All-U-Need (rock/mineral model)
SKU: 20-021
Our American-made All-U-Need is a flat lap machine that is one of the best on the market and has been for over 30 years. Grind, smooth and polish rocks and minerals to make free-form shapes and cabochons for necklaces, earrings, rings and other jewelry pieces. Create flats for larger pieces or on the backs of cabochons. It’s also well-suited for polishing a large variety of natural and synthetic gem material, enamels and metals. The All-U-Need is available in both 6″ and 8″ models and comes with an accessory kit specially designed for grinding, smoothing and polishing rocks and minerals. (If you plan on polishing glass and/or crystal, we suggest purchasing the All-U-Need glass/crystal model.)
The Hi-Tech Diamond All-U-Need lap machine is manufactured with a 1/2" arbor and powered by a 1/4 hp, heavy-duty, ball bearing, DC motor. This motor is variable speed so you can work at whatever pace you desire, delivering speeds from 800 rpm to 3,400 rpm. This portable machine can be used anywhere. Whether you're at home, in the shop or on the road, this quiet machine won't disturb others around you. It's lightweight, rustproof and impact-resistant, making it even easier to travel with.
The coolant reservoir, which holds about a pint of water, prevents heat buildup while you work and removes dust particles so you don't inhale any harsh chemicals. That pint of water will give you two to three straight hours of work without refilling. The black splash guard keeps water off you so you don't get soaked while you work. Cleanup is as simple as it gets: Just remove the black spray shield, rinse with clean water and you're ready to work again.
Electricity supply
Make sure you choose the right power supply for your machine. The 220 volt models are available only for overseas customers that require 220V - 240V power supply. All 220 volt models are manufactured with this CE rated, Type F plug (see below):
International customers
We are not responsible for any import duties or customs charges. Any such fees incurred to receive your package are not covered by us. Please consult your country's customs policy for more information. For Europe sales, please contact Inland Craft Europe at info@inlandcraft.de. For Australia sales, please visit Aussie Sapphire at www.aussiesapphire.com.au.
This All-U-Need lap machine comes with a rock/mineral accessory kit that allows you to work right out of the box. Our grinding and polishing process makes easy work of finishing quartz, agate, jasper, tourmaline, corundum, opal and a large variety of natural and synthetic gem material. This kit also works well with metals and enamels.
Rock/mineral accessory kit includes
- 180# electroplated diamond lap
- 325# brown diamond smoothing disc
- 600# red diamond smoothing disc
- 1,200# blue diamond smoothing disc
- Tech-11 polishing pad
- 2-gram 14,000# diamond paste syringe
- Four acrylic backing plates
Machine includes
All-U-Need (rock/mineral) specifications
- Machine dimensions: 10" L X 10" W X 12" H
- Machine weight: 9 lbs
- Machine housing construction: rustproof, ABS plastic
- Motor type: 1/4 hp variable speed direct drive motor with speeds ranging between 800 rpm - 3,400 rpm
- Motor voltage: 115V or 220V
- Country of origin: U.S.A.
- Shipped from: U.S.A.
Want to increase the water reservoir capacity?
Our Pro-Flow water cooling system offers innovative ways to accomplish this and will provide you with hours of drips and use. Simply clip the attachment onto the All-U-Need and use with either a one-gallon pressure tank or submersible water pump.
Extended warranty program
You’re about to make a smart investment by purchasing a Hi-Tech Diamond All-U-Need machine so protect it with our extended warranty program. Our extended warranties extend the one-year manufacturer warranty that is included with the All-U-Need. Choose from either a one- or two-year warranty extension. We recommend purchasing this extended warranty at the same time you purchase your Hi-Tech Diamond machine.
Customer Reviews
I just finished setting up my new 8" All-U-Need and shaped my first two blanks on it. Not my first two ever, just my first two on this machine. I bought a 6" All-U-Need in January 1987 -- yep, 1987 -- and would still be using it if I hadn't been forced to leave it behind when I moved from Arizona to Delaware this summer. It lasted almost 40 years, and was still going strong, but I didn't have room for it. The only complaint I ever had about it was the really cheap plastic water dispensing system. I thought the new design, with the clean water cup better mounted on the splash shield, would be a great improvement. Well, it's an improvement, but not a great one. Seriously, the watering system is very poorly designed. The splash shield isn't secured to the catch tray, so the first time I poured water into the water cup, the weight of it tipped the whole spray shield over. Luckily, no water went into the motor, but it did go everywhere over my workbench. Also, the cup doesn't sit securely in its holder; the bolt that holds the cup holder to the splash shield has too high a head, which prevents the cup from sitting flush and stable. Then there's the drip system: The black water tube rubs on the grinding disk even when turned "up"; it's going to get worn away in no time. As for the rate of flow, the valve is plastic and isn't sensitive enough to control the water drip precisely. Water either doesn't drip at all, or it flows too freely and makes a mess.
The instructions say to attach the drain tube **into** the drain hole on the catch tray; the tube included with mine will only go on the **outside** of the drain hole. I know enough about the operation of the machine to figure it out, but others might not. Because the drain cup is at the operator's right elbow -- and most of us are likely to be right-handed -- the risk of knocking the thing over and making another mess is high, especially for those who are paying more attention to their stone and less to the drain cup. I attached a longer tube and ran it into a bucket on the floor that I can keep safely out of range of being kicked over.
As I said, my first All-U-Need lasted almost 40 years, and even though it had its flaws, I didn't hesitate when looking for a replacement. But for $650, really, it should have a better water supply system. At the very least, I hope Hi-Tech Diamond sells replacement water tubes and valves. And I will be looking for a different bolt/screw to fasten the water supply cup holder to the splash shield so I can at least situate the cup more securely.
Hi Linda - Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review. We’re honored that your first All-U-Need served you well for nearly 40 years, and we’re grateful you chose to return to Hi-Tech Diamond when it came time for a new machine. Longevity like that is exactly what we strive for.
We also appreciate your honest feedback about the water supply system. We’re always looking for ways to refine our designs, and insights like yours—based on real use—help us identify where improvements can make the biggest impact. Your suggestions about the cup mount, drip tube, and drain setup have been passed along to our product team for review.
In the meantime, we do carry replacement water tubes and valves, so you’ll always have access to fresh parts if you need them. We also have an updated water systemn called the Pro-Flow, which is a customer favorite for increasing their water supply. For more information, please visit this link here: https://hitechdiamond.com/collections/lap-machines/products/pro-flow-water-cooling-system-for-all-u-need. We truly value your loyalty to Hi-Tech Diamond and your decades of experience with our machines. Thank you again for your feedback and for continuing to trust us with your lapidary work!
My new Hi-Tech Diamond All-U-Need grinder is worth every penny. It's easy to set up, easy to use and does a beautiful job from grinding to polishing.
I think its an awesome machine...i have used it for just a couple thing and i like what it has done....the sales department was helpful in answering my questions.....the only thing is i wish they sold the unit with the water pump and attachment as a whole instead of the cups... other than that i think its great for what im doing
Works great and comes with everything need to create a great polish! Very impressed and would highly recommend this product.
I have gotten three of these machines already in the last 20 years and they are great. I live in a fifth wheel and they are so compact, but powerful! I cut Opal and this works great for grinding and finishing.
