Checking machine setup

[Wwoofa]

Hi,
Is there an easy way to check a machine to make sure it's all in alignment?  I have a Gemmaster and it has places to make adjustments but how do you know whether it is required?
Regards, Paul

[Andrew]

Gday Paul,

Andrew is better on this stuff than I am - contrary to appearances, it is Leah answering from Andrew's computer on this one.

However, in the meantime, have you seen these articles:

http://www.usfacetersguild.org/articles/paul_head/machine_alignment/
http://www.campbell-gemstones.com/LJarticle/LJArticle.html

Different model of machines but might give you some background on machine alignment before you get the good advice from Gemmasta experts.

I do know though that there is only a certain amount of adjustment - if there is not enough manual adjustment to align the machine well, then it might be required to send back to factory (or perhaps to someone like Horst R.) for a tune-up.

cheers
Leah

[Lawrence]

The OPLC CD has a really great article.

http://www.rockhounds.com/oplc/cd_online/faceting_articles/paul_head/alignment.html

I doubt you will be able to find a guide from Gemmaster. Most machine manuals have DO NOT ADJUST RETURN TO MANUFACTURER but it should be pretty straightforward to work out which bit does which.

Only advice I can give is triple check each screw does what you think before you fiddle with it, because some things will be press fit, or have bearings that are designed never to be exposed.

[Wwoofa]

Many thanks Leah & Lawrence ... hopefully everything will be fine & no adjustment necessary

[drft_er]

Gday Woofa,
if you get up rubyvale way i Recomend Horst. He has just realigned my Gemmasta very reasonable rates and if you pick it up he will explain the process and what parts you need to use to adjust it to keep it in trim.
Great Value!
Also send it by courier if you decide to send it as i had a discussion with Aussie post as they dont do fragile!! Everything goes into 1 big hopper/tipper for sorting not good for precission machines.
I have an article on checking i will try to dig it out and post it.