I just acquired a Raytech-Shaw faceter, but it was part of an estate
lot and the guy I bought it from knew nothing of lapidary. It’s
missing a critical part, and I’ve had no luck trying to find a
replacement. It’s the lap nut which screws into the motor spindle
platform, holding the lap in place; unfortunately the machine is
unusable without it. Do any fellow Orchidians know where I may find
one, or are there any other ideas to make one? Neither Raytech or
any of their distributors I’ve found even list the part.
Clyde, Your problem is perhaps not having a Raytech/Shaw Faceter
Handbook with an exploded parts diagram. The parts you are looking
for are 023A (Nut, Arbor) and 018A (Rubber for Arbor Nut). Call
Raytech and ask for these specific parts. Cheers from Don at The
Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple elegance IS fine jewelry! @coralnut2
Clyde, Raytech is usually a most accommodating company. I would call
them direct and ask for the faceter division. They are a big company
and faceters are only a small part of their company. If that doesn’t
work I would go to a machine shop supplier. Most lapidary equipment
bearings, spindles, and nuts are standard supply. You may find
something that works or the machinist in the store may be able to
make one for you. If that doesn’t work, let me know and I will ask one
of my friends who has a Raytech-Shaw where he gets his parts.
You used the term list; have you called Raytech’s technical person.
They have been very helpful in the past. Also it’s not a very exotic
size; there are other sources for what you need.
Do any fellow Orchidians know where I may find one, or are there
any other ideas to make one?
First, If you actually contact Raytech by phone, or one of their
distributors, I’d bet they can send you one. Just because they don’t
list it doesn’t mean they don’t have them. Catalogs tend to list the
most often needed parts.
If that doesn’t work, remembering that laps usually have a standard
1/2 inch diameter center hole, the center threaded rod will at least
be the same diameter with most makes of faceting machines. That
suggests the nut is likely to be a standard part that, even if
designed differently from one machine to another, would still fit the
same threads, since threads are likely standard sizes. Measure the
thread, if you can, and then it would be easy to just get a standard
nut from any machine tool supply, or maybe even home depot, unless
it’s a reverse direction thread or something. (depends on which
direction the spindle turns) Even then, it can be ordered. If you
want some sort of cushioned knob on it, that would be easy to
improvise. Just glue something to the nut…
Or, just take the thing to any decent machine shop, as a last
resort, and have someone cut you a nut if this really isn’t available.
Anyone with a decent machine lathe could make any sort of threaded
nut you wanted, perhaps with a larger outside diameter with a nice
knurled finish too…
Clyde - Good automotive supply stores are my best source of nuts and
bolts. If you cannot find a retainer nut that way, then take the
machine base to a machine shop, and have them turn a fitting for
you. If you go this custom fitting route, it may also be worthwhile
to have them make one with a larger than normal outside shape, which
you can tighten or remove by hand. The Lee faceting machine folks
used to offer such a retainer fitting, and it saves a lot of bother
when changing wheels.
It's the lap nut which screws into the motor spindle platform,
holding the lap in place; unfortunately the machine is unusable
without it. Do any fellow Orchidians know where I may find one, or
are there any other ideas to make one?
I’m not sure, but I’d bet that the thread on the screw is a standard
right hand, 1/4"-20 thread (most faceting machines use this size).
This size is available at most hardware stores. You might check to
see if you can find a thumb screw about 1/2" long in that size. You
may also have to put a flat washer under the thumbscrew.
Hi Clyde, You may have already done this, but also post your S.O.S.
at faceters@caprock-spur.com or lapidary@caprock-spur.com and maybe
one of those folks will be able to help you out as well. It’s
basically the faceters/lapidary version of Orchid. Best of luck to you, Carol
First, If you actually contact Raytech by phone, or one of
their distributors, I'd bet they can send you one. Just because
they don't list it doesn't mean they don't have them. Catalogs
tend to list the most often needed parts.
Doh! After being out of the scene for about 10 years I thought they
were distributor/dealer contact only. I called Raytech and spoke to a
very helpful lady who was able to take care of the parts I needed.
Thanks to everyone who replied- everyone on this list is most
helpful.