Tool Sequence for a Countertop Edge on a CNC Work Center

A finished countertop edge is the result of several tools used in a fixed order. This guide lays out a typical order on a CNC work center and ties each step to a KDRILLS stone line product family. It is a general outline. Your machine, program and stone decide the details, and nothing here is a feed, speed or tool-life specification.

Step 1: stubbing

Stubbing takes off the bulk of the waste so the later tools do not have to. The Stubbing Wheels (series KRI) are listed in diameters of 50, 54, 85 and 90 mm and thicknesses of 20, 25 and 30 mm, as sintered wheels in segmented or slotted shapes.

Step 2: routing and finger bits

Cut-outs and inside corners need a finger bit. The Standard Routers (series FR) are listed at 20 and 24 mm in several working heights, and the data sheet gives each code with its diameter, working height and sector count. If you prefer to cut in successive passes, use the Routers for Cut in Several Steps. To shape the inside edge of a sink cut-out, the Profiling Routers come in 20 and 25 mm diameters on a 1/2 inch gas junction.

Step 3: profiling positions

This is where the edge takes its shape. A profile set is run in the order of its positions: 1B (segmented) first, then 2H, 3N and 4S, followed by resin polishing. The choice of set depends on the profile letter, the slab thickness and the radius, as described in the guide to stone edge profiles. The High Speed Peripheral Wheels (GHS) are also made for all profiles with a diameter greater than 40 mm.

Step 4: polishing

After the diamond positions comes polishing. Resin polishing wheels follow, listed by grit, 600 and 1000 on most data sheets. Rubber or resinoid polishers are part of the standard set, and rubber polishing is available on demand. For marble and granite, the order of the grits runs from coarse to fine, and each step must remove the marks of the one before.

Step 5: drain grooves

If the job has drain grooves, they are cut with their own tools. The Drain Groove Routers come in sets of three positions, 1E, 2N and 3Q, plus a rubber polishing router. The Drain Groove Wheels (series KGG) come in 100, 140 and 180 mm diameters with radii of 5, 7 and 10 mm, as a diamond wheel and a polishing wheel. The product page describes the wheel range as usable on marbles, granites and synthetic materials; the data sheet lists marble and granite. Where the groove goes in the sequence depends on your program.

Holes and sintered surfaces

Faucet and accessory holes are drilled with the Drill Bits for CNC Machines, as described in the guide on how to choose a CNC diamond drill bit. For Dekton, the Dekton Peripheral Wheels are supplied as a set. The CNC version of the Dekton drill bits is listed for CNC work centers and the hand version for hand drills.

Checking the set before you run

Before you order a full sequence, confirm four points. The tool holder or junction must match your spindle. The wheel hole (22 or 35 mm on the profile wheels) must match the adapter. The slab thickness must exist for your profile. The radius must match the edge you quote. Run the first piece on a scrap offcut of the same stone and thickness, and look at each position before you move to the next one, so that a problem shows up at the step that caused it and not at the polish.

Tell us your sequence

If you send us your current tool list and the profile you run, we can map it to the listed KDRILLS products or quote the missing ones. Include the profile letter, the slab thickness and the positions you run today. Use the contact page or write to [email protected].