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closing the grain

Stone Conversations : Archive 2 : Message 00171

From: Bill Brayman <meta@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2001 23:37:29 -0800
Subject: closing the grain

Originally (not long ago) I figured that closing the
grain was the equivalent of smoothing the surface with
finer and finer abrasive. The other day I came across
the idea in jadework where abrasion rips up tiny bits of
crystal below the surface - undercuts I believe they
call it. Now I am beginning to realize that smoothing
has to be done so that it doesn't create damage below
the surface. I suspect that is why diamond pads seem to
work so much better that silicon carbide sandpaper - the
diamonds seem to cut crystals rather than dislodging
them. Just a theory. However, considering the vast time
one can spend polishing, the more you understand the
quicker it will go. Any stone nerds have an opinion?

Late night with a Seattle blues station.

Regards,
Bill

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