[IntaglioPrintmaker]

Thanks for your response! Uneven plate thickness wouldn’t be a problem. I may end up using hand tools. I’d also like to know how to get the job done using power tools. I found the following instructions for polishing smaller plates. While this method would work for smaller plates, anything larger than say 9”x12” would be a bit unwieldy. ~Thanks again~

1. Mount the plate to a block of wood using small nails. The wood block should have a smaller piece glued underneath it to act as a handle.
2. Remove big scratches with stitched sisal wheel and black emery compound (cutting action)
3. Move to stitched muslin wheel with brown (tripoli) compound (first cutting, then polishing action)
4. Move to stitched muslin wheel with white compound (first cutting, then polishing action)
5. Move to buffing board or non-stitched muslin wheel with red compound until you have a mirror finish
6. Wrap your polished plates in soft paper towels for transport / shipping (I use Scott Shop towels made by the Kimberly Clark Corporation)