Flatlap Polishing
lapidaryflatlap

STEP 1
Check machine for current status and pan in use. Cclean if contaminated with grit, chips etc. Pprepare slabs, geode halves, etc. Wash to remove any dirt, cutting oil,etc. Grind off points, etc, for flat surface. Weight slabs if necessary.  Attach surgical tubing bands on slabs for interaction protection.

STEP 2
Layout stones, etc, to check their fit onto pancheck pan, the  movement, bumper alignment, placement of machine in room. Add coarse grinding grit to pan. Add water to pan. Turn on machine and check for proper operation and circulation on pan as it vibrates. Periodically check unit for proper operation, stone circulation, water content. Remove any obvious chips, etc, as these could get under stones or slabs and cause scratches. After 4-6 hours check condition of rocks, etc, by removing one. wash and inspect wet and dry for grinding action. Saw marks left by slab saw should be disappearing. If ok, remove rocks and pan. Thoroughly wash all to remove any grit, chips, etc. Repeat this procedure if more polishing at this stage is needed. Proceed to step 3 with the same as steps 1 & 2 with a finer sanding grit.

STEP 3
Repeat washing procedure and check stones. Scratches made by grinding stage should be disappearing. Repeat this procedure if more polishing at this stage is needed. Proceed to step 4 with the same as steps 1, 2, and 3 with a finer pre-polishing grit.

STEP 4
Repeat washing procedure and check stones. Scratches made by pre-polishing stage should be disappearing. Double check stone condition before proceeding to the final polish stage. Re-sand or redo prefinish if scratches remain, as they will not be removed in the final polishing stage.

STEP 5
Wash the stone with dawn and water to make sure all grit and chips have been removed from stone. It must be absolutely clean for final polish to be effective. Using a padded pan, final polish with cerium oxide and water. Check frequently to ensure no scratching occurs. Check stone often to ensure proper polishing. Remove stones, slabs, etc. Wash the stone thoroughly and dry completely with very soft cloth. Inspect your results. Continue longer if you think it is necessary.