Lapidary and Faceting Equipment

Which laps and polishes can produce the flattest facets and sharpest edges on gemstones? Our lap testing compares tin, Corian, and ceramic.

Before investing in an expensive piece of equipment, learn how to examine these gem faceting machine features, so you can get the best tool for your…

No single gemstone polishing method will work for all people or all stones. Our guide will help you choose laps and techniques that work for you.…

Using the right gem cutting abrasives is critical for gem cutters. Our grit, mesh, and micron conversion chart will help you choose the correct…

Most gem cutters prefer using scored polishing laps. They work better and faster than non-scored laps. Learn how to score and break in your lap.…

What’s the best abrasive for polishing natural gems? An oxide polish is usually the best option. Learn the different uses of oxide and diamond polishes.…

A dichroscope can distinguish the colors of pleochroic gems. Learn how gem cutters can use this tool to choose the best faceting designs for these…

What’s the best faceting machine for you? We’ll review models from all over the world in terms of cost and factors like reliability, accuracy,…

Sintered laps are expensive, metal/diamond bonded gem cutting laps. Are they worth the investment? Learn about their advantages and disadvantages.…

Hyper-Edge gem faceting laps will save you time and money. In particular, learn how the 1,500-grit lap compares with other types of laps.

Ultra Tec factory is located in Santa Ana, California, It is a factory where machines for faceting is made and has been in the industry for quite some…

Solidscapes pretty much do anything, and at a detail level and precision that is just not possible using the old traditional wax carving methods.…

“Just ask Jeff” gives tips on choosing the right Faceting Machine. Several discounter’s will sell anything that they can and do not care about the…

Just Ask Jeff: Care and Treatment of Laps – “Just Ask Jeff” gives a few tips on the basic things to do in the care of your laps and laps treatment

Get the insight of Jeff on all your questions and concerns about Gemstones. “Just ask Jeff” tackles faceting machine and a few helpful things you…

Buying a used faceting machine is a lot like buying a used car, you can get a good one but you need to know the faceting machine considerations when…

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and ideas on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Just ask Jeff: Review: Graves Faceting…

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Just ask Jeff: Review: Facetron Faceting Machine.…

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Just ask Jeff: Review: Ultra Tec Faceting Machine.…

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What is my opinion on laps? What do I use?…

What faceting equipment do novices need to learn to cut gems? Learn what faceting machines, laps, books, and supplies are most suitable for beginners.…

The Spectra Ultralap is an excellent choice for polishing quartz and beryl gemstones. Learn how to use this lap and maximize its practical life.…

Just Ask Jeff: Do you really need faceting add-ons like dial, indicators, stain gauges, down lights, digital read outs? Read the opinions of Jeff…

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See the several ways to clean dops on Just Ask Jeff:How do I clean…

Jeff R Graham talks about unaligned machine in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What do I do if I think my machine is out of alignment?

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See his answer to Questions you need to ask when buying a digital Faceting Machine?…

Just Ask Jeff: Contaminated Laps? Bort Charging Laps? Jeff R. Graham shares some details and helpful information on contaminated laps or bort…

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and ideas on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Just ask Jeff: Review: OMNI Faceting Machine.…

Just Ask Jeff: Do I need a ceramic lap and how do I get it to work?Whether you need ceramic lap or not, really depends on what type of cutting you are doing…

Ultra Tec Faceting Machine Review . The Ultra Tec has been referred to as the BMW of faceting machines. We had 1 tested by 3 people who own other brands.…

The least expensive digital scale for gem use is now the GemPro 50. It sells for around $150, which is quite a bit less than anything else on the market.…

A Product Review on Sony Cyber-shot. Overall, it is an excellent camera and I was surprised by the low cost.The image quality is excellent at any…

A Digital Panel Meter (DPM) can measure angles to 0.01 degree if a precision instrument potentiometer is used and a stable reference voltage is…

Retrofitting The Lee Faceter for a Digital Readout. This is the second in a series of articles on how to convert your faceting machine to a digital…

Retrofitting The Graves Faceter for a Digital Readout. Being a more “finished” unit, there is less flexibility for field modification. More information…

This will be a challenge because the MDR machine uses adjustable needle bearings on the trunnion assembly.Retrofitting The MDR Faceter for a Digital…

One serious pitfall for the novice is the quality of advice they get in choosing what faceting machine to buy. Here are a few tips in choosing the right…

Our gem faceting machine comparison chart will help you evaluate a number of models based on numerous features. Find the machine that’s best…

The History of the Beale/Woolley Depth of Cut Indicator.It was after Marcus and his wife Marie opened up a retirement business, the Amherst County…

Recently, a survey was taken to see what kind of Facet Machines are being used by members of the Faceter’s Digest . 246 people had responded to the…

Buying a faceting machine means making compromises between economy, looks, and technical features. Learn what questions to ask before you make…