hey guys i’ve been cutting for 53 yrs i’m 78. you said it looks like the hobby is dying— sadly maybe– i’ve met hundreds of people that would like to take up faceting, whats killing it is the cost of the machines, the prices of $3000-$6000 for a GOOD new machine the average person can’t asfford; even the lap’s are pricey but i buy laps for beginners and oldtimers from china, 8″ laps for $12-15 each including shipping for the grits we use and a hell of a lot more diamond on them. i have at my home about 20 diff faceting machines of all brands which i teach on. my favorite is my 1974 ultra tec still working hard and accurate, 40 plus yrs and cost me $385.. 2 yrs ago i also bought the latest digital model over $4000 it too is worth it. the only two machines i personally recommend is the ultra tec and raytech-shaw which is lesser cost. anyone feel free to contact me, i also teach– for FREE– gemmakermz@cs.com