mattcc
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2022
Posts: 19
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Post by mattcc on Dec 3, 2022 22:50:43 GMT -5
So, I was considering buying a Lap Dancer faceting arm. What attracts me to it is that it is independent of the lap, and that it is not necessary to have its mast perfectly perpendicular to the plane of the lap. (At least it appears this way in the instructional videos they have.)
My question for anyone who owns or has used one is what are the limitations of the lap dancer? I know it can't do everything a proper faceting machine can, but I don't know what those things are.
I am new to faceting. I have a good flat lap and laps, but no actual faceting mast/arm or hand piece. I want to get my own machine, but my budget is right about the cost of the Lap Dancer. Would it be a mistake to buy one if what I really want to do is facet gems?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Dec 5, 2022 11:17:14 GMT -5
I haven't used a Lap Dancer but I believe that it is intended for faceting large sized glass. According to it's product description it only has " two angle selectors: a 30º selector with angles every 15 degrees and a 45º selector with angles every 22.5 degrees" which would prevent if from being capable of producing most proper gemstone design angles and indexes.
IMO if faceting jewelry sized stones is your goal, then as far as new machines go the Raytech-Shaw or the Poly-Metric "Crystal-tek-87" model would be the most affordable entry level machines. Both are good machines made by companies that are still in business. And as far as my experiences go both have always given me good customer service.
Or as an alternative, a used Graves Mark IV is usually the most affordable entry level used machine. But if purchasing a used Graves machine just make sure it's in good shape because Graves no longer appears to be a functioning company so new parts may be difficult to come by.
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Post by Rockoonz on Dec 5, 2022 13:06:11 GMT -5
I agree with QuailRiver, only one index and the very manual angle setup is only good for big ornamental stuff, not gemstones. The platter on a facetor is also important if you need real precision any old flat lap won't do. I have a Graves MK1 that I modified with a servomotor and controller for a sewing machine for variable speed, but it's only used as a lap and for intarsia, I've seen them on FB marketplace for as low as $400. I don't facet. A used MK4 will be closer to $1k for a good deal. If you are on FB there are some good facetor groups |
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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 5, 2022 21:55:31 GMT -5
Matt, a Lap Dancer is only limited by experience and grace! Don't be afraid to follow your dreams! LOL  |
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vance71975
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 760
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Post by vance71975 on Dec 7, 2022 12:51:30 GMT -5
Matt, a Lap Dancer is only limited by experience and grace! Don't be afraid to follow your dreams! LOL in my experience a lap dancer is only limited by how much you tip! |
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