plumberinaz
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2013
Posts: 186
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Post by plumberinaz on Aug 11, 2014 19:17:17 GMT -5
I have been dying to get a facet machine and was wondering if anyone had some info on what brand might be good? What stuff I might need as well for the machine...Those kinda things!
If anyone knows of anyone that might be able to teach me the basics of faceting and maybe alittle more.. I would be willing to pay! Anyway I basically want info at this point!! Thank you!
Chris
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2014 21:03:19 GMT -5
perhaps @rockincajun Ray would like to chime in. There is a faceter's list at yahoo groups and they are super knowledgeable and totally willing to help newbies. USGF is the organization sponsoring the group.
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Post by DirtCleaner on Aug 15, 2014 21:37:15 GMT -5
One place to hook up with is facetingacademy.com. But in an answer to your question I have read numerous bits of advice and all say to be very wary of getting used equipment. Or, if you do go used make sure it is from a current manufacturer. You can get some deals on units that are missing parts/laps etc. but I have found out that that is a good way to toss your money out. But spend some time on the internet looking and see what prices are. $2,500 and up seems to be the point where you can get complete tools that are possibly worth your $$. Yeah, there is a bit of double talk in this but just want you to be wary before dropping $1,000 on something that needs $2,000 more to get it working.
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plumberinaz
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2013
Posts: 186
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Post by plumberinaz on Aug 16, 2014 0:18:08 GMT -5
I am getting a new Ultra Tec V5 faceting machine, I figure if I am gunna do this might as well get the best!! You end up buying the cheaper one you just wanna upgrade soon anyway and stuff is made cheaper when you go with the cheaper units. www.ultratec-facet.com/V5.htm
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plumberinaz
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2013
Posts: 186
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Post by plumberinaz on Aug 16, 2014 0:21:46 GMT -5
I actually met this guy on facebook who lives in Sedona,AZ and he said he is willing to give me lessons 6-8 hours for $250!! This guy is also a world renowned gem cutter that has cut world record stones, He just cut a 1350ct topaz for one of the guys from the prospector show it was over 3000ct before he cut it!!! Kinda excited to get started in this new venture!!! Damn that is a big stone!
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Post by orrum on Aug 16, 2014 6:37:13 GMT -5
Go to Quartzite, lessons are $3 per half day average.
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RocknCritter
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 489
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Post by RocknCritter on Aug 16, 2014 7:56:09 GMT -5
The V5 is a top of the line faceting machine and should be a real joy for cutting. Before making the commitment to lessons, check which brand of machine you will be learning on. There are some differences between brands and it helps tremendously to learn on the same type of machine you have. Also, weigh the cost vs. benefits of a group lesson vs. one-on-one instruction. Personally I would go for the individual lessons and hope to develope a long term relationship with an experienced facetor. They are often very excited to share their knowledge and have someone to mentor.
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Post by mohs on Aug 18, 2014 11:58:32 GMT -5
serious machine compound angles rocks !
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Post by mohs on Aug 18, 2014 12:00:18 GMT -5
once you learn i'll be over to take my lessons
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,789
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Post by gemfeller on Aug 18, 2014 13:11:45 GMT -5
If your teacher is Stephen Kotlowski you've found one of the best. You've also chosen a fine machine.
In faceting the cost of the machine is one of the lesser concerns however. When you add in cutting and polishing laps, accessories and all the special bells and whistles faceters can't resist the costs add up. And if you plan to cut fine natural material, get ready to be shocked at the cost of quality rough. But the pleasures of learning and seeing finished results is very gratifying, even with lower-cost rough like quartzes, etc. Have fun!
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