Oscillating liquid jet system and method for cutting granite and the like

The method of cutting granite and the like comprising the steps of:

• (a) directing a series of high intensity liquid jets from a plurality of nozzles against the surface of the material to be cut;
• (b) advancing said jets along a predetermined path of travel coinciding with the line to be cut;
• and
• (c) oscillating the jets at a high frequency approximately 750 cycles per minute in a direction transversely of the direction of advancement of said jets along the line to be cut and generally transversely of the direction of said jets from said nozzles to the surface of the material to be cut.

Apparatus for forming a channel in relatively hard rock materials comprising:

• a nozzle assembly including means for supplying liquid under pressure to form a high intensity jet discharged from said nozzle;
• means for advancing said nozzle assembly at a predetermined rate of speed along the surface of the material to be cut;
• and
• oscillating means for oscillating said nozzle in a direction transversely of its direction of travel along the surface of the material at a rate greater than said predetermined rate of speed.

Apparatus for forming channels in relatively hard rock materials comprising:

• a nozzle assembly including means for supplying water under pressure to form a series of high intensity jets discharged from said nozzle assembly, said jets formed by a series of nozzles arranged along one surface of said nozzle assembly disposed in confronting relation to the surface to be cut;
• motor drive means for advancing said nozzle assembly at a predetermined rate of speed in proximity to the surface of the material to be cut;
• and
• selectably adjustable oscillating means for automatically oscillating said nozzle assembly at a selected frequency in a direction transversely of its direction of travel along the surface of the material.