FACETING AND CABOCHON

[shaman15771]

I always seem to have a bunch of questions. Looking into cabbing machines and faceting. Is the Cab King a good one? What is recommended for faceting?

Thanks a bunch, this is a great group!

 

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[Eu_citzen]

Cabbking is good, I've used it for pupils and for production cutting. I think 3-4 years now.

As for faceting, get the best you can afford. Many swear by Ultra-Tec, but they are extraordinary expensive. Supposed to be "top of the line".
I've heard of many liking Facetron to, the one I've seen looked pretty rugged. Never used either, I rely on a Raytech Shaw, but wouldn't recommend it.

 

[gunsil]

I don't really like the modern grinder/polishers like cab king or diamond pacific although I own a Titan. I much prefer my older Raytech 8" machines with variable speeds. The motor mounted wheel machines like cab king and diamond pacific are great for hard stones like jasper and agate they are very aggressive, but I prefer running much lower RPM for softer stones like variscite, malachite, etc. The machines with the wheels mounted on the motor shafts are all one speed and in my opinion cut too fast for softer stones. Older style machines with the wheels on a shaft and a separate motor are often multi speed machines which give you more control. Any machine with a separate motor can be made variable speed with the use of a variable speed drive pulley like Raytech used on their older machines. Most of your older lapidary equipment was designed to last a lifetime and there are often great deals on used equipment. I got a Highland Park 14" saw on ebay for $450 and it cost $150 to ship it to me, but you cannot really buy a better one new today for any price. Always check craigslist and ebay for deals on used high quality equipment.

 

[shaman15771]

Thank you all so much. When you are looking at very expensive machines, you want to have some idea of whether they do a good job or not. I've got a tile saw and a jool tool. Will these be an improvement you think?

 

[Eu_citzen]

I always keep worn down grinding wheels for softer materials on the cabbking. It works just as well as variable speed IMO.