"Mark Godden's Little Bit Of Cyberspace Mk.II"

Extracting Stone from the "Withiescroft Wall" using Diamond Wire Technology

New technology in use in Albion Stone's quarries which has helped to eliminate blasting from much of the operation and will hopefully pave the way for the underground mining of stone which promises to bring massive environmental benefits to Portland. This series of photographs were taken in early April 2001.

1. A wire-saw cut is made where the wire is fed through a pre-drilled hole at the base of the whitbed bench and wrapped around the top. This cut encloses about 44 square metres.

2. Because of limited space, the cut is made through 90 degrees using a system of pullies.

3. An "idler" pully is used at the remote end of the cut to reduce initial friction. This is left in place while most of the cut is made. The pully is removed before the cut is completed. Note the vertical groove to the right of the pully, this was made by quarrymen while attempting to cut this stone using traditional "wedges and scales" during 1930's. 

4. Once cut, the cut face is displaced hydraulically, it fractures at its base on a chert horizon.

5. The loosened rocks are easily tipped through 90 degrees, onto a bed of soft material, by a Cat 350.

6. The undamaged stone has been completely removed and is now awaiting secondary cuts, it weighs over 200 tonnes. The blocks produced will be used by masons to manufacture finished masonry.