One of the main reasons people engage in lapidary is the joy and satisfaction of creating jewelry. Cabochons are one of the most common stone arts that you can turn into jewelry. You can usually see these being used as pendants, earrings, rings, etc.
Cabbing is the process of making a cabochon. You use a cabbing machine to shape, grind, and polish your stone. As the lapidary continuously expands, a variety of cabbing machines are already available on the market. A cabbing machine is an investment, and you should choose one that will be a perfect fit for your needs.
But what are the things you should consider or look out for when purchasing a cabbing machine?
Design
Let's face it ‒ there are a lot of cabbing machines out there with different designs and made of different materials. Before buying a cabbing machine, make sure that it matches your preference. A lot of lapidarists experience wrist injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome from hours of cabbing. Since the whole cabbing process takes hours to complete, find a machine that will be comfortable to use.
The drain hole must also be big enough to dump all the sludge right after the process. Cleaning is very frustrating when a machine has an almost useless draining hole. This is also important for easy maintenance.
Durability
If you want to engage in cabbing as a hobby, the most expensive equipment you'll need will probably be the machine. That's why the quality and durability of it matter.
You want a cabbing machine that will last you for a long time, and is serviceable so you'll just have to replace a component whenever it wears out. The material used in the framework is the most important. It should be tough enough to withstand heavy use and vibration.
The Highland Park Lapidary's CB8 has a non-magnetic 304 stainless steel body. It is rugged, durable, and has a shaft that is made of precision-turned 316 stainless steel for a vibration-free operation.
Space between the wheels
No one likes a crowded area while cabbing. Some machines have their wheels too close to each other. When looking for a cabbing machine, you should look out of the space or allowance that you have between your wheels, for a seamless operation.
Wheel size
The two common wheel sizes are 6" and 8". If you're cabbing larger stones or doing production cabbing, you may opt for the 8" wheels. Having bigger wheels will also last you longer. 6" wheels are also great if you're on a budget, a starting hobbyist, or cabbing smaller rocks.
Water flow
A good water flow is essential in cabbing to avoid burning and heat fractures. You should look for a machine that has steady water flow but is not too overwhelming that you feel like there's a faucet in your machine. The cabbing machines in the market differ mostly in their water systems.
One of the most convenient water systems is via the pump, where water is being pumped from a bucket to the machine to generate water flow. It is then drained in a separate bucket, which you can easily throw out after the operation.
Understanding all the things you need to consider in a machine will make you feel safe with your investment. It will allow you to choose equipment based on your own preference, rather than the influence of other people. You'll also feel the joy and satisfaction of creating cabochons and jewelry.