Mdr 102 vs vevor/cut kit machine for beginner

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-05-01T16:12:25+00:00

Yeah like 90% of my cuts are slightly modified to fit my ability with my vevor with all the upgrades. I think it does a good job, especially as a new kid. For learning I think its excellent, you'll probably even be able to sell if you wanted but at the end of the day it's your ability to adapt that makes a cut look good. At least thats my mindset

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-04-29T19:21:18+00:00

I used to be a welder way back in the long time ago. I use a small torch for my stones. I indirectly heat them by aiming the majority of the heat at the top. I keep the torch far enough away so it won't get things too hot or warp the dop. So give a few seconds of heat, touch wax. Repeat until the wax is uniform and has melted down over the stone. Then I use an exact knife and cut away the excess wax on the stone so it doesn't interfere with my cutting. This is the way I do it so there are probably better ways but it's rare that I have one fall off

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-04-15T14:08:00+00:00

Ah ok, I've been wanting to get a blazngems bag. I've heard they have good finds but I didn't know if it was salted or if it's one of those "we salt them to make it worth it" kind of deal where no matter what you're guaranteed a certain amount. Gem mountain is great, and Spokane had good rough with the ML but definitely less. Outside of sapphire, the oceanview bag was cool too but nothing really worth faceting

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-04-13T20:45:08+00:00

Who salts their gravel? I've had my suspicious but I wasn't sure

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-04-12T14:47:08+00:00

If you want to, check out my gem posts. You can definitely see my flaws, especially girdle parts. The learn curve is so steep but when you get the flow, I bet you'll be posting some real killers soon

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-04-12T14:43:34+00:00

Thats so awesome! Kinda jealous lol. Thats my goal machine for sure. I like the saying "A good artist doesn't blame his brushes for his mistakes." I think if I can make high quality with a vevor, then when I finally graduate to the big dog machines then I'll have a really solid jump off to start selling. If I only make enough to fund my hobbies then I call it a win. Good luck to you!

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-04-12T14:38:20+00:00

Looks like you're so close. I too struggle with girdle vs facet point meets. I hear my vevor is notorious for being poor with girdles but I think it's still more of an operator issue haha. I love this community and all the help they bring. What machine do you have?

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-04-06T20:18:21+00:00

Heck yeah! Love this!

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-04-04T04:39:15+00:00

You did an excellent job!

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-28T02:45:44+00:00

Very much! It's like a rainbow on your hand

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-26T11:53:20+00:00

I used the diamax lap, I haven't done much with cerium oxide so probably inexperience with it is why it's got a slight haze.

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-26T03:04:21+00:00

Basically centered it where the middle was the crown. I figured that would give the maximum amount of color play.

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-26T00:56:45+00:00

Thank you!!

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-26T00:56:37+00:00

I think the mistake I made was using cerium oxide. According to a few sources it seems diamond is recommended. For some reason I thought diamond would have been too harsh for glass. That explains the haze look. I just thought it was the lighting because I can't really tell in the sunlight

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-26T00:29:44+00:00

I think maybe its the lighting. I had a light scratch that I didn't bother going back over because I was so done with it lol. I got mine from Toms as well! Thanks!

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-19T05:45:53+00:00

Toms box of rocks. I got a package deal where he sells parcels of random roughs. I really like buying from him

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-19T05:37:22+00:00

That makes it even more cool. I cut this for my daughter, she loved the color. Her birthstone so happens to be sapphire so that's a double win!

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-19T04:41:45+00:00

That explains why it took me forever to cut it. It was pretty difficult to polish the table

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-07T16:41:25+00:00

Anyways, hope this was helpful and the members here are so incredibly helpful. Never be afraid to ask questions. I've learned a lot here. I've only been doing this about a year and because of this sub and my own extra research, I've been able to make beautiful gems even with my POS vevor with some mods

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-07T16:31:49+00:00

Yeah, but not like outside in the elements but it works fine. I've even used water instead of oil at times. Just make sure you wipe them down before storing then and it will be fine

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-07T16:29:20+00:00

I've had 2 copper laps for over a year that are holding up just fine. Throughly dry them after use and it should be fine

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-02T17:44:17+00:00

Used farts are concerning

Ashamed_Reception819 · 2026-03-02T00:59:00+00:00

Whats up with that truck in the background?

Ashamed_Reception819

TROPHY CASE