On 5 Dec 2006 15:04:46 -0800, wrote:

Hi,

I don't think this is a crazy idea but...

I'm having a heck of a time finding someone with a drum sander to a 42"
wide table top I've glued up. You can now rent floor sanders that are
essentially 4 random orbit sanders. My understanding is that they're
not very aggressive (although more so than the big square orbital
sander)

Why wouldn't this be a good way to sand my table top? Has anyone tried
it? The material is white oak.

Thanks.

Mat

I believe that version of floor sander is for finer work than the drum
type. For example a new floor where the surface is more or less flat.
The old drum types are used when a significant amount of material
needs to be removed.
If your table glue-up is flat and you have a good match from borad to
board then the orbital type might work but then again why would you
need it?
I assume you have some difference from board to board...?
If so, I think it is either a drum sander or planes, etc.
If you do try the floor sander I might build a simple box that fits
just over the table top so you have something to guide (or stop) the
sander at the edges.

Good Luck