Slippery Rock Gazette

Bob Murrell 

M3 Technologies

Photos by Bob Murrell

We use many types of tools and equipment in the stone restoration and maintenance industry. From diamond tooling to masking materials, drive plates, adhesives, chemicals, and more, we need to be able to utilize these products to assist us with our restoration projects. I categorize most consumables in the accessories column but also some products like some specialty products, like adhesives.

I do not categorize diamond tooling as an accessory, but the drive plates necessary to run the tooling, I do. For use on a hand tool, we offer the BP-05 (5-inch Velcro-type driver) drive plate for using 5 inch diamonds, like the AA5-Turbo Resins, DICP5 Premium Flexible resins, ELF5-Flexible Metals, and other Velcro-backed diamonds. The BP-05 is threaded for a standard 5/8˝-11 spindle. This particular drive plate has some flexibility, but there are others that are more rigid, for where that may be required. These Velcro pad drivers are available in 3, 4, 5, and 7 inch sizes for hand tool operations.  

There are also hand tool-specific drive plates for running pads like the PLP07 diamond impregnated pads, Combo pads for polishing with 5X, MPC, 10X, XXX, or other polishing products. This pad driver is the BP-Hook-7 which is designed with special hooks to hold non-woven and similar pads. Tech tip: use a Combo or natural pad to drive steel wool pads when using Crystallizer.

Left: Spacers (both front & back) in 3, 4, and 5 inch sizes add a cushion effect when running diamond discs.   Right: Essential Accessories: Pad drivers in a range of sizes, and replacement Velcro for in-the-field repairs.

For floor equipment, we offer a variety of accessories for utilizing diamond tooling, polishing with pads, and other options. The BP-17 is a Velcro-type drive plate for using Velcro-backed diamonds like the TX Triple Thick resins, DICP3 Premium Flexible resins, TYP Typhoon resins, and many other sizes and types of abrasives. This drive plate is available in 13, 17, and 20-inch sizes. Other sizes may be available, too. When utilizing steel wool pads, the same method applies here: use a Combo or similar pad to drive the steel wool. These Velcro drivers are mostly for diamond tooling but you can run a pad, as well. A true pad driver, designed specifically for pads, is more spiked and not the best option for running diamonds. All of our drivers have a shower feed for water or solution delivery. This is essential as most all the operations in the stone restoration industry are done wet.  

A good scrub brush is an essential accessory, especially for working on textured surfaces. Stones such as slate, sandstone, flagging, and other textured materials can many times be successfully cleaned using a brush and the appropriate chemical. There are many types of scrub brushes to choose from. There are nylon (some of the best), polypropylene, Tampico, and other fibers available. There are also brushes with grit (usually silicon carbide or aluminum oxide, but there are other abrasives, too) that have been glued to the fibers or strands. These are available in grits from around 40 grit to upwards of 500 grit. When it comes to cleaning grout, a cylindrical brush machine can do a very good job. Brushes are not cheap, so please consult with your supplier before ordering, to make sure you get the brush you need. 

One of the most used accessories is the Tape & Drape masking product. This accessory is used on most every interior restoration project and even some exterior projects. The Tape & Drape we offer comes in two  size rolls: 24 inch and 48 inch wide. Twenty-four inch is usually sufficient for masking walls and 48 inch is perfect for protecting kitchen cabinets. Both the 24 inch rolls and the 48 inch rolls are 75 feet long and have blue painter’s tape on one edge. This makes masking off areas much faster and neater. I suggest keeping a good pair of scissors  for cutting the Tape & Drape, as well any other masking materials.

Red tape, blue tape, 24 and 48 inch wide Tape & Drape – essentials needed for almost every restoration job.

Our M3 Red Poly Tape is a polyvinyl material that is water-resistant and is also used to mask off areas. It is especially useful for making water dams on countertop edges. I also use the Red Tape to help feather grits when grinding, honing, and or polishing.  

M3 Technologies also sells replacement Velcro for when the Velcro on your BP-17 floor machine drive plate wears out, and it will wear out. It comes 4 inches wide with both the female and male pieces, and is sold by the yard. We also have 17 x 17 inch and 20 x 20 inch squares for replacing the full-face Velcro on the drive plates. You will need fresh razor blades and good water-resistant adhesive to help with this R&R.  

Spacers are another accessory that I recommend keeping a good stock of. These come in 3, 4 and 5-inch sizes and are used for providing additional cushioning for your diamond discs. They will extend the life of both the Velcro on your drive plate and the Velcro on your diamond discs. They can help your diamonds to follow the contours and irregularities of the floor better. Because they raise the machine a little higher (about ¼ inch), the splatter from honing will go a little higher on the wall and further out, so masking sensitive adjacent areas (walls and baseboards, etc.) is definitely required.

A splash guard for your floor machine is certainly a must-have accessory, especially when running diamond discs of any type. These do break and wear out eventually, so take good care of them. Reinforce the thin area at the back with Red Tape to help avoid premature breakage. Keep the splash guard clean and be careful with the Velcro. Always keep some type of Super Glue handy, for in-the-field repairs, on these type items and for Velcro repair, too.  

Look at all those accessories! Foam partition walls, Tape & Drape, gloves, spray bottles, oh my.

I always recommend doing a test area on any project to confirm both the results and procedure. Also, the best way to help ensure success is by partnering with a good distributor, like BB Industries, that knows the business. They can help with technical support, product purchase decisions, logistics, and other pertinent project information.  

Bob Murrell has worked in the natural stone industry for over 40 years and is well known for his expertise in natural stone, tile, and decorative concrete restoration and maintenance. He helped develop some of the main products and processes which revolutionized the industry, and is currently the Director of Operations for M3 Technologies.
Send your comments and questions to Bob at attn:publisher@slipperyrockgazette.net .