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DIY Faceting Machine

Using a faceting machine is simple, but sculpting your gem to the ideal shape requires a certain amount of expertise. Three elements should be considered when using your faceting machine, including angle, height and index. The height is a term that refers to the depth of a facet cut. This maintains consistent rows, even depth and identical-sized cuts. The slant or plane of the process is based on the angle of the facet machine. Index shapes the gemstone, carving the outline of your gem. Understanding these elements will assist you in operating the facet machine.

Things You'll Need

Dop wax
Dop stick
Gemstones
Polishing discs
Lighter

Instructions

- 1
  Melt the dop wax with a lighter and apply it to the dop stick. Insert the gemstone in the wax when it is still soft. Let the wax harden around the gem so that it sticks in place.
- 2
  Set the height of the faceting machine based on where you feel the most comfortable by turning the knob on the side and lifting the machine. Secure the knob when you reach the desired height.
- 3
  Turn a knob to adjust the quill on the faceting machine to give you the angle that you feel most comfortable at.
- 4
  Arrange the trigger grip to the numbered notch that provides you with the trigger wheel with the best maneuverability when cutting the gem.
- 5
  Grab the dop stick and gently touch the gem to the facet machine. Closely monitor the cutting process.
- 6
  Remove the grinding wheel by lifting it from the top. Place a lapping wheel onto the facet machine to polish the gem.

Gemology