Rocks are tough stones to crack when you consider construction and mining. Eventually, from landscaping to roadwork or simple excavation, cutting through these dense materials is always a tough nut to crack. And more often than not, rock cutters have been in the spotlight for being effective tools in dealing with this issue. But can tough stones be cut by rock cutters? Let’s go over everything you need to know.
Defining Rock Cutter
Concrete, asphalt, and stiff rocks can be cut through with a powerful tool called a rock cutter. These are heavily used to slice imposing rocks into smaller, manageable pieces in construction and mining. Tough surfaces are cut through with high-speed rotating blades or diamond-tipped tools.
Moreover, depending on the specific task, there are different types of rock cutters. Some are mounted on machines like skid steers, while others are standalone tools. The aim remains the same for all rock cutters: cut through rocks efficiently and safely.
How Is A Rock Cutter Operated?
The cutting tool rotates as a blade or other specialized cutting device is equipped. Made with materials such as diamond or Tungsten, which can withstand great pressure and friction. As the core of the saw rotates, it can cut through anything difficult to cut.
The spinning blade serves the purpose of sawing or grinding away, eventually leading to the chunking off of boulders. The process is a mix of vertical wood sawing and intense grinding. Different types of rock require different amounts of time and cutting power.
Rock Cutters Types
There are many forms of rock cutters, but these are by far the two that you’re most commonly encountered in the industry:
- Manual Rock Cutters – These tools are held in the hand, and best used for smaller tasks and very detailed cuts. Generally used by masons or some stone workers, these handheld tools allow for the creation of complex shapes or patterns on stones, which are later used for construction.
- Machine-Mounted Rock Cutters – These are more advanced versions attached to heavy machines like excavators or skid steers. As the name suggests, these are designed for bigger operations like shredding rocks for construction or specializing in preparing building sites.
Can A Rock Cutter Slice Through Tough Stones?
Toughest to cut are stones like granite, basalt, and quartzite. Their density, hardness, and waste resistance make these stones tougher to cut. However, contemporary rock cutters are made to withstand such harsh materials.
The efficacy of a rock cutter relies on blade grade, cutting methods, rock kind, and numerous other parameters. For instance, diamond blades are considered highly suitable for the toughest stones, thanks to the robust physical properties of diamond.
That being said, even though tougher stones are still challenging, a diamond rock cutter can eventually cut them. Some material may require several passes with the cutter using a more powerful cutting tool to meet the desired outcome.
The Role of Skid Steer Rock Crushers
A skid steer rock crusher is an example of a specialised attachment that can be added to a skid steer loader to efficiently crush and break rocks. These machines excel in dealing with large rocks in tight areas, and are common in landscaping, construction, and maintenance of roads.
With hydraulic force, these crushers turn the rock into smaller pieces, which makes them effective when handling large rocks. Put into further context, this makes the material easier to process, transport, or further reduce in size.
A skid steer rock crusher is more effective at reducing large, tough rocks into smaller sizes, while a rock cutter cuts through tough stones. Sometimes the tools are used in unison, with the rock cutter performing the initial cut and the rock crusher performing further refinement.
Considerations When Making A Choice
Cut rock measures because a rock cutter is the right choice, while a skid steer rock crusher is more suitable for reducing big rocks into smaller and easier-to-manage sizes. Thus, it is critical to remember specific details when choosing which equipment to use. These crushers are heavy machinery, used in rock excavation sites, made to perform strenuous tasks quickly and efficiently without compromising accuracy.
In certain scenarios, utilizing both tools together tends to be more effective. For instance, a stone cutter may make grooves in the stone, so a skid steer rock crusher may shatter it into more manageable pieces.
Conclusion
While rock cutters aid in cutting certain types of stone with precision, they also come with challenges. This is because the type of stone, the machine’s specifications, the blade’s grade, and the machine are factors influencing its performance. A rock-cutting tool with a rock crusher is more advantageous when dealing with exceptionally hard materials. This tool can easily accomplish the task efficiently.
If you also need help with rock cutting, Rockzone Americas is here for you. Call us now!
