I am recycling some  2 1/4 x 3/4 Jatoba hardwood flooring.  It was removed from a residence where it had been installed about 5 years ago.  The wood was carefully removed and the old nails ground down on the back side.  The original floor was finished on site with what appears to be a commercial floor finish – probably glitza (sp?).  My question is whether to re-install the flooring before sanding off the old finish or to run the boards through a planer before installing.  I have noticed up to a 1/16 difference in thickness on the existing boards – probably due to sanding differences when first installed.  I have about 1600 sq ft – that’s a lot of planing, but my concern is that if I intall the flooring and then sand I will end up with high points where the boards are thicker unless I get very aggressive with a floor belt sander – which is never easy to use.  Your comments and suggestions are welcome!

Jay