Post subject: Designing guiu-style dops for use on the machine
Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2019 7:37 pm
Valued Contributor
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:53 pm Posts: 175 Location: Toronto
I am going to be in the possession of a small form factor metal lathe (to attempt a concave faceting machine conversion). However, I also want to turn some prototype tools been dreaming about.
I think the guiu dop idea has some room for improvement. I think we could get around having to transfer the stone (and if performing a pavillion recut, to balance the stone on the culet as a result).
Imagine a dop with a typical diameter threaded end, and a separate centering tool like the guiu but with a flat base with a threaded matching hole. This configuration would allow you to secure the stone, place adhesive on the end of the threaded dop (through a side cut-away similar to the emerald guiu dops). Once set, the centering tool would simply be threaded down and off of the dop.
I know this is a clumsy explanation, and I will make diagrams tonight to go with the explanation... But I am curious if anyone has attempted to make something similar (or has come up with some other tools or a rock-solid methodology for adequate alignment when performing partial pavillion recuts to close windows).
Interesting idea. Though it might be easier and more durable to use a standard dop and not thread the length of it. Instead machine your centering device to accurately slip over the dop and be secured with a nylon-tipped screw. Then when the stone is securely glued, you can release the screw and simply slide the device off the back end of the dop.
On a different note - are you able to make custom dops? I'm looking for someone who can machine some 0.300" (7.62mm) diameter flat and cones. As I see you're in Canada (I'm in Vancouver) this makes it easier for shipping etc.
-Allan
_________________ Allan Aoyama http://www.omnifaceter.net <- Omnifaceter is back online!
Post subject: Re: Designing guiu-style dops for use on the machine
Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 4:21 pm
Valued Contributor
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:53 pm Posts: 175 Location: Toronto
Lorne- it's been a long time! I'm living near the University, and I am planning to come to a guild meeting soon. Will bring along a strange synthetic material too (lithium tantalate, most pyroelectric material know. Wax dopping is always fun when your stone is zapping you and repelling the wax enough to make little streamers of it electrostatically hover off the stone at the edges of the main blob)
Allan - I'll let you know once I have the lathe and am confident that I'm turning things properly centred
Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 28 guests
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot post attachments in this forum