Faceting Machine
The faceting machine is the center of your setup. It holds the stone at a precise angle and index position for every facet, so its rigidity and repeatability matter more than any extra feature. Here are machines for three stages, from a low-cost first test to a long-term investment.
A low-cost way to find out whether faceting is for you. Cutters report that it often needs adjustments or part replacements, so treat it as a trial machine, not a precision tool.
- Power180 W
- SpeedFixed or variable
- Sold onAmazon (U.S. store)
- LinkAmazon affiliate
A handpiece machine prized for speed and easy re-cutting. It is the machine my father uses.
- DesignHandpiece on a table
- Speed50 to 1,000 RPM
- Stone size1 to 50 mm
- LinkDirect, no commission
A premium mast machine, available with a digital angle readout, built for precision work and long-term use.
- DesignMast
- Angle readoutDigital or analog
- MakerUltra Tec, California
- LinkDirect, no commission
A long-running mast machine that many competition cutters use. Often found used, so check its condition and what is included.
- DesignMast
- Where to buyOften used
- LinkEditorial review
Why we cut on the Raytech Shaw
My father uses a Raytech Shaw, and it is the machine behind the techniques taught on this site. It is a handpiece machine: the handpiece rests on a precision table and lifts off, so you can examine the stone whenever you need to.
- Speed. Variable from 50 to 1,000 RPM, with a reversing switch.
- Stone size. Cuts stones from 1 mm to 50 mm.
- Indexing. A 96 index gear and a facet finder come with every package.
- Dops. 33 sizes in anodized aluminum are available and 7 are included. A transfer jig aligns the crown and pavilion facets.
- Maker. Based on a design patented by Louis Eaton Shaw in 1961, and produced today by Scott Manufacturing in Colorado.
Water pot, drip pan, transfer jig, 7 dops, dop wax, and a handpiece with one 96 index gear and one 8-tooth facet finder.
Everything in Basic, plus three diamond laps (260, 1200 and 3000), one Lucite lap and Spectra polishing laps.
Maker’s prices for the 115 V version, checked in October 2026. A 230 V version is available on request, and the maker ships worldwide. Extra laps, dops, index gears and facet finders are sold separately.
Where it shines
Experienced cutters praise how fast it is once you are practiced, how easily you can re-cut a damaged stone, and how compact the setup is.
Worth knowing
Some cutters find the platform less precise than top-end mast machines, and angles harder to set to exact fractional values. Technique and a good teacher matter.
Direct link to the maker. This is not an affiliate link, and we earn nothing from it.
Package details come from the maker’s order page. Cutter opinions come from a Gem Society forum thread.
Quick comparison
| Machine | Level | Design | Best for | Where to buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VEVOR 180 W | Beginner | Manipulator arm with scale | Testing the hobby on a small budget | Amazon | View |
| Raytech Shaw | Intermediate | Handpiece on a table | Speed and easy re-cutting | The maker, direct | Order |
| Ultra Tec V5 | Advanced | Mast, digital or analog readout | Precision work and long-term use | The maker, direct | View |
| Facetron | Alternative | Mast | Value, often bought used | Mostly used | Review |
How to choose
Mast or handpiece?
A mast machine holds the stone on a rigid arm and shows the angle on a gauge. A handpiece machine lets you lift the stone off the table to inspect it. Both can produce excellent work. If you can, take a class or try each type before you buy.
Budget honestly
A budget machine can teach you the basics, but expect to tune it and upgrade later. A mid-range or premium machine costs more up front and is built to last.
Count what is included
Dops, a transfer jig, index gears and laps are often sold separately, so add them to the price before you compare. Dops and laps also fit specific machines, so check the quill and lap size before buying extras.
Links marked « View on Amazon » are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to makers, such as Raytech Shaw and Ultra Tec, are direct links and earn us nothing. Prices and availability change, so check the seller’s page before you buy.
Machine chosen? Now the laps.
Laps do the actual cutting and polishing. See the grit progression we use, from cutting to final polish.
Choose your laps →