RENNOVATION OF FLOORS – Tools

Repair or renovation of stone floor, especially an old one, is a process consisting of several steps. The progress of the process can be different for each case. It all depends on the condition or type of the stone used and the effects that the customer wants to achieve. Some of the steps are, nevertheless, the same in all cases.

Appropriate tools are necessary for stone grinding. There are many tools for grinding at the market. However, they are mostly meant for concrete floors grinding. Especially today, when the “shiny” concrete floors have become popular. Unfortunately, we must be careful because not every machine that works on concrete is also suitable for stone surfaces. There are no universal machines that could be used in all conditions and for all surfaces. Big spaces can be renovated faster and easier with a big machine, but you will not be able to use it with smaller or worse accessible places.

You can choose from machines that vary in size, look, and colour. The principles of operating the machine will, nevertheless, be the same, apart from a few exceptions. It consists of the opposing movement of the grinding head which is called “planetary”. As standard, there is one big grinding head that spins either clockwise or anticlockwise (preferably if there is the option to change the spinning “left-right”). Three smaller discs that spin in the opposite direction are placed on it. This opposing movement causes that the grooves made by the tools intersect. This lowers the possibility of scratching the surface. Easier maintenance of this type of solution is its advantage. Relying only on a one-sided movement would mean much more effort for the operator. In some cases, the grinding would be even impossible.

An exception could be some of the small machines with a single disc. They are meant for grinding of staircases or spaces in the corners or by the walls. Operation of these machines requires much more attention and accuracy at work. Regulation of speed is also useful. Especially if the surface to be ground is very uneven.

The grinding can be done in a dry or wet way. The choice of technique depends on your current needs. If you want to work “the wet way”, you will need a water input for the machine (a tank or a hose). When working the “the dry way”, a special vacuum cleaner is used for dust removal. This can be difficult because the vacuum must be turned on all the time. Even if you like noise, you should consider that the working conditions not always enable unlimited level of decibels.

If three discs were used in the planetary system of the grinder, you can easily guess that three working tools will be necessary. They can be fixed on a hoop-and-loop fastener, attachable or threaded. It all depends on the maker and the need. Some companies have their own authorial solutions that will force you to use only the tools of given company. If the machine is universal in this way, it will be much better for you. It will enable you to use tools from different manufacturers and look for such a diversity in connection to the economic and quality point of view. The most universal disc is the one equipped with a hoop-and-loop fastener that makes it possible to attach any other disc with this kind of attachment. In the case of bolts, clips etc. from a particular manufacturer, this possibility is out of question. In some cases, the manufacturer offers the possibility to exchange the disc for a different one. This enables you to use a different type (or size) of tools.

Source: Kurier kamieniarski

Author: Artur Janus   |   Published: 3.3.2021