For all intent and purposes you re likely to find belt sanders at the common rental places today.
Floor edger vs belt sander.
Sweep the floor then change to a 36 grit belt on the drum sander sand the main part of the floor then edge the perimeter at 36 grit and so on.
Drum and belt sanders for hardwood floor refinishing are two different tools.
Belt sanders are best for the flat tops of railings.
Ideally sand the floor up to 80g and round the edges with 80 then continue with the orbital sanders.
Starting a floor like that with anything higher than a 36g is stark raving mad let alone not using a belt sander.
The main machine is the drum sander and it is used on the majority of the floor.
This sander is operated from a standing position.
But the drum sander cannot get very close to the walls so to do the perimeter of the room you need to switch over to the edger a 7 diameter spinning abrasive disc that is operated from a kneeling or bent over.
You will need a belt sander for aggressive and heavy duty sanding and shaping.
Think twice before you rent a flat pad sander aka orbital or square buff sander.
If you sand the center of your floor with 24 grit then you will immediately edge that room with 20 grit.
Then an orbital sander is used to eliminate deep gashes that are left by a belt sander and dealing with annoying edges and.
Since it can t sand in narrow gaps an edger sander must necessarily be purchased or rented further increasing the cost involved.
The drum sander and the edger are always used alternately.
On very large decks you may be tempted to use the big sanders.
Get a drum sander that uses a continuous belt or sleeve not one that requires you to wrap a strip of abrasive around the drum.
Step by step instructions no worries you can do it.
Truth be told most sanding projects cannot be completed with only one of these tools.
They can also be used on the deck floor but they re hard to control when used this way.
When you get time rent a drum sander put 36 on and clean it off.
Reasons being they are easier to work with not only in functioning when sanding but working on the floor itself.
Steps on how to sand hardwood floors with a belt sander.
It cannot be used on edges entryways hallways and in other narrow spaces.
Orbital sander which should you get.
It is much costlier than an orbital sander.
Then your wife can continue with the orbital sanders if nec.
Once again practice is important before you decide to use a belt sander on the deck floor.
Hence most diy floor sanders call professionals for refinishing.