Stone Cutting And Polishing Tools - Understanding the Techniques and Equipments
Stone cutting and polishing are two separate processes that are pivotal for the construction and designing of various structures. While stone cutting helps create the desired structure and size, polishing gives the desired finish making the surfaces smoother and more refined. Therefore, to accomplish these tasks, many tools are essential. In this article, we will delve into various types of stone cutting and polishing tools and understand their usage.
1. Diamond Blades
Diamond blades are amongst the most popular types of stone cutting tools. This type of blade is engineered to create precise cuts and abrasions in various materials, including hard metals and stones. As the name suggests, these blades are lined with diamond segments that allow it to slice through the stone with ease. Apart from accuracy, diamond blades also provide a smooth cut, and their long-lasting nature leads to less downtime and reduced blade changing expenses.
2. Stone Saw Blades
Stone saw blades are crucial tools that form the backbone of many stone cutting processes. These blades come in different sizes and configurations, but their primary function is to make straight cuts on different types of stones, slabs or other related objects. They are unlike diamond blades in the sense that they don't come repaired with diamond segments. Instead, the teeth of the saw blade themselves do the cutting, typically powered by a saw.
3. Masonry Blades
Masonry blades, as the name suggests, are engineered for masonry work. Masonry blades can also work in cutting stones and other hard surfaces, apart from bricks and blocks. They are sturdy and contain abrasive properties that allow them to make precise cuts that can handle tough materials.
4. Polishing Machines
Polishing machines are also a vital tool in the stone cutting and polishing business. These machines can polish various surfaces such as Quartz, Granite, and Marble efficiently. Polishing machines come in various sizes, shapes, and speeds depending on the surface size, intricacy, and desired finished look. With the right polishing machine and diamond discs, the surface of the stone can have a mirror-like finish.
5. Polishing Pads
Polishing pads are ideal for different types of stone finishing tasks. The pads are placed on polishing machines to provide the desired polishing effect while polishing the stones. Polishing pads come in different types, including diamond hand polishing pads, wet and dry diamond pads, and Velcro-attached diamond pads, which are suitable for different polishing tasks.
6. Abrasive Sharpening Stones
Abrasive sharpening stones are small in size, typically handheld, and used for sharpening the edges of various cutting tools. Although these stones are not used for directly cutting stones, they are an essential tool to keep the cutting instruments in prime condition. They help remove the edge nicks and dull edges of the stones, making the blades sharper and more refined.
7. Angle Grinders
Angle grinders are versatile stone-cutting tools that are available in different sizes and shapes. They come fitted with abrasive cutting wheels and are handy for different types of cutting and grinding tasks. Most angle grinders are used for rough cutting, but with the right blade, they can be used for precision cutting as well.
Conclusion
To sum up, having the right tools for stone cutting and polishing is crucial as it affects the final outcome of the project. With a plethora of options available in the market, it becomes essential to select the correct type of tools and use them adequately. Diamond blades, stone saw blades, masonry blades, polishing machines and pads, abrasive sharpening stones, and angle grinders are all vital tools that will help in the smooth execution of a stone cutting and polishing project.
