ProductFocus Tools + Supplies
THE RIGHT TOOLS hether searching for the perfect scraper, vacuum or belt sander, we always weigh options and compare features. To make that job a little easier, once again, Hardwood Floors has compiled its annual Tools & Supplies Product Focus. Read on and make good buying decisions.
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abrasives 3M 3M’s Easy Change disc buffer system makes blending scratches and chatter marks or sanding patterned hardwood floors easier than ever, the company says. Contractors can now quickly change from one 3M Hook-it II abrasive grit to another without tools. The discs are available in grades 20 to 150. www.3m.com
Bona US Bona’s Sport Platinum Floor Sanding Roll abrasive was specifically developed for coarse sanding on the first cut. The optimized blend of ceramic and aluminum oxide provides unprecedented performance in removing urethane finishes, Bona says. www.bona.com
Mercer Abrasives, a Division of Mercer Tool Corp. Mercer Abrasives offers heavy-duty belts and pads of various grits and sizes. Mercer says they are cool-cutting and long-lasting. Its Premium Zirconia Floor Sanding Belts feature Zirconia grain, a resin-on-resin bond and a butt-tape joint for bidirectional sanding. www.mercerabrasives.com
Sungold Abrasives Sungold Abrasives offers a full line of floor sanding abrasives. The company says its premium green belts have the strength and durability needed for any job, and that its screens and edger discs provide a superior finish. Also, Sungold adds that its Tweeners are excellent for between coats on stairs, corners, vents and hard to reach areas. www.sungoldabrasives.com
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ProductFocus Tools + Supplies
applicators Mercer Abrasives, a Division of Mercer Tool Corp.
Bona US Bona US offers a European nap roller for waterborne finishes. The specially designed roller is for use with Bona finishes, and it features a candy stripe that shows if the roller is dragging. www.bona.com
Made of premium, thick lambskin, Mercer’s applicators are available up to 18 inches in size, with or without a wooden applicator block. Thumbscrews hold the 6-inch-wide pad in place between two 2Ÿ-inch-wide blocks. They can be used to apply stain, sealer and surface finish. www.mercerabrasives.com
Padco Inc. Padco says its Nylfoam T-bar floor coater is an industry standard for the application of floor coatings. With 20,000 fibers per square inch, they apply waterborne and solvent-based finishes to large areas with even, consistent coverage. Its cushioned squeegee action provides a smooth, streakand bubble-free finish, Padco says. www.padco.com/floortools
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Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products The Woodwise Nap Saver suspends an applicator pad inside a polycarbonate housing so the nap doesn’t get crushed. Since the nap never touches the sides, it keeps applicator pads like new so they can be used again and again without compromising quality, Woodwise says. www.woodwise.com
The Moisture Measurement Leader
RapidRH.com 1.800.207-2478
1-800-505-1283
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Product Focus | Tools + Supplies
floor manufacturing equipment Deimco Finishing Equipment
Ogden Group O Ogden Group’s thin-cutting frame makes O veneer slats/lamellas for the wear layers used on engineered flooring. The saw uses multiple blades as thin as 9⁄250 inch to produce a smooth finish that is ideal for face-gluing. The saw channel option alllows for a significant increase in production bby feeding up to five blocks of wood through tthe machine simultaneously.
Deimco Finishing Equipment’s lineal finishing systems are designed for wide-plank flooring at rates to 300 feet per minute. Systems include cross-transfer capabilities, improved stain wipers, integral sanders and automatic guns. Also, its combination ovens work across a variety of substrate and coating combinations.
www.ogden-group.com w
www.deimco.com
RfsProtech RfsProtech manufactures turnkey flooring production lines. The company builds a variety of presses for engineered flooring, including radio frequency presses, and hot and cold presses. The company also builds polyvinyl urethane reactive (PUR) presses that feature a continuous roll feed, flying cut-off saws (for cutting either random or fixed lengths) and automatic wear-layer hopper feeders. www.ogden-group.com
SuperMax Tools Supe
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SuperMax Tools’ SuperBrush gives Sup texture to flooring material. The SuperBrush utilizes wire and nylon brushes individually or in combination for a vast array of textures. It can also be used to smooth and defuzz, or it can be used to clean and sand cla claimed flooring. When prefinishing, tthe SuperBrush can do sealer and pprimer sanding. www.supermaxtools.com
moisture meters Delmhorst Instrument Co. De
Lignomat USA Ltd.
HT-4 is a versatile thermo hygrometer for floorHT-4000 ing installers. HT-4000’s detachable sensor makes it ideal for monitoring the RH in a structure or for ASTM F2170 concrete slab testing, which is gaining widespread acceptance from flooring manufacturers and installers, Delmhorst says.
Lignomat’s VersaPak includes all the moisture measuring tools a wood flooring installer needs. With this kit, installers can measure concrete (by taking an in-depth RH reading), subfloor and floor (hardwood and bamboo) components. The Ligno-Versatec meter features pin, pinless and RH measuring modes, and it includes a bevy of accessories for installers and inspectors.
www.delmhorst.com
www.lignomat.com
Tramex Ltd. Trames says its i Hygro-i RH testing system ad is the most advanced, reliable and costefficient meth method of subfloor RH testing that conforms to ASTM F1270; what’s more, the Hygro Hygro-i RH can measure ambient w The probe is not only conditions, as well. al capable of being checked re-usable but also b for calibration before or after each job. www.tramexltd.com www.tramex
58 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2012
Wagner Meters Designed for industry professionals, the MMC 220 can instantly and accurately measure moisture content in rough- to finish-grade wood, Wagner says. The MMC 220 features a moisture content range from 5 percent to 30 percent, selectable species settings—including “extended range” exotic species—and no manual correction tables. www.wagnermeters.com
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Product Focus | Tools + Supplies
nailers
sanding equipment
Carolina Nail Systems This nailer from Carolina Nail Systems works with all brands of 16-gauge T and L cleats, and it can be used to nail any ½-, 5⁄8- or ¾-inch solid wood floor. This professional-grade tool features an ergonomic handle (with optional short handle available), non-marring mallet and a swiveling air connector.
Bona US The Atomic 600 DCS (pictured) and Bona Atomic 300 DCS combine high-performance HEPA filtration and portability, providing the ultimate in dust evacuation for all sanding equipment, Bona says, adding that these products deliver performance and efficiency installers demand, as well as the dust containment homeowners demand. www.bona.com
www.carolinanail.com
ET&F Fastening Systems Inc. The Aerico 90 pneumatic fastening tool attaches plywood, OSB or 2X sleepers to concrete substrates. It uses high-carbon, ballistic-pointed collated pins that come 25 per strip; they are available in lengths ranging from 1¼ to 2¼ inches. The Aerico 90 tool drives fasteners ¾ inch deep into concrete for maximum holding strength.
CDCLarue Industries Inc. C C CDCLarue’s Pulse-Bac PB-565 HEPA-certified dust vacuuum with universal bagger uses a 6-mil OSHA-approved re-sealable bag that can be removed and replaced while re the vacuum operates. Its automatic pulsing system prevents filters from clogging, and a sensor warns when the tank is full. Its HEPA filter exceeds EPA’s RRP rule standard, CDCLarue says. www.cdclarue.com
www.etf-fastening.com
Porta-Nails Inc. Porta-Nails’ Portamatic Evolution is an 18-gauge flooring cleat nailer. It is designed to install 3⁄8- to ¾-inch-thick engineered and solid wood flooring, including bamboo products. It features an ergonomic design and fully adjustable shoe base for increased stability. www.porta-nails.com
Powernail Company Inc. Powernail’s PowerPalm pneumatic cleat nailer lets an installer blind nail starting rows, final rows and any tight space. Powernail says it virtually eliminates the need for top-nailing. The PowerPalm uses 16- or 18-gauge PowerCleats, is pressureactivated, and has a rotating tip and magnetic cleat holder. www.powernail.com
Clarke American Sanders Clarke’s OBS 18 and OBS 18DC random-orbital sanders remove scratch patterns left by drum and rotary sanders. The company says these tools leave the floor smooth, flat and ready for refinishing, and that they’re perfect for the interim screen and recoat process. www.americansanders.com
Gala Floor Galaxy Sanding Sa Machines BBreaking the traditional mold of a belt sander being only a finishing machine, Galaxy’s Omega 8 combines power and refinement, the company says. With an optimum balance of drum speed and pressure plus the company’s patented belt-tension mechanism, Omega 8 delivers ooptimum performance every time, the company aadds. www.galaxymachines.com www.galaxy
W Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products Woodwise makes a rectangular-head nail set for L or T cleats. This tool, which is made from case-hardened impact-tool steel, sets the nail below the wood surface. www.woodwise.com
Klindex America Klindex says its Timba machine does the work of three traditional sanding machines. It smooths like a belt sander, sands up to baseboards like an edger and can finish a sanding job like a buffer. What’s more, the machine can remove glue and level cement. www.klindex.it
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Product Focus | Tools + Supplies
sanding equipment scrapers Mercer Abrasives, a Division of Mercer Tool Corp.
Jig Sharp Jig Sharp’s scraper and sharpener kit lets contractors quickly sharpen a scraper. One handle accommodates ¾-, 1½- and 2¼-inch blades. The company’s studies suggest mill chatter on new wood can be shaved off dust-free at a rate of about 1 square foot per minute.
Mercer now offers narrow, elastic-neck floor sander bags with zippers. Made with 100 percent cotton flannel and napped on the inside, Mercer says its sander bags are perfect for heavy-duty floor sanders and edgers. Also, the company still offers its standard bags with reinforced grommets and a drawstring closure that prevents dust from escaping.
www.jigsharp.com
Jungle Jim Tools
www.mercertools.com
Revolution Manufacturing LLC The FlexDriver is a pad driver designed by Hardwood Floors’ blogger Wayne Lee. It was developed in order to provide a flatter, smoother cut when finish sanding with a buffer. This is achieved by allowing the disc to flex while in operation, thereby enlarging the cutting area (or “sweet-spot”) of the pad. In addition, the FlexDriver has a dampening module that eliminates vibration from the sanding operation. www.101revolution.com
UFloor Systems Inc. The next gen generation Pallmann Cobra II delivers a smooth, aggressive sand sanding experience while providing special safety and features. The sleek chassis and handle design provide comfort featu quie quieter operation, improved sight lines and closer wall ooperating tolerances. Plus, it adjusts to the user’s height and stride, UFloor says. www.ufloorsystems.com
US Sander LLC US Sander LLC says its Diamond Jet 600 dust containment system works great for the oneor two-person sanding crew. The twin 220-volt motors make this a top-of–the-line containment system, US Sander adds. The unit stores in a small van and comes with 100 feet of hose. sm www.ussander.com w
Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products Woodwise Dust Collection Bags are made from 12-ounce brushed denim for maximum durability. All sewn edges are finished for added strength and to prevent raveling. The bags open wide for easy emptying, and hemmed drawstrings ensure complete closure. The bags are available in large sander, large edger, and double-bottom edger sizes. www.woodwise.com 60 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2012
Jungle Jim Tools says its Cobra Scrapers have many applications, from refinishing projects to fine woodworking. For rough and fine scraping, the company offers several handle models with 1½- or 2½-inch blades made from top-quality tempered steel that can be resharpened. The company says woodworkers can restore just about any wood surface with a Cobra Scraper. www.junglejimtools.com
Mercer Abrasives, a Division of Mercer Tool Corp. Mercer’s premium, heavy-duty scrapers allow contractors to scrape without gouging any tough surface edge sanders can’t reach, the company says. They’re available with either rubber-molded or premium hardwood handles, and they feature double-hardened, high-carbon steel blade edges, angled to reach corners, edges and recesses. www.mercerabrasives.com
Old Western Paint Co. Inc. This scraper from Old Western Paint Co. Inc. is made in the United States and has a heavyduty solid aluminum head and a 9-inch steel handle with a foam grip. The scraper’s 1¾inch head can accommodate common blades as well as 2½-inch blades. www.oldwesternpaint.com
Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products Woodwise’s V-Groove Scraper cleans out V-groove flooring during the refinishing process, while its Nosing Scraper helps maintain the round surface of nosing or treads. A 14-inch Sharpening File is also available for the Nosing Scraper, and replaceable blades are available for both scrapers, as well. www.woodwise.com www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com
Product Focus | Tools + Supplies
other 3M
Amana Tool
3M says it knows that dust control is a challenge for floor sanders, and that’s why the company created its Hand Masker System to protect rooms and their contents. 3M says the line is easy to use, faster to work p with than plastic poly and customized to each job with much less wasted. www.3m.com
www.amanatool.com
Bona U US
Covermaster Inc.
Bona says its PowerScrubber is a compact and powerful scrubbin machine. When used with the Bona Deep scrubbing Clean Cle Solution, it removes the toughest dirt and gr from hardwood floors. grime www.bona.com w
Amana Tool offers premium industrial-quality, carbide tipped router bbits, shaper cutters, undercut saw blades and circular saw blades for wood flooring industry. The company says its extensive tool collection provides solutions for producing custom tongue and groove hardwood floors, cutting grooves for inlays and medal medallions, and installing and repairing wood floors.
The custom-engineered Covermate II features patented, retractable safety outriggers, collars and floor locks. Covermaster says it represents a breakthrough in gymnasium safety, and that the Covermate’s collars reduce the risk of fingers getting pinched. What’s more, it has six casters, reducing its point load by 33 percent. www.covermaster.com
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Low odor Low VOC - does not exceed 250 g/L Multiple coats on in a day Super fast drying Exotic hardwood approved Made in the USA
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For more information and a dealer near you call 1-800-272-3235 or visit us at www.ugl.com.
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Product Focus | Tools + Supplies
other DriTac Flooring Products LLC DriTac Wipe-Aways is a solvent- and VOC-free urethane adhesive remover that does not harm finish; it was developed to easily clean uncured urethane adhesive off hardwood flooring. DriTac says the wipes, which are biodegradable and low in odor, possess superior cleaning strength. The pre-wetted wipes are packaged in a 60-count container. www.dritac.com
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Mercer Abrasives, a Division of Mercer Tool Corp. Mercer Abrasives says it supplies safety products to guarantee a safe work environment. The N95 Particulate Respirator is NIOSH-approved and protects against dust and mist produced by sanding. The soft, closed-cell nose foam and adjustable nosepiece increases comfort and ensures the compatibility of glasses/goggles. www.mercerabrasives.com
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ProTeam Inc. ProTeam’s 11-pound Super CoachVac backpack vacuum has a 10-quart capacity and easily attaches to floor sanders for dust containment on a job site. The 1188-watt motor produces airflow of 150 CFM, capturing 99.9% of fine dust particles 1 micron or larger in the vacuum’s Four Level Filtration system. The motor has a 3-year warranty. www.pro-team.com
Roberts Roberts’ Temporary Hard Surface Protection Film is designed to protect wood floors from dirt, paint, moisture and stains during construction and remodeling. The product also works on tile, vinyl, marble, laminate, cabinets, appliances and other hard surfaces for up to 30 days. It is available in 100-square-foot rolls. www.robertsconsolidated.com
Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products
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Woodwise Felt Floor Protector Pads protect wood, vinyl, parquet and ceramic floors from scratches, dents and rust stains. By allowing furniture to glide across a floor, the pads also help prevent furniture leg joints from becoming loose. The peel-and-stick pads come in ¾- and 1-inch sizes , while the tap-in pads are available in 7⁄8- and 1¼-inch sizes. www.woodwise.com
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