Compass Rose - (Part 2 of 2)
This is a continuation, more or less, of a much earlier entry entitled Compass Rose.
Last week we rented the floor sanding equipment again and finished the rest of our hardwood floors. It was a marathon floor finishing session, during which we applied 13.5 gallons of oil based polyurethane. I've decided that oil based polyurethane smells like bad tequila, with a hangover to match, but I'm convinced it's better than water-based polyurethane, if for no other reason than the fact that they're outlawing the oil based stuff in several states now. (due to the VOC's?) It does give the wood a nice amber glow that I don't see in water based finishes.
Here's a second picture of the compass rosette, without the reflections from the window. The wood species are: white oak, cherry, walnut, and hard maple.
Very soon, before the sanding process is nothing but a distant memory for me, I'll post what we learned about the various types of floor sanders. We used three different walk-behind types, and two different edging sanders in the course of finishing approximately 3500 square feet of floors.
Just for kicks, here's a picture of this same floor, almost three years ago when we were raising the frame. This picture might give you a panoramic sense of the view from this room, as it's impossible to convey this now with a camera by photographing through glass.
Because I've witnessed two spontaneous combustion events at my own house site, I feel obliged to include this floor-finishing reminder... ALWAYS dispose of oily rags and sanding dust in a metal container far away from anything flammable or of value. Last week I made a checklist of the disposition of anything combustible that I reviewed and initialed at the end of every work day.
Last week we rented the floor sanding equipment again and finished the rest of our hardwood floors. It was a marathon floor finishing session, during which we applied 13.5 gallons of oil based polyurethane. I've decided that oil based polyurethane smells like bad tequila, with a hangover to match, but I'm convinced it's better than water-based polyurethane, if for no other reason than the fact that they're outlawing the oil based stuff in several states now. (due to the VOC's?) It does give the wood a nice amber glow that I don't see in water based finishes.
Here's a second picture of the compass rosette, without the reflections from the window. The wood species are: white oak, cherry, walnut, and hard maple.Very soon, before the sanding process is nothing but a distant memory for me, I'll post what we learned about the various types of floor sanders. We used three different walk-behind types, and two different edging sanders in the course of finishing approximately 3500 square feet of floors.
Just for kicks, here's a picture of this same floor, almost three years ago when we were raising the frame. This picture might give you a panoramic sense of the view from this room, as it's impossible to convey this now with a camera by photographing through glass.Because I've witnessed two spontaneous combustion events at my own house site, I feel obliged to include this floor-finishing reminder... ALWAYS dispose of oily rags and sanding dust in a metal container far away from anything flammable or of value. Last week I made a checklist of the disposition of anything combustible that I reviewed and initialed at the end of every work day.
posted by Thomas Massie at Monday, February 23, 2009
5 Comments:
I just found your blog and to say I'm amazed is an understatement. I just skimmed through all the entries - so I may have missed it - but have you moved into the house full time yet?
WOW is about all I can think of to say - and that doesn't quite capture the feeling!
I wish you and your family many happy years in such a wonderful place.
Cheryl
Beautiful floor. You guys did a great job - or was it the neighbor kids doing all the work again? Glad you learned your lesson and are double-checking things before you blow up the holler!
I'm interested to hear your sander review as I'm about to refinish a floor for the first time. Can you specify the poly you used and why you chose that one? Thanks,Brad
Cheryl,thanks for the warm wishes. we are not living in the house yet... but I'm thinking very soon. A few more railings and the supply side plumbing and we'll be in.
AJG, ha. neighbor kid was unavailable, so we did all of this part ourselves. :)
Brad, the sander with 3 rotating pads is the best. 2nd best (and best between coats) is the squar-buff sander. Both rented from Lowes. We used minwax oil based gloss. No particular reason for the brand I guess. We like the look of gloss, and they always recommend it at least for your first coat because it bonds to wood better - they say.
That is an amazing floor. Well done. I am awestruck by the scale and features of your building. My timber frame adventures are embarrassingly small by comparison.
Post a Comment
<< Home