Sanding Equipment for Stones

Polishing stones is an interesting hobby

Many hobbyists enjoy sanding and polishing stones in order to recreate the smooth, cool finish of river-tumbled rocks. Equipment ranges from small tumblers to industrial-size machines that cut, sand, grind and polish stones all in one.

Tumblers

Tumblers toss stones with polishing rock, grit or polish to smooth them. Rotating tumblers turn the stones inside a rubber-lined barrel, vibrating tumblers use a cyclone effect to move the stones around a bowl and down the center, and sonic tumblers use interrupted electrical currents to rotate the load with vibrations.

Cabbing Machines

Cabbing machines use either carbide or diamond wheels to sand, grind and polish stones, a carborundum or diamond belt for final sanding and a polishing disc for final polishing. A water system keeps the belts wet during grinding and sanding.

Laps

Laps produce smooth surfaces on geode halves and stone slabs. The weight of the rock holds it in place on the flat sanding surface while the lap pan vibrates underneath to sand and polish the stone.

Other Equipment

Safety glasses and a dust mask protect against stone chips, shards and rock dust. A dop stick holds the stone during grinding and shaping. Stone carvers use wet/dry silicone carbide sandpaper to finish soft stone or intricately carved pieces.

References

• The Ganoksin Project website: Tools Often Found in a Jewelry Workshop
• The Sculpture Studio website: Stone Carving Tools
• The Gem Society website: The History of Lapidary