Quick answer: A starter lapidary setup needs three things: a saw with a diamond blade for trimming, a grinding or faceting machine with laps running from coarse to fine, and polishing media matched to your stones. Beginners can start with a combination unit and move to dedicated machines as volume grows.
Choosing lapidary equipment comes down to what you cut and how you finish it. Whether you are faceting gemstones, shaping cabochons, or polishing rough, the right machine plus the correct laps, wheels, and polishing media determine your results. This guide from the Sachi team walks you through the decisions.
What types of lapidary machines are there?
The main categories are faceting machines (for precise angled cuts on transparent gems), cabbing machines / grinders (for shaping and smoothing cabochons), and trim/slab saws (for cutting rough into workable pieces). Many workshops run a combination. Browse options in our Gem Lapidary Machines & Supplies collection.
Understanding laps, wheels, and grit
Lapidary work moves from coarse to fine. Grinding wheels and steel laps remove material fast at low grit (80–260), while progressively finer grits (600, 1200, 3000+) smooth the surface before final polishing. Matching grit sequence to your stone's hardness is the key to a scratch-free finish. We stock topper/flat laps, heavy base steel laps, and composite polishing laps.
Choosing the right polishing media
Final polish depends on the stone. Diamond polishing powder and pastes deliver the highest clarity on hard gems, while cerium and aluminium oxide suit softer material. We carry a full range of diamond polishing powder, synthetic diamond polishing powder, and other polishing media so you can match media to the mineral.
Maintenance and consumables
Lapidary machines are workhorses but need care: keep water flowing to cool stones and control dust, true your wheels regularly, and store laps flat to avoid warping. Budget for consumables — laps, wheels, and powders wear with use and are the main ongoing cost.
Frequently asked questions
What machine should a beginner start with?
Most beginners start with a combination cabbing/grinding unit, since cabochons are more forgiving than faceting. Add a faceting machine once you are comfortable with grit progression and polishing.
How do I choose grit sequence?
Start coarse enough to remove saw marks, then never skip more than one grit step. Skipping grits leaves scratches that are hard to remove later.
What polishing powder do you recommend for hard gems?
Diamond polishing powder is the standard for sapphire, ruby, and other hard stones. Softer stones can be polished with cerium or aluminium oxide.
What currency and shipping do you offer?
All prices are listed in Thai Baht (THB). We ship worldwide, including the USA, Europe, and across Thailand.
Written by the Sachi Gems & Tools team — gemological and lapidary specialists based in Bangkok.