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How do I plane an installed slate countertop? (self.diy)

submitted 10 months ago by BigDanishGuy to c/diy

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Simply put, our slate countertops are uneven, creating issues in daily activities. I've considered using an angle grinder with a grinding disc, but I'm hesitant. Seeking advice on practical solutions for making installed slate slabs even.

The slabs in question varies in thickness by at least ±6mm, in some spots the extremes are within 80mm of each other.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Are you thinking somethng like this with a flat full disc contact?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB8601i0hJ8

I'd be careful about a regular stone grinding disc. I've done it on hard concrete and it's okay-ish, but i think slate is softer and more fractious and the stone grinding discs are quite aggressive.

You could also try a hand held belt sander probably more for rough flattening than finishing.
you might get better speed control with that.

Or go to the tool hire place and see about hiring a proper concrete grinder/polisher.

I hope you can move the work outside because it will create a lot of dust.

the guy in the video uses water which is probably a good idea.

[–] BigDanishGuy 4 points 10 months ago

A belt sander with a medium grit paper, like 120 or 150 particles/cm2 may be the way forward for evening the slab out and then something really fine to finish it off with manually. I hadn't considered that. I too was worried about the angle grinder approach, it's a tool to be respected.

I hope you can move the work outside because it will create a lot of dust.

I would like to do that. But the slab is installed, and supports half of the kitchen sink. So no dice. I've just got to seal it off and use a vacuum cleaner at the same time.