Table of Contents
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To start the polisher flip the 'On' switch in the back. The power indicator light (Figure 1A) should illuminate. Press the timer button (Figure 1B) to get continuous disc rotation. Turn the water on by flipping the 'Water' switch to the 'On' position (Figure 1C). The water flow can be adjusted by turning the knob shown in Figure 1D.
The rotation speed is controlled by the dial shown in Figure 1E. The range is 0 rpm to 500 rpm. 150 rpm is a good starting position. Adjust the speed if needed: faster for hard rocks and slower for softer rocks.
With the water on and the RPM adjusted press the 'Run' button (Figure 1F). Move the sample back and forth across the disc to prevent making a groove. If there is an emergency press the 'Emergency Stop' button (Figure 1H) to stop rotation and cut off the water. To enable the wheel again twist the knob until it pops back out.
Polish the rocks until they're completely smooth and round on all edges. There should no pits or jagged corners. Put the rock into a labeled beaker and polish the next sample. Do this for all samples and then move on to 'Cleaning Samples'.
Figure 2. Labeled beaker with polished rock inside
Cleaning Samples
To remove contamination (oil, skin, and residue from the diamond wheel) wash the polished samples in 70% isopropyl alcohol and DI water. From this point onward, wear gloves when handling samples to avoid reintroduction of contaminants.
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