I Bought The Cheapest Faceting Machine On eBay for $200

At only $200, this incredibly inexpensive faceting machine should be a smash hit. Buyer beware, because it comes with a lot of problems and shortcomings that need to be addressed before you can facet your first stone.
I still recommend buying a new (or even used) Raytech-Shaw, UltraTec, or Facetron faceting machine, but if you absolutely can't afford them then this kind of machine may be your first stepping stone to get into faceting. Watch the video first so you know what you're getting into.
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[@marcosofsky2605]

Only $200 plus all the shop hours at Mike's shop. I do not have a friend like Mike to help with modifications and those modifications are necessary. You just steered me away from those faceting machines -I could not make those modifications myself so your video is a success regardless.

[@jeffegg2]

you don't need that machine adjust the level. Just do it on your lap....

[@RavenRaven-se6lr]

Mike a whiz machinist . Not everyone has these skills . It’s a nightmare! Thanks for posting

[@crystalquarry]

That thing is a nightmare! Transforming it into something workable was a great journey. But, for those without the resources to fix all those problems, it may not be useable at all for any precise work! Really enjoyed showing all the issues and troubleshooting throughout its transformation

[@JustinKPrim]

Wow I’m really happy that you made this video. It’s great to see what the real quality of this type of cheap machine is. I will definitely be sharing this in those moment when people are asking about this machine.

[@MaxLamont-ee5jh]

Really great video which is such an improvement on the usual thing when people dismiss them as rubbish and say that your only option to get a taste for faceting is to spend thousands on a established machine. I bought just the mast assembly and cobbled together reasonably successfully the rest of the machine from various bits and pieces that I already had including a suitable motor. I have to put thin shims of metal underneath the base of the mast to level it but the main thing I did was to fit a digital angle finder to it which overcame its major poor protractor problem. I'm certainly going to see what other improvements can be made after watching this video. The bicycle wheel clamp fitting will be a great help.

[@Chris-bz2ku]

Thank you for this! I am new to the lapidary art and am looking at these faceting machines. This helps me make a more informed purchase

[@jefflyon100]

For the most part the fixes are easy to do at home with basic tools. If you don't have a lathe the mast can be squared up at your local machine shop. There's almost no setup time involved so they shouldn't charge you much more than $50 to have it done, I quote and do these types of jobs regurlarly so know my pricing. A small shop might do it for a case of beer. Have them take atleast 3mm, measure what you need to get the handpiece as low as you need. See below for other ideas. You can get all mast as low as you want with only modifications to it. You could have machined the few required mm of the bottom of the base to get what you needed. The round collar on top of the base that the rod goes into could have been shortened. Remove the rod from the base and take a few mm there. Alternatively you can take some off the lower brass collar that locks the height or off the top of the adjustable brass piece. There's also room to remove material from the structure that holds the hand piece. All said you could have gotten 5 times what was needed without having to machine an adapter for the spindle. Other that squaring up the mast which requires a lathe the rest of the must do fixes can be done not much more than a saw, drill and file if you had to. I have the same setup with only a couple minor differences though I'm lucky enough to have a well equipped shop. I also fit a piece into the protactor slot to take up the slop. Rather than grind the degree marker I drilled and tapped a hole and used a piece of steel to make a pointer that extends all the way to the scales face. It's easy to set within a half degree that way. A finer thread on the fine angle adjustment is helpful and I also made it so a dial indicator can be use on the height adjustment. This way you know when your at your final height mark and makes things more accurate. Leveling feet on all four corners of the machine allow you get the machine perfectly level. If you don't want to make them you can buy them on amazon cheap, A few drilled holes and your done. This way you can use a quality digital angle protractor on the hand piece and get repeatable results to a tenth of a degree. You can skip the other mods and just use the digital/ You can go as far as you want. You can get very good results with the big issues fixes and more refined ones with a bit more work. It's an incredible value for the hobbiest!

[@Ranger_48]

Thanks for your thorough video! Here's a small idea for the LED brightness issue- you could put a filter over the light-such as masking tape, plastic etc. or possibly take sand paper the lens to diffuse the light. Just a thought.

[@jnoel1141]

Simple fix for reading the protractor angle. Drill a small hole near the end of the pointer and drop a piece of piano wire in. Bend a 90 toward the protractor and another 90 pointing up. Gives you a fine wire to sight on. For someone with D.I.Y. skills who thinks they might like faceting but doesn't want to spend $$$$ to find out this could be a good option to get started. I started on Jerry Wykoff's Profacee, which was even worse than this machine.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

This was a great video. I know longer content like this can take a lot more effort to produce but with this video you will help so many people that are interested in these machines. Also thank you for the mention.

[@DonohueLabs]

Gotta cite sources!

[@tanphattran7366]

Bômaýbaonhiêutiên

[@largent45]

Thank you Patrick for your knowledge and mikes knowledge and machine experience to be able to take a cheap machine like that, and make it workable. The amount of work and know how, that Mike put into making this machine workable, is amazing. Without him, it may have been workable, but it couldn't have faceted an actual stone to any degree of accuracy. Thank you for showing us the out of the box product and what it took to make it a workable machine.

[@DonohueLabs]

I was originally going to try and facet something before making any changes, but quickly realized that would drive me to madness.

[@Ismail-dd7oi]

​@@DonohueLabs Hello.. I need a facet processing arm, do you have it? Only handle needed.

[@rickyabdellah9914]

Some video i'v seen the gorgeous facet get through is depends on what kind of gems we want to cut, this stuff seems so interresting and affordable.

[@jeffegg2]

I have a much simpler method to lower the mast. Just put the adjuster on the top side upside down, and put a rubber band to hold the arm up instead of gravity holding it down. and you don't lose the fine adjustment.

[@user-lh8ii8xr9c]

Nice job! I have done some free hand faceting which is fun but frustrating. I have looked at these inexpensive machines but never purchased one. I have some parts and ideas on building a simple machine and this video has really shed some light on important facets of a build. Thanks for your effort. I am lucky in that my son is and engineer and a whiz machinist.

[@darkjester47able]

I have this same machine! It works pretty well for shaping cabochons. The polishing wheels from hytech diamond fit it perfectly. I changed the bearings out for some better ones out of personal preference after i felt how crunchy ones they send with it!

[@OzoneFineArtVentures]

Great video and very interesting with the extent of the fixes you made to the machine in order to create the first stone. It does make you really love a precise, headache free machine if you've got one. Happy faceting, cheers!

[@DonohueLabs]

Makes me more accepting of the couple of small quirks my machine has.

[@sajjadhusain1090]

My whole family do stone faceting from decades but we dont use machines and still we make more beautiful gemstones. I wish we could have teach to more people around the world.

[@vision3690]

Hello, how can I learn more about it?

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

So you use a jam peg system then.

[@buggsy5]

Your jamb peg system rounds facets and meet points are only a vague wish. Sorry, just because a technology is ancient does not mean it is as good, much less better. I can say one thing about your faceted stones - they make fairly good preforms, saving me the time and wasted rough material doing it myself.

[@Rygar777_]

I would say its 100% useless without flattening the pole base. Great video. ❤

[@benknrobbers]

I've honestly looked at this machine as a cheap entry. Just something to learn and play around with. That it takes a mill or lathe to make it useable, means it's basically worthless.

[@garywemmer9342]

But, when you're finished, you have bragging rights....at least, and maybe, some purdy stones.

[@sinceresincere-th4dt]

Patrick you are one honest person and I want to thank you for your video. I am thinking about starting this hobby too.

[@ronniesmith8965]

Use a digital angle finder with a magnetic base. Home Depot,Lowes

[@CarlDi3trich]

The issues outlined still exist. There are at least 3 different "stores" pushing this exact manipulator and it's garbage. The only thing these machines are good for without heavy changes ( like you have outlined ) is a flat lap. Considering the price of flat laps it works quite well.

[@denisweimer8791]

So, essentially, the only thing that didn't need modifications is box it came in. You basically built a new machine. I was looking at just grabbing one of these just to introduce myself to faceting, but I think I might skip up to the next price point and start the research over. So for that, I thank you. I don't mind spending money on a learning tool, but wasting money is no fun - I could spend that on accessories and supplies.

[@davidmkrt]

I did almost the same modifications and adjustments (adding also digital protractor) for my machine about two years ago.

[@DonariaRegia]

Good video, this answered a lot of questions for me. I love Mike. The problem with girdle height setting wasn't the mast or the arbor, it was the locking collar on the mast, it's too tall. Every millimeter of material removed from it means another millimeter smaller in radius capability. That is the quick fix. Tell Mike to look into the stainless "breadbox" style import machines. Best flat lap for the money.

[@DonohueLabs]

Yes I don't remember if it made it in the video, but he actually did shave off some of the collar, but could only go so far before it would have required tapping new holes and throwing off the threads. He had a smaller collar from another machine that fit and got it much closer, but it actually still wasn't enough because the foot of the mast was too tall.

[@DonariaRegia]

@@DonohueLabs Replacing that collar altogether with a slim version seems like the solution, it was designed poorly. Milling some of the bottom of the manipulator is also possible.

[@sergioortega5869]

I am a fan of gemstones and have been buying them. some but I would like to make my own. and take this as a job for me to be my own boss I already have. Excellent raw stones, not of AAA quality, but they are a real rarity and I hope to soon learn this noble craft of faceting.

I have a "cabochon" machine since a several years and I wanted to facet stones for a long time but price of professional faceting machines, even second hand were not affordable to me. I bought one of these on Vevor two years ago. With some minor tinkering it was enough to facet stones quite well (to my point of view at least, I'm just a hobbyist). But you do have to buy a few things on the side such as more laps, a transfer jig etc... The 45° adapter was a major improvement compare to having the spindle at 90° directly, that really doesn't wok well. Thanks for your video it gives me some clues on what can still be wrong and can be fixed on my machine.

[@MikeG-js1jt]

funny thing is, its probably better than what they used to cut the hope diamond way back when.... or Englands crown jewels...

[@buggsy5]

Most of the Crown Jewels were cut long before the Hope diamond and were probably cut using a jamb-peg setup. A lot of the Western Pacific area stones are still cut that way. They also cut them for maximum yield, which means facet meets are only approximate at best.

[@rickyabdellah9914]

I like how this industry developed and so helpful.

[@asakayosapro]

Nicely done review, critique and modification guides. One thing I have wanted to do was create my own jewelry, and this may be a good first step on the gem processing side (I already have the basic equipment needed for the precious metals side) when I have the time for hobbies. As for the modifications required, that’s why I acquired a 9x20 mini lathe and a mini milling machine of the same brand. They are second hand me downs, but they are more than adequate for the things I need them to do, albeit after plenty of upgrades and modifications. Alas, the never ending process of making things used to make more things…

[@xang72]

@patric the traytec has a vernier scale on the angle setting this should allow you to easily set 1/20 of a degree.

[@moonolyth]

Fantastic, hardest part looks like making mast 90 degrees! Im building of the top of a drill press..pulley area. Replaced motor with a treadmill motor. Was going to build the arm and mast, but now just going to get that part for about $80.00. Great saved me so much work!!!❤.

[@stefflus08]

Quite lucky that the arbor is perpendicular to the table. And is the table flat enough along the groove?

[@buggsy5]

One problem with the riser adapter is that any run-out of the disc surface will be increased. That will reduce the flatness of any facet. Is the base top flat and at right angles to the mast? If the degree markings are accurate, then you can make a simple scale that will read to 0.1 degree. The major problem there is the width of the degree markings. You could probably make a better replacement.

[@cb175s]

If you can do a few fixes to this machine and get going making facets. I think that equals a pretty good deal. I hate spending thousands and finding I don't enjoy something. Just my 2 cents. Lol Great video Thank you for sharing

[@buggsy5]

If you just want to produce facets, a foot powered treadle jamb peg machine will work and is easy to make. Don't expect to get good meet points or flat facets however - or accurate angles.

[@Draukagrissah]

Coming from the perspective of a hobbyist, I'm really gunshy about getting a faceting machine because.. rocks are hard. And the materials these machines are made with are cheap dogshit. I currently have my eye on a *really* good looking 9 belt cabbing table for just over $1000. Soon as I find sm1 with a used one or it goes on sale I'm planning to grab it. Cabochons aren't worth as much as proper stones but I'll still be able to bring something to the local market and I won't have spent a bunch of money on junk. I'm no faceter but I am a scientist, and the protractor mast on this thing looks unfit for the noodles that I think it was repurposed from (why else are the moving pieces *brass* of all thigns?) much less gemstones. Thanks for the video! I really appreciate how much effort you went through just to see if it was worth the effort for people looking at this price point!

[@niteman555]

The flickering must be from the motor inductance throwing a fit every time you try to change its set point.

[@user-wv1pb3fp6l]

Thanks for your video on the various problems of the Chinese machine. I thought I was the only one having such problems. I purchased the same machine from China, for about Australian $650 in 2021 just before Covid. My dial is digital which switches itself off if you are not moving the quill for a while, problematic. I had to set "Zero" by eye using a plum line, as there is no hard stop. It is difficult to accurately cut any gem on this machine in its original condition. I am not even sure the mast is perpendicular to the lap, so cutting a lot by eye. I did manage to cut quite a few sparkly gems, not easy. Compared to GemMaster machine I used, the Chinese machine is not engineered for accuracy, especially for new cutters. It takes a while to get used to the Chinese machine. Difficult to cut competition gems on the Chinese machine. USA machines are USD 7,000 to 8,000. So I guess you get what you pay for. Thanks for useful ideas on your video.

[@buggsy5]

Some parts for good quality faceting machines are outrageously priced - for example, $200 for a splash pan.

[@fieldandfoley]

Very helpful. I did some of the adjustments you mentioned, however raising the bed to cut a gurdle was out of my pay grade. So, I bought an UltraTec V5 instead. Delivery due end of Feb. In the meantime, my chunk of China is being used for cabbing and preforming!

[@DonohueLabs]

I've heard it's actually fine as a flat lap and still half the price of those machines!

[@vision3690]

Hello. Do you think it is suitable for cabbing at least?

[@fieldandfoley]

@@vision3690 Mmm - depends if the one you get has a flat'ish lap spindle. I've got a variance of .03 degrees from left to right - which makes it useless for faceting (or at least very challenging). Preforming and non-critical cabbing would be okay (not advice), but I'd save up and get a better constructed machine if you can.

[@ujl1970]

Great job. My wife begin learning faceting. Thank for all .

[@JS-jx9jt]

Thank you for making this video, I had wondered about these cheap machines.

[@johnathonmullis4234]

Mike probably already suggested this but you can put some black or red enamel on your scale and wipe it leaving just the marks and numbers colored. It should help you eyeball it better.

[@JulianMakes]

Great video thanks, im tempted to get one. Subbed. Very interesting review.

[@DavidClunie]

Mike is a god! Hope he's getting lots of business from your vid!

[@RobbyMatthias]

Thanks for posting!Excellent video!You point out the problems' with all of these 'cheaper' machines'.One has to be a 'machinist' and have some good 'background-knowledge' of lapidary-work,in general,to really be able to use this machine.🥂

[@buggsy5]

Even with the modifications, the mast is flimsy and the V notch for attaching the head assembly is not conductive to good work.

[@touchmycamerathroughthefence]

I got a Sterling because it was the most affordable faceting machine with good reviews, I couldn’t afford an Ultra Tec and didn’t like the Facetron. Couldn’t be happier with the Sterling for $2,400ish

[@jtcustomknives]

I’m a machinist in Washington state and have always wanted to get into this. I might just make my own machine.

[@jonathanfitts4542]

Excellent Video ! This was soooo... needed thing you for sharing!!

[@DeepFleeceheart]

Oh hey, it's the machine I bought

[@rhondajones1313]

Thank you for the video. I have a buddy with a shop plus I can do a lot of the work. Thank you

[@nortonp240]

omfg there is a timing belt pulley on it, it's worth 200 though

[@bigdaddy4432]

So for those of us without a Mike, this machine is a pass.

[@miles11we]

Nah, just gotta be creative

[@duanedodson1]

Yes, it is true, faceting machines are the most over priced piece of equipment out there, that said, I have this machine, and it is junk, but I use the flat lap to cut cabs on it. You can't replicate the angles using this machine or damn near impossible.

[@slackwatters9604]

On my machine. I bought a new mask handpiece. It does have the digital on it. But. Not the greatest because the fine adjustment on my I'm I fasted degrees. It constantly moves. I constantly have to I touch the stone reach UB turn the knob back to her supposed to be just to Stoneridge so I have to put something in there to keep it stable or just stop unscrewing on me. As far as the 90 I get fairly close to it by just dropping a straight down and I have a loop that has like a finger ring I put that underneath it and I guess me somewhat close is not not good. I do stack we laps underneath the fast laps or whatever they're called cheap ones there. It does Polish fine for the most part. I have one that has a little bit of a swing issue so I have to correct by moving to one side or the other to straighten my facet lines and meet points. Well you said it didn't come with a belt but I already ordered some of the stuff you suggested thank you for that. As far as the Herkimer I started something about 6 days ago. Just barely getting off the Pavilion. Just because I had to recut because I could not get some of the facets to line up proper. When my OCB there was bothering me. And one question how do I get ahold of Mike. Does he have a KZbin channel I didn't catch that watching the video I don't know if you mentioned it or not. Sorry for the bad pronunciation. Thanks for the advice man. I really do appreciate it

[@DonohueLabs]

Mike's email was on-screen towards the end of the video, but is also now in the description.

[@XLUSIV]

Got mine and never got it to work right 😂 thanks for the video I’ll have to try something you did

[@CarlDi3trich]

Found a solution for the 90 degree issue that is simple. Remove the brass fine adjustment...stuff...and substitute an adjustable 15mm shaft collar. If nothing else it makes creating your girdle possible.

[@DonohueLabs]

The quill was too high even without any adjustment collars because the foot of the mast has a collar that sticks up too high. With the real Lee machines, there isn't that collar and your solution would work.

[@CarlDi3trich]

@@DonohueLabs Without the fine adjustment collar mine sits about an inch below 90 degrees. So a 10mm should do the trick at least for a 90 degree girdle. YMMV depending on the machine you get...I see multiple versions of VEVOR out there with the exact same mast setup and all the issues with it. I contacted Vevor about this btw...they have offered to send me a replacement. I'm not sure how that is going to fix the issue if it's the exact same mast but we shall see.

[@ProbablyBritish]

Hi, just came across this while looking for a cheap starter machine. Annoyingly can’t get the vevor machine for the cutkit upgrade so seeing the process you went through for this has helped a lot. I actually have my own lathe and printer so should be able to do the same mods. If you still have the machine are you able to share what dimensions the foot of the mast is just so I can make sure it’ll fit. Thanks

[@DonohueLabs]

Sorry, the machine has been sold for a while.

[@ProbablyBritish]

@@DonohueLabs no worries, thanks for getting back to me

[@corysmith7514]

Can you do bigger gemstones with this faceter too?

[@DonohueLabs]

Without a table adapter you'd be limited, but with one you could at least do golf-ball sized gems I bet.

[@sarahinscotland]

I will never use one of these machines and yet I watched the whole thing with fascination. I like problem solving.

[@marcosofsky2605]

I am amazed how little quality control is imposed on the manufacturers-in general-there should not be tools on the market that are disposable or require that much modification. That is a lot of work with expensive equipment to set right and obviously anyone purchasing an inexpensive faceting machine does not have expensive shop tools and machines. Thanks though-

[@buggsy5]

The manufacturers do not care whether they are really usable or not. All they care about is that they sell. On the other hand, most people would not recognize a well faceted stone - so maybe it does not matter that much.

[@krackenagate5606]

where is a good place to learn how to facet? Id love to learn more so I just dont make cabs all the time.

[@fishmut]

Lucky you knew a few people that can machine parts and do 3D printing for you , the average person is not going to be that lucky to fix a machine that bad for faceting , sadly a waste of money.

[@RobGnarly-fv5tw]

I would've sent it back, before all that work, but really for $200 you know what your getting

[@user-bv5pn2lj7x]

Thanks for sharing. I'll skip this machine for sure

[@dabberdan3200]

Thank You for helping me make a well informed decision! Do not buy unless you have a Mike! I am in Carnation Washington how far is Mike from me? It’s basically a brand new 200 overhaul of a brand new machine.🤷‍♂️It’s definitely not worth the money or hassle! When in doubt dull the money out for a quality machine from USA- HighTech

[@guillermobeltran3015]

Hi , nice video . Also, the 3d printed parts , the transfer and 45° adapter

[@DonohueLabs]

It's amazing what can be 3D printed! Check out the link to Mike's workshop tour in the video for more. It's on Currently Rockhounding's channel.

[@ACoupleofRockhounders]

You will also need to cut an area in the bowl

[@Algoldprospecting]

Great video. I bought this same machine. It hasn’t arrived yet but thanks for the info. Hopefully I won’t have to do as many adjustments 😂

[@DonohueLabs]

Good luck! They are very hit or miss...usually miss. Someone pointed out that most of the issues were with the mast, so replacing that would fix a lot of the problems - it's just a matter of whether you invest time/money in fixing or replacing parts.

[@Algoldprospecting]

@@DonohueLabs oh thanks. Yeah I hooked it up it seems to work great. Only issue is like you said doing 90 degrees flat. The lap is not high enough.

[@MikeG-js1jt]

If I had a MIKE I'd probably consider buying one of those..... but, alas..........

[@jimmurphy6095]

Hmmmm... I have both a small machine shop in the basement as well as a more than passing interest in picking up one of these types of machines. I wonder if there's a market for performing the upgrades for others? I'm on the east coast in CT, so there's no competition for customers.

[@DonohueLabs]

Since releasing the video, a company called Angry Turtle has started releasing kits to upgrade a similarly cheap Vevor machine. They definitely have had interest in the stuff, selling out their first run very quickly.

[@jimmurphy6095]

@@DonohueLabs Thanks!

[@oioiararar1841]

Nice LP turntable

[@ismaelo73]

Can you just adapt a better quality mast to this machine?

[@DonohueLabs]

Not a bad idea! That would cut out a number of issues. I don't know offhand the dimensions of facetron or ultratec masts, but the slit for this is 6.25 mm

[@OzoneFineArtVentures]

@@DonohueLabs The slit for the Facetron is 7.75mm.

[@corvus1238]

Very useful. Thanks.

[@atracura9554]

“Some assembly required”

[@miles11we]

Looking at the comments on this video tells me there are two types of people- ones who sees modding something like this as an impenetrable wall and those like me that think this thing looks like a fun project lol (Not that there is anything wrong with just wanting to buy tools that work out of the box) I have no intention of using one of these for cutting gems anyway so i guess my want to modify it is inherent in my plan.

[@Germz4U]

15:50 awe poor baby.. =( I'm pretty confident everything is just fine but I just gotta ask... is the kiddo ok? Also..Metal stretcher ^_^ haha

[@DonohueLabs]

@@Germz4U she's a-okay, thanks

[@tommcelroy6975]

Should have just removed more material from the mast base

[@DonohueLabs]

We certainly could have removed a bit more, though I don't know that it would have been enough, and with Mike's lathe it would have been interminably slow. It's a more feasible option if you have access to a mill.

[@ACoupleofRockhounders]

I have this machine and it is the worst. Because the motor is placed where it is, you are unable to achieve angles that’s you need. the setting on the protractor for angles, does not have a locking mechanism. I had to completely redo this machine to make it work. BEWARE BEFORE BUYING THIS MACHINE! You will have to make so many major changes to it before you can even achieve the 45 & 90 degree angles

[@en2oh]

looks like the majority of problems is in the quill. Does it look like it could be cut down on a lathe?

[@DonohueLabs]

I've sold the machine so I'm not sure if much more was fixable on the quill. But someone suggested swapping out the mast entirely with a model from a better used machine, which is plausible. Might have to widen the slot in the base.

[@polishcut]

Hello Patrick Very informative content. Best Regards and good luck! Filip

[@timlee2109]

Thank you!

[@meowllie3924]

Do you have a suggestion for the an affordable faceting machine? I just want to cut glass. Thanks for the video!😊

[@DonohueLabs]

The raytech-shaw and Sterling handpiece-style faceting machines are the most "affordable," but even they are $2500+. Unfortunately, it doesn't really matter if you only want to cut glass or want it for Colombian Emerald, if you want nice faceted pieces you need a minimum quality to the build. Best bet might be to look for used setups on eBay and Facebook.

[@meowllie3924]

@@DonohueLabs Great! Thank you :D

[@user-uk4yx8sr9g]

Dear sir I have cheapest price machine and I make lots stone with this machine I purchase cheater faceter recently but can not use with this machine ..because up and down system not with this machine .have you any solution that how I can use cheater faceter with this machine ?

[@panigrahisatya-]

What cost this machine.

[@altayozelkose5816]

Hello Patrick, thanks for the video, the black screw at 16:53 on the top to stop the angle is delivered with the machine ? Thanks for your reply :)

[@DonohueLabs]

No, that was an add-on. The machine does not come with an angle stop, which is another major flaw. The black knob was on a threaded bolt that screwed into a 3D printed part, all designed and made by Mike.

[@nimalsandunsiri4024]

Thanks so much ❤

[@imetr8r]

I found that removing the gear cheater allows the quill to rotate freely.

[@maxjr758]

Link to the other inexpensive machine that you mentioned ?

[@DonohueLabs]

Not sure which you're referring to. There's a model by Vevor that's also inexpensive, three to four hundred dollars I think. Just search for "Vevor faceting machine" and you'll find plenty of options. I think that's the one Theo has, but he has not posted a review to link to. If you mean a relatively inexpensive but good quality machine, the Raytech-Shaw and the Sterling handpiece faceting machines are cheaper than mast machines, but still in the $2-3k range. Finding a used machine is a good middle ground.

[@h7046]

Thank you

[@DeepNorthAdventures]

So i guess my question is does mike sell some of those modified pieces like the arbor riser?

[@DonohueLabs]

I should have spent more time discussing the mast and quill, as about 80% of the problems were with those. If you upgraded the mast then you'd be much better off, and might not have to make any height changes as a "real" mast will be able to go lower. But to answer your question, Mike isn't making these en masse, and pobably won't have the time anytime soon.

[@DeepNorthAdventures]

@DonohueLabs id love to but upgrade to what? Id love to get something closer in style to a ultratec mast or heck really any version better. Preferably with a better height adjustment style

[@joshuafleshman9679]

I would be interested in making and selling some of these. I have the machines to make them.

[@sinceresincere-th4dt]

My friend you should charge the company which you bought it from for all these modifications you did. The product was peace of junk to be honest with you. I am surprised you were so cool. If it was me I would charge the seller. 😀

[@davidariamirroarkyoung]

How do we get ahold of Mike for parts and sending him spare parts for these machines. I have the vevor $349.00-$389.00 model but it was missing parts like the dops then it was missing ceramic polishing media. I don't know why it would include them period also it had two light switches one on the front next to digital panel and the other on the lamp and if you turn them both on it burns out the LCD lamp I do have the digital level built in and simply took a drill bit and widened the arbor for dops to almost 6mm. The version I got has digital control it lies about max speed on all the descriptions because besides me who actually checked, but doesn't need the speed advertised anyway it does have forward and reverse but no manual and honestly have no idea the settings fully I can adjust forward and reverse along with speed but there is other controls and even speaking Chinese you don't know what the different controls actually do I honestly can't make sense or find a video of how to operate them. I do have two bases one perfectly level the other is off and needs leveling. And would like a freespining attachment I just remove the cheater currently but after stating that it was missing the dops polishing media has no instructions and ran at half the advertised speed I ended up making a video showing all the problems and sent it to the seller including the speed test using a marker and car timing light (hey it worked to see actually the rpms) I paid a total of $67.43 because from when I opened the box stating what was missing and replacement costs from Amazon and ebay for exactly what was missing or asked they were replaced and all the things that were wrong or broke within the first weeks like the light. The seller just kept discounting it I never argued or suggested how much to discount but for under $70.00 with all the discounts added up I think I did extremely well. I was always polite explaining that I'm sure he is just a resaler and should bring up the issues with his supplier so I didn't blame him directly but it had problems.

[@DonohueLabs]

Mike's email is in the description. Bummer to hear the Vevor models have similar problems to this type, I was hoping since they were pricier that they'd be better quality.

[@RavenRaven-se6lr]

I bought in Australia not used it $260 . Need mods

[@yeoldemodelshoppe7993]

Is the stl file for that transfer jig you printed available somewhere online? I could not find one like that.

[@DonohueLabs]

Mike does not release his files in part because he is concerned people will start charging outlandish prices for his designed lapidary products that he wants to keep low cost for everyone. You can try contacting him, his email is in the description.

[@yeoldemodelshoppe7993]

@@DonohueLabs Thanks, I'll try that.

[@justotalkalottashit8392]

Did you contact the company before ordering and tell them you'll be making a video about the machine? I just wanna know if they hand picked that machine.

[@DonohueLabs]

Nope, I bought it full price from eBay just like anyone else.

[@snupi_nut]

If you have no clue on faceting your 5 grand machine will do you no good anyway .

[@sodalines]

just drop the 5k on a 88.. or a ultra tec v5

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

I learned 2 things. 1 these are crap and 2 flat laps are way over priced.

[@DonohueLabs]

1. Yup 2. Yuuuup

[@sebastiansalom15]

HI, which machine do you recommend for person that is new in this (not expesive)

[@DonohueLabs]

Inexpensive is a relative term. If you want something new that will work, the raytech-shaw is probably the cheapest option. If you are okay taking a chance on used, then it's all about what you can find out there. There have been some complete setups on eBay recently with decent prices for Facetron and Ultratec.

[@saitoichii7232]

Hello thank you for you nice videos. Is possible to buy upgraded this faceting machine from you ?

[@DonohueLabs]

Sorry, no, it's already been sold, and I can't upgrade them myself.