Description
Marble's timeless beauty demands careful handling during fabrication, and this eased/straight edge template for 2cm marble slabs incorporates the reduced spindle speeds and adjusted grit progression that softer calcite-based stones require. The 3/4-inch single-slab profile is ideal for bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, and accent pieces where marble's elegant veining is the focal point. This template starts the roughing pass at 3150 RPM rather than the 3500 used for harder stones, and the polishing sequence begins at 100 grit instead of 50 to prevent the deep scratches that coarser abrasives leave in marble's soft surface. The progression runs through seven positions from 100 grit at 2520 RPM to buff at 3600 RPM, producing a luminous polish that highlights marble's translucent crystalline structure.
Related Templates
Eased/Straight Edge Profile (Granite) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Eased/Straight Edge Profile (Marble) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Eased/Straight Edge Profile (Porcelain) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Eased/Straight Edge Profile (Quartz (Engineered)) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Marble's timeless beauty demands careful handling during fabrication, and this eased/straight edge template for 2cm marble slabs incorporates the reduced spindle speeds and adjusted grit progression that softer calcite-based stones require. The 3/4-inch single-slab profile is ideal for bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, and accent pieces where marble's elegant veining is the focal point. This template starts the roughing pass at 3150 RPM rather than the 3500 used for harder stones, and the polishing sequence begins at 100 grit instead of 50 to prevent the deep scratches that coarser abrasives leave in marble's soft surface. The progression runs through seven positions from 100 grit at 2520 RPM to buff at 3600 RPM, producing a luminous polish that highlights marble's translucent crystalline structure.
Installation Overview
Single-slab 2cm marble edge fabrication requires a disciplined approach to speed control and coolant management. Before beginning, inspect the slab edge for existing micro-fractures, natural fissures, or filled repairs that could open up during machining. Secure the marble on the CNC bed with sufficient vacuum hold but without excessive clamping pressure that could stress fracture the thinner 2cm material. Begin routing with the 20mm roughing finger bit at 3150 RPM, feeding at 40-60 IPM. Marble's calcite crystals cleave readily under impact, so take conservative passes of 0.040-0.050 inches to build the eased profile gradually. The polishing sequence starts at 100 grit metal bond at 2520 RPM rather than the coarser 50 grit used on harder stones. This prevents deep scratch lines that are difficult to remove from marble's soft surface. Progress methodically through 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000 grit resin pads, finishing with the buff at 3600 RPM. Keep RPMs within the prescribed range at each position, as marble is particularly sensitive to frictional heat that causes surface glazing and sub-surface thermal damage. After polishing, apply a high-quality impregnating sealer to the exposed edge immediately, as marble is highly porous and susceptible to staining from contact with water, oils, and acidic substances during transport and installation.
CNC Cutting Notes
Marble edge profiling requires the most conservative approach among common natural stones. Set roughing at 3150 RPM with 40-60 IPM feed using the 20mm finger bit. Limit depth of cut to 0.040-0.050 inches per pass to avoid micro-fracturing the calcite crystal structure. During polishing, start at 100 grit at 2520 RPM and maintain the prescribed speed curve up to 3600 RPM at the buff stage. Run polishing passes at 25-40 IPM with thorough overlap. Inspect the edge between each grit transition under raking light to confirm complete scratch removal before advancing. Skipping this inspection step on marble often results in visible scratch patterns trapped under higher-grit polish.
Material Compatibility
This template suits the full range of calcite-based marbles used in countertop fabrication. Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario from Italy are the most commonly fabricated varieties and respond well to these parameters. American marbles like Vermont Danby and Georgia White are slightly harder and can tolerate marginally faster feed rates. Softer varieties including Thassos White and Volakas require extra care during roughing to prevent edge chipping. Dolomitic marbles marketed under names like Super White occupy a hardness zone between true marble and quartzite and may perform better with slightly elevated RPMs closer to granite settings.
Where to Buy
Marble slabs in 2cm thickness are available from specialty stone importers and distributors including ABC Stone, Artistic Tile, Walker Zanger, and regional marble yards. Italian marbles typically have the longest lead times, while domestic and Brazilian varieties are more readily available.