Help In Polishing A Sandstone Table Top?

[n8tureboy]

I'm trying my hand at building a table with a metal frame and a sandstone top. My problem is how to get the sandstone smooth, I'd really like to find a way of polishing this to a glass like finish, as of right now it's just rough rock surface.

Does anyone have any advice on how to polish rock to a smooth finish?

I've searched the internet, but all that I can find relates to rock tumblers, obviously this is going to be a table top and to large for a tumbler.

Orbital Sander, palm sander, belt sander?

Thank's for any advice-Patrick.

[hankj]

You'll have to wet-polish it. It's really more of a finish grinding than a polishing job. Look for some labidary forums and ask the question. I'm pretty sure you can rent the machine.

Don't know how sandstome will hold up, but if you can do it, post a picture. Sound like it will be really pretty.

Hank

[Zrexxer]

I'd really like to find a way of polishing this to a glass like finish, as of right now it's just rough rock surface.Sandstone doesn't polish. Best you will be able to do is it get it smooth.

[Broccoli1]

I wonder how well it would take to a Clear Coat?

[hankj]

My bet is that if it can be ground smooth (which I know it can) and slathered with several nice coats of any of the polyurethane finishes, it'll be gorgeous, and pretty nearly indestructible!

Hank

[n8tureboy]

Thanks for the replies, I'll keep researching and experimenting until I get this figured out. Then I'll post some pic's.

Thanks, Patrick

[usmcpop]

Try lapping: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapping

[krehmkej]

Sandstone is - sand. If you manage to grind it flat, that is as good as it gets. That said, I have had good results using water based terra cotta sealer on various types of rock. As porous as sandstone is, it should seal the surface well. Might take several coats, though. YMMV

[vicegrip]

At least a 60-grit......large bore is better.
remove the blotters....and press the lead-bushing out.

You now have the best lap you can get.

Constantly revolve the wheel as you rotate / oscilate your
lapping pattern.

vg