How do you remove linoleum glue from an oak floor to restore it?

Question

I have a hard paperish glue that will not just peel off floor

Answer 1

You can use either a paint/varnish remover (really icky, corrosive nasty stuff). That will disolve the adhesive, and it will also take the finish of the oak floor.
You can also use a floor sander (they are very heavy, you can rent one for a day from The Home Depot) Since it will put some dust in the air, be sure to wear a mask, and do notdo it if you have already used the chemical stripper, in that the chemical stripper is really noxious.
After you have gotten the floor smooth by stripping and sanding, take a Swiffer, first dry then wet, and clean up the dust. Then you stain and polyurethane the floor (I recommend Minwax semi gloss)
Then you have a nice oak floor

Answer 2

Sounds like you might have an old adhesive that some call lino paste. The bad news is you cant sand it as it heats up and turns into gum, clogging sandpaper. A good way, if done right, is to get a bucket of warm water, a sponge and a stiff putty knife. Soak the paper and old adhesive with enough water to saturate the paper, do not flood the floor as this will damage the hardwood. Let water soak for several minutes then use the putty knife to carefuly scrape the old paper and adhesive. Wash the floor and wipe dry behind you as you go. The trick is to use the right amount of water. Try this method in a small area first to see if it is the right method. Take your time and it should work rather well if it is lino paste. Sand and re finish the floor as required after that. Be sure to let the floor dry thoroughly before sanding at least 2-3 days.