Abstract: The present invention concerns improvements in wire saws for the shaping of stone, granite and the like and more particularly the wire saw described in the U.S. patent application 604,520 of the same applicant.The wire saw that is the object of the improvements comprises a vertical fixed frame (1) in which is displaced in translation a movable chassis (2) and a block-carrying carriage (4) movable in horizontal translation beneath the fixed frame (1) and comprising a guide panel (18) in which is displaced a guide arm (14) fixed to the movable chassis (2). The improvements according to the present invention are characterized in that the block-carrying carriage (4) is provided, for its displacement, with mechanical means actuated by a counterweight (21) and a variable speed mechanical automatic advance system coupled to the said mechanical means so as to impart to the displacement of the said carriage a maximum speed.

Abstract: A wire saw for shaping granite and other stone which makes it possible to shape granite or other stone in many other configurations other than planar slices. The wire saw includes a fixed vertical frame and chassis adapted to ascend and descend within the frame. A means for controlling the velocity of this chassis movement is effected through counterweight, motor, and guide panel system. A stone block-carrying carriage that is displaced in a horizontal direction and is controlled by a means of a counterweight and guide panel system imparts a second degree of motion that permits the shaping of new configurations on stone.