How to figure platform height for the handpiece, while reading diagrams

[Mestrelascas]

Hello to you all. Greetings from Portugal
'm new to faceting and I'm glad this forum exists ❤️

I'm not a native English speaker so I'm really sorry if I'm asking something obvious... I feel like my question is so obvious, and I feel its strange that when i use the search feature nothing pops up, so I'm probably missing something. Só here it goes:

I've taking a small workshop where i have started to facet on a platform type of machine, with a hand piece.

Faceting instructions for a standard brilliant cut include the index number, the angle to set on the handpiece and the platform height.

I want to try other designs but when I read the available "standard" diagrams, i see the index and the angles to set on the handpiece, but I dont see any reference to the platform height... What I am I missing?

So far i've faceted with the Pink hand and with the "regular" handpiece...

Thank you so much for your time

Hugo

[Faceting Frank]

Hi Hugo,
Never used the type of machine you have but understand what you're talking about. There will not be any mention of the platform height in any cutting instructions, only the index numbers and the angles of the facets. From what I know about the type of machine you are using, you rest the stone on the lap and adjust the platform height till you have the desired angle. Then as you cut the facet lower the platform to maintain the facet angle. If there is some recordable position on the platform, then you can keep a record of each layer of facets. This will make it easier to go back to them if needed.
Frank.

[Mestrelascas]

Thank you for your reply!

That makes sense! My instructor is an old school Brazilian faceter, and he uses an Imahashi with a jambpeg, so I think he adapted the designs he "lectured" (round brilliant and princess cut) to the machine where I'm learning...

Later today I'll share an image of the machine! I was told it was similar to the sterling faceting machine, and I was hoping there were already diagrams "ready" or close, to these machines

A lot of new questions are rising... I'll do some more research and try to figure it all out

I'll investigate how to upload photos and share the machine later... Thank you once again

[Mestrelascas]

 
My faceting machine as promised... Saturday (in class) I'll try to adapt one of the available designs in this forum... I'll keep the faceting arm leveled at the desired angle, while adjusting platform height... Hope it works!

Any help or feedback is appreciated , specially any hand faceters with similar machines ❤️

Thank you once again

Hugo

[Faceting Frank]

I have a digital scale fitted to my machine, it keeps a very accurate record of the mast height position. It slides up and down the stem it is fitted to, so does not need to be fixed to anything to record its position. Just need it's base fixed to the mast base. It will transform the way you are faceting your stones, because you can keep a record of the platform position to an accuracy of 0.01deg. You can get them on eBay for about $80, in machinery accessories. I think "milling machine measuring equipment" should get you in the right area.