Cabbing Machine Buyer's Guide

What a cabbing machine does

A cabbing machine is a motor driving a set of wheels on a shared shaft. You work a stone through them in order, from coarse wheels that shape it to fine wheels that smooth it and a polishing wheel that finishes it. Water runs over the wheels to keep the stone and the diamond cool and to wash the swarf away.

The grit sequence

Exact grits differ from machine to machine, but the idea is always the same: start coarse (roughly 80 to 220 grit) to establish the shape, move through medium and fine grits (up to around 1,200) to remove scratches, then polish with a very fine wheel or pad. More wheels let you change grit without stopping to swap parts, which is why many hobbyists prefer a machine with several wheels.

What to look at

• Wheel size: larger wheels have more working surface and wear more slowly; smaller machines take up less bench space.
• Motor: a steady, quiet motor matters more than a headline number. Variable speed is useful for polishing.
• Water feed: an even drip onto every wheel, with a splash pan that drains properly.
• Shaft and bearings: there should be no wobble or side-to-side play.
• Lighting and visibility: a slanted or open layout makes it easier to see the stone while you work.

Parts and consumables

Wheels wear out. Before you buy, check that replacement wheels in the same size and arbor fit are easy to find, especially for older or discontinued machines. A used machine with worn wheels can still be a good buy if you budget for new ones.