Surfacing granite

Quoted text begins.In making a coffee table out of a rough granite block 8 inches thick, how
would you surface it?
End of quote.

Hi Martin,

There are a lot of variables in your question!

You ask how I would surface it - I would use diamond tools to flatten it, cut it
to size, and then polish it. My first suggestions are: make the surface flat so
your coffee cups don't tip over; and make the top and edges polished so it shows
the natural beauty of the stone, and is easy to clean. Well, you wouldn't want
Mum to snag her cardy on rough edges.

But that's assuming that the stone looks great polished, that this 'look' suits
your situation... and that you have the equipment and the patience to achieve it.

Quoted text begins.So far, all I have in my kit are a set, tracer, 3/4 inch chisel, and
point, plus a 2# and a 3# hammer.
End of quote.

Your tools are suitable for shaping stone. Fancy equipment gets you there
faster, but why invest unless you need to? Are you meeting a market need? Why
would a client buy from you instead of importing a cheaper one from China?

I learned to hone granite flat by rubbing with the underside of short length of
railway line plus steel shot and water, followed by rubbing with carborundum
stones and water - hand held, no machines. Polishing was done with a damp,
folded sugar bag and putty powder.

I could go on about the Zen-like state of mind encountered during this
experience, but there is no money to be made doing it. So why not create
something unusual with the basic tools you have? Experiment with shapes and
textures - borrow tools to try out before you buy your own.

Quoted text begins.-carbide tipped chisels, and preferred hammer?
End of quote.

OK for shaping and texturing, but you already have these tools

Quoted text begins.-torch, oxypropane or acetylene?
End of quote.

Good for removing tool marks and making a distinctive finish, not good for
flattening a surface. Can crack the stone if the heat penetrates unevenly.

Quoted text begins.-pneumatic tools?
End of quote.

Do you have a reasonably large compressor and a place to run wet, dusty, noisy
machinery?

Regards,

Simon