“Beauty is an abstract subject ! However, this criterion speaks for itself when a stone is admired by everyone.”
The faceting arm features a digital display accurate to 0.01°. The hundredth of a degree should be taken as a pressure indicator. It is therefore easy to repeat several facets at the same angle and to easily find them again for polishing, for example.
The faceting bowl is solidly constructed and includes a notch for cutting the layers. When not needed, a cover is provided to prevent water from escaping.
Its variable-speed motor is reliable, and it is also possible to adjust the minimum speed via a screw on the variator's circuit board.
A light is integrated into the workstation. It is equipped with a flexible arm that allows it to be moved.
The machine is precise and allows for any design to be made, regardless of its complexity.
The price/performance ratio is, in my opinion, a good compromise.
The machine accepts 8" (approx. 200 mm) and 6" (approx. 150 mm) size discs with a 1/2" central bore (the American standard).
The disc locking nut comes with a protective rubber. In case of a sudden movement, the stone touches the rubber rather than the metal.
The machine is available in both right-handed and left-handed versions.
The faceting bowl is made of metal. If a stone slips during preforming, for example, there is a risk of damage (see improvement suggestions).
The disc locking system is done via a screw nut, which takes some time if the disc needs to be changed frequently.
The set screw that holds the dop in the faceting head tends to rust over time (easily replaceable).
Sometimes the drive belt of the disc vibrates, so one must get used to a slight noise.
At the time of writing, the faceting machine must be imported from the United States; there is no resale point in France.
The locking nut for obtaining the desired angle of the faceting head relative to the disc is not very effective. As a result, the cutting angle can easily be misadjusted if one is not careful.
The mounting system of the arm (bolt + nut) is not fantastic and does not allow smooth movement along the intended axis.
When the 9V battery is low, the displayed angles become unstable. This is noticeable quickly but can be alarming: why does it show 35° when I set it to 40°? :)
The turntable only rotates clockwise.
Faceting bowl made of metal: a rubber protection can be installed to prevent stones from hitting it, e.g., a used inner tube.
Dop set screw: it is easy to find others to replace it from time to time.
The locking nut to obtain the desired angle can be replaced by a wing nut for a much more effective grip.
Change the arm mounting system so it can slide better in its housing.
For those who handle electricity: it is possible to install a three-position switch to change the rotation direction of the turntable -> clockwise | stop | counterclockwise.
As you have probably understood from this article, this faceting machine has advantages and disadvantages like all machines on the market: from high-end to low-end.
However, it remains a robust piece of equipment that can be used professionally and offers a good price/performance ratio. Any design can be approached with confidence, and its reliability allows you to depend on it at any time.
I therefore recommend this equipment to both passionate lapidaries and professionals.
Beautiful and creative faceting to everyone!
NB: Since the writing of this article, the company producing this machine has closed its doors.
All our stones are certified by Julien Boemo (FGA), gemologist graduated from the international Gem-A school in London.
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