Description
The demi bullnose edge profile stands as one of the most versatile and widely requested edge treatments in modern countertop fabrication. This universal template provides a balanced approach to creating the gentle, refined curve that characterizes the demi bullnose style across a broad spectrum of countertop materials. The profile features a subtle radius on the top edge that transitions smoothly into the vertical face, creating visual interest without the pronounced traditional appearance of full bullnose edges. Designed for 3cm (1-3/16 inch) thick slabs, this template employs standard fabrication parameters that work effectively across most common countertop materials including granite, marble, and many engineered stones. The nine-position polishing sequence progresses systematically from 50-grit metal bond through 6000-grit resin bond finishing, with RPM settings calibrated for general-purpose applications. While material-specific templates offer optimized parameters for particular stone types, this universal version provides fabricators with a reliable starting point that produces professional results across diverse material types. The $10 per linear foot upcharge reflects the additional fabrication complexity compared to simpler edge profiles while remaining accessible for most residential and commercial projects.
Related Templates
Crescent Edge Profile (Granite) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Crescent Edge Profile (Marble) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Crescent Edge Profile (Porcelain) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Crescent Edge Profile (Quartz (Engineered)) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
The demi bullnose edge profile stands as one of the most versatile and widely requested edge treatments in modern countertop fabrication. This universal template provides a balanced approach to creating the gentle, refined curve that characterizes the demi bullnose style across a broad spectrum of countertop materials. The profile features a subtle radius on the top edge that transitions smoothly into the vertical face, creating visual interest without the pronounced traditional appearance of full bullnose edges. Designed for 3cm (1-3/16 inch) thick slabs, this template employs standard fabrication parameters that work effectively across most common countertop materials including granite, marble, and many engineered stones. The nine-position polishing sequence progresses systematically from 50-grit metal bond through 6000-grit resin bond finishing, with RPM settings calibrated for general-purpose applications. While material-specific templates offer optimized parameters for particular stone types, this universal version provides fabricators with a reliable starting point that produces professional results across diverse material types. The $10 per linear foot upcharge reflects the additional fabrication complexity compared to simpler edge profiles while remaining accessible for most residential and commercial projects.
Installation Overview
Creating a demi bullnose edge using this universal template begins with proper slab preparation and secure fixturing to prevent movement during fabrication. The initial roughing pass utilizes a 20mm diameter finger bit operating at 3150 RPM to establish the basic profile geometry, removing bulk material efficiently while maintaining accurate dimensional control. Following roughing, the nine-position polishing sequence systematically refines the surface, with each grit level removing the scratches from the previous step. Starting with 50-grit metal bond at 2520 RPM, fabricators progress through 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 3000, and 6000-grit positions before concluding with a buffing pad at 3600 RPM. Water flow should be maintained throughout all operations to control heat, flush away debris, and maximize polishing pad effectiveness. The gentle curve of the demi bullnose profile generally machines cleanly without requiring extensive hand finishing, though visual inspection between grits helps identify any areas requiring additional attention before progressing to finer abrasives.
CNC Cutting Notes
Programming CNC equipment for demi bullnose profiles requires attention to tool path geometry and machine dynamics to achieve consistently smooth curves without faceting or irregularities. The profile definition should use sufficient arc resolution to represent the curved sections accurately, typically employing segment lengths of 0.010 to 0.025 inches depending on curve radius and machine controller capabilities. Tool approach and retract moves should be planned to avoid leaving witness marks at start and end points, often accomplished through tangential entry paths or strategic positioning at inconspicuous locations like inside corners. The 20mm roughing bit should be run with conservative depth of cut values initially, typically 0.100 to 0.150 inches per pass depending on material hardness, with the final roughing pass leaving approximately 0.020 inches of material for removal during polishing. Z-axis positioning between polishing positions must be calibrated carefully to ensure each pad makes consistent contact across the entire profile surface. Consider creating material-specific variations of the base program with adjusted feed rates and speeds when working with particularly soft or hard materials, maintaining this universal version as a proven baseline.
Material Compatibility
This universal demi bullnose template is designed to accommodate most common countertop materials including medium-hardness granites, calcite-based marbles, dolomitic marbles, and standard engineered quartz formulations. The RPM settings and polishing sequence represent balanced values that work across this range, though fabricators may need to make minor adjustments for materials at the extremes of the hardness spectrum. Extremely hard materials like quartzite or ultracompact surfaces should use material-specific templates with elevated RPM values and specialized tooling requirements. Conversely, very soft marbles may benefit from slightly reduced speeds to prevent over-cutting or surface damage. The template performs optimally on materials with relatively uniform density and composition; highly figured stones with significant variations in hardness may require feed rate adjustments as the tool path traverses different mineral zones.
Where to Buy
Countertop materials in 3cm thickness suitable for demi bullnose edge profiles are available from stone suppliers, fabrication yards, and specialty distributors throughout North America. Major national suppliers including MSI (Marble Systems Inc.), Arizona Tile, Daltile, Bedrosians, and Emser Tile maintain extensive inventories of granite, marble, and engineered quartz in 3cm thickness across hundreds of colors and patterns. Regional stone yards often provide competitive pricing and may stock locally popular materials with shorter lead times. Engineered quartz brands such as Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and Hanstone are distributed through authorized dealer networks. When selecting materials for demi bullnose edge work, examine slab edges for chips, fissures, or other defects that could compromise edge profile quality, and choose slabs with consistent thickness for optimal fabrication results.