Ameritool trim saw and grinder/polisher

Hello folks who know everything,

It's been quite some time since I have played with lapidary equipment =
and I'm looking into buying my own instead of playing with other =
people's toys.

I have seen the trim saw and grinder/polisher at a gem show in Denver a =
month ago and was somewhat interested. Over time I checked Google, and =
of course, other search engines like Yahoo! and Ask Jeeves and such, =
seeking reviews on the machines.

The machines in question is the Universal Heavy-Duty Grinder and =
Polishing Machine and the Ameritool 4" Lapidary Trim Saw manufactured by =
Ameritool, Inc. Their website is http://www.ameritool-inc.com/ in case =
you happen to know less than everything.

What do you think of those machines?

Thank you and happy crafting,
W~

The machines in question is the Universal Heavy-Duty Grinder and =
Polishing Machine and the Ameritool 4" Lapidary Trim Saw manufactured by =
Ameritool, Inc. Their website is http://www.ameritool-inc.com/ in case =
you happen to know less than everything.

What do you think of those machines?

Thank you and happy crafting,
W~
The trim saw is probably a little overkill for what you are doing. You
will get at least as good results with a 'Rock Raskel (sp?) for a lot
less - and it has a six inch blade. It is messier, however.

The grinder seems to be a little pricey. The same design is also sold
under the name 'All You Need' and is a couple of hundred dollars
cheaper. If you have the money, consider the Diamond Pacific 'Genie'.
It is expensive, but it will last a long time and you will appreciate
its better features (you don't have to change grinding surfaces). eBay
has had Genies in the range of $600. That's a good deal if the wheels
still have some life left in them.

Leo