Gem faceting and cabochon cutting are fascinating hobbies that transform rough gemstones into stunning, polished pieces of art. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a gem enthusiast, learning about these techniques and the machines involved can elevate your skills and bring joy to your lapidary projects. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential tools, tips, and steps to get started with gem faceting and cabochon cutting machines.
Introduction to Gem Faceting and Cabochon Cutting
Gem cutting is a timeless craft that brings out the natural beauty of gemstones. Two popular methods are faceting and cabochon cutting. Faceting involves creating flat surfaces on a gem, while cabochon cutting shapes the gem into a smooth, domed form. Both techniques require specialised machines, which we’ll discuss in detail.
The Popularity of Gem Cutting
Gem cutting has gained popularity among hobbyists and gem enthusiasts for its creative and rewarding nature. The process of transforming a rough stone into a beautiful gem is both challenging and fulfilling. With the right tools and knowledge, anyone can start their gem-cutting journey.
What is a Faceting Machine?
Faceting machines are the primary tools for creating faceted gemstones. These machines add facets to minerals, enhancing their brilliance and sparkle. They come in various designs and are used to cut precious gemstones, including diamonds. Let’s explore the different types and features of faceting machines.
These machines consist of a broad category of devices used to place facets onto any mineral specimen and polish it. They are generally used to produce cut precious gemstones from unrefined gems, but they can be used to add facets to any crystalline mineral.
The types of machines available for cutting gemstones can be divided into a couple different categories. There are machines intended for commercial purposes that are designed to produce large numbers of accurately cut gems, and they are consumer machines marketing to hobbyists. Another distinction is whether or not a machine can cut diamonds.
How do you choose the right machine?
Lapidary machines are fairly simple devices with only a couple variations in design, but there are a few things to consider when shopping for one.
- New or pre-owned: Pre-owned machines that have been well-maintained may be more affordable than new machines.
- Mast or platform: Most machines use the mast and lap design that holds a gem on a mast and lower it against a spinning wheel. There are also platform machines, which use a separate handpiece, that is used by skilled gem-cutters.
- Diamond cutting: Cutting diamonds requires special equipment because of their hardness. If you plan to handle this gemstone, make sure the machine you buy can cut it.
What accessories are available for these machines?
Many lapidary machines are custom built from standard parts, so there is plenty of opportunity to upgrade or modify them with aftermarket components and accessories.
- Indexing gears: These gears control the distance the gemstone is rotated for each facet cut, which ensures that the exact symmetry desired is obtained for the finished gemstone.
- Cutting dials: These tools can help with calibrating and measuring the angle at which the machine is set to cut a facet.
- Lap sets: The lap is the spinning disk that a gemstone is cut against. They come in several different materials suited to polishing or cutting minerals of different hardness ratings.
- Dops: These are holders that a rough gemstone is attached to when it is cut. Dops come in many shapes and are made of aluminium, steel, and brass.
Hi Tech Diamond Machines
Hi Tech Diamond machines are a popular choice for cabochon cutting, offering a great starting point for beginners. These machines are available in the USA for around $500 and are known for their reliability and ease of use. Let’s explore what makes these machines stand out.
Benefits of Hi Tech Diamond Machines
Hi Tech Diamond machines offer several benefits for hobbyists and gem enthusiasts:
- Ease of Use: Designed for beginners, these machines are user-friendly and require minimal setup.
- Affordability: Priced around $500, they provide excellent value for money.
- Exclusive Discounts: Use the coupon code “GOLDHUNTER” for a 10% discount (excluding machines, extended warranties, and gift cards).
Books and Resources for Gem Cutting
Learning gem cutting involves continuous education and practice. There are several books and resources available to help you master the art of faceting and cabochon cutting. Here are some recommendations:
Recommended Books
- Gem Cutting: A Lapidary’s Manual, 2nd Edition by John Sinkankas
- Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1 by Tom Herbst
- Gemstones: A complete color reference for precious and semiprecious stones of the world by Mary Johnson
Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials
1800RPM Gem Faceting Machine
The polishing machine is made of high-quality metal and is durable. The speed is up to 1800 rpm. The manipulator can be operated at multiple angles and can be adjusted up and down; the operation is flexible and convenient. The gem cutting machine is equipped with lamps and buckets for natural polishing, suitable for cutting, engraving, drilling, grinding, polishing, and so on. Shipped from Sydney, NSW. Available on eBay Australia.
- Excellent Quality
- Variable Speed & Low Noise
- Manipulator & Lifting Design
- Light & Bucket Design
Features:
*Low noise
*Infinitely variable speed
*Stainless steel, precision and durable
*Installed water tank
*Full copper motor
*The handle can be parallel to the grinding disc
Specifications:
*Voltage: AC 110-240V
*Power: 120W
*Speed: 0-1800RPM (adjustable)
*Grinding disc size: diameter 150mm/5.91”
Workbench size: 200400mm/7.88*15.76”
*Machine size: 200400200mm/7.8815.767.88”
**Weight: 6.5KG
Browse a range of gem faceting tools on ebay here from Australia and then cheaper models from overseas:
