[deathpunk dan]

I own a varathane random orbit floor sander with three 8" sanding pads. Got it for short money in nearly new condition...a craigslist find. So far I've only done one room with it but it came out great. I used minwax fast dry poly and scuff sanded with 220 in between coats...3 coats.

The machine is probably not as effective as a real drum sander but it's very user friendly. This is the same one you can rent from Lowe's. The biggest drawback is that it doesn't really do the corners all that well. So I used a half sheet sander and a palm sander for that. Also, the varathane brand abrasives are just okay. I am certain 3M and Norton offer something that lasts longer.

I am an idiot, more or less. If I can do a halfway decent job, anyone can.

One other thing...make sure you get wood filler for cracks and gaps.