Revision 7 (Feb 2019)
INTRODUCTION
The Ultra Tec Faceting Machine h
as been manufactured since 1966. It displays Ultra Tec’s approach to
equipment design -- direct, simple, thorough and non-compromising
– providing the user with the precision and
repeatability that fine lapidary work requires.
The Fantasy machine was
developed at the urging of professional gem cutters. It is based on their “wish list” –
a list that included mechanisms and controls for almost every possible axis of positioning. It started out with a
goal of making
advanced positioning controls available for “concave cutting”. When we were done, we found
that the equipment could not only do the enhanced concave cutting originally intended but also something new -
“Fantasy stones” – essentially, geometric carving – a lapidary art that gives free rein to the imagination of the
user. So
—the project became a goal exceeded.
The Fantasy Machine has gone through a period of extensive testing
– tweaking – modifying – getting it right.
That period included learning
– a learning that continues – but clearly, it was time for the Fantasy machine to be
introduced.
As Fantasy users gain experience
– their work will turn increasingly complex. It’s not for kids. It is for lovers of
lapidary, perhaps better said
–
imaginative
lovers of lapidary
—it’s an art form. Enjoy it.
ABOUT YOUR FANTASY MACHINE
The Fantasy Machine is a precision device, but not a delicate device. For maintenance, it only needs normal
“wipe-it-down” cleanliness and reasonable care.
Pay attention to safety -- there are tools in multiple motion. In general, these are not sharp cutting tools, but
sometimes are, and are necessarily exposed. So -- treat them with respect.
As with any electro-mechanical device, there can be occasional problems--and if you experience one, re-read
the Owner's manual for the function involved, to assure that you are performing the operation correctly. If you
still experience a problem, communicate with your Ultra Tec representative or with the factory.
Shown with a Mast mounted
– how it will look “in use”.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Most Manuals
start out by saying “Read this carefully before proceeding”. Our advice is to do what you will
probably do anyhow --
that is, “Browse through this Manual quickly, and then start trying things out – go back to
the Manual if something puzzles you”. Our reason: This is a complex, but very logical machine. As a faceter
you’ll figure out most of it by just looking at it. For many functions it takes longer to go through a verbal
description than it does to just look at it
—and try it. Obviously, if something feels “too tight”, or is “jamming”, go
back to the Manual and read the section you need.
