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- Target thickness is 30 microns.
- Keep in mind; it is always better to have it too thick than too thin. Materials can always be taken away but never added.
- If samples are polishing down fast:
- Use less weight and shorter time.
- If samples are polishing down slow:
- Use more weight, longer time, and increase the "Speed" of the WG2
- If the sample becomes wedged (thicker on one side than the other) hold it on the polisher by hand.
- Hold the thinner side of the sample with your left hand.
- Place the thick side of the sample on the edge of the polishing pad while other samples are running.
- Use one or two figures on your right hand to apply pressure to the sample.
- While holding the sample on the polisher move it in a circular motion.
- Measure it every 8 to 4 minutes.
- Do not only use the micrometer to determine thickness.
- Place the sample under the microscope and turn on the transmitted light. Look for an "identifying" mineral such as, quartz or plagioclase.
- If the sample is too thick these minerals will turn from black to yellow when rotated.
- If the samples are just right they will turn from black to a very light yellow.
- If the sample is too thin they will turn from black to clear.
- Place the sample under the microscope and turn on the transmitted light. Look for an "identifying" mineral such as, quartz or plagioclase.
- Determine how polished the sample is.
- Place the sample under the microscope and turn on the reflected light.
- The minerals should look "clear" not "grainy"
- Some soft samples will not polish well no matter what.
- Place the sample under the microscope and turn on the reflected light.
Credit
Original version created by Emily Fisher
5/1/2013