Diamond Hand Pads

["Clive Murray-White" <clivemw@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

Hi Deb,

Why use these expensive hand pads when common or garden wet & dry will do
just as well in terms of cutting?

I don't know the characteristics of the limestone that you are using as I
don't live in England but some of the limestones that I've used in Oz will
take a mirror finish. Best to experiment.

My very golden rule with wet and dry is to use every grade from 80 up to the
level of shine I may want, I've found that you just make work for yourself
if you leave any grades out.

Once you've got your form bump and facet free the 80grit will do the bulk of
the work, then it seems to be just a matter of giving little more than a
wipe or two with all the other grades, never try to jump from 80 to 240,
best 120 and even 180 then 240, 360, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200.

I have use diamond fabric backed sheets years ago thinking that they would
be quicker and more effective but found that I skimped on the number of
grades because of the cost, a silly move.

Good luck

Clive

Sculptor Clive Murray-White
Cowwarr Art Space
Cowwarr Gippsland Vic. Aus.
Ph: 03 51489321 Fax 0351489498
E-mail: clivemw[AT]optusnet.com.au
Web: www.cowwarr.com