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Soapstone Kitchen Countertop From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-305

(Continued from page 2)

Figure I

Sanding the Island

• Once it's dry, use a belt sander to sand off the epoxy and smooth the entire stone. Use a belt sander with 36 grit sand paper. Attach a vacuum to the sander to collect the dust. Apply an even pressure, just enough to smooth the surface (figure I).
  

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  Figure J

• Dean and Derek decide to round the corners of the island. To do this, use a roll of tape as a template and trace the round edge to make a soft, round corner. Repeat on each corner of the island. Then, using the belt sander, sand down the corner. Twist your body, and gently rock back and forth to round the edge (figure J).
  

• With the corners rounded, it's time to treat the edges of the island. Use a file and a piece of 80 grit sand paper. File the edge (figure K), then sand it gently (figure L).

• Repeat all the way around the island.

  Figure K

  Figure L

  
  

• Next, we return to the kitchen counter. The two pieces on either side of the stove are rectangular, so no templates are needed. Measure the dimensions then transfer them directly to the stone for cutting. Remember to account for the 1.25 inches overhang.

• Cut the stones as before with a circular saw and sand them with a belt sander. Dry set the pieces to make sure they fit correctly and then glue them in place with the adhesive caulking.
  

  	Figure M
  	Figure N

• Dean and Derek make templates for the remaining pieces around the sink (figure M). With those cut, sanded and set in place, use the adhesive caulk and epoxy to glue them in place.

• Remember to tape the seams to minimize clean up (figure N).

• Push the pieces together and press firmly against the wall to set them in place.

• Dean and Derek decide to add a window ledge made of soapstone above the sink. Measure, cut and sand just as you did the other pieces. Use shims to hold it in place. You will glue it when you install the backsplash behind the sink.

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