Does anyone have and use the Imahashi machine? How good is it ? I have been offered one. I have a Polymtrix chrystal 88. I have been told that the Imahashi is a better machine!
There aren't very many faceting folks on this forum, so I would suggest you hop over to the Gemology Online forum at http://www.gemologyonline.com/Forum/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=8 and ask there. There are a lot of faceters on that list who probably would know the Imahashi attributes and drawbacks. You could also try the USFG list in Yahoo Groups.
The Imahashi is the Rolls Royce of faceting machines. No wood is used. It is very heavily built and once set the handpiece will work on multiple bases. I sold one a few years ago without any of the abrasive plates for $1400 on Ebay. That was just a lucky buy at a an estate auction. No one new what it was and I got it for $50. The only problem you may have is that it is not marketed in the US. You will need to order parts from Japan unless you can find a global supplier.
Thanks for the replies! That is what I was told, but I am in South Africa so spares will be harder to acquire!
As already said and I must say the same. Two facetor friends I know use them and would not cut on any other.
Thanks Isotelus, I just have to find the cash!