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Model Thistle Saw (Short 2 Wire Saw)

ManufacturerMade by George Cassie & Son Ltd (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1822 - 1982)

AssociatedAssociated with D. Ruddiman Ltd. (The Scottish Granite Works, 1919 - 1981)

Date1960-1979

Object NameModel

Mediummetal

ClassificationsGranite Industry

Dimensions65.5 x 108.5 x 30.5cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1982.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS004732

Keywords

About MeModel wire saw manufactured and used by George Cassie and Son Limited.

This type of saw was designed to cut granite. It was made in Aberdeen by George Cassie and Son Limited. The saw has an endless wire loop which is driven round the wheels at each end of the saw. The wire was is fed down on to a block of granite but it is not the wire that cuts the stone. An abrasive (carborundum) mixed with water was fed under the wire. The revolving wire rubbed the mixture against the stone. In time this cut through the granite making slabs for gravestones or for building.

Two of these saws were installed with a hydraulic turntable and other Cassie products in the West Unit of Ruddiman's yard in Merkland Road East. The resulting factory process layout was praised by J. R. Ruddiman:

"There is the obvious advantage of having sawing, polishing and finishing all carried out in one large building with ample lifting devices. Basically on Monumental work this unit has enabled us to drastically reduce production costs as the labour ratio is very low indeed. This unit can, if required, also produce most economically for the Building market."

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