How do I bullnose Marble and what tools do I need?

[jbs8893]

Hi.  I have about 10 12" square marble tiles for a bathroom sink that I need to form to a rounded, bullnose shape on one edge.  I am a DIY and I am not sure how to proceed.  The marble is "rough, " or "tumbled," so precision finishing is not an issue.  Should I use a grinder, and if so, what kind of disc or cup?  Or a belt sander, and if so, what kind of sandpapaer and what grits should I go through?   Many thanks, John S.  

[Mark D.]

There are a few different options:
A) You can use a diamond router bit on a grinder and then finish it to match the condition of the rest of the tiles
http://www.defusco.com/58%E2%80%9D11-profile-router-braz-7mm-radius-p-2075.html

B) You can use PVA discs to shape and finish the tiles
http://www.defusco.com/alpha-pva-polishing-kit-10pcs-p-2314.html

C) You can use diamond sandpaper to shape and finish the tiles
http://www.defusco.com/electro-diamond-sandpaper-full-set-p-2510.html

The biggest difference is that the router bit will mimic the horizontal and vertical edges to give you a perfectly matching edge design, while the PVA discs and the diamond sanspaper will not be as accurate as you are doing them by hand.
Don't forget to seal the marble when you are finished.
http://www.defusco.com/tenax-impregnator-and-sealer-liter-p-1436.html

Mark

[jbs8893]

Mark:  Thanks for your reply, and given that I'm dealing with what's described as "tumbled marble" rather than smoothly finished stone, I'll try the discs.  Do I need some sort of backing, like a rubber disc, to use them?   Thanks again,  John S>

[Mark D.]

The PVA discs do not require any backer and we have them in stock for immediate shipment.

Mark