Handpiece
The handpiece holds the dop, and with it the stone, and sets the angle and the position of every cut. How precise it is, and how easily you can fine-tune it, shapes the whole stone. The part that grips the dop is called the quill.
Holds the dop, sets the facet angle and locks the index position.
A firm grip on the dop, a clear angle readout, clean indexing and easy fine adjustments.
It comes with the machine, so choose the machine first.
How a handpiece works
The quill grips the dop, and the stone mounted on it. The handpiece brings the stone into contact with the rotating lap.
Sets the angle of each facet. You read it on a scale or gauge, or on a digital display, depending on the machine.
Locks the stone at fixed positions around its circle, so every facet in a tier is cut at the same angle and depth. A 96 gear is a common standard, and the three machines below list one.
In my father’s method, the two side screws on the handpiece are adjusted regularly. They line up each facet and fine-tune the meet points.
The index wheel
The index wheel locks the stone at fixed positions, so each facet in a tier is cut at the same angle and depth. On this handpiece the ring around the wheel is numbered, which makes it easy to see which position you are on.
Handpiece or mast?
Handpiece machines
The International Gem Society describes the handpiece machine as a compromise: more precise than a traditional jam peg, and quicker and more adaptable to use than a mast. The handpiece is easy to move out of the way to view the stone, and easy to take the stone out and put it back. The Raytech Shaw is of this type.
Mast machines
The same guide calls mast machines the most accurate type and easy to learn, but slower and less forgiving, and usually the most expensive. The Ultra Tec V5 is a mast machine.
Compare machines of both designs →
Comparison based on the International Gem Society’s guide to choosing a faceting machine.
How to adjust it
These habits come from my father’s method.
- Adjust the two side screws regularly while you cut, to align each facet and fine-tune the meet points.
- Check your progress with the loupe. Look after the pre-polish, then confirm at the final polish that the meet points line up perfectly.
- Watch the final point. The culet or apex should be perfectly sharp and symmetrical.
- Use it for the transfer. Level one exposed facet with the handpiece, fine-tune with the adjustment screw until the reflected laser beam returns at the same height, repeat on the opposite facet, then leave the screw alone.
See the full method in the transfer process.
What to look for
- A firm grip. The dop should sit snugly in the quill with no play, because any wobble moves the stone while you cut or polish.
- A clear angle readout. Look for clear markings or a digital display, and a lock that holds the angle firmly once it is set.
- Clean indexing. The index gear should lock at every position and be easy to swap for another one.
- Easy inspection. A handpiece that moves out of the way makes it easier to view the stone. On the Raytech Shaw it lifts off its table, and an adjusting collar helps with re-dopping and re-cutting.
- Support. Ask whether the maker still sells spare parts and accessories for the model you are considering.
The handpiece at each level
The handpiece comes with the machine, so these are the same three machines as on the Faceting Machine page, seen from the handpiece side.
The Amazon listing describes a manipulator with a 96-gear mechanical handle and an angle scale. It is an entry-level way to learn the basics.
- Indexing96-gear handle
- Angle readoutScale
- IncludedWith the machine
- Sold onAmazon
Stand-alone digital manipulators are sold on Amazon, but their listings do not say which machines they fit, so we do not recommend them as upgrades.
The handpiece rests on a precision table and lifts off so you can inspect the stone. A threaded handwheel and a rotational adjusting collar help with re-dopping and re-cutting.
- DesignHandpiece on a table
- Included96 gear, 8-tooth facet finder
- OptionalPreformer, 16-piece cam set
- MakerScott Manufacturing
A mast machine that reads the angle on a Digital Angle Dial, with an analog readout available as an option. The package includes a transfer fixture and a 45° tabling adapter.
- DesignMast
- Angle readoutDigital (analog optional)
- Included96 gear, transfer fixture
- MakerUltra Tec
The link to Amazon is an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to makers, such as Ultra Tec, are direct links and earn us nothing. Details checked in October 2026, so confirm them on the maker’s page before you buy.
See the handpiece at work
The transfer is where the handpiece adjustments matter most, because it lets you align the stone before you cut the second side.
See the transfer process →