CUTTING AND DRESSING STONE BY MACHINERY.
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Williams, of the Village and Parish of Dale,
in the County of Pembroke, Engineer and Contractor for Public Works,
for the Invention of "CUTTING AND DRESSING STONE BY MACHINERY.'
Sealed the 9th January 1857, and dated the 14th July 1856.
-!
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Williams at the
Office of the Commissioners of. Patents, with his Petition, on the 14th
July, 1856.
I; WILLIAM WILLIAMS, of the Village and Parish of Dale, in the County' of
Pembroke, Engineer and Contractor for Public Works, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "CUTTING AND DRESSING STONE BY MACHINERY,"
to be as follows:-
:
The stone is first placed to have its bed dressed on a horizontal table, over
which a drum is 'fixed with its axis horizontal: The drum has upon it an
arrangement of cutters placed in several series of rows, according to the
nature of the stone required to be dressed, and between each series of rows
there is a blank space on the druin, so that when these spaces are revolving
immediately over the stone, the latter will be moved forward to meet the next
series of cutters. When the beds are dressed, the stone is placed on á 'similar
table to the above, and the face and joints are then dressed by cutters placed
on a drum, similar to the above, with its axis vertical.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Williams in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
14th January 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
WILLIAMS, of Dale, in the County of Pembroke, Engineer and Contractor,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the twentieth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
William Williams, Her special licence that I, the said William Williams, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Williams, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "CUTTING AND DRESSING STONE
BY MACHINERY," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William
Williams, by any instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should par-
ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Williams, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following state-
ment, reference being had to the Drawing hereunto annexed, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say) :-
The object of my Invention is to cut stone by metal cutters revolving on an
axis, and which successively cut the block moved forward to them according
to the shape which may be required. I effect this by fixing the block of
stone, previously scabbled, on a strong horizontal table, which is moved by
machinery until the upper surface of the block comes and rests within the
cutting range of a series of cutters fixed on a drum, whose axis is at right
angles to the direction the block moves in. The drum is made to revolve by.
machinery, and the cutters thus impinge in lines successively upon the stone
until each cutter has cut a portion of the block. The table and block are
then caused to move forward, which that part of the revolving drum next to

page_text: them allows of, as it contains no cutters. The table and block being again at
rest, a second series of cutters, similar to the first, is brought by the continued
revolution of the drum to bear upon and cut the block as before. In the
same manner several series of cutters separately cut the block, which is moved
forward to meet each series during the interval when that part of the drum,
between each pair of series, which has no cutters is revolving near the block.
Besides other advantages of my Invention, I am enabled by means of it to
avoid the evils of the heating of the machinery, usually found when it has been
attempted to cut stone by a tool constantly at work on the surface, as I.
provide for the proper cooling of the cutters, by causing them each to cut for
a short time only, and then to revolve, so as to have time to cool.
To explain my Invention more clearly, I shall describe a machine made
according to it, as represented in the accompanying Drawings, in which
similar parts of the machine, in different Figures, are indicated by the same
letters.
Fig. 1 is an end view, and Fig. 2 a side view, exhibiting the principal
parts of the machine; Fig. 3 is an end view of part of the machine for
causing the drum to revolve; Fig. 4 shews different forms of the drum;
Fig. 5 shews one manner of setting the cutters; Figs. 6 and 7 shew two
different forms of cutters in side and back view; Fig..8 shews the arrange-
ment in plan of a second machine intended to cut the edges and ends of the
. block.
In Figs. 1 and 2, A is the drum (supposed in this case to be a cylinder),
. of metal, or of wood and metal, revolving on a strong axis or shaft S, sup-
ported by suitable framing B, B. On the drum are fixed the cutters P, P,
in the following manner:-A number of rectangular slots or holes are pierced.
in the drum, so that each will fit a cutter to be secured therein by a wedge
or otherwise, as shewn in Fig. 6, where W is the wedge. The holes for the
cutters are arranged in several series, similar to each other, and at equal
distances on the circumference of the drum. I prefer to have four of such
series, and in Fig. 1 one of these series is shewn in the middle part of the
circumference represented, and the tops of part of some of. the cutters of
another series are shewn at the upper part of the drum, and marked q, q, q..
The series consists of several lines of cutters fixed at intervals, each line so-
placed that the edge of each cutter of one line revolves in a circle, coinciding
with or overlapping slightly the circle of the cutter next below in the next.
line of cutters. I have represented five such lines in the middle series of
Fig. 1, and the edge of each-cutter of the lowest line revolves in a circle
coinciding with or overlapping slightly the circle-in which the edge of a cutter

page_text: in the uppermost line of cutters revolves. It will be seen, therefore, that
when a block.is brought within the range of the series of cutters, revolving
with the drum, each cutter will cut a groove in the block, and these grooves
will be close to each other, and each join with those on either side, so that
the whole surface of the block will be cut. The circumference of the drum
. between each series of cutters is blank.
..
:
C is the table, a strong metal horizontal plate resting on proper guides
supported by framework Q, Q, and moved backwards and forwards by a screw
motion or a rack motion attached to the table, as represented at T, Fig. 1,
and caused to progress at intervals by a ratchet wheel H, as will be hereafter
described. The table C has numerous, slots or, holes on its surface to receive
screws and bolts, by which the block may be securely fixed upon the table, as
is well understood in planing machinery, sawing machinery; and the like...
i. The block to be cut is fixed on the table, with the surface; to be cut properly
scabbled and turned uppermost; the drum is then lowered to a proper
distance from the surface of the block by the screws M, M, which suspend
the shaft S, and may be moved up or down by the small shaft O, O, with a
handle at the end. (not represented.) gearing; on pinions N, N, acting on the
screws.M,,M. By the wheels in connection with the rack a screw motion T
and table C (to be more particularly'described), .the table carrying the, block (
is moved forwards towards the drum;. which is kept nearly in the position
shewn in Fig. 1, with a blank space turned downwards to allow of the. block
-being passed close beneath; the table is then at rest, and the drum is, caused
to revolve, as will be described, until. a series of cutters has descended upon
the block and cut its face, and passed partly round,, so that the blank between
the series and the next series is presented to the block The table is then
nioved forward a certain space, as before, during the time, that; the blank, part
of the drum is above it, and having come to rest again, the next series, of
'cutters descends, and again the block is cut; and in like manner the block is
moved forward, brought to rest, and cut by each series on the drum over, and
over until the face of the block has been all cut by the cutters. When it is
desired to cut the block in a curve in the direction of its,motion, the shaft S
may be raised and lowered by the screw motion on the small shaft O, O,
during the process of cutting the block, and this can readily be effected, so as
to cut to a prescribed pattern, if the workman guides the motion of the small
shaft. so that the cutters may cut the block according to a template fixed
upon its side. The continuous rotation of the drum, accompanied by an
intermittent motion forwards of the table, may be given. by various means,
but I prefer the following:-G is the pulley wheel (best seen in Figs. 2

page_text: and 3), turned by a strap from an engine or otherwise, and carrying on its
axis a small cog wheel g. (nearly, hidden) gearing into another F, the shaft of
which carries a small cog wheel E-gearing into the wheel D on the shaft S
of the drum. To enable this wheel E always to gear into the wheel D as the
shaft S is raised or lowered to suit different sizes of blocks, the spindle carrying
the wheels, F and E is moveable in a slot e, e, forming a segment of a circle,
and fixed at the required height by a retaining nut; so that the wheel E shall
gear into D while the wheel F gears into the small wheel 9. on the shaft
carrying the pulley wheel G. By this means the drum is moved at a slow
and continuous rate so long as the wheel G is impelled by the engine...
To give the intermittent forward motion to the table, the wheel D has near its
inside periphery several projecting pins at regular intervals; and equal.in
number to the number of series of cutters on the drum. "
In Fig. 2-four of these: projecting pins' are represented at n; n, n;n, and in
Fig. 1 one of them only can be seen at n. As the wheel revolves; each of those
pins strikes against the cranked lever L, linked by the stud Uto the rod.V,
which moves the arm J with a pall k catching into the ratchets r of: the wheel H,
which moves the screw or rack motion T (Fig. 1) that carries forward 'the table.
The stud-U may be fixed at a proper point, in the lower slotted arm of.the
crank lever E, so as to cause the wheel :H: to move the required amount.at
each lifting of the arm...Another stud may be.so fixed by a screw at the end
of the rod V; or elsewhere, as to prevent the upper arm of the lever. L (which
Emust be long enough to reach the pins n; n; when the shaft S is at the highest
point) from falling too far inwards when it is released and falls by: its
weight. By these means I cause the drum to revolve, and the table to
advance at intervals by about half an inch; or an inch, or more; according to
the hardness of the block and the nature of the cutting to be executed.
When it is desired: to cut 'the block in a shape curved in a direction across
its motion; I employ a drum-curved in a corresponding manner, so that some
parts of the circumference revolve in larger circles than others.' Two forms
of such curved drums are shewn in section in Fig. 4, but they may be varied
indefinitely. The samel effect, to a partial. amount, may be produced by so
fixing the cutters that the points shall project to different distances from the
circumference of a cylindrical drum, as shewn in Fig. 5, which is a part
section of a drum thus set with the points of the cutters P, P, P, P1, P1, (all
of them being in the same line of cutters) projecting to various distances from
the shaft S; and by their revolution intended to cut a curved or irregular.
surface in the block. Within reasonable limits any desired shape not in-
volving reentrant angles may be cut in the block by one or other, or by a

page_text: combination of the means described for raising or lowering the drum, and
using a curved drum or cutters projecting from the drum to different
distances. The drums may be of any size, but I prefer a diameter of from
one foot to three feet, and the size and speed of the drum, as well as the
number of the cutters, and the depth to which each is caused to cut, must be
so arranged that the cutters may not be too speedily caused to repeat their
cut, and thereby to become unduly heated. The form of the cutters must be
such as to give proper strength without causing them to graze or rub the
block instead of biting or cutting its surface.
.
In Figs. 6 and 7 are shewn (in side and back view) two cutters about the
real size for ordinary work. p; the point of one, is of a narrower but more
strongly-backed form, intended for a harder block; and p¹, the point of the
other, is broader but less strongly backed, being intended for a softer block.
.It will be seen by Fig. 7 that the backs of the cutters are bevilled, so as to
clear themselves in cutting the block. The cutters may be made to cut more
deeply in proportion to the softness of the block, and though they may be
.made of various materials I prefer to have them of cast steel. When one
face of the block has been cut, the block may be turned on the table by a
crañe or other means, and the other side cut as may be required. In the
same manner the block may be turned on its edges and ends until each suc-
cessive edge and side has been cut; but to obviate the trouble or difficulty
which is found to exist in adjusting a block so that an edge or end may be
..cut perfectly square, or at a designed angle with the face already cut, I find
.it convenient to use for cutting the edges or ends another machine, which may
be fixed to the same table, but is better placed separate.
In this second machine, which Fig. 8 shews in general ground plan, the
drum is vertical, and at one side of the table, which moves horizontally, as
.before. The drum may be in all respects similar in construction to any of
those, described, according to the nature of the work to be done on the edge
. of the block, and it may be moved by machinery of the same description as
that already explained, with such modifications in the position and arrange-
ment of the frame, wheels, arms, and levers as will readily be understood to
be required to move the drum turning on a vertical shaft, while the table
moves as before.
In Fig. 8, S is this vertical shaft; A, the drum; C, the table; and X, the
block; and P, P, P, P, four series of cutters. The block being laid on the
table with one of the surfaces, already cut, placed downwards, and either lying
. immediately on the table, or so propped up as to present the side to be cut at
right angles to the already cut surface, or at any designed bevilled angle, the

page_text: edge of the block next the drum is then cut, and afterwards, if desired, the
remaining edges and ends.
I have used the word cutting to express what may also be called dressing
when the block is in a less irregular shape; but the dressing of cut stone may
be done by my Invention in a manner similar to that for cutting, if. the form
and strength of the cutters, their distance from the block, the speed of the
drum, and the motion of the table are properly regulated according to the
nature and state of the block and the description of the work desired to be
done upon the surface operated upon. When any part of the surface to
be cut or dressed is intended not to be cut or dressed by the cutters, those
which would touch it may be removed, so as to allow of that part passing
the drum without coming in contact with the cutters, or in some such cases
the curved drum or the drum with projecting cutters may be more properly
applied.
I do not desire to claim as my Invention the cutting of stone by machinery
in general, nor the wheels, screws, racks, arms, levers, tables, cutters, drums,
or frames separately; but I claim as my Invention the method of cutting and
dressing stone by the action of cutters placed on a drum in series, so that the
cutters of each series cut the stone while it is at rest, and with a blank space
after each series admitting the stone to be moved forward for a new cut while
the drum revolves.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Williams, have hereto set my
hand and seal, this Fourteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS. (L.s.)