Most Excellent!!!
Thanks for showing everything, especially the link to your sanding sponges, going to save me a lot of time in the future. I've been sanding with strips of 600x, then going through all micro mesh, then Novus 1,2 polishes. Takes longer to sand/polish than to turn them.
Q: are you using the sponges wet or dry?
Your process is essentially the same as what I've done, just differs a little in work holding and tools (I don't have carbide). Just a note, that this process also works well if you are turning them from wood.