ULTRA TEC FANTASY MACHINE User manual

Revision 7 (Feb 2019)
FANTASY MACHINE
USER’S MANUAL
Revision 7(February 2019)
www.ultratec-facet.com

Revision 7 (Feb 2019)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1.0 UNPACKAGING THE UNIT
2.0 AN OVERVIEW
3.0 SETTING UP
3.1 The Machine, 3.2 Install Dial Indicators, 3.3 Install Drip Tank,
3.4 Install Splashguard, 3.5 Install Lamp, 3.6 Install Lateral Stop Arm
4.0 OPERATION
4.1 The Control Panel
4.1.1 Control of Tool-drive Motor
4.1.2 Control of Reciprocation Motor
4.2 Tool-drive Motor position
4.2.1 Moving Tool-drive Motor position
4.3 The Mast
4.3.1 The Mounting Block
4.3.2 Mounting the Mast.
4.3.2.1 Affixing the Rigidizer to the Mast
4.4 Drive Motor Setups
4.4.1 Position 1 - the “Home” position. Aligning the Mast to the unit’s working mechanisms
4.4.2 Position 2 Alignment
4.5 Horizontal Positioning –X, Y, θ
4.5.1 X Positioning.
4.5.2 Y Positioning.
4.5.3 θPositioning
5.0 TOOLS
5.1 Mounting Tools into the Tool-drive Motor
5.1.1 Cylindrical tools
5.1.2 Slitting Tools
5.2 CUTTING AND POLISHING TOOLS
6.0 CUTTING INFORMATION
Appendix

Revision 7 (Feb 2019)
INTRODUCTION
The Ultra Tec Faceting Machine has been manufactured since 1966. It displays Ultra Tec’s approach to
equipment design -- direct, simple, thorough and non-compromising –providing the user with the precision and
repeatability that fine lapidary work requires.
The Fantasy machine was developed at the urging of professional gem cutters. It is based on their “wish list” –
a list that included mechanisms and controls for almost every possible axis of positioning. It started out with a
goal of making advanced positioning controls available for “concave cutting”. When we were done, we found
that the equipment could not only do the enhanced concave cutting originally intended but also something new -
“Fantasy stones” – essentially, geometric carving –a lapidary art that gives free rein to the imagination of the
user. So—the project became a goal exceeded.
The Fantasy Machine has gone through a period of extensive testing –tweaking –modifying –getting it right.
That period included learning –a learning that continues –but clearly, it was time for the Fantasy machine to be
introduced.
As Fantasy users gain experience –their work will turn increasingly complex. It’s not for kids. It is for lovers of
lapidary, perhaps better said –imaginative lovers of lapidary—it’s an art form. Enjoy it.
ABOUT YOUR FANTASY MACHINE
The Fantasy Machine is a precision device, but not a delicate device. For maintenance, it only needs normal
“wipe-it-down” cleanliness and reasonable care.
Pay attention to safety -- there are tools in multiple motion. In general, these are not sharp cutting tools, but
sometimes are, and are necessarily exposed. So -- treat them with respect.
As with any electro-mechanical device, there can be occasional problems--and if you experience one, re-read
the Owner's manual for the function involved, to assure that you are performing the operation correctly. If you
still experience a problem, communicate with your Ultra Tec representative or with the factory.
Shown with a Mast mounted –how it will look “in use”.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Most Manuals start out by saying “Read this carefully before proceeding”. Our advice is to do what you will
probably do anyhow -- that is, “Browse through this Manual quickly, and then start trying things out – go back to
the Manual if something puzzles you”. Our reason: This is a complex, but very logical machine. As a faceter
you’ll figure out most of it by just looking at it. For many functions it takes longer to go through a verbal
description than it does to just look at it—and try it. Obviously, if something feels “too tight”, or is “jamming”, go
back to the Manual and read the section you need.

Revision 7 (Feb 2019)
1.0 UNPACKAGING THE UNIT
The machine comes in protective packaging which you may want to save, along with its box, in the event that
future shipment or storage is necessary. These are the included items:
Please note that the Fantasy Machine is heavy, so you may want someone to help you with lifting it out of its
shipping box. Have a sturdy surface to set it onto.
There are not a lot of pieces.
The Base - the basic machine itself →
Two Dial Indicators
Mast Alignment Dops →
Drip Tank
Position 2 Alignment Block
Position 2 Spacer
Lateral Stop Bracket
And, Tool Box that includes:
Cylindrical Tools:
Copper/Maple/Phenolic -diameters
8mm 13 mm, 17 mm;
Slitting Tools: Copper/Phenolic –90º;
and Adapter Shaft.
ER-16 Collet Set of 10
ER-16 Spanner Wrench.

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2.0 An Overview
The Fantasy Machine provides multiple axis repeatable positioning for use of cylindrical tools (“mandrels”) and
Slitting tools (disc “grooving” tools).
These are the positioning features:
●Initial Alignment –the faceting Mast is set onto the Fantasy Machine and aligned to a “home position” –
an initial retrievable 0 reference.
●X (in-out) directional positioning (“parallel stepping”) of the grinding/polishing tool, relative to the
workpiece is provided - Dial indicator readout.
●Y (side-to-side) directional positioning (“parallel stepping”) of the grinding/polishing tool, relative to the
workpiece is provided - Dial indicator readout.
●θ (theta – angular) 180º of angular positioning, of the grinding/polishing tool relative to the workpiece is
provided. The Pivot axis is the 0-0 position
● Lateral Stop Bracket -- locks out lateral motion of the Quill and tweaks Quill-to-Mandrel alignment
●There are two settable motor positions –Position 1, in line with a cylindrical tool axis - that axis
intersecting the “pivot axis” (the axis of horizontal angular positioning) - and maintaining in-line
reciprocation regardless of θ angular setting. Position 2 is at 90º, for use of grooving type of tool - it
allows for setting the slitting tool so that it intersects the “pivot axis”, and it also maintains in-line
reciprocation regardless of θ angular setting.
•Reciprocation of the mandrel amplitude is adjustable –from very little (including none) to over an inch
and reciprocation rate is adjustable up to 140 CPM –a high reciprocation rate is valuable for polishing.
The Reciprocation Motor is independent of other controls.

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3.0 SETTING UP
3.1 The Machine –The machine should be placed on a workbench or desk surface. It is fairly heavy, about
about 65 pounds, so be sure the work bench is sturdy and you may need assistance in lifting it to the
surface. The machine will need a plug-in electrical supply and a container for draining, a gallon
container is adequate.
3.2 Install Dial Indicators –There are two Dial Indicators (these are shipped unassembled to avoid
damage). As you face the machine, the position at the close left corner is designated “X”; the position at
the right side, toward the back, is designated “Y”.
The two Indicators are identical. Inserted, each one into its bracket, (as shown in the photos) leaving a
small gap of several millimeters between the round dial case and the bracket.
Each of these indicators has an Indicator Anvil to set the indicator reading.
Note: The Indicator has an outer dial that the long needle tracks around –one full rotation being 1 mm
(capable of very small incremental settings). There is a small inner dial that counts rotations of the outer
dial –it reads 10 turns, and then 10 more –so you can read 20 mm in all (.800”) [you can squeeze another
millimeter at the end of the scale]. When the following paragraph says: set the indicator to 0-0 it means set
the Dial Indicator’s long needle readout to 0 with the inner dial (rotation counter) at 0.
3.2.1 The X Indicator Anvil (left) can be positioned by loosening the Black Knob at the left side of the
plate, sliding the anvil to the desired position and then re-tightening the knob.
In setting up, set the X Indicator to 0-0 –there is some preloading, even at 0-0 (see the boxed note
above). After initial mounting of the X Indicator, slide the Anvil against the indicator shaft to get that
reading (you just have to get the 0 setting close, because you can “fine-tune” the alignment by
turning the outer ring of the indicator until the outer 0 position is exact).
3.2.2 The Y Indicator Anvil (right) can be positioned by
loosening the Black Knob at the rear of the Mast
Mounting Block -- sliding the anvil to the desired
position, and then retightening the knob.
At the time of initial setup, this Anvil is pulled away
from the Dial Indicator –not activated, at least until the
Y linear position of the Mast has been set. Later, when
the Y setting is involved in the process, slide the Anvil
into contact with the Indicator shaft then set it at 0-0.

Revision 7 (Feb 2019)
3.3 Install Drip Tank - The Drip Tank post slips into a black Bushing in the left rear of the
Reciprocating Table (see the picture on right). Place the Drip Tank onto the post, position
the Post into the Bushing, tighten the set screw, and it is ready. The flow rate is adjusted by
turning the valve stem, and the water shuts off with an easy pressure. Avoid over tightening
the valve. The tank will fit snugly, but loose enough for you to rotate its position.
3.4 Adjusting Splashguard Position
The machine is shipped with the Splashguard in place. You may want to later adjust its position (or you may
not) no urgency about this. If you grip the Splashguard and pull, the
entire Splashguard pulls out. Then you will find that the clear plastic piece can be pulled
away from the Black Positioning Disc.
To reassemble and adjust the positioning, slip the black piece over the Spindle and set it into the hole –it’s a
“slip fit” (but fairly snug). Note that the hole through which the motor spindle passes is off center from the
outside diameter of the black piece –it can be set with the hole downward (as in fig.2) or with the hole upward
(as in fig 3), or at positions in-between. Those various positions allow you to set the amount of exposure of the
Mandrel, providing more or less splash protection –it’s a “judgment” setting that you will make (based on
experience, starting out –leave it in its hole-upward starting point).
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
Set the clear Splashguard in place, and use the Black Knob to secure it. Note
that there is a pre-installed drain and draintube that extends from the bottom of
the clear Splashguard –lead it to an appropriate drain container.

Revision 7 (Feb 2019)
3.5 Install Lamp
The Lamp mounts onto the pre-assembled stud located in the right rear corner of the Baseplate. The Lamp
Mounting Lock has a Snap-On design. Pull back the nylon ring, place the Lamp onto the stud, and push down
the ring. You will feel the ring snap into the down position, where it holds the lap securely.
3.6 Install Lateral Stop Arm (If you have purchased this option
HD Lateral Stop Arm is an option. When ordered it is delivered as a sub-assembly that needs mounting onto
the Base that holds the Mast. This is easily done (see the picture) the two screws that are part of the kit thread
into two tapped holes in the Base, as shown. Completing the mounting is easy.
In use, an HD Lateral Stop Arm is positioned to stabilize lateral positioning of the Quill. Is this a duplication of
the function of the Lateral Stop Bracket? Yes –, but the Lateral Stop Bracket is for Ultra Tec masts only –a
HD Lateral Stop Arm it is a necessity in order to use any Mast other than an Ultra Tec Mast, - Also, HD
Lateral Stop Arm is preferred as a more positive stop for older Ultra Tec Masts.

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4.0 OPERATION
4.1 The Control Panel
The Electronic Control converts AC current to DC, which the motors require. It contains controls for both
motors that are part of the unit, the Tool-drive Motor and the Reciprocation Motor. Note that the motor controls
are independent –modifying the running characteristics of one of the motors does not affect the other one.
4.1.1 Control of Tool-drive Motor-The right-side Switch is a two-way ON-OFF
toggle for the Tool-drive Motor. It has a choice for motor direction –UP for clockwise
(CW) rotation of the tool, and DOWN for counter clockwise (CCW) rotation of the
tool. The central position of the switch is OFF.
The Central Knob is a speed selector for the Tool-drive Motor. Most frequently, the
Tool-drive Motor is operated at full or close-to full speed.
4.1.2 Control of Reciprocation Motor-The left Knob combines both power and rate control for the
Reciprocation Motor. The extreme CCW position of the Knob is power OFF. Rotation starts and
increases rate as the Knob is rotated CW.
4.1.2.1Setting the Amplitude of the Reciprocation Motor-The amplitude (the in-line stroke) of the
Reciprocation Motor is variably adjustable, from the maximum stroke of 30 mm –over an inch
to a minimal stroke approaching 0. Commonly, a full stroke is used (and the unit is shipped that way),
but often, because of the length of the particular tool that is being used less than full stroke is
appropriate.
The setting is performed by engaging a screw that is visible in the side
“window”, as shown. The adjusting screw rotates with the rotation of
the motor –and to perform the adjustment, obviously, the head of the
screw must be visible (and so, reachable) in the window. A slow
jogging of the motor can bring the head into view, or…
…it can be positioned by pushing or pulling the Tool-drive Motor Plate
(it’s OK to grip the Motor housing to do this as shown). This method
will not work if the head is located, by chance, in a straight line with the
reciprocation action (at an extreme of the reciprocation). If that
happens, jog the motor so that the reciprocation stroke moves to
About the half-way point, and try again.
In making the adjustment, CW rotation decreases the amplitude. CCW rotation increases the amplitude. The
Reciprocation Motor is independent from the Tool Drive Motor—and none of these adjustments have an effect
on the Tool Drive, and, the Reciprocation motor can be left in a power OFF condition, that is, with 0
reciprocation.

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4.2 Tool-drive Motor position.
There are two optional positions for the Tool-drive Motor. Position 1, shown in figure 1, is the position in which
the unit is shipped, and the position in which the initial setup alignment of the Mast to the machine is made.
Position 1 is the “main setup position” – and is the position for using cylindrical
mandrels. When the Drive Motor is set into position 1, the centerline of the
mandrel intersects the pivot axis of the θ motion, and remains in that
relationship even if the θ angle position is changed, or, if the X or Y linear
position is changed.
With the motor in Position 1, reciprocation is always in line with the axis of the
Tool-drive Motor shaft –in line with the axis of the mandrel.
Position 2 is the position for using slitting and grooving tools. In Position 2,
reciprocation is always in line with the cutting plane of the grooving tool, and
remains in that relationship even if the θ angle position is changed, or if the X
or Y linear position is changed. .
In setting up Position 2, there is a procedure for aligning the cutting plane so
that it intersects pivot axis of the θ motion. It is usually a good idea to do this
alignment since it establishes a 0 Home position for that tool. Once that
alignment is made, the cutting plane intersects the pivot axis even if the θ
angle index position is changed, or if the X or Y linear position is changed.
4.2.1 MOVING MOTOR POSITION.
This view of the Motor mount Plate tells the story. Central in the photo is the
Position 1 Mounting provision. At the upper part of the photo is the Position
2 Mounting provision.
Position 1 has the familiar Ultra Tec “keyhole” mount cutout – and the Motor
Housing has the familiar cam gripping mechanism.
In removing the Motor from Position 1, loosen the cam lever, pull the Motor
Housing forward and up (see the photo).
Insertion is the reverse of that action –insert –side back firmly against the
two dowel pins (note that there are two notches in the Motor Housing that the
pins fit into) –and tighten the lever to lock.
For Position 2
Before setting the Drive Motor into position 2, set the
Position 2 Spacer Bar in place, engaging the two
dowel pins.