Grinding and Polishing Units
Purpose: A series of grinding wheels or flat laps, each one a finer grit than the last, used to shape and polish preforms into cabochons; can also be used to create flat stones, inlay work, and intarsia
Good to know: A water reservoir is attached to the machine, usually above the grinding surface. Water is slowly dripped, generally using only gravity and tubing, onto the grinding wheels, sanding belts, or flat laps to contin-ually cool and lubricate the stones you’re grinding or sanding.
To avoid contamination, always thoroughly clean your stone and the machine when moving to a different grit for grinding or sanding. Stray particles from a coarser grit can prevent you from achieving a satisfactory polish on your stone.