreck.

Who benefits from a stand-up buffer

If you have mobility issues, knee problems, or simply prefer not to crawl around on the floor for hours, the Prolux Core lets you handle floor maintenance while standing upright. It is also a practical choice for commercial spaces, large homes, or anyone maintaining more than 1,000 square feet of hard flooring.

Drawbacks to keep in mind

Changing pads requires precise alignment and some force, which can be frustrating. The quality control seems inconsistent based on reviews, with some units arriving with minor issues. And at 150 RPM only, this is not a tool for aggressive sanding or material removal. It is a cleaning and polishing machine, not a refinishing tool.

9. Makita BO3710 Sheet Finishing Sander – Best for Detail Work

The Makita BO3710 has the highest customer rating of any sander on this list at 4.8 stars, and after using one, I understand why. This 1/3-sheet finishing sander delivers the smoothest, most consistent results of any tool we tested. If your floor refinishing project includes sanding edges, corners, stair treads, or trim, this is the detail tool you want in your hands.

The built-in counterbalance system genuinely reduces vibration. I have used finishing sanders that leave your hands tingling after 20 minutes, but the BO3710 runs smooth for extended sessions. The rubberized grip is comfortable, and the large two-finger trigger with lock-on button means you can work continuously without finger fatigue.

The sandpaper clamping mechanism deserves special mention. Unlike hook-and-loop pads that lose grip over time, the spring-loaded clamps on the BO3710 hold standard sandpaper sheets tight and secure. You are not locked into expensive proprietary sandpaper discs, which saves money over the life of the tool. The through-the-pad dust collection keeps the sanding surface clear and extends abrasive life.

For floor sanding specifically, the BO3710 fills the detail role. It handles edges, corners, and tight spaces that belt sanders and random orbital sanders cannot reach. It is also excellent for sanding stair treads, risers, and trim work that surrounds your hardwood floors.

Why this is the best detail sander for floors

The combination of smooth operation, effective dust collection, and the ability to use standard sandpaper sheets makes the BO3710 the most practical choice for floor detail work. You can cut sandpaper sheets to match your grit progression and clamp them in seconds. The flat pad shape gets into corners better than round orbital pads.

Things that could be better

The fixed 11,000 OPM speed means you cannot slow down for delicate work. A variable speed option would make this tool nearly perfect. The power cord is shorter than I would like for floor work, so plan on using an extension cord. The dust port is also smaller than a standard shop vac hose diameter, requiring an adapter for vacuum connection.

10. Clarke American Sanders EZ8 Drum – Best Drum Sander

The Clarke American Sanders EZ8 drum is a specialty product that serves a specific purpose in the floor sanding world. This is a replacement drum for the Clarke EZ8 floor sander, which is one of the most common rental drum sanders available at hardware stores and equipment rental shops nationwide. If you own a Clarke EZ8 or have rented one and need a replacement drum, this is the exact fit.

Drum sanders like the Clarke EZ8 represent the professional standard for large-scale floor refinishing. They are the machines contractors use to sand thousands of square feet efficiently. The drum rotates at 1,500 RPM and removes material faster than any belt sander or orbital sander on this list. For a heavily damaged floor that needs significant leveling, a drum sander is often the only practical choice.

The expandable drum design allows you to wrap different grits of sandpaper around it, making it versatile for the full grit progression from coarse to fine. The 79 percent five-star rating among the limited reviews confirms that buyers are getting the correct part that fits and works as expected.

This product is for a very specific audience. If you are renting a Clarke EZ8 from Home Depot or a local rental shop, you probably do not need to buy this drum separately. But if you own a Clarke EZ8 sander and your original drum is worn, damaged, or you need a spare to speed up grit changes, this is the exact replacement you need.

Understanding drum sanders for floor work

Drum sanders are the most aggressive floor sanding machines available. They use a cylindrical drum wrapped with sandpaper that spins at high speed to remove material quickly and level uneven boards. Professional floor refinishers typically start with a drum sander for the main field of the floor, then switch to an edger for the perimeter.

The trade-off with drum sanders is that they can gouge floors in an instant if you pause or lose control. They require experience and confidence to operate safely. If you are a first-time DIYer, I strongly recommend practicing with a belt sander or orbital sander before considering a drum sander rental.

Is this the right purchase for you

Only buy this drum if you own a Clarke EZ8 sander. If you are considering renting a drum sander for a one-time project, the rental typically comes with a fresh drum included. This replacement drum is primarily for professionals or dedicated DIYers who own their own floor sanding equipment and need to maintain it.

How to Choose the Best Floor Sander for Your Project

Choosing the right floor sanding machine depends on three things: the condition of your floors, the size of your project, and your experience level. I have seen too many people grab the most powerful sander available only to gouge their floors on the first pass. Matching the tool to the task makes all the difference.

Types of Floor Sanders Explained

Belt Sanders use a continuous loop of sandpaper that moves in one direction. They are the most common choice for DIY floor refinishing because they remove material aggressively while still being controllable. Belt sanders like the Makita 9403 and Metabo HPT SB8V2 are handheld tools that work well on solid hardwood floors with moderate to heavy finish buildup.

Random Orbital Sanders combine spinning and orbiting motions to create a swirl-free finish. They are the safest choice for beginners because they are nearly impossible to gouge with. The DEWALT DWE6423 and Bosch GET75-6N are both excellent options, with the Bosch offering a turbo mode that bridges the gap between orbital and belt sander performance.

Drum Sanders are the most aggressive floor sanders available. They use a cylindrical drum wrapped with sandpaper that removes material extremely fast. These are typically rental machines like the Clarke EZ8 and require significant experience to use without damaging your floors. They are best for heavily damaged floors or large commercial projects.

Floor Buffers and Polishers like the Oreck ORB550MC and Prolux Core are stand-up machines designed for cleaning, polishing, and light surface refinishing. They do not remove significant material but are excellent for maintaining floors between full refinishing jobs.

Sheet Finishing Sanders use standard rectangular sandpaper sheets and are best for detail work, edges, corners, and stair treads. The Makita BO3710 is the top-rated option in this category.

Grit Progression for Hardwood Floors

Using the right grit sequence is just as important as using the right sander. Here is the standard grit progression that professional floor refinishers follow, and the one I use on every project:

36 grit: Heavy material removal for floors with thick old finish, deep scratches, or uneven boards. Only use with belt or drum sanders.

60 grit: Medium-coarse grit to smooth out the scratches left by 36 grit and continue removing old finish. Still in the removal phase.

80 grit: Transition grit that bridges removal and finishing. This pass removes the coarse scratches from 36 and 60 grit and starts to reveal the wood grain.

100 grit: Fine grit for the first true finishing pass. After this grit, the floor should look and feel smooth with no visible sanding marks.

120 grit: Final finishing grit for a glass-smooth surface. This is the last pass before applying stain or finish. Some professionals stop at 100 grit, but 120 produces the best results for clear coat finishes.

The key rule is never skip more than one grit size in the progression. Jumping from 60 grit straight to 120 will leave deep scratches that only become visible after you apply finish. Take the time to work through each grit step.

Key Specifications That Matter

Motor Amperage: Higher amps mean more power. Belt sanders range from 6 amps (SKIL) to 11 amps (Makita). For floor work, 7 amps is the minimum I recommend, and 9 to 11 amps is ideal for serious material removal.

Belt Speed (FPM): Measured in feet per minute, this tells you how fast the abrasive surface moves. The Makita 9403 runs at 1,640 FPM, which is aggressive. Higher FPM means faster removal but less control.

Dust Collection: Effective dust management is critical for floor sanding. Look for sanders with vacuum compatibility and effective collection systems. The Makita 9403 and DEWALT DWE6423 both excel here. Budget options like the WEN 6321 struggle with dust control.

Variable Speed: This feature lets you match the sander to the task and material. The Metabo HPT SB8V2 and Bosch GET75-6N both offer variable speed. If you are buying one sander for the whole project, variable speed is worth the investment.

Weight: Heavier sanders do more work on their own but cause more fatigue. Lighter sanders are easier to control but require more passes. Consider how long you will be sanding and your own physical capability.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

This is the question forum users ask most often, and the honest answer depends on your situation. DIY floor sanding saves significant money, typically hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on room size. But it requires patience, physical effort, and the willingness to accept that your first results will not be perfect.

If you have engineered hardwood floors with a thin wear layer under 2 millimeters, I strongly recommend hiring a professional. The margin for error is too thin, and one mistake can expose the plywood core, which cannot be repaired. Solid hardwood floors at least 3/4 inch thick are much more forgiving for DIY sanding.

For your first floor sanding project, start with a random orbital sander like the DEWALT DWE6423. It is nearly impossible to damage your floor with this tool, and the results can be excellent with patience. As you gain confidence and experience, you can move up to belt sanders for faster material removal on future projects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Floor Sanders

Final Thoughts on the Best Floor Sanders

Finding the best floor sanders for your project comes down to matching the right tool to your floor condition, project size, and comfort level. For most homeowners tackling a full refinishing job, the Makita 9403 belt sander handles the heavy removal while the DEWALT DWE6423 random orbital sander delivers the swirl-free finishing passes. Together, they cover the complete grit progression from 36 to 120 and can transform even tired, damaged hardwood into something beautiful.

If you want a single tool that can do both, the Bosch GET75-6N with its dual-mode turbo system is a impressive machine that replaces two sanders in one package. Budget-conscious DIYers should look at the SKIL 7510-01 with its beginner-friendly pressure control technology, or the WEN 6321 for small repair jobs that do not justify a bigger investment.

Take your time with grit progression, keep your sander moving at all times, and connect a shop vac for dust control. The floor you save will be your own.