Description
A full bullnose on laminated marble represents one of the most visually striking edge treatments in luxury countertop fabrication, but it also ranks among the most technically demanding operations in the shop. The combination of marble's softness, the semicircular profile geometry, and the lamination seam creates a triple challenge that requires precise parameter control at every stage. This template uses reduced RPMs starting at 3150 for roughing and capping at 3600 for the buff, with the polishing sequence beginning at 100 grit rather than 50 to prevent the deep scratching that coarser abrasives inflict on calcite-based stone. The premium tier designation with its $12 per linear foot upcharge reflects the elevated skill and time this profile demands on marble specifically.
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
A full bullnose on laminated marble represents one of the most visually striking edge treatments in luxury countertop fabrication, but it also ranks among the most technically demanding operations in the shop. The combination of marble's softness, the semicircular profile geometry, and the lamination seam creates a triple challenge that requires precise parameter control at every stage. This template uses reduced RPMs starting at 3150 for roughing and capping at 3600 for the buff, with the polishing sequence beginning at 100 grit rather than 50 to prevent the deep scratching that coarser abrasives inflict on calcite-based stone. The premium tier designation with its $12 per linear foot upcharge reflects the elevated skill and time this profile demands on marble specifically.
Installation Overview
Full bullnose marble fabrication on a laminated 2cm+2cm slab combines the challenges of working with soft stone, complex curved geometry, and a lamination joint that must disappear into the finished surface. Begin by examining the epoxy bond at the 0.787-inch seam position with particular care, as marble's lower structural strength makes the lamination bond more critical than on harder stones. The semicircular profile will cut directly through this joint during roughing. Configure the 25mm roughing finger bit at 3150 RPM, well below the granite baseline, with a feed rate of 35-50 IPM. Multi-pass roughing is required, typically three to four progressive depth cuts to establish the semicircular shape without shocking the soft stone. After roughing, the seam polishing pass at 2250 RPM must gently blend the lamination joint along the curved profile. The main polishing sequence begins at 100 grit metal bond at 2520 RPM, deliberately skipping the 50 grit position. The coarse 50 grit abrasive creates deep circular scratches in marble's calcite structure that subsequent pads cannot fully eliminate on a curved surface. Progress through 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000 grit with RPMs advancing from 2700 to 3420, finishing with the buff pad at 3600 RPM. Light, consistent pressure across the entire radius is paramount because marble will develop heat marks and uneven polish depth if pressure varies around the curve.
CNC Cutting Notes
Marble full bullnose requires reduced RPMs and a modified grit sequence on a curved surface. Roughing at 3150 RPM with 35-50 IPM feed rate using three to four depth passes. Seam pass at 2250 RPM blends the lamination on the curve. Polishing begins at 100 grit metal bond at 2520 RPM, skipping 50 grit entirely. Resin bond positions from 2700 to 3420 RPM. Buff at 3600 RPM. Use 0.3mm stepover for complete coverage of the semicircular radius. Apply light, even contact pressure throughout the arc to prevent flat spots and heat marks. Water flow of 2.5 GPM prevents thermal damage to the soft calcite surface.
Material Compatibility
Designed for natural marble in all varieties including Calacatta, Carrara, Statuario, Thassos White, and Nero Marquina. Marble's Mohs hardness of 3-4 makes it the softest commonly used countertop stone, requiring the most conservative fabrication approach in the template library. The full bullnose profile highlights marble's veining patterns beautifully as they wrap around the curved edge, but any fabrication defects are equally prominent on the large polished surface area. Dolomitic marble varieties are slightly harder and may tolerate parameters closer to granite settings. Onyx, which is even softer than marble, may require further RPM reductions below what this template specifies.
Where to Buy
Marble-optimized bullnose polishing pads with soft bond matrices are available from GranQuartz, Tenax, Braxton-Bragg, and Alpha Professional Tools. Seek pads labeled specifically for soft natural stone polishing.