Mindat Mineralogy Messageboard

Manny

B&I mfg
November 21, 2004 05:43AM

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.

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Chris van Laer

Re: B&I mfg
February 07, 2005 03:48PM

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.

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Jim

Re: B&I mfg
February 12, 2005 05:21AM

Does anyone know what happened to B&I?

What years were they around?

Thank you!

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George

Re: B&I mfg
March 07, 2005 02:38AM

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....

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Ken Volin

Re: B&I mfg
June 10, 2005 01:17AM

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

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Ed Ford

Re: B&I mfg
June 10, 2005 01:50AM

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

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trent

Re: B&I mfg
June 23, 2005 12:27PM

George, could I also get a copy of the lap machine (6" winking smiley

.
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

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Eric Rothleutner

Re: B&I mfg
August 21, 2005 11:40PM

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

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Carolyn

Re: B&I mfg
January 06, 2006 04:11AM

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

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Larry Quinn

Re: B&I mfg
January 18, 2006 01:45PM

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

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Lee Denton

Re: B&I mfg
February 08, 2006 07:41AM

Registered: 2 years ago
Posts: 2

George,

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

Lee

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Dick Downing

Re: B&I mfg/Craftsman
February 12, 2006 09:24PM

Registered: 2 years ago
Posts: 2

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

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S Grills

Re: B&I mfg/Craftsman
March 26, 2006 02:52AM

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?

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Sean Gerson

Re: B&I mfg/
March 27, 2006 02:43AM

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

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Rick Pochervina

Re: B&I mfg
March 30, 2006 01:27AM

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

Please let me know any fees associated.

Thanks,

Rick

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Shawna Vedders

Re: B&I mfg
April 08, 2006 05:41PM

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

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Shawna Vedder

Re: B&I mfg
April 09, 2006 02:46AM

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

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Paul Scott

Re: B&I mfg
April 18, 2006 01:38AM

Registered: 2 years ago
Posts: 1

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

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Doug

Re: B&I mfg
June 19, 2006 01:58AM

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

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Doug

Re: B&I mfg
June 19, 2006 01:59AM

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

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Claude Flom

Re: B&I mfg
June 27, 2006 04:38PM

Hi,

I just received a 10" from a surplus store in fairly poor condition. Looks like it is missing some parts. I would like a copy of the manual, also, and would be very happy to pay for copying and shipping or for a scanned copy. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Claude

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Scott

Re: B&I mfg
July 08, 2006 06:07PM

I also would like to obtain a manual for a GemMaker 10". Thanks for your attention.

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Ralenda

Re: B&I mfg
July 29, 2006 05:46PM

Did ever find a manual for the 10" B&I gem maker?
If so where?
Can you copy and sell copy?
As you have guessed I have one and did a manual.
Thanks

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alex paavola

Re: B&I mfg/Craftsman
August 28, 2006 04:11PM

if a pdf or other online manual for the 6" machine was availible I would be very greatful if you could email it my way. : ) thanks

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Catherine

Re: B&I mfg
October 24, 2006 12:25AM

George Wrote:-----------------
> 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....

Hi- I just purchased a used 6" gem maker- looks to have some parts missing- Does any one know if parts are available anywhere? Would it be possible to obtain a mnaual- I am new to this hobby. Thanks
MY Address Catherine Sapriken, 101 Chilcotin Rd. West, Lethbridge Ab T1K 7L8

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Catherine

Re: B&I mfg
October 25, 2006 01:24PM

Hi George- I have recently obtained a 6" B&I Gemmaker- I don't think all of the parts sre with it. I am willing to purchase a copy of a manual from you if you have one. It looks to be a sturdy piece of equipment and having an original working diagram would be helpful in restoring it to working order. I am new to the hobby and would appreciate any help you could give me. - please email me a cost for a manual - many thanks- Catherine csaprike@telus.net

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Frederick

Re: B&I mfg
November 06, 2006 06:33PM

Well it seems that I too am in the same situaton as I am in need of that manual for a six incher !!!

any help will be appreciated,

thanks,

Frederick

holsem@hotmail.com

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scott bolshazy

Re: B&I mfg
May 18, 2007 06:54PM

I would love an ecopy or I will pay for a hard copy.

Please send to 343 gana ct. Henderson NV 89014
Include amount and return address so I can reimburse you for time and effort!

Thanks a million carats!
Scott

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Mark Abrams

Please Help? What is this machine
June 16, 2007 03:18PM

I bought this at an auction (I don't know why). The auctioneer had no idea, called it a "thing". Can anyone tell what it is for, does it look complete, usable? Thanks and sorry to be such an ignoramus....

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Marge K.

Re: B&I mfg
June 28, 2007 02:30AM

I have acquired a 6" Gem Maker in pretty good condition, but of course, missing the manual.

George, or any other lucky owner of a manual: if you still are willing to make copies, I'd love one. Please contact me and let me know what I owe you for the pdf file, your time, copies & shipping or whatever!

Thanks much.

Marge K.

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russell jardine

Re: B&I mfg
July 14, 2007 02:42PM

looking for rock scoops made by B&I MFG

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bobby

request for b&i gem maker 10" manual
July 19, 2007 02:17AM

dear sir;

thank you for posting the information about the b&i gem maker. i have a 10" unit and would love to have a user manual for it.

if you can provide a manual please let me know. i can receive fax, email and pdf. files.

thanks

bobby

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Rick Villiger

Re: B&I mfg
August 03, 2007 08:03PM

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

Please let me know any fees associated.

Thanks,

Rick

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Gary Powers

Re: B&I mfg
August 04, 2007 05:06PM

I have a B. & I. Gem Maker that measures 6 in. from the arbor to the case. I am in need of a copy of the manual. An electronic copy would be great or a hard copy ether one. Will gladly pay for any expenses to reimburse your time and efforts.
My mailing address is Gary Powers - 82280 Hat Rock Rd. - Hermiston, Oregon 97838. e-mail is gar_pow@eotnet.net.
Thanks
Gary

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Terry

Re: B&I mfg
August 25, 2007 09:39PM

Registered: 11 months ago
Posts: 66

Hey George, Just wanted to say that I don't have a Gem Maker. So I won't be needing the 6" or the 10" manual.........Terry (Kentucky)

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Boz

Re: B&I mfg
September 06, 2007 03:32AM

I was recently given a 10" B&I Gem Maker. It still runs ok and even has the facetor attachment and the instructions. It doesn't look like any dops came with it though... and they would have to be VERY thin to fit in the armature. Does this mesh with other folks experience? Also, the instructions indicate that the facetor head can be placed in the same slot used for the sawblade attachment... but I'm still not sure about that.

Any feedback is appreciated.
-Ryan Greensboro, NC jbosley(at)triad.rr.com replace (at) with the appropriate character.

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Kenneth McLemore

Re: B&I mfg
October 12, 2007 10:50PM

I also have a 6inch Gem Maker that I have had for many years. I have lost the manual.Would it be possible to email a copy to me.

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Dan Dunlap

Re: B&I mfg
October 26, 2007 02:02AM

We have a 6 in Gem Maker that our duaghter gots us. The problem is we have not been able to find a manual for it. We saw your message and would appreciate being able to get a copy. Let us know if there is a cost or what we can do for you. Thank you Dan and Pat Dunlap

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Larry Whaley

Re: B&I mfg
October 26, 2007 03:40PM

Jim Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anyone know what happened to B&I?
>
> What years were they around?
>
> Thank you!

I would reall apricate a copy ot the manual you have for 10 in will gladly pay for copy and postage Thanks Larry.

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Jessee

Re: B&I mfg
October 31, 2007 05:48PM

Help me, Help me ! I need the manual for 6" CRAFTSMAN by B&I. It runs great, has a new wheel but I need instructions. Please advise of cost and I'll pay by Pay Pal, check, MO or whatever.
Thanks

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MOHANS

Re: B&I mfg
November 07, 2007 01:16PM

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Glenn Neff

Re: B&I mfg
December 28, 2007 09:53AM

Did anyone ever get copies of this manual? Has it been posted for download someplace??
I just got a 10" unit and it is lacking the attachments..rock carrige etc.

TIA
Glenn

George Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 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....

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sshimatzki

Re: B&I mfg manual - PDF
February 18, 2008 03:43AM

I don't know if anyone still wants this... When I did a quick search for it, I found this thread, and I figured there are others looking for it also. So, For you reading enjoyment I present the B & I 6" Gem Maker Manual.

You can get it attached in this message, or if that doesn't still exist, find it here:

www.shimatzki.com/b&i-6inch-gem-maker.pdf

The above is my family website, so as long as I keep that going, you'll have access to it. (Slightly different name, but same file... just more web friendly)

Since The B & I Lapidary and Pottery Equipment is out of business, I will assume that there is no problems with it being reproduced in PDF Format here.
Anyone with information contrary to that, Please contact me to discuss it.

Enjoy
-Steve Shimatzki

PS.. Turned out a had a copy in the box of books that I got as a christmas present! How's that for fate!

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Attachments:
open | download - B&I-6Inch Gem Maker.pdf (219.3 KB)

B&amp;I mfg

B&I mfg