How to sand deck with nails sticking out?

[bodega]

Hi - restoring an old deck that was built by previous owner. The foundations are pretty good but long overdue to be re-sanded and re-finished as I'm already replacing old boards here and there.

Deck area is roughly 6m x 4m, manageable but still decent work.

Questions:

1) Been putting this off as I noticed all the boards have been nailed in, I've attached some details photos. Will these be ok to sand over? Some of the boards I've had to replace I've used weather proof decking screws which are much better and flush with the deck instead of slightly raised.

2) I was going to buy a belt sander. Or should I hire an orbital sander? I've watched so many tutorial videos but could use suggestions.

All suggestions welcome.

[EricL]

Hello @bodega 

I agree with @Nailbag's recommendation on the number of belts to get. Any belt not used and is still its packet can be returned for an exchange. Please remember to keep all your dockets!

Eric

[bodega]

Hi @EricL 

I purchased the Ryobi belt sander that’s $149 at Bunnings and using 80 grit sanding paper that comes with it. Unfortunately, it’s not really doing much to the wood. 

Im wondering if it’s the belt sander or the grit I’m using? I’ve uploaded an image and this is after a solid 15 minutes just trying to get through this section. The belt is on correctly, nice and centred. I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong? Should I try 40 grit?

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @bodega,

Being a 240V belt sander, your Ryobi 800W 76mm Belt Sander should be powerful enough; you may just need to apply a bit more pressure. You don't want to push down on the belt sander so much that it audibly struggles, but some downward pressure will go a long way.

Switching up to some 40-grit sandpaper is also going to be worthwhile. It looks like you're taking off quite a few years' worth of oil and stain, so the rougher grit will certainly help with this. These IRWIN 75 x 457mm 40 Grit Sanding Belts will be compatible with your sander.

Your belt sander will work, but it is going to take some time. If you wanted to speed things up further, an Orbital Floor Sander would be the way to go.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[bodega]

Thanks @JacobZ and team.

Went with the 40 Grit sanding belts, although it worked well I'm going to cut my losses and go with hiring a Orbital Floor Sander.

@JacobZ - one question, why should I hire the orbital sander instead of the drum sander that can be hired? I've come to the realisation there is quite a lot of oil and stain on the wood, and want to ensure what I hire is going to be able to do the job

[EricL]

Hello @bodega 

After much observation the team has realized that the drum sander is too sensitive and gets damaged easily when it runs over a nail head. It strips the sandpaper off causing jams and the drum itself gets damaged as well. Whereas the orbital sander is more tolerant to nail heads sticking out and is not easily damaged. It may strip the sandpaper but does not jam the mechanism of the sander. 

Here is a handy guide that will help - Tips for Using a Floor Sander 

If you need further assistance, please let us know

Eric