Here's how to streamline a job that requires a lot of hand-sawing. First cut a block of scrap wood to accommodate about a third of a sheet of sandpaper. Then recycle a supermarket plastic foam tray and cut a piece the size of the block. Glue these together and wrap the sandpaper around them. You'll get a smoother surface and your sandpaper will last longer.

In the sunroom, Howard Brickman is at work sanding the floors. Starting with a drum sander, he begins by sanding the floor at a 20-degree angle to get the surface flat and smooth. Next, he runs the sander with the grain to maintain an even finish. Brickman stresses the importance of using the proper sequence with the abrasives. For this particular floor he will use 2 different grits, although it is not unusual to use 3 or more. After finishing with the drum sander, Howard uses an edger/spinner to get in close to walls. The key to using the edger is to practice smooth, elliptical motions to keep the surface even.

The purpose of a finshing sander is not to shape wood but to get it ready for a final smooth finish. Let the sander come to full speed, then set it on your work suface. Exert gentle pressure and sand in the direction or the grain. Keep the sander flush to the surface to avoid unduatoins. Make the final pass by hand in the direction of the grain.

Howard Brickman has begun sanding the old growth Eastern white pine floor in the bedroom. Like the sunroom, the fine quality of the millwork from Carlisle requires only about 2 passes. The next step is the finish. Brickman is using Tung Oil from Carlisle. This will take about 4 coats to complete. Next Bob and Brickman head back to the sunroom, where they are finishing up. Before he can apply the finish, Brickman smoothes the edges of the room with a hand scraper and palm sander. Next, he runs a floor polisher over the surface and then vacuums. Brickman is using Carlisle Tung Oil here as well. He begins by applying the oil to the corners with a hand sponge then uses a roller on the rest of the floor.

…is a decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have to worry…

…is a decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have to…

If you are looking to save some money on a home improvement project this year, consider starting with those old windows. A new federal tax credit can put 30% of what you spend on new energy…

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With patience and attention to detail, installing a new wooden floor can be an easy home improvement project. Step 1: Check the first course of flooring. If there is a heating register near the wall to work around, you will need…

…of the project, your budget, and time frame if you want them to say yes. Anyone who has embarked upon a home improvement project has heard advice on how to select the right contractor. The emphasis is on finding an honest, competent, professional…