Nice video and well organized shop, Justin. (Cliff told me about this video.) I like the racks for your disks... Certainly gave me an idea. I currently store most of my laps in a large machinist's tool box, but find myself keeping a lot of the more common laps in a file organizer... handy but your method looks better. Since my wife also facets, we have two machines, back-to-back in a small extra bedroom. Accordingly, my saw(s), a flat lap, a CabKing, and a hanging Foredom machine are in the garage on a long bench. I'm now a subscriber... Thanks for the informative video.
Thanks. I love those lap holders which were actually plate holders from the local dollar store. We must have 13 racks between my wifes laps and my laps! 2 people can acquire a lot of gear! Thanks for the subscribe and enjoy!
Yes its pretty nice. I got it from World Jewelry Tools in Bangkok. They are about $250 if I remember correctly. Ive had it for around 3 years and its doing well. I looked on the site and they don't have it so maybe you can only get that one in the store. www.wjtgroup.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=saw
Hi Justin fascinated by your videos thanks for your content. I have just purchased the ST 08 from Sterling in Sri Lanka mainly thanks to your videos, and would be grateful if you could just let me know the height including your blocks you sit the machine on, and the depth, back to front needed to fit the machine on, a lot of words for what’s the size of the kit. I mentioned to the team at Sterling that it was your videos that inspired the purchase. Once again thanks, and I can’t wait for it to arrive.
Hello. Glad to have inspired you. My machine base is sitting at 68cm above the floor which after much tweaking, I have decided is perfect for me. Back to front the base of the machine is 40cm and the whole machine with plate is 65cm. I have my plate hanging off the desk so I can get "under" it even further. I hope that helps.
Hmm good question. We had a local Machine shop make the aluminum ones in the school but the ones I use at home are homemade. Just get a piece of wood and get a drill bit the same size as the dops and drill a bunch of holes and try to go in straight lines. If you have a drill press it’s even easier.
Hi, Justin - I was just wondering is it possible to use a electric tile saw - swap out the blade for a lapidary one - and it be of use ? and if this is a bad idea could you explain why - what is the brand on your saw ?
I've heard of people doing this. It seems to be ok. Im using a combo saw/preformer from sterling but before that I was using a cheap plastic trim saw from the local lapidary shop, no brand.
No, but you really don’t need it in the left-handed version. I’m left-handed and it’s quite nice to have it in your right hand. Your left hand is controlling the plate but it’s also free to pick up your loupe or pick up a pen and take a note. No problem either way.
Just any international plug. You are going from Indian plug to USA plug. Just make sure the voltage matches up. If the machine is 220v you need a step down or maybe step up converter.
Which refraction/immersion liquid would you recommend to use for spotting inclussions in Spessartine garnet? Cinnamon oil has an RI of ~1.60 and 1-Bromonaphthalene is ~1.66. Do you think the 1-B would provide enough improvement to justify the extra considerations ($, safety, etc)? Or maybe, do you think neither would be of much use? Other recommendations?
@@JustinKPrim It helps to be smart - I never thought of that, thanks! If you don't mind another question: I'm thinking/leaning-towards getting a Polymetric Scintillator and I believe you used one prior to switching to the Sri Lanka... question is, would you recommend (based solely on quality of parts and workmanship) a Poly or an Ultra Tec?
@@jillbluerei4806 first let me say I’ve only used second hand Ultratecs and never a v5. I sold both my v2s to get a used Polymetric Scintillator and I don’t regret it. The machine is great. Machine is Cheaper. Service is cheaper. Parts are cheaper. That’s it. I still have mine and still use it occasionally. However the sterling stole my heart and I don’t enjoy faceting on a mast machine anymore.
@@JustinKPrim Thank you so much for you willingness to share your experience. I understand the draw, artistically, to the hand-piece - I have no doubt I will someday start using one for the very same reason. For now, I'll tell Zane, "Justin sent me".
Hey Justin, I am starting the learning process. I have Montana Saphire inbound, some quartz on hand, and some lab cz inbound. I am learning the basic round brilliant in class now. We only get 3 hours a week on the machine. I will have my machine at the house in a few days. What would you recommend one do to with the inventory I have and inbound to help keep enough money to come in to just keep enough rough to use it as a hobby? thanks. I am not looking to become rich doing this for sure. Just for fun. The machine I purchased was a Facetron.
Oh since I was trained to do metal casting in the dental business I also want to try crafting my own rings for some of the gems. I also have an Anycubic photon and I can just print the ring patterns that I create.
@@michaelt5082 Start an instagram and post your stones on instagram for sale. It might take a while to build an audience, but its a good way to share your creations. We make most of our sales through instagram.
Hi Justin. Chris M. here. Can you please tell me where I might obtain one of those Lenses that has the Measurement Scale in it ? Does it have a specific name or primary use that might help me locate one ? I think I could make great use of one of those. Thx in Advance.
At the current time no, but we have a view series that should be done next month that is essentially a video based class on how to cut your first stone. I'll announce it via social media when its ready. Its about 13 hours long and should be easy to follow.
When faceting, we always cut with water and polish with oil, so there isn't much gem debris and particles in the air, however some people do cut with a respirator, especially when cutting silica-based stones like quartz and glass. I don't find it to be necessary in my practice.
@@timcapelle yes a respirator or ventilation and plenty of water would be good. Silicates can destroy your lungs. I almost never cut Opal, glass, or quartz.
