[ATM] portland cement; grind. etc.

[vorblesnak@peak.org]

> Greetings,
> The cheap grinding, polishing tool made from portland cement has a
> limited life. I've had two break unto pie shaped wedges after a years
> time. Just a note to those who like to spend eternity perfecting.

I've had a couple break, but now I throw in some 'rebar'.  Some wire
screen or even some coat hanger pieces embeded into the middle of the
disk.

I use a Quickset grout.  Great stuff, hard and finished in a hour.  My
first tool used tiles but since then I use glass.  I cast the tool and
once it is dry I rub the top with a coarse dry cloth. Brush off the loose
dust, and then squeeze out one of those double syringes of 5 minute epoxy.
 Mix it and spread it over the tool and press on the glass pieces.

I have cut the pieces to shape, (little squares and trianges), but broken
pieces of glass work fine.  I just leave a space between the pieces.

If you want a tool with a particular curve, you can cast the disk in what
ever size you want and then shave the sagitta off of the outside edge.  I
usually do this about 45 miutes into the set.  The grout holds its shape
but is soft enough for me to take the edge off.  A wood rasp or even an
old hole saw will shape it right up.  One quick rub with 60 grit sand
paper, to take off the big grooves, and you are done.  Close is good
enough as the coarse grind will bring it all into alignment.

David Davis
Toledo, OR 97391

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