Do I really need dial indicators, strain gauges, down lights, digital read
outs?
In most cases, the answer is absolutely not!
Have you ever heard the expression that... All the different types of fishing
lures are to catch fisherman, not fish. Well basically the same thing applies.
However, that does not mean that some of these "add-ons" are not
nice and helpful, some of them are. You do not need any of them to cut nice
stones, that can be accomplished on a decent quality, bare faceting machine,
no whistles and bells are needed.
A lot of new faceters feel that they need all of these techno "add-ons"
and if you start adding them up, depending on how you go, they can cost a
substantial amount of money.
The best thing to do, is to buy just a standard
machine (save your money) and learn how to use it properly. Then
as you get some experience cutting, if there is an "add-on" that
you want to try go ahead. You may find that you really like it, and it helps
you cut better.
But as a new cutter, if you buy these things up front, you may discover
that you spent a lot of time and money on things that you really do not need
or have a use for. I know quite a few people that bought these things with
their machines, and after cutting a while, have completely removed all of
the "add-ons" as not needed.
I should point out that almost all of the pros I know, do not use any of
these type of devices, and often cut award wining stones, this should tell
you something.
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