Resurfacing a 100Yr + Basement floor

[stewchi]

I would like to resurface the basement floor in my 1901 colonial. The floor is solid with no cracks however it is very uneven, there are areas that looked like they have been patched. The whole floor was painted I would guess 50 years or more as only about 40% of the paint remains but it is bonded very well to the cement and does not scrape off easily. I would like to resurface to enhance the appearance. I have not settled on a surface material (Paint, Polished Concrete, Tile, Laminate etc) Height is a concern as the ceiling is just under 7ft. Any suggestions?, I would be doing the work myself, I have not found a power tool I didn’t like yet if this job requires one.

[Rich]

The only power tool I can think of is a scrabbler which essentially pummels the surface. Then you could pour a self-leveling concrete over top of it. You would be better of renting a scrabbler as they are pretty expensive.
One concern in your basement would be gas fumes from the scrabbler - make sure you have plenty of air ventilation and take breaks frequently.
If you don't want to go that far I would suggest a 6-7" offset grinder with a matching concrete wheel on it to take down the high spots. Then you could overlay with whatever material you like.

[mjpliv]

The only power tool I can think of is a scrabbler which essentially pummels the surface.

Is another name for this a needle scaler? Or are you speaking about another tool? I am not familiar with the term.

[Rich]

It might be a local name for it. I would assume a scaler is similar. Look at this page - http://www.teesin.com.sg/grinding.htm