Ultra Tec Faceting

Ultra Tec Faceting - FAQ

-- Answers to users' frequently asked questions

DOPS

Q. The current dops have an angular cut at the back. I know that's an alignment feature for the current Spindle-but, can I use those dops in my older machine?

A. Yes. They are a little bit shorter, but they will work OK.

CALIBRATIONS AND REPAIRS

Q. Do I need to have the Head calibrated periodically?

A. No. But, consider calibration if there's some problem that you see, or if you suspect some damage. In that event, contact us and we'll arrange for the work.

Q. If I do send the Head for calibration or repair, how much will Ultra Tec charge?

A.. For repairs and calibration, we charge at a rate of $75 per hour. If the work is reasonably free of complications, it can be done in about an hour and a half—and about 10% are done within that time, and have about a $100 charge. More commonly, something turns up, and then the additional labor, and perhaps some hardware, results in the more common $150 to $250 billing.

If there are major problems—“major problems” are those necessitating disassembly, part replacement (Bearings, for example), and reassembly--costs, on the average, rise an additional $200. We can almost always detect the presence of a “major problem” at the inspection stage, at which point we are only about $35 into it—at which point we notify you with an estimate, for you to say stop or go-ahead.

It is a good idea to call us before sending it in—and usually, as we discuss what you see as a problem, we can come up with a estimate. That way, you know, going in what it will probably be—and give us an OK for that amount.

That “pre-approval” speeds things up since we can move right into the repair. Most frequently, the faceter sends his credit card information, with some “do-not-exceed” amount, based on the phone estimate.

This information, and pricing, applies equally and separately for the Mast and the Base. Usually it is only the Mast that needs attention, but sometimes the Base as well. So, for example, if the Mast and the Base needed repair, and they were both in the “uncomplicated” category, the billing would be about $200.

Q. On my Base, I think that the Platen is not running evenly—that it needs calibration. What do I do?

A. It is rare, but not impossible, to have runout on the Platen--unless it is a matter of the Bearings having gone out (in which case there would be considerable noise from them)

It would be good if you could get some estimate of the runout. You may not have an indicator (unless you have a Dial Indicator Attachment on the Mast, in which case you do, and it would read out the error), but you can make an estimate by doing the following: set the Quill at about 45 degrees--not critical; using the Vertical Control Knob, as you rotate the Platen manually, gradually lower the Quill toward the Platen, approaching the Platen near its perimeter, and detecting the first contact between the Quill and the Platen. That would be the high point—record the reading on the Mast Scale. Then, rotate the Platen 180 degrees, so the Quill would now be hovering over the low point, and gradually lower the quill until contact is detected (you can move the quill back and forth horizontally--only about 1/8"--to help in that detection)--and record the reading at this new point. The difference between the two readings is the runout.

If the error is significant, you will get a reading. If, however, the Platen remains within its specification, the error is so small it will be difficult to get a reading. Now, if you do not detect an error on the Platen itself, suspect the Laps--it is not uncommon that new Laps have a vertical error of .002", or, there is the possibility that when setting the Lap onto the Platen there may be a bit of dirt on the Platen or on the underside of the Lap. (while Platen problems are rare, reports of Platen problems that actually trace back to Lap problems are not so rare).

If you finally decide it is a Platen problem, it would have to be sent to the factory for correction. If it is a post -1980's machine (approx. date), the repair and recalibration, assuming no unforeseen complications, is $160-220. If it is a pre-1980's machine, the costs at least double (it has to do with some details of the mounting configuration).

Q. If I do need a calibration or repair to the Head, do I need to send back the Base, too.

A. In general, the answer to that is No. It is fairly uncommon that there is a Base problem (and, of course, sending the Base is a bigger task than sending just the Mast). If you are close enough to bring the Base by, and you don't have the hassle of sending it, it is a good idea to do that so that we can do a final calibration "tweaking" of the Mast to its Base (the Mast, without its Base, is calibrated to the Test Stand -- which is very close to the Base alignment (not exact--but very close--and satisfactory for most serious faceters).

Q. If I want to send my Head to Ultra Tec for calibration or repair, how should I send it?

A. Put it into a corrugated box, and put some protective padding around it-even crinkled-up newspaper is OK (and often fun to read). US Mail is OK-or UPS, too, which is how we make most of our return deliveries.

RIGHT & LEFT-HANDED MACHINES

Q. I’m left handed. It seems that Ultra Tec faceting machines are right handed. Is that a problem for me?

A. The short answer is: No—it is not a problem.

The longer answer is ...

In its earlier days, Ultra Tec offered the buyer a choice of "left hand" or "right hand" machines. Even though it was for many years, I must say, those were improper names. They were not "left hand" and "right hand", but rather, correctly, the machines should not have been called “Mast-on-left” or “Mast-on-right”. The closest comparison I can think of is the location of the steering wheel in an automobile. In England the steering wheel is on the right; in the USA the steering wheel is on the left – they are not "left hand" or "right hand" autos -- and which ever side you were used to before, you get used to the new way. Similarly, with a faceting machine, you also get used to it either way (except that getting used to the faceting machine is much faster than getting used to the driving change).

Now, is it possible that one side is really “better” depending on whether you are right or left handed? You may have heard the arguments, as I have. There are people who make a good case for why a right-handed person should use a Mast-on-left machine, and there are other people who make an equally good case for why a right-handed person should use a Mast-on-right machine (with corresponding arguments for left handed people). There are persuasive arguments—on both sides of the matter. Experience has taught, however, regardless of the arguments, that a user quickly becomes accustomed to either side--it really doesn't matter.

When Ultra Tec decided to produce Mast-on-right machines, it was to reduce the complexity of our inventory, not just for the machine but for accessories as well. We chose Mast-on-right not because it is “better” (it’s not – neither side is “better”) but because that's what 90 percent of existing machines were (I think the imbalance between right and left came from the original “right-handed” and “left-handed” designations).

The main point is: If you've been used to a Mast-on-left faceting machine, you will quickly become accustomed to Ultra Tec's Mast-on-right. Which side the mast may be on is not a factor to consider when selecting a machine.

UPDATING YOUR ULTRA TEC

Looking back, we've had many upgrades-some of them apparent, and affecting the way the machine is used, and some less apparent, affecting the internal precision.

Q. Can my machine be upgraded?

A. Yes. Any Ultra Tec upgrade can be made to any Ultra Tec. We keep to our long-time pledge to never make machines "obsolete"-that is, we will not make an upgrade that cannot be retrofit to an existing machine. But, of course, an upgrade can be expensive, and it is up to you to evaluate and decide.

Q. My machine has the old draw-bar-chuck dop retention system. Should I get the current indexed-dop system ?

A. Yes - we think so. It has proven to be an excellent upgrade. It's in the "expensive" category, but It includes the indexed-dop Transfer Block and the short extension Tabling Adapter-both significant features in themselves.

Q. If I did get the indexed-dop system, can I install it myself?

A. Yes, and there's a how-to video. On the other hand, if you have us install it, you'll be some days without your machine, but you get, in effect, a free calibration along with it.

Q. ..... And. If I did get the indexed-dop system, can I use my old dops?

A. Yes. You just need to grind an angle on the back-an "eyeballed" 45°--it's not critical and you can miss by a lot.

Q. What does the Keyed Spindle System upgrade consist of?

A. A picture is worth a thousand words -- Click here for the details.

PEOPLE AT ULTRA TEC

Q. Is Joe Rubin still actively working?

A. Joe, who still writes the Sometimes Bulletins is - what he calls - "retired", which means that he works, and is here, about half the time. If you don't get Joe, personally, on the telephone...don't worry. There is a very capable team here able to assist with your all your machinery questions.

Q. I have questions about working on a design or particular type of stone -- Should I call Ultra Tec?

A. Much as the people at Ultra Tec love to hear your experiences and help out where possible, there are often better places to get 'application' help. Most of our local representatives are advanced gemcutters and are ready to share their knowledge.

ACCESSORIES

Q. Is there any Accessory that I must have?

A. No-but close to a "must-have" accessory is the Dial Indicator Attachment (Order Code: 1305.7). We've thought about making it a standard item (Joe says he feels lost without one) but there are some faceting teachers who teach without them (and it's easier to handle them as an "add-on" rather than a "take-off).

Q. Doesn't the Dial Indicator Attachment do the same thing as the Down Indicator Light or the Stop Indicator Buzzer ?

A. Well, they are similar but not exactly the same (and so many faceters use both). The Dial Indicator Attachment is for speed, and the Down Indicator Light, or the Stop Indicator Buzzer, are for accuracy. That is, using the Dial Indicator Attachment, the faceter views the movement of the stone through the entire removal process and visually estimates the stopping point on a scale with a resolution of .001 inch, while the Light (or Buzzer) gives no information until the last second, but then is sensitive to a few microns.

SECOND HAND MACHINES

Q. I've seen a 2nd hand Ultra Tec faceting machine for sale - Should I buy it ?

A. While we still feel that the 2nd Best machine on the market is a "used" Ultra Tec, most second hand machines are a distant second. Joe Rubin went into some detail about this very subject in the the article Why you should NOT buy a used faceting machine (pdf)

Click on the image

BUYING A MACHINE

Q. Its time for me to buy the World's finest faceting machine - How do I go about buying an Ultra Tec ?

A. Take a look at our list of Sales Representatives - please speak to the nearest person to you. We have a growing team both in the USA and Internationally. If you don't see anyone local, contact us and we'll be pleased to help.

Note: We hope that we've answered most of your questions regarding our faceting machinery and accessories. If you still have questions, please e-mail us at info@ultratec-facet.com

FAQ -- Updated August 2, 2006