Stone Restoration and Maintenance Corner: Floor Machines: All Good, Just Different
Bob Murrell
M3 Technologies
Photos by Bob Murrell
Customer: “I need a floor machine.” Me: “What type?” Customer: “You know, a floor machine for restoration and polishing marble, natural stone, terrazzo, and possibly concrete.” Me: “I have several types and sizes, such as single disc (swing machines) AC motor and DC motor machines, as well as planetary design, too.” Customer: “Whichever one is the best.” Me: “They are all good, just different.”
Not all machine inquiries are exactly like the scenario above and yet, many are. Over a 40-year period, I have sold, at one time or another, basically all of the machines available for marble, granite, terrazzo, and concrete. From many different single disc, slow speed machines, to 3 phase, 440 volt, 1200 pound 30 h.p. multi-head monster machines — I have sold them all. I have not sold the newer remote controlled machines, or the big, ride-along machines generally used for large scale terrazzo or concrete jobs. So you see, there are many machines to choose from. It all depends on your needs.
Most stone restoration and maintenance professionals will use a single disc, slow speed machine more often than others, especially for polishing. However, planetary machines are typically much more productive when grinding and honing.
Stone and restoration contractors, when starting out, rely on the typical slow speed, single disc swing machine for their grinding, honing, polishing, and maintenance needs. They are, or used to be, cost effective, and perform most related tasks quite well. These workhorses do everything from stripping floor finish to polishing granite, so it is an easy decision to purchase one or multiple machines. Also, accessories are found most everywhere floor working supplies are sold. Unfortunately, due to supply chain and raw materials issues, these machines have risen significantly in price recently and are much harder to find. They are still the basic workhorse of this industry, and M3 currently has a small quantity available.
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Left: Lapitec's Patented “Silica-Free” Sintered Stone
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At M3 Technologies, we sell two basic types of the single disc machines. We offer the M3 Heavy Duty machine, which utilizes a dual capacitor AC motor, comes with two 25 pound horseshoe weights, splash guard, solution tank, and a Velcro drive plate. We also offer the MasterCraft Quarry Master, which has a robust DC rectified motor, comes with additional weights, solution tank, and Velcro drive plate. Both are excellent machines.
Of course, I get asked quite often, “Which one is best?” My answer is that they are both good, and it’s merely a personal preference as to which machine one prefers. I am partial to the dual capacitor AC machine, but many are diehard DC machine followers. The DC machine can offer marginal increased torque performance, but the AC machine is less maintenance and normally more reliable. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, if you know what I mean.
If you can, going with one brand and size is the most economical way to go. So, if you have 3 swing machines that are the same brand and size, all of your accessories, replacement parts, and operational requirements, will be consistent. This would make for operational efficiency and cost effectiveness. I’ve had a 20-inch AC machine for more than 15 years, and I have used as a demo unit. It has worked very well. If I had my druthers though, I would prefer a 17-inch machine, because the additional production I can get with the 20 is insignificant to the other “big” benefit of the 17-inch machine: it allows me to work less cramped, while working in tight spaces. So, I say it usually boils down to personal preference. Savvy?
Of course, I also have access to a 13-inch AC machine which comes in handy for very tight spaces like small bathrooms, closets, alcoves, etcetera. This little machine is very versatile and I have even used the 20-inch drive plate under it, which gives you better access under cabinet overhangs.So, most of the actual machine parts are the same as the 17 and 20-inch machines, just the stock drive assemblies are the 13-inch size.
One very important feature common to all of the machines I have so far discussed is they are all 110-120 volt machines. This is essential for doing residential and many commercial spaces, too. Having equipment that utilizes 110 volt power is certainly the most convenient way to go, for these projects (110-120 volt power is everywhere). Having your floor machines and your hand tools using the same power source is both consistent and efficient.
As I previously mentioned, planetary heads can definitely help with production when grinding and honing. Polishing can also be adequately accomplished with
these machines. Many planetary machines are based on the rotational design of 3 (or more) smaller satellites that rotate opposite to the main drum. Some are powered and others are reactionary. Some of the powered models even have variable speed on both the satellites and drum.
To stay consistent with the convenient access 110 volt power, I like the Cimex CR48DF planetary machine. It is reactive, meaning the satellites rotate opposite the drum when in contact with the floor. This is a 19-inch diameter machine that has an industrial motor, splash/dust guard, and comes standard with solution tank and two 25 pound horseshoe weights. It is easier to operate than a swing machine (meaning it is less labor intensive due to lower realized torque), and much faster at grinding and honing, due to the mechanical action and accumulative speed. Of course, it is also more expensive. On larger projects where grinding or honing is required, it is certainly a value, and very effective.
So I recommend talking with your supplier to see which machine is the best fit for your needs. Also remember, the supply chain is still an issue that must be taken into consideration. There may be a several week wait time for delivery, and possibly even more. I recommend being proactive and getting a machine order as early as possible to allow for delayed delivery times. And if your machine goes down, parts can also be delayed, so act as soon as possible when you need parts or repairs. Oh, and be prepared to pay more than the last time, too. Everything has gone up in price, and machines are no exception.
As always, I recommend submitting a test area to confirm the results and the procedure, prior to starting a stone or hard surface restoration/ maintenance project. Also the best way to help ensure success is by partnering with a good distributor, like BB Industries, that knows the business. They can help with technical support, product purchase decisions, logistics, and other pertinent project information.
Bob Murrell has worked in the natural stone industry for over 40 years and is well known for his expertise in natural stone, tile and decorative concrete restoration and maintenance. He helped develop some of the main products and processes which revolutionized the industry, and is currently the Director of Operations for M3 Technologies.