On Sun, 1 Jan 2006 13:50:55 +0000 (UTC), cal9000
wrote:

I have an approx 1 sq-m area of pine square-edge floorboards to level
and prepare for staining as well as a medium-sized painted staircase.
Which type of sander would best handle both: a good orbital sander or a
belt sander?

tia

- cal9000

Orbital is a finish sander, even with rough paper.

Belt is a "rip loads off" sander, even with smooth paper, a bit like a
power plane, if you fit 40 or 60 grit.

The problem you will most likley have is getting into the edges :-(

Rick