I've been mulling over the idea of faceting stones for a few months now, I'm searching for an artistic outlet but above all else I'm looking to develop new skills. I've decided that a 5XL would be the best fit for my budget since essentially all other reputable models are far out of my price range.
I was hoping to find a seller who stocked a 5XL since the internet seems to think Graves is a largely unreliable source (even though it's their product). I contacted Beckham's Barn since they listed one in stock, but learned from Jane that Tom had passed away last October and the unit they ordered last May from Graves still hasn't arrived. some sites state they're having 5XL availability problems.
Does anyone know of any lapidary shops with an online presence that actually stock a 5XL? I'm not sure if biting the bullet and ordering from graves directly is the best idea... or is it?
They have a booth at Tucson with one set up. However, I think customer testimonials here and elsewhere online should be taken seriously--consider whether you want to give your money to this company, and then whether you want to rely on them for repairs or replacement parts.
They have a booth at Tucson with one set up. However, I think customer testimonials here and elsewhere online should be taken seriously--consider whether you want to give your money to this company, and then whether you want to rely on them for repairs or replacement parts.
Sadly it seems like many don't have much of a choice when starting out, people realize the Graves MK IV/I is a bad machine being the cheapest and at the same time realize $3500 is too much to try out a hobby. I wish there were more than one available option in the sub $2000 price range.
Maybe someone on the internet stocks one... somewhere, I cant bring myself to give Graves $1700 directly then hope and pray I actually get a machine in return.
Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:32 pm Posts: 1747 Location: Florida, United States
aaronllewellyn wrote:
Sadly it seems like many don't have much of a choice when starting out, people realize the Graves MK IV/I is a bad machine being the cheapest and at the same time realize $3500 is too much to try out a hobby.
I advised Peter Erdo several times to discontinue manufacturing the Mark 1s and 4s, sell out existing inventory and concentrate all company resources on the Mark 5s. An accountant, engineer or professional marketer would agree with that. The Mark 1 has a particular base that uses only the Mark 4 mast and quill. The Mark 4 has a different base, but uses the Mark 4 mast and quill. The Mark 5XL uses the Mark 4 base but a modern digital electronic head. You see the inventory and capital investment problem? Obvious? Peter never acted on my advice and the water line around the HMS Graves rises a little every day.
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 6:41 pm Posts: 5534 Location: Massachusetts, USA
Quote:
"Sadly it seems like many don't have much of a choice when starting out, people realize the Graves MK IV/I is a bad machine being the cheapest "
How bad is a machine when they have never been able to make them fast enough, even when the business was running?? The reason for the low price is simplicity and low parts count. Look at all the parts and machining of all the other machines. None of them were actually designed to be mass-produced. They are all just slowly evolving versions of the first bar stock prototypes. That's why they cost so much.
"Sadly it seems like many don't have much of a choice when starting out, people realize the Graves MK IV/I is a bad machine being the cheapest"
One comment. The Mark 5XL is NOT a bad machine. The problem is getting one.
I know this is super old, but at the time I meant the Mark 1 / IV was considered to be not-that-great to many of the reviewers I found online, I didn't mean the mark 5 was a bad machine.
OK, I'm back on the graves bandwagon again, I cant find any Facetron features that can justify the $1600 difference in price. Not to mention the facetron wait time is now 8-12 weeks. Plenty of users seem to be having a a great time with their 5xl, so I'll go for it, if anyone knows of a good vendor let me know, preferably one that's not just drop shipping directly from graves.
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2016 7:58 pm Posts: 1424 Location: San Marcos, CA
aaronllewellyn wrote:
OK, I'm back on the graves bandwagon again, I cant find any Facetron features that can justify the $1600 difference in price. Not to mention the facetron wait time is now 8-12 weeks. Plenty of users seem to be having a a great time with their 5xl, so I'll go for it, if anyone knows of a good vendor let me know, preferably one that's not just drop shipping directly from graves.
Not to bring dome and gloom, reading these threads on this subject over quite some time, it is not likely some other dealer will have a machine sitting around, as the dealers have dealt with the same issues of getting machines as promised by graves. Greg
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 4:01 pm Posts: 1902 Location: Pine City, NY and Dothan, AL
Don't pay attention to the doom and gloom here. Contact the dealers. Contact Graves. It costs nothing to try. Graves has had a bad spell, for several reasons, but things seem to be getting better - give them a chance.
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