I wouldn't give up on this floor, but I restore floors as a profession and a craft. If hot wet towels are softening the adhesive and remaining felt adhered to that...then the adhesive is NOT a cutback asphalt type. If the adhesive emulsifies into a blackish/brown goo, then it is most likely what we call organic linoleum paste. The trowel pattern also helps to confirm that. Your pictures show me that the decorative surface was laid over your wood flooring after the flooring was given a coat of shellac...that is the way it was done where I am located. If that is the case, then there will be little damage to the wood itself and very little staining. Even if your wood has some surface staining, it can be finished almost anyway you would like. I have even finished subflooring for clients and the results were great. As for the lead issue that was mentioned by another poster...this is mostly a liability issue now for professional contractors...thanks to new lead regulations promulgated by the federal EPA. However, as a homeowner, you can do just about anything you want, provided it lands within any building code which might apply. If lead in paint concerns you, then simply isolate areas you work in, wear an approved respirator, and clean up the finished area after you're done. In my opinion, you will not expose yourself to any great hazard from any type of dust during your renovations, provided that you do so in a smart way and use COMMON SENSE. Furthermore, for just a couple bucks you can get the felt and adhesive checked for asbestos content. That should put your mind at ease. Good luck with your project.

Tinan, we did the radiator cover in our recent DIY bathroom, and unfortunately, now need to do it in every room because they look so much better. gsciencechick we have a couple. A Rigid, not my favorite but excellent for sanding drywall with good dust collection, a B&D Mouse, great for tight places, and an old Milwaukee that my dad gave me. When that goes I'll buy a Bosch or Porter Cable. Thanks for the compliments, it feels great because it was a lot of work. We had a pro replace the ceiling and do some drywall repair, that is one task where I'll hire a pro every time. Our guy is so meticulous he had barely any sanding to do, unlike when I tackle drywall.

Would you expect the painter to mask off each electrical box on a new construction project? I've never seen that before. It is not necessary because normally the wire hasn't been stripped at the painting stage. I would say the electrician jumped the gun by doing finish work before the sheetrock was even hung, hence the term dingleberry. I guess I am lucky that he at least didn't install the switches and outlets before the sheetrock was installed.

pcjs, Too funny_ but kinda sad too cuz it's actually closer to the truth than I care to admit. My original vision , or 'the sweeby test', was to have my home comfortable enough to walk in off the deck and the hot tub, and not have to worry. But, of course, then I got the Tigerwood, cuz no other hardwood 'spoke' to me like it did, and I am sort of feeling like a mother hen. But then I haven't really lived with it yet, so it may not take long, before I let the little chicks leave the coop! And I really don't want big gouges or scrapes in my floor. Just wondering what others have used and found effective. I actually saw a package of felt pads and I think the silicone ones too at Office Depot for those that are looking. Flooring and molding supply places carry them too.