Flat Lapping Without a Machine

A vibrating hand sander works very well for this. For the first run, use 80 to 100 grit emery paper until the saw marks are eliminated. Progressively, work through 400-600-1500 and crocus cloth until a rough polish is obtained.

Install a piece of buckskin or leather on the sander and use either tin or cerium oxide, until a high polish is obtained. For a final finish, use a piece of heavy felt treated with a very thin application of Zam, a polishing paste, which gives a high gloss. Using the hand sander eliminates a lot of work!
(Bill and Ruth Williams)