B&I mfg

I just recently got what looks to be like a 8 to 10 inch horizontal lap machine
at a yard sale. On one side it has a metal stamp that says Gem Maker by
B&I MFG. of Burlington Wis. The motor is shot but every thing else seems to
move freely. I was woundering if anyone out there might be familiar with this
brand and if the Co. is still around. You now like for spare parts and a manual.

Manny:
This was once a very common machine sold through Sears & Roebuck; I believe it should only be a 6 inch diameter machine. If the motor is shot, you can get a used motor from an appliance repair shop, one from a washing machine for example. You will need a 1750 RPM motor (fairly standard) at a horsepower between 1/4 and 1/3 HP, plus one that operates on standard 120 Volts. This should be easy to get, as they are fairly common. The pulley on the motor should be about 2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter, but you may want to check John Sinkankas' book on Gem Cutting for rim speeds & pulley diameters. I have one of these old units still, which is invaluable for polishing as the horizontal wheel will hold wet polishing compounds far better than those with vertical wheels. Also, you can unscrew the "nut" on the bottom of the shaft and add grease to the receptacle, in case it has not been done in a while.

Does anyone know what happened to B&I?

What years were they around?

Thank you!

B&I gem makers were around in the late 60's to the early 70's.I have several of these machines in both 6" and 10".I have manuals for both.If you are interested in a copy email me using the above subject title.But I need to know if it is the 6 or 10".Take a measurment from the center of the arbor where the wheels go on to the shortest distance to the outer case. George....

George,
If you have a manual for a 10" B&I Gem Maker, I would appreciate it. I found one at a garage sale many years ago and have made some use of it but not as much as I would have liked. My kids are now starting to collect rocks and have become interested in it. A manual would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken Volin

Im interested in a copy to a 6 inch B&I Gemmaker

George, could I also get a copy of the lap machine (6").
I recently began teaching geology at a high school and they have a lap machine in poor condition. I have it up and running, but there are some parts that I can't seem to figure out if they belong to the unit or not. the manual would help alot so that the students can use it to polish up the rocks and mineral that they collect, cut and put on display.

Thank you for your time and help.

Trent Harrison
Earth Science Course Coordinator
Ridgefield High School
200 North Salem Rd
Ridgefield, CT 06877
203-438-3785 x 1306
tharrison@ridgefield.org

I am in great need of a manual for a 10" B&I gem maker.
prompt reply would be greatly appreciated,please e-mail the manual to this address ericjan@gwtc.net Thank you for your time:Eric Rothleutner

I just bought a 6" B&I gem maker and am also in need of a manual. If someone could send me a copy of the manual, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much!

Carolyn

I am Intersted in a copy of the manual for this unit please contact me

George,

Certainly would appreciate a Copy of the Manual for a 10 inch B&I Gem Maker.
Many Thanks,

Lee

Hi George,
In your post you say you have several of the machines in 6" and 10" and the manuals. I just bought a Craftsman on Ebay. I think it is a 10". There is a rusty 1/4" thick 10" diameter steel plate on the shaft currently. The shaft does turn freely and without any noticable wobble. The center to closest side measurement is just over 5 1/2". If you have the actual machines are any of them for sale or available for parts? I need the manual also but there are some missing or badly pitted parts that I'd like to replace. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dick

I really would appreciate a copy of the manual for the 10" machine. If anyone can get me one, even if it is an electronic copy, I would be grateful and willing to pay a fair price for your services. Also, does anyone know if there was a facet head available for the machine?

I also recently acquired a 6" gem maker from B&I. I've searched all the avenues and this seems like the most likely way to get the manual. I would really appreciate your help if possible.
smgerson@hotmail.com

Would it be possible to obtain the manual for the 6" Gem Maker from you.

Please let me know any fees associated.

Thanks,

Rick

I should be getting a 10 inch craftsman inheritided from my Great-Grandpa today when I get a good look at it and know for sure what it is I will want a manual for sure.

Happy to pay any cost associated with printing and mailing.

Thank you
Shawna

Hello George,

I've got a six inch craftsman gem maker. I don't have your email address to send you my address.

Thank You Shawnie

I'm looking for the manual for the Craftsman B&I 6" Gem Maker too
did you ever get a copy?

If so any help in obtaining one would be appreciated.

Thanks - Paul

paul_d_Scott@yahoo.com

I have the 6 inch model. If anyone has the manual I would be happy to pay for a copy by mail or .pdf file. Thanks!

douge@650dialup.com

I have the 6 inch model. If anyone has the manual I would be happy to pay for a copy by mail or .pdf file. Thanks!

aghost2u@yahoo.com