Faceting Techniques - a V5 "detail" - tabling at 0°
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In reviewing the V5 configuration, Stephen Kotlowski of Phenomenal Facets commented on a particular design "detail" of the V5 that he likes:
The position of the Leadscrew (as compared to the V2) is moved forward, toward the Lap, about an inch, and so, the V5 allows another inch of reach over the Lap surface, which allows utilizing the entire surface of the lap for very steep angles. At 0°, the V5 accesses 90% of the Lap surface (without measuring exactly).
Now, that's significant for Stephen, who, as a professional cutter, is interested in speed - and when it is time to work on the Table of a small stone, does not always use the Tabling Adapter.
Rather, he sets the Quill axial position to 0°, and "plunges" (actually, he points out, he sets the DAD to 00.01°). He comments that not only does the geometry of the V5 enhance this no-adapter technique, but the V5's firmness pitches in as well.
Stephen is far from being alone in using this technique - in conversation, John Dyer said he does that too.
And, of course, many of you have tried it. Stephen cautions - and those of you who have tried this technique have learned - that before raising the stone to inspect the Table, remember to raise the vertical position a bit. If you just swing up the Quill, you would cut a radius on the edge of your Table.
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Tabling a 3.8 ct. Spessartite Garnet
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