Hardwood Floors April/May 2024

AT THE SITE My Machine is Leaving Chatter (Continued) A big machine that conclusively is leaving this scratch pattern chatter is very likely to require a visit to the shop. At the very least, a thorough examination and testing will be made of the big machine’s drum, pulleys, V-belts and V-belt tuning, upper roller unit and its components. It can’t be stressed enough that keeping the machine clean and well-serviced is one of the best guarantees for keeping complexion chatter from adding profit-killing time to the sand job. JOBSITE CONDITIONS A poorly constructed floor can vibrate back to the sander and result in complexion chatter also. Often there will be accompanying noises and vibrations that will tip the operator that something isn’t going so well. Testing a small area with some stain or sealer often can reveal the effects on the floor, and decisions can be made as to whether a multi-head sander or more screening might be more efficient. OPERATOR ERROR Provided the operator keeps the big machine clean, in a good state of tune, and uses quality abrasives that are stored properly, there is very little effect his or her sanding aptitude would have in the creation of complexion chatter. It is pretty much a marriage of big machine tune, sandpaper quality, and substrate integrity. ELECTRICAL ISSUES Big machines that are exhibiting effects of electrical issues certainly shouldn’t be eliminated as causes for topographical or complexion issues with the floor. However, these machines usually are brought in for acute complaints of the electrical nature as opposed to what might be the effect on the floor. If no electrical performance complaint is noted by the operator, it’s very unlikely electrical caused quality issues. LOFT LOFT (Low On Fundamental Talent) (LOFT) issues in sanding nearly always result in sand job topography problems. Drum digs can be common in such cases. These often can be remedied with more training and more practice. The next time someone comes to you with the complaint that, “My machine is leaving chatter” identify whether the chatter is of the sand job topography, or if it is of the sand job complexion. And please don’t forget to ask for pictures.

Russ Watts is in sales and service for Lägler North America in Denver, Colorado. He can be reached at russ.watts@laglersanders.com.

104 hardwood floors hardwoodfloorsmag.com