Abstract: In a process for cutting a deformable body, e.g., a clay column, into individual shaped bodies by using at least one cutting wire, the body is first provided with notches about its periphery by a known notching device. During the subsequent cutting, the body is supported by support strips that engage in the notches on both sides of the cut edges. The body is thus not deformed during cutting, no undesirable cutting edges are left and the notch definition remains.

Abstract: A clay column slug is efficiently and accurately notched around its entire circumference before being cut into individual bricks. The slug is pushed into a roller assembly having two opposing upper parallel rows of rollers and two lower parallel rows of corresponding rollers to form notches in upper and lower surfaces of the slug. The upper and lower rows of rollers are compressed vertically together to form partial notches in front and rear surfaces of the slug. The slug is elevated up and out of the compressed roller assembly between the two opposing upper rows of rollers which completes the notches in the front and rear slug surfaces. After notching, the slug is further elevated through a set of parallel wires aligned with and positioned directly above the upper rows of rollers. Alignment with corresponding rollers insures the wires cut the clay slug through the slug notches. The resulting bricks have smooth, beveled, and uniform edges free of lugs, burrs, and other material buildup.