the limestone block cutting machine

[levelUp_]

I’m trying to wrap my head around a specific quarrying method where the machine cuts finished 8x16x8 blocks right out of the ground
it seems like only a handful of Italian, Chinese, and Russian companies actually build these things
what are these machines even called officially? it feels weird that I can't find more manufacturers. are they just a niche tool, or is there a better way to get blocks at this density without a ton of extra processing?

I'm also curious if any quarries in the US or Europe actually run them, or if there's a more standard alternative I should be looking at instead
If anyone knows the pros and cons of this setup compared to traditional quarrying, I’d really appreciate the insight!

 

[Zivon]

Those machines are usually called stone or quarry block cutting machines, giant multi-blade or wire cutters made mainly in China/Italy/etc. They do exist, but most quarries still use wire saws or traditional methods.

 

[mining15life]

the big Pro here is the lack of waste, you're getting a finished product right off the bench
and the cons are that these machines are massive investments and only work in very specific geological formations.

If the stone varies too much, you’ll spend a fortune on diamond segments. that’s why you see them more in European limestone pits than in US granite quarries

 

[Zivon]

the big Pro here is the lack of waste, you're getting a finished product right off the bench
and the cons are that these machines are massive investments and only work in very specific geological formations.

If the stone varies too much, you’ll spend a fortune on diamond segments. that’s why you see them more in European limestone pits than in US granite quarries

I completely agree that efficiency is top-notch, but the initial cost and limitations in materials really make it a specialized tool.

 

[pecan_man]

the reason you don't see them everywhere is abrasion. If you hit a quartz pocket in a US quarry with one of these, you’ll melt the expensive cutting teeth in minutes
they are massive in Italy because the stone is clean enough to let the machine run all day without hitting a bladekilling surprise

 

[Alan]

the reason you don't see them everywhere is abrasion. If you hit a quartz pocket in a US quarry with one of these, you’ll melt the expensive cutting teeth in minutes
they are massive in Italy because the stone is clean enough to let the machine run all day without hitting a bladekilling surprise

That makes a lot of sense. It’s really about the stone's consistency rather than just how much people want it. I get why they do so well in Italy but aren’t found as much elsewhere.

 

[Goldshark]

I usually see a wire saw as the main block cutting tool in quarries. Drilling a tight pattern and using a pre split blasting technique works in certain situations even better, for larger/harder blocks. As the blocks become smaller, then the circular saw produces smaller, finished size pieces, followed by shaping and polishing equipment. I have used both techniques for working mainly hard Granite. Granite City Tool has a bunch of quality stone working tools. Italians produce some top notch equipment, and the prices reflect it. Chinese stuff works for a short while, but you get what you pay for. What is the end product you are trying to produce?