Can someone explain 3 Step polishing pads?

[glparrish078]

I am curious to the technology behind 3 step polishing pads and how they work.

Usually you polish with 50-100-200-400-800-1500-3000-Buff
This makes perfect sense to me because, like sand paper, each diamond is a different grit and the pad contains all the size of one grit.

How does a 3 step pad work?
It seems like they would mix different grit diamonds on the same pad, but that seems like it wouldnt be effective because as one grit diamond polishes, the next on the same pad would "take it back down".

Any insight??

[Stone Dude]

different types of abrasives and bonds are capable of removing heavy scratches, but leave smooth finishes. I don't know the exact mechanics behind it. When we do floors, we grind with a sintered metal bond, like a cup wheel, but then we switch to sintered copper or a higher grit electroplated diamond, depending on the stone. These will remove heavy scratches, but leave a smooth enough finish for you to skip a couple of steps without affecting the finished product.

[innstone]

I would explain them as "something that works ok but not great."
If you can get away with an ok polish (based on particular type of stone or job expectation) they can work ok.
If you can't, they don't work.
Our experience anyway.

[Dan R.]

The best people to ask would be tool people who developed the the technology. They probably have a far better grasp of the technology of how these work than the average fabricator.

A truck driver does have to understand the workings of an engine or transmission, he just need to know how to drive and maneuver the truck.

I can tell you what time it is, but haven't a clue about how a watch truly operates.

[Kowboy]

I get calls to alter installed granite tops frequently like for a finished appliance edge. The 3-step pads work great in this application.

[GMR-Geremy]

3 Step pads can save time but that doesn't mean they are better then a 7 step.
400-800 grit is the true polishing pads of the 7 step. 50-100-200 stage for polish and 1500-3000 buffs the polish
step #1 starts to get the scratches out and props for polish
step#2 polishes and acts like the 400-800 pad
step#3 buffs the edge
Again that does mean its better, just faster!!
There is know better way to polish then a 7 step. (unless you have a CNC) with proper tooling with a good tech!!

[Joe Little]

We have tried several different ones and have never gotten the results or the longevity to make them worthwhile..That's my .02

[njansenv]

We've found that not all 3 step pads are created equal. We tried a few sets, and settled on "Phoenix" 3 step pads. We've been amazed at the quality of the results and the time savings, and have made them the default pads for all processes. Note we only work with engineered stone, so YMMV.
Cheers,
Nathan

[Dave.Scott]

Nathan,
You may want to try the 3 step dry pads and use them wet for ES.
That is what we do and have not looked back since...........

[Alex_Bores]

I am curious to the technology behind 3 step polishing pads and how they work.

How does a 3 step pad work?
It seems like they would mix different grit diamonds on the same pad, but that seems like it wouldnt be effective because as one grit diamond polishes, the next on the same pad would "take it back down".

Any insight??

Great question! (I do not know the technology as that is proprietary and not given to us directly)
Here is my thought on the three or four step polishing systems. Yes they work. I've polished with great results on an array of materials. Although, none will last as long as a 7 step. Hence why they have thicker or 12mm pads. To compensate. Our 4 step for instance can be used as a three step for the simple fact the first pad is a cross between 60-120g. I say its a cross between the two because you can go right to a 400g from a 7 step if you chose too. But that would defeat its intended purpose.
I would always use a buff pad to finish to make the shine pop just that much more. The three/four step pads are good but just won't last long. But if you look at the extended cost of pad compared to fabrication time, you are saving money right off the bat.

Different pads for different stones of course. We have a three/four step that we recommend on light ES or Granites. Reason why is because they are great on those stones. they are a white resin pad so when you use them dry to touch up on site, you won't get the burn or color transfer from the pad.

Regardless what anyone says (tool salesmen and women) these are intended for touch ups. Yes you can run them all day but the initial purpose was when they come off the cnc you only have three steps to make the bottom aris or touch up in three or four steps.

I stand behind our 4 step. But also, really stand by our 7 step the Meta-flex pads.

Let me know if i can get you a set to try out!

small edit to keep thread fluid.....Dan R.

[rgistone]

I share ur confusion. It's like 6 minute abs. Once that came
Along its like who wants to mess with 7 minute abs
I think they are great for certain stones. Quartz mostly. Where I don't like them
Is when one of the guys wastes them trying to cut corners on a good old fashioned
Regular granite (blue pearl)

At the end of the day they are just another tool on the belt
You gotta know when and when not to use them

I also promote them as more of a 5 step system to my guys
Shaping (creating an ease) is still to be done with a 50 or 30 grit
And if using on natural stone we finish up with a buff going wet to dry

[Shiny Alex]

We've found the to be as good, finish wise as the standard method. But @ $80 for 6, vs $135 for 3 the time savings haven't evened out yet. And as a set of pads only seems to last 6/7 jobs the verdict is stil out.

Although, whilst it makes it cost more a linear metre. It means a job that would take 12 hours now tkes 8. So the time savings there can be beneficial. Which for us could be 1 whole extra job a week.

[RBatstone]

I have never polished anything using seven step pads. At most we use 5 steps. But we use steps from different systems. We start with tornado 200 grit metal on a magnetic coupling. Then a tornado three stone then a 4 stone then 800 pad 1500 pad and maybe a buff pad. Ask your self this question how many customers comment on how shinny your edges are.

[Alex_Bores]

I have never polished anything using seven step pads. At most we use 5 steps. But we use steps from different systems. We start with tornado 200 grit metal on a magnetic coupling. Then a tornado three stone then a 4 stone then 800 pad 1500 pad and maybe a buff pad. Ask your self this question how many customers comment on how shinny your edges are.

I am curious to see your finished product. If you could post a couple pics to your post please

[rgistone]

How many folks comment on how white your teeth are? Most won't. If they are just off white, not terrible but a lil bisque chances are they won't even notice directly. But it's a part of the whole perception of beauty, or in the case of polished stone, quality workmanship. I'm not preaching believe me, just playin devels advocate. I couldn't help it. I mean ur talking to a guy named shiney Alex !

[rekced33569]

I've experimented with Weha and Beast 3 step pads in the shop.

They actually sell you a zero to go with so technically it's a 4 step.

It take more time and passing to get a get the pads to release.

Even then nothing matches the shine of a 7 step system.

You will never get the deep shine with 3 step that you will achieve with 7 step.

Dave Decker
Majestic Marble and Granite

[Caleb]

I share ur confusion. It's like 6 minute abs. Once that came
Along its like who wants to mess with 7 minute abs

Nice reference! :=D>

[Dan R.]

Ha!
Something Anout Mary

[Kowboy]

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Cut a peninsula off an estone credenza today. Talon 4-step from Braxton Bragg: https://www.braxton-bragg.com/index.cfm ... 651,10704/

Customers loved it; good enough for me.