Grinding a log frame with a grinder - subtleties and nuances of work

When the work of sanding a log frame is coming, the first question that arises before the master is: what tool to choose for sanding the wooden surface. If in the past a chisel and sandpaper were mainly used for these purposes, today the choice of different devices is huge. There are many different sanding machines designed for wood processing, but they are all quite expensive. But an angle grinder, or more simply, an angle grinder, is a universal tool that is found in almost every home and is great for sanding a wooden house. However, grinding a log frame with a grinder has many nuances that need to be discussed in more detail.

What to look for when choosing a tool

Sanding wood with a grinder is the most common and affordable way to sand a wooden house. Typically, an angle grinder is used for grinding a frame made of planed logs. Using a grinder is also convenient for sanding grooves and ends of logs. Actually, with this tool, if you have the skills, you can process any lumber. But in order for the work not to be a burden, but a joy, you need to choose the right grinder and attachments for it, and also know and follow the rules for working with this tool.

Model selection

There are both household and professional models that differ in power and performance.
You shouldn’t buy the cheapest grinder; its power is unlikely to be enough to polish the entire frame. Expensive professional models are also not the best choice for home use. They operate at high speeds and are distinguished by considerable weight and power. A non-specialist, without the knowledge of working with such a tool, can simply ruin the surface being sanded, leaving dents on it. It is best to opt for:

semi-professional models with power from 800 to 1000 W. This will be quite enough to polish the frame.
It is advisable to buy a tool with a rear air intake rather than a side one, so it will become less clogged with dust.
You should also pay attention to the cable length. A cord that is too short is inconvenient to use.

Nozzles for an angle grinder

To work, you will have to stock up on attachments on which the abrasive is fixed. There are two types of nozzles:

Rubber
Plastic.

It is more convenient to work with plastic nozzles; although they are thinner than rubber ones, they last longer. Rubber ones quickly deteriorate, and in addition, if the rubber nozzle accidentally touches the wood, it will leave an ugly black mark on the surface of the wood, which is very difficult to remove.

Abrasive wheels

For grinding, use conventional discs with abrasive attachments or flap grinding wheels.
Sanding a log frame is a very dusty job. A lot of dust is released, which, together with tree resin, gets clogged into the disc, the abrasive quickly wears off, so the grinding wheels quickly become unusable. During rough processing, one disk is enough for about 3-5 meters of log, then it has to be changed. Consumption depends on the condition of the wood and the type of surface. How many fine grinding discs are needed depends on how thoroughly the initial processing was carried out.

The alpha disk, which is a metal disk with pobedite chips soldered onto its body, has a longer service life. Grinding timber with an alpha disc allows you to significantly save on consumables. A disk clogged with sawdust can simply be cleaned with a wire brush and you can continue to work calmly.

What is the best grinder for sanding wood?

The best option for wood processing is an angle grinder with low speed (up to 6 thousand per minute) or speed control. The fact is that at higher speeds, abrasive wheels become dirty and clogged faster, and therefore wear out.

A convenient option for sanding floors is a model with a battery. Despite the fact that such angle grinders weigh a little more than regular network angle grinders, they become more comfortable to operate: the wire does not get in the way.

It is also worth noting that when working with a household angle grinder, it is necessary to give it a rest every 15 minutes. This will prevent the engine from overheating.

To work comfortably with wood, it is good to use models with motor protection from dust, since this material produces a lot of shavings. If you can connect a dust bag or vacuum cleaner to the grinder, even better.

Important ! Whatever power tool you have to work with, you must remember to protect your eyes and respiratory tract. Special glasses and a respirator definitely won’t hurt.

Sanding wooden floors or parts made from this material is not that difficult. You just need to stock up on the disks that are needed at each stage of processing, and act according to the recommendations.

Surface degumming

Conifers are known to contain large amounts of natural resins. On the one hand, this circumstance is an advantage, since the resin content protects the tree from rotting and mold formation. But on the other hand, resin prevents good adhesion of paint to wood, and when sanding it spreads over the surface and spoils the appearance of the wood. Therefore, before processing the needles with a grinder, it is necessary to remove excess resin.

How to remove resin from a log before sanding? Suitable solvents for this are: acetone, white spirit, turpentine, purified gasoline. You just need to apply the selected product to the wooden surface, and rinse off the residue with warm water.

Wood floor sander: tips for choosing

There is no universal equipment for grinding. You can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of grinding machine only after working with the unit.

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Depending on the characteristics of the process, the main types of this electrical equipment can be distinguished.

Sanding machines for wooden floors can be of several types

There are grinders:

Tape . They are used for sanding large flat surfaces. Suitable for working with wood, plastic and metals. The process is similar to the movement of a tank or tractor caterpillar. Disadvantages include the inability to process corners.
Vibro-grinding . It differs from the previous machine in the fastening of the abrasive (to the base of the unit). The operating principle is based on vibration.
Eccentric . The machines are similar to vibration grinders, but differ in the abrasive attachments (not rectangular, but round). The platform not only vibrates, but also rotates around its axis.
Angle grinders . The grinder is capable of sanding any surface, both flat and curved. However, it is a little difficult to work with the floor.

How to sand a log frame using a grinder

The grinder is the main tool used for processing logs made from chopped logs, the surface of which contains bark residues, knots, cracks and other defects.

For primary rough processing use:

special grinding and polishing wheels;
wire brushes;
universal bases to which replaceable sanding attachments with coarse grain No. 30-60 are attached.

A grinder with these attachments copes well with the uneven surface of hand-cut logs. As a result of primary processing, all more or less large defects and protruding parts are removed from the surface.

For stripping logs with old paintwork, bowl-shaped stripping attachments with twisted wires are best suited.
The next stage after roughing is fine grinding, the purpose of which is to completely level the base and prepare the surface for painting or varnishing. It is performed using grinding wheels with fine-grained nozzles No. 80-120.
If polishing of logs is planned, this operation is best done using fabric attachments.

It is not recommended to sand the entire area at once. It is advisable to treat the surface in parts, dividing the wall into certain zones. In this case, grinding productivity will be higher than when processing large areas.

How to sand boards: tools and equipment for work

Each type of flooring has its own sanding equipment.

For example, when it is necessary to polish a wooden floor laid on joists, you will need drum-type equipment. It is quite heavy and not suitable for thin flooring.

Each type of flooring has its own sanding equipment.

Grinding rounded logs and beams

Unlike hand-cut logs, rounded logs and beams have a smooth surface, which causes certain difficulties when processing them with a grinder. One awkward movement - and deep grooves and depressions will appear on the surface of a beam or rounded log that will remain there forever.

Working with an angle grinder is not for beginners; it requires certain skills. An angle grinder is a high-speed machine and, if handled improperly, can damage the surface. Do not press the tool too hard onto the area being treated. Sanding should be done with smooth circular movements, holding the grinder at an angle of 45 degrees. Grinding and polishing of timber should be done at low speeds. High speeds can lead to thermal destruction of the top layer of wood.

Mistakes when grinding with an angle grinder

A grinder is the most convenient and affordable tool for grinding, but in unprofessional hands it turns into a rather dangerous device, which can cause a lot of problems if handled improperly. Home craftsmen who do not have the skills to use an angle grinder very often make mistakes, which are the main reason for poor-quality grinding.

A typical mistake is working with an angle grinder at high speeds. Inexperienced craftsmen often find it difficult to choose the optimal disk rotation speed. As a result, the tool literally “burns” the wood at high speed, damaging its outer layer. In addition, high speeds contribute to the rapid clogging of the abrasive with wood dust, which shortens the service life of the nozzle.

Another common mistake is pressing too hard on the device while sanding. This is the most common reason for the formation of dents and grooves on the body of logs and beams, which spoil the appearance of the wood. Getting rid of these marks is not so easy; you will have to re-sand, which is not always effective.

Sanding a wooden floor with your own hands (video)

Whatever type of grinding machine you choose, the main advantage of the equipment will be the presence of a fixed power button. This way the master will not need to constantly press the button while grinding the surface. Among other advantages by which you should choose a unit, it is worth noting high power with low weight, smooth start of the machine, and the presence of several speeds.

Floor sanding is a process that you can do yourself. Wooden floors are practical, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. Sanding a wooden floor is a mandatory preparatory work, after which the coating is tinted, coated with a protective compound and used. Most people turn to professionals, but you can sand the boards yourself.

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Professional polishing of logs

Specialists offer professional polishing services. Our craftsmen are highly qualified and know all the subtleties and nuances of grinding with an angle grinder. We use a professional tool with the necessary set of attachments, which has high performance and provides excellent grinding quality. We provide a guarantee for all grinding work that will be completed on time. We are ready to perform grinding of any complexity and volume. You can contact us in any way using the coordinates located in the “Contacts” section.

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