Faceting Made Easy, Part 2: Faceting Machines and Equipment

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PinkDiamond
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Faceting Made Easy, Part 2: Faceting Machines and Equipment

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This is part 2 of the 6 part series from the International Gem Society, the first being Gem Cutting Acronyms And Meanings, and Advanced Cutting Techniques For Cabs which can be found here:
viewtopic.php?f=39&t=1519

Faceting Made Easy, Part 2: Faceting Machines and Equipment

by Trevor Hannam

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The Halls MKII. Remember, no faceting machines, no matter how good, will work as well as your eyes. The old saying, “Cut a little, look a lot,” always applies.

"Note: This is a six-part edited version of Trevor Hannam’s Faceting Made Easy, a general introduction to faceting and a guide for learning to cut a standard brilliant gem. Part 2 covers Chapters 2, 3, and 4. These chapters cover the faceting machines and other equipment beginners need to get started. The International Gem Society thanks Mr. Hannam for permission to post his work."

"Faceting Machines

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Take a look at the layouts of these different machines. You’ll learn what all the parts and terms mean in the next section.

Today, all faceting machines can be considered marvels of modern engineering. Some are better than others. Some offer more incentives with gimmicks and attachments. Ultimately, faceters must decide what suits them best. Your main criteria should be ease of operation in the standard cutting mode.

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Ultra Tec Faceting Machine

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Camper Series Faceting Machine

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Gem Master G1 Faceting Machine

Parts and Terminology

Quill and Alignment Tool

The quill (sometimes called a “dop arm”) houses the mounted dop stick. It’s attached to the toothed gear known as the index wheel. This quill has either a self-center chuck or a small set screw to lock the dop stick in position.

Some faceting machines don’t have alignment notches built into the quill or transfer jig. Alignment tools make life easier for aligning facets between the crown and pavilion. A good machine should have at least one of these. The alignment tool allows for perfect realignment, in case you must remove or replace the dop stick at any stage while cutting or polishing.

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Index Wheel and Cheater ... "

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/face ... equipment/
PinkDiamond
ISG Registered Gemologist


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