Description
Marble demands a fundamentally different approach to edge fabrication than granite or quartz, and this eased/straight template for 3cm marble reflects those critical differences. The polishing sequence begins at 100 grit rather than the standard 50 grit used on harder stones, because marble's calcite composition is soft enough that coarse abrasives leave deep scratches that subsequent grits struggle to remove. Every RPM setting is reduced by approximately 10 percent compared to granite parameters, with the roughing pass running at 3150 RPM and the final buff capping at 3600 RPM. These gentler settings protect the marble's delicate surface while still achieving the high-gloss polish that makes Calacatta, Carrara, and Statuario so prized in luxury installations.
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 demands a fundamentally different approach to edge fabrication than granite or quartz, and this eased/straight template for 3cm marble reflects those critical differences. The polishing sequence begins at 100 grit rather than the standard 50 grit used on harder stones, because marble's calcite composition is soft enough that coarse abrasives leave deep scratches that subsequent grits struggle to remove. Every RPM setting is reduced by approximately 10 percent compared to granite parameters, with the roughing pass running at 3150 RPM and the final buff capping at 3600 RPM. These gentler settings protect the marble's delicate surface while still achieving the high-gloss polish that makes Calacatta, Carrara, and Statuario so prized in luxury installations.
Installation Overview
Marble edge fabrication requires patience and a light touch that differs markedly from the more aggressive approach used on granite. Secure the 3cm marble slab on the CNC bed with uniform clamping pressure, being careful not to over-tighten as marble can crack under point loads. Load the DXF template and set the 20mm roughing finger bit to 3150 RPM, well below the granite standard. Feed rate should be conservative at 40-60 IPM to prevent chipping along the soft edge. The polishing sequence skips the 50 grit position entirely, beginning instead with 100 grit metal bond at 2520 RPM. This is deliberate because coarse 50 grit abrasive creates deep scratches in marble's calcite structure that are extremely difficult to polish out. Progress through 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000 grit resin bond positions with RPMs advancing from 2700 to 3420. The buff pad finishes at 3600 RPM. Throughout the process, apply lighter pressure than you would on granite, letting the diamond pads do the work rather than forcing material removal. Water flow of 2 GPM is adequate. Inspect the edge between each grit change under bright light to verify that scratch patterns from the previous grit have been fully replaced before moving forward.
CNC Cutting Notes
Marble requires reduced RPMs and a modified grit sequence. Roughing runs at 3150 RPM with 40-60 IPM feed rate. The polishing sequence starts at 100 grit metal bond at 2520 RPM, skipping the coarse 50 grit position entirely. Resin bond pads progress from 200 grit at 2700 RPM to 3000 grit at 3420 RPM. The buff pad operates at 3600 RPM. Use 0.5mm stepover with light, consistent pressure. Avoid dwelling on any spot, as marble scratches and overheats faster than granite. Water flow of 2 GPM prevents thermal damage. These parameters work for most marble varieties including Calacatta, Carrara, and Statuario.
Material Compatibility
This template is calibrated for natural marble in all varieties, from dense Calacatta Gold to softer Carrara and Thassos White. Marble rates only 3-4 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it significantly softer than granite, quartz, or quartzite. The reduced RPMs and modified starting grit protect against the scratching and thermal damage that harder-stone parameters would cause. Dolomitic marbles, which contain magnesium carbonate, are slightly harder and may tolerate parameters closer to the granite baseline. Do not use this template for onyx, which is even softer and may need further RPM reductions. Travertine can use these parameters with acceptable results.
Where to Buy
Marble-specific polishing pads with softer bond matrices are available from GranQuartz, Braxton-Bragg, and Tenax. Look for pads labeled for soft natural stone or marble-specific applications for best results.