Instructions for using the  Covington Little Sphere Maker Model 382, 110V http://stoneageindustries.com/covington_little_sphere_machine_382_110v.html are compliments of Covington Engineering.  PREFORMING OF MATERIAL: Select material that is free of visible fractures and defects (preferably use onyx or glass/obsidian if you are just getting started).  Saw the material into a cube larger than the sphere to be made.  Cut all corners from the cube.  Complete the process by grinding off all corners and sharp edges until the cube is a rough sphere. OPERATING: Loosen the nylon pencil guide. Spread the cups by turning the adjustment knob (#44-See parts diagram included with the Little Sphere Maker) clockwise. Insert the rough sphere in the cups and re-adjust the cup spacing. The sphere should be just free enough to turn by hand. Reset the nylon pencil so that the end contacts the preform sphere without exerting pressure. Now, mix equal parts of 80 grit and Covington "Old Miser" lapping compound with water to make a creamy paste. Put just enough of this mixture in the grit pan so sphere can pick it up as it turns. Start both motors and then "Prime" the sphere by brushing on a little grit. This will enable the sphere to start picking up its own grit. Remember to keep the mixture stirred to insure efficient pick-up. To properly lap, the sphere requires an irregular rolling motion be maintained. This is acquired by (1) adjusting the cutter heads to give a roll in one direction, and (2) adjusting the brake by loosening the top thumb screw and moving it in so that enough contact is made to interrupt the regular motion set by the first adjustment. IMPORTANT: Adjust tension on cups so the cutting action is maintained but not so hard as to wear a groove on the sphere. FINISHING: After all the low spots have disappeared, and the sphere has a perfect 80 grit texture all over, it is ready for the 220 grit. This changing of grit require a COMPLETE clean up. Should one grain of a course grit be carried from one operation to another, a final polish will never be obtained. When the 220 grit texture is obtained over the entire surface of the sphere, clean up and change to 400 grit. Proceed as before. POLISHING: After the 400 grit clean up, place a piece of clean 10 oz. canvas, or light rug, over each of the cutter cups. These should be tied on with string so they revolve with the cups. Brush a little cerium oxide (mixed with water to the consistency of thick cream) into the canvas "pockets." Proceed the same as previous cutting operations. The finished product will be your own beautiful sphere. A quality piece you will be proud to show. (NOTE: once you have tried the complete operation, you will save time on the cleaning by doing a number of spheres on 80 grit, then continuing with the process at 220, etc.) For more information, please read the Introduction for using the Little Sphere Machine http://stoneageindustries.com/covington_little_sphere_maker_introduction.html