Abstract: A stone slab is processed to reduce its thickness far more quickly and with much less difficulty according to an improved method and using a new machine. The machine includes a pair of motor driven sets of disk-shaped saw blades. Each set of saw blades is mounted on a separate, parallel axle. The saw blades are all of a uniform diameter. The saw blades in each set are separated by spacing rings. The sets of saw blades are mounted to reside in parallel planes, and the blades in each set are offset from coplanar alignment with the blades in the other set. A slab of stone to be reduced in thickness is advanced by a conveyor belt beneath the rotating sets of blades along a path parallel to the blades. The blades in the first set cut a number of parallel channels into the upwardly facing surface of the slab leaving ridges corresponding to the gaps between the saw blades in the first set.

Abstract: Furniture having genuine stone surfaces is formed of panels of flat slabs of stone bonded by adhesive to underlying supports coextensive with the slabs of stone. The slabs of stone are cut concurrently from a block of stone by means of a gang-saw. Each slab of stone is no greater than about one centimeter in thickness. Articles of furniture constructed of panels with the stone surfaces are comparable in weight and cost to articles of furniture constructed of solid wood, and have surfaces of genuine stone.

Abstract: A machine is provided which automatically cuts and polishes disks of marble and finishes the edges of those disks. A marble cutting saw blade and a marble polishing wheel are disposed on a track located in spaced separation from a turntable. The turntable includes a central supporting pedestal and peripheral spacers which may be selectively located on a support to bear against the underside of a marble slab just within the diameter of a round disk which is to be cut therefrom. The sawing and polishing assemblies are mounted on separate carriages which move longitudinally along the track. The sawing and cutting assemblies can be adjusted vertically by means of separate, power driven drives. The speed of rotation of the turntable can be altered. An arbor is preferably located on the track between the two carriages to project toward the turntable. The arbor stabilizes the marble slab as it rotates with the turntable.