Reddit reviews Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials

1. I have bought good rough on Ebay, but I've also been shafted. I do not recommend Ebay. There are a few good shops online, like TMSgems.com that sell quality rough. I usually pick up my rough at gem/rock shows. I bring along a gem light and a hand loupe to check the rough. You can also buy some Refractol, it's a liquid that has a high RI that will make the stone translucent and you can see any internal inclusions.
   
2. There isn't really a kit, per say. But I would recommend taking a faceting class at a local rock/gem club.
   
3. Quartz , it can be a pain in the ass as it has a tendency to scratch, but it's dirt cheap and comes in some nice colors.
   
4. I would recommend buying this book: https://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Gemstone-Faceting-1-Essentials/dp/3000474749

This is the book I read to learn the basics.. The rest is just practice.

Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials https://www.amazon.com/dp/3000474749/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7O.RCbVCJ7KJ1

This is from a fantastic book actually, I cannot recommend it enough. It goes through every step of cutting as well as info on machines and tools and then more in depth chapters into getting good polishes and other technical issues.
https://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Gemstone-Faceting-1-Essentials/dp/3000474749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466220696&sr=8-1&keywords=tom+herbst

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/3000474749/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_kqhozbCPS3E9J

That book was how I started finding out about faceting: Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials Paperback – Nov 23 2014
by Tom Herbst (Author)

Then I bought this machine eventually: http://facetron.com/

And I bought some laps and other supplies from here: https://www.kingsleynorth.com/

I live near an amethyst mine so i get some amethyst to practice on when i get time.

Good luck

Get this book - Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials. It lists many brands of machines and the pros and cons of each. Also it has what to look for in a machine.

It goes on to give a very thorough how-to for faceting, auxiliary equipment needed, etc. It's an excellent place to start.

These two books are pretty much the most complete and up-to-date books on faceting, highly recommended by myself and everyone I've seen here:

Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials
by Tom Herbst

Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 2: Expanding Your Horizons
by Tom Herbst