GSP8 Complete Vertical Cabbing Machine

GSP8 Complete Vertical Cabbing Machine

Complete Cabbing Machine Version
This Australian Made unit is constructed of aluminium alloy casting, stainless steel shaft and heavy
duty bearings. Gemmasta machines are finely engineered and manufactured in Ballina, NSW.
It is supplied with the following accessories that will allow you to finish cabochons:
-200mm (8 Inch) Machined Aluminium Face Plate. Steel disc attached. 5/8” UNF Thread.
-200mm (8 Inch) Coarse Grit diamond disk with magnetic backing. (Grinding)
-200mm (8 Inch) Medium Grit diamond disk with magnetic backing. (Grinding)

-Set of 4 Resin Bonded Diamond Disks for the sanding process. (Sanding/Pre-polish)
The disks have a foam core which allows enough "dip" to get an evenly rounded surface on your cabochons. They are magnetically backed and attach to the face plate without the need for glue. The disks are manufactured by -Gemmasta in Ballina and replacements are readily available.
Standard set up is; #280 (BLACK) #600 (BROWN) #1200 (GREY) #3000 (PINK). (All to be used with water).

-A felt disk on a magnetic backing. (Polish) + 50,000 Diamond Compound for final polishing. (Default).
Best for most mixed gemstones, Jaspers, Agate, Quarts, Boulder Opal, etc.
Alternatively, 100 grams of Cerium Oxide can be provided. This is often a preference for those polishing Lightning Ridge or Coober Pedy opal.  (Please advise your preference is Cerium).
For those that want the flexibility of both, we suggest purchasing a secondary felt disk with magnetic backing and the alternative polish. Polish compounds should always be used on a separate felt with no risk of cross contamination. Storing them in a clean plastic bag when not in use is advisable to not gather any dirt.
The SLS Diamond Compound has an oil base and mixes well with the silicon extender fluid (can be purchased separate), this helps it spread further and can reduce heat.
The cerium powder can be mixed into a slurry with water and painted onto the felt disc with a brush.
A water spray bottle is most popularly used for keeping the pad moist.
-A Gemmasta manufactured water kit with an articulated water hose to apply water to the disks. The end nib of the hose twists to adjust water flow and the water manifold inlet accepts a standard garden hose style of connection. We highly recommend using a gravity feed water feed to avoid building up too much pressure in the water system.

Additional Features
Brass water drain outlet through the base of the tray. Simply connect 25mm clear plastic tubing for your wastewater (not supplied).
12mm square profile rubber strip to deflect the water spray back into the tray.
Marine carpet in the tray to prevent damage to stones if they come off the dop or out of your fingers. Supplied on an epoxy sealed board with a 1/3 hp motor (RPM - 800).
Base board is 45x45cm. Designed to sit approximately 5cm overhang over the front of bench for drainage hole. Necessary bench depth needed 40cm.

New to the Lapidary Trade? Note: The disks are designed to be used incrementally from coarse to fine. Skipping steps can result in a dull or scratched finish. Water must be used on the discs when grinding or sanding. The final polish can be run with no water. 

Care Of Steel Diamond Plated Products
At the end of each working day stack any laps vertically to dry (a dish draining rack is good for this). Care should be taken to dry any steel diamond plated disks and steel backing plates. A light spray of Inox or WD40 between uses will help prevent surface rust forming. Do not use chemicals such as rust converters on the plated disks as the chemicals may destroy the plating and cause even greater rusting.

Please note: Safety glasses should be worn when grinding with any abrasives! Stone dusts as well as organic material dusts can be very hazardous. Protective breathing equipment such as a face mask should be used to protect your lungs. Good ventilation is also highly recommended.