The VL Classic is the latest faceting machine introduced by ULTRA TEC. I have been faceting with it and teaching new faceters how to use it since 2019. It is a welcome addition to the Hashnu Stones & Gems Studio where I use it to facet with precision and repeatability. I will explain the different features of the VL Classic and show you how to set the mast height, angle and index. If you have additional questions or would like to purchase a VL Classic, please use the contact form at the end of this document to contact me. The VL Classic used in this document is my personal machine and has been used for three years and is not to be presented as brand new equipment.
The VL Classic mast is engineered for precision faceting and marked repeatability. It has several new features that I enjoy including, angle lock knob (in addition to the angle stop), lateral locking knob and the lack of front handle for easy access to your gemstone when faceting.
The VL Classic also sports ULTRA TEC’s new drip tank which allows for greater water volume and easy removal for refilling.
The VL Classic splash pan is now higher for better protection from swarf and has a permanent opening for high angle faceting. I recommend using the provided sponge except when pre-polishing and polishing.
The VL Classic base and power and speed control are without change from previous models. The motor provides ample torque for larger gemstones while running slower and smoother for smaller and more delicate gemstones. The speed control panel allows for power on/off, variable speed control and lap direction, clockwise and counter-clockwise.
The mast height adjustment is a two-step process for large angle changes with a well marked fine adjustment knob for a wide range of angle movement with one-step when necessary.
The VL Classic comes with two options for the axial angle adjustment, dial and digital. The dial is a great option for keeping your initial cost down and is easily upgradable to the digital option at a future time.
The Digital Angle Display is available as an upgrade. The Digital Angle Display, DAD, provides excellent accuracy for the most important axial position, with readings in increments of 0.01 degrees (more recent gem diagrams do show settings of 0.01 accuracy). The DAD also sports an alarm that can be set and cleared to alert you to your programmed angle.
The VL Classic has a new angle stop adjustment mechanism that is my favorite new addition to the faceting machine. It allows for accurate angle adjustment along with the fine adjustment knob, making for quick and accurate angle adjustment.
Here is a video showing how to adjust the height of the mast. You will find a link to the VL Classic User Manual at the top of this document which is a perfect written accompaniment for this video.
Here is a video showing how to adjust the angle of the mast. You will find a link to the VL Classic User Manual at the top of this document which is a perfect written accompaniment for this video.
Here is a video showing how to adjust the index. You will find a link to the VL Classic User Manual at the top of this document which is a perfect written accompaniment for this video.
I would like to add one important note of advice related to faceting gemstones. As working with any machine or repeating movement activity, safety and proper posture is very important. Please take the time to wear safety glasses and make sure that you are comfortable and sitting in a proper chair with proper posture. This will ensure faceting of fine gemstones with an ULTRA TEC faceting machine is a lifetime of enjoyment and satisfaction.
