New User Introduction

[miketmbt]

Hello, my name is Michael Thompson.
I have been fascinated with gemstones and cutting for several years now but have just never gotten the equipment. I spent some time in the past playing with lost wax casting and learning about stone setting. I do want to get deep into faceting now.

I currently live in Phoenix AZ but I also work in Tucson AZ for a civil engineering firm. I hope to move to the Tucson area within the next year.

Right now I am battling cancer for the second time and the second year in a row. (A 41 year old NON-smoker with lung cancer. Go figure). I expect to be done and recovering in the next couple of months. After that I plan to get started faceting.

I almost get it started about 10 years ago and bought a faceting arm off ebay. Shortly after purchase, the seller told me it wouldn’t work returned my money. I still have the tool and have no idea what is wrong with it. Maybe I’ll dig it out and post some photos for ID.

Recently I’ve been looking at Amazon and it looks like they only have to machines and both look like garbage so I am reluctant to start there.

I hope to learn all I can from these forums and maybe I’ll have a chance to meet and learn from some of you in Phoenix and Tucson.

Thank you.

[flfaceter73]

Take a look at ebay, they have had some machines lately that look like they would be ok.

[Lowjiber]

Welcome to the hobby and the forum.

You likely already know, but Tucson is the Mecca of gem shows in the US. The annual show may be a good place to shop for a used machine.

Just food for thought.

[miketmbt]

Thanks. I do look forward to attending the next gem show.

[scottwkelley]

Hello Michael, Your story is a bit like mine. Anyways you live in a very Gem World Area, Join the local Lapidary clubs and Mineral clubs. I am sure you will find your machine and a mentor possibly. Love to facet, good luck and hope to meet someday.

[Author]

Posts