What is a gemstone cutting machine and how to choose one?
If you are interested in the art of gem cutting, you may be wondering what the best machine is and what tools you need to get started.
Well, in general, we can say that everything depends on the type of gemstone, the cut and your personal or commercial objectives.
For example, a faceting machine allows you to make faceted and cabochon cuts, but a cabbing machine is not appropriate for faceting gems.
With over 20 years of experience in this industry, we know that purchasing a gem cutting machine can be a significant investment.
Therefore, below we are going to tell you everything you need to know about:
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The types of gemstone cutting machines, their advantages and disadvantages
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The factors that you should take into account when choosing a gem faceting machine
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Other related machines: the lapidary trim saw, the rock tumbler and the cabbing machine
Let's start by looking at the characteristics of each type of machine, its main advantages and disadvantages.
Types of gem cutting machines
Currently, gemstone cutting machines are grouped into these 3 main categories:
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Jamb Peg machines
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Mast machines
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Handpiece machines
Find out below what the main characteristics of each one are, so that you can learn to differentiate them and to compare their benefits.
1. Jamb Peg machine (Évention in France, Invención in Colombia)
Advantages:
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It’s ideal for gem cutting companies
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You can make your own machine
Disadvantages:
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It takes time to master
The Jamb Peg is quite popular in France (Évention) and is the most traditional gem cutting machine.
Its design has undergone significant changes over time and there is no standard. Therefore, if you want to get precise cuts, you should look for a high-quality Jamb Peg.
The Jamb Peg is known in Colombia under the name of "Invención" and is the most widely used machine for faceting emeralds.
We have been using this method for several years, and that’s why we can assure you that speed is the main advantage of this machine.
Therefore, if you combine a quality Jamb Peg with a speed-controlled motor, you can have a machine for cutting gems in quantity and with high levels of precision.
Before making any purchase, you have to know that some manufacturers sell the complete machine with the frame.
However, it is also common to find individual parts for sale, so that you can make your own machine.
The reasons are simple:
If you're building a solid, stable frame, simply attach the Jamb Peg firmly to the surface to start cutting.
This way, you can make a single machine, but you can also make a double one to keep the grinding and faceting area separated from the polishing area.
Look at this example of the Jamb Peg Machine that Oscar Bautista uses:
We believe that the only disadvantage of this machine is related to the time it takes to master its method.
This happens because there are no manuals or standard diagrams for you to make the cuts, due to the different versions that the Jamb Peg has.
Therefore, you will probably need to take some gem cutting courses if you want to learn how to work with this machine.
2. Mast machine
Advantages:
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It’s a high precision machine
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It’s intuitive and easy to learn
Disadvantages:
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It’s not as fast as other machines
Mast-type machines are the most popular on the market, and are represented by such well-known American brands as Ultra Tec, Facetron and Poly-Metric.
These machines are usually more expensive than the other types but are characterized by their high precision.
In addition, in modern Mast machines you find digitalization, new functionalities and improved accessories to make flat and concave facets, depending on the model.
For this reason, they are widely used by artists participating in gem cutting competitions.
On the other hand, you should know that these machines are not very fast.
So if you are planning to cut large quantities of gemstones or open a gem cutting company, the Mast machine is not the most recommended.
However, it’s a great option if you want it to cut for hobby, to participate in competitions, or if the time for cutting is not an issue for you.
Another big advantage is that learning on these machines is relatively easy, which makes them ideal if you are just starting out in this art.
In addition, on the internet you can find hundreds of diagrams that you can use as a basis to make from the simplest to the most complex cuts.
You will be surprised to see that these machines have evolved quite a bit over time.
For example, in the following image you can see a classic: the Sapphire gem faceting machine, which was manufactured by the Arrow Profile Company in the 1970s.
Despite being an old machine, it’s well preserved and that’s why we use it in some videos on our YouTube channel.
3. Handpiece machine
Advantages:
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It’s a fast machine
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It’s characterized by its high precision
Disadvantages:
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It takes time to master
The Handpiece machine is represented worldwide by brands such as Raytechshaw from the United States and Sterling from Sri Lanka.
The main advantage is its speed, and this makes it ideal for gem cutting companies or for people who need to have results within a certain time.
As a disadvantage, you should know that it takes time to master the technique. However, once you learn the method, you can obtain cuts with high levels of precision.
“Each method has its own learning curve that not only depends on the type of machine, but also on the hours of practice and the skills of each person.”
Oscar Bautista
As you can see, all these types of gemstone cutting machines offer you great benefits.
However, regardless of your choice, keep in mind that you must practice if you want to get the most out of your faceting machine.
How to choose a gem faceting machine?
Reliability, durability, precision, repeatability and speed are some of the factors you should consider when choosing a faceting machine.
Below we are going to tell you what they mean and how to identify them.
1. Reliability
Reliability is related to the faceting machine but also to its manufacturers or suppliers.
You can say that a machine is reliable because it delivers what it promises, be it speed, precision, or a mix of both.
This reliability can be confirmed through user reviews, photos or demonstration videos, or by testing directly the machine if possible.
Remember that if you are in a learning stage, your level of experience can also influence the results.
Regarding manufacturers or suppliers, review their history, awards, distinctions, participation in fairs and other facts that support their good reputation.
Before purchasing, make sure that there are contact channels such as email, telephone or WhatsApp, and that their customer service is friendly and timely.
You can also see if they are present on social networks and if they have a genuine interaction with their community.
2. Durability
In general, faceting machines are made to last and this also justifies the investment you make when buying them.
However, you should not confuse the durability of the machine with the durability of the laps and other implements that wear naturally with use.
3. Precision
It is important to have a machine with high levels of precision, because the cut is one of the most relevant factors when determining the price of gemstones.
In addition, the cut can influence the intensity of the colour and its tone, making the gem more striking or valued on the market.
4. Repeatability
Repeatability means that you can follow the same steps to make a specific cut.
For example, imagine that you are faceting a pair of calibrated garnets. Of course your goal is to make those two gemstones similar at the end of the process.
But repeatability is also related to the transition from the faceting phase to the polishing phase.
In this case, the result in the polished facets must match the shapes, sizes and angles that you defined at the beginning of the process.
5. Speed
Speed is important because it impacts the duration of the process but also the precision of the cut.
Therefore, a good option for your faceting machine is to have a motor with speed control.
Now that you know more about machines, learn about some of the most popular tools in gem cutting.
Accessories and tools for gem cutting
In our opinion, there are some accessories and tools that are necessary or that can make your day easier.
But please keep in mind that there may be variations depending on the machine or method you use.
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10 X magnifying glass: magnifies the size of the stone 10 times. It’s also portable, small and easy to use.
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Headband magnifier: increases the size of the stone and helps you expand your field of vision. It’s practical because you attach it to your head and your hands are free to work.
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Calliper: it’s necessary to measure the stones throughout the process. The digital calliper is usually more precise than the analogue one.
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Dops: they are normally made as toothpicks or cylinders and have variable thickness. The tip of the dop has a specific shape that varies according to its function.
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Wax or glue: it’s needed to attach the stone to the tip of the dop and the choice is personal. For example, we use sealing wax.
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Alcohol lamp: it’s used to heat the sealing wax, and thus stick or detach the gem from the dop.
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Flat tweezers: they allow you to manipulate stones of different sizes, according to your needs.
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4 claw tweezers: are ideal for displaying a gemstone after the cutting process.
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Digital gem scale: it’s crucial whenever you want to know the weight of your gems. Also use it to compare the initial weight with the final weight.
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Centering tool: it’s used every time you dop the stone, to make sure it is in the correct position.
Other related machines: the trim saw machine, the tumbling machine and the cabbing machine
When a person thinks of gem cutting, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the faceting machine.
However, there are other machines that are related to this trade and it’s important that you know what the most popular ones are.
Therefore, below we are going to tell you what are the main characteristics and functions of the trim saw machine, the tumbling machine and the cabbing machine.
1. The trim saw machine
This machine is essential because it allows you to separate a gemstone into two or more pieces before you start cutting.
It works with a diamond saw blade, so you must be careful with its thickness to avoid wasting the material.
2. The tumbling machine
The tumbling machine is also known as rock tumbler.
It’s characterized by having a barrel in which you can place raw stones of different sizes, with the aim of obtaining soft specimens with a smooth texture at the end of the process.
It’s especially useful for stones such as agate and jasper, although it is also quite common for tumbling amazonite, lapis lazuli, ametrine and onyx, among many others.
3. The cabbing machine
As its name indicates, the cabbing machine helps you to make a cabochon from a rough stone and we must say that the speed is its main advantage.
It’s characterized by having diamond wheels for grinding, cutting and polishing the cabochon, all in one.
In our opinion, it’s the ideal machine if you use cabochons in your daily life, both to sell them and to use them in your own designs.
As you can see, all of these machines are quite useful if you want to work in the gemstone cutting industry.
However, if you are just starting out in this art, you should keep in mind that they all represent a significant investment.
We consider that the trim saw machine is essential because it allows you to prepare the pieces you need before cutting, and thus avoid wasting material.
Before purchasing a tumbling or cabbing machine, think first about the type of stones and the cuts you are going to work with.
And remember that the faceting machine is useful for making cabochons as well as faceted cuts. You just have to choose it well, taking into account its benefits and your business objectives.
Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind that reliability and durability are important factors to evaluate before making any purchase.
In all cases, you may also find second-hand machines. If you want to buy one, check that all its components are functional, and that they are calibrated or rectified as necessary.
FAQ
Gem Cutting services
We provide the gem cutting service to private and business clients.
We also recut gemstones that need repairs or a change of cut.
