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Print ArticleShaping the ogee edge
Many of the calls I get from fabricators have to do with how to shape and polish the ogee edge. The following article discusses some tips and tricks for the famous ogee edge.
Procedure for shaping the ogee edge
1. Clean the stone and allow it to dry. If you do not have time, I would suggest wiping down the stone with acetone.
2. Lay out the edge for the shape desired. Trace the edge detail at the edge of the stone for reference.
3. Clean the work area to remove any grit, dirt or trash.
4. Make sure the stone is placed on a flat and solid table or workstation.
5. Secure the stone as necessary to avoid movement during the routing, grinding, honing and polishing process.
6. Place the ogee bit (position 1) on the router.
7. Align and adjust the router and bit as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions. TIP: Many routers have a hydroplane device that rides on the stone. To properly align the bit, you will need to turn the router on with the water running.
8. Shape the desired edge or edges with the router. It is a good idea to place a scrap piece of the same thickness at the leading edge to be shaped. Once the router has shaped part of the scrap stone, check it for accuracy before routing into the desired piece.
9. Clean the edge and check for any inaccuracies. Rerout the stone if necessary.
10. Change the bit to the next finer grit bit if you plan to hone and polish with the router. Align and adjust the router and bit as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions. Then begin to hone and polish. I prefer to use only the position 1 and maybe the position 2 bit. The rest of the edge I hone and polish by hand with diamond pads and an air polisher. Start with a 120 or 200 grit and proceed up to the last grit in the series. TIP: To get into the concave section of the ogee edge, I use a 2-in. backer pad with a 3- or 4-in. flexible diamond pad.
10. Clean off the edge and inspect for an even abrasive pattern. If the edge’s abrasive pattern is not even, then continue with the same or coarser grit as necessary.
11. Continue with each successive grit until you reach the polishing grit. To polish you will need a flexible buff pad. For dark granites use a black buff pad. For lighter granites use the white buff pad.
