Advice For Preforming Gemstone Rough For Maximum Yield

Question

I just read your article on the minimum cutting technique and thought it was excellent. I do have some questions. What would you recommend for shaping and preforming gemstone rough for maximum yield? Did you use a cabbing unit with a 100 grit diamond wheel? I've been using my Ultra Tec faceting machine with a trim saw. Now I'm wondering if it would be faster with a grinder and 100 grit wheel. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Randy

Answer

Thank you for the compliment. It's nice to know people appreciate my efforts. I use the 80 and 260 grit wheels on my Diamond Pacific Genie for preforming gemstone rough, depending on its size and hardness. An 80 grit wheel isn't nearly as tough on rough as an 80 grit lap.  If you're working on your Ultra Tec faceting machine, try something around 260 for shaping. It is somewhat easier to shape your rough with a cabbing machine like the Genie, but it can be expensive.

Unless you intend to do quite a bit of cabbing as well, purchasing one just for preforming gemstone rough wouldn't be worth the expense.

Sincerely,

Donald Clark, CSM IMG