Sanding Oak Beams

[thebop]

Have Coillte Oak 3" thick beams installed over fire and i now have to sand them. Tried by hand but not working out for either me or the beams I have also tried an electric hand sander but it doesn't seem to be taking off anything.

It looks like i need some kind of industrial sander. How can i sand them with some good sander in an easy fast way. Any tips folks - greatly appreicated.

 

[PaddyBloggit]

Perhaps hiring a sand blaster from a tool hire company?
I saw a guy on 'Grand Designs' sand blasting some beams ... it looked to be a tedious job but the beams turned out well.

 

[Diziet]

Start with a very coarse paper, then work with progressively finer grit. Don't be stingy on the sandpaper, the sheets don't last long.

There is no quick way unfortunately.

 

[S.L.F]

You could try planing them first then sand with a belt sander.

 

[mathepac]

Be very careful if you use a belt sander - its easy to leave scorch-marks on the beams.

Personally I'd suggest a decently sized random orbital sander - plug your vacuum-cleaner into the dust outlet and as suggested by Diziet, don't spare the sand-paper.

Oak will take some work - good luck with it, I hope Santa appreciates your efforts.