1) Rent a rectangular sander like the Clarke American Random Orbit Floor Sander and use you’re own palm sized random orbit sander for the very edges. The big sander can actually get very close to the edge, so you’ll likely find very little left to edge-sand. Put your baseboard or shoe moulding on after the flooring is finished if possible. Since your baseboard or shoe moulding will cover the outer edge of the flooring (or the expansion gap recommended in my article on installing hardwood flooring), it makes sanding to the absolute edge less critical. If you’re sanding a new floor flat or refinishing an old one, stay away from drum sanders unless you’re a pro. Those drum sanders are fast and efficient, making them great for burrowing a trench to China in untrained hands. Read More