Installation help for a rookie...

Hey everyone--i'm installing Granite (http://tanbrown.org) in my kitchen i've remodeled sometime during the next couple of weeks. I've never done this before, but after reading various websites (and (http://maplered.com) most importantly, this website) i think i've got a decent hand (http://maplered.com) le on how to do this. The only issue is how to get this looking as close to professional as possible.

The good thing is that i've only got 2 seams. One is through the middle of the sink and (http://maplered.com) the other is at the angle of the "L" shape Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) top. The angle cut isn't a 45 degree cut, but rather it runs parallel to the long Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) with the sink on it.

The major logistical problem i have is joining the two ends of the long Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) top at the sink, mounting the sink and (http://maplered.com) safely mounting it atop my cabinets. Once attached, it is going to be 11 long. I need to attach the 2 pieces and (http://maplered.com) then mount my undermount sink. (I've decided use the "v" cut technique mentioned on this site to insert the screws for the brackets.)

1. The question is, would it be better if i joined the seams at the sink withe the Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) top faced down, attach the sink, flip it over with the help of some friends and (http://maplered.com) then finish the seam once its flipped over? I'm afraid that if i were to join the seams with it face up, then flip it over to attach the sink, that i'll break the seam (or worse, somewhere else around the sink cutout) due to the weight of each end of the Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) top. I figure once the sink is mounted, this will add some stability to the Stone (http://g603.net) for when i flip it over for installation.

2. If i attach the seams with the Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) top upside down, do i need to protect the surface against the plywood i've installed over teh cabinets? I know Granite (http://tanbrown.org) is quite hard, but i don't want to risk any scratches.

Thanks in advance for your help and (http://maplered.com) suggestions!