Target thickness is 30 microns.
1. Keep in mind; it is always better to have it too thick than too thin. Materials can always be taken away but never added.
If samples are polishing down fast:
1. Use less weight and shorter time.
If samples are polishing down slow:
1. Use more weight, longer time, and increase the "Speed" of the WG2
If the sample becomes wedged (thicker on one side than the other) hold it on the polisher by hand.
1. Hold the thinner side of the sample with your left hand.
2. Place the thick side of the sample on the edge of the polishing pad while other samples are running.
3. Use one or two figures on your right hand to apply pressure to the sample.
4. While holding the sample on the polisher move it in a circular motion.
5. Measure it every 8 to 4 minutes.
Do not only use the micrometer to determine thickness.
1. Place the sample under the microscope and turn on the transmitted light. Look for an "identifying" mineral such as, quartz or plagioclase.
  1. If the sample is too thick these minerals will turn from black to yellow when rotated.
  2. If the samples are just right they will turn from black to a very light yellow.
  3. If the sample is too thin they will turn from black to clear.
Determine how polished the sample is.
1. Place the sample under the microscope and turn on the reflected light.
  1. The minerals should look "clear" not "grainy"
  2. Some soft samples will not polish well no matter what.

Credit

Original version created by Emily Fisher

5/1/2013

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