Device and method for cutting a stone block

A device for cutting a block of stone, the device comprising:

• a platform configured to receive the block of stone,
• a frame configured to move vertically relative to the platform,
• a guide bar assembly having a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side, the guide bar assembly comprising:
• a monolithic metallic plate, the monolithic metallic metal plate including an upper section and a lower flange extending downwardly from the upper section on the first longitudinal side of the guide bar assembly, and
• a wear bar including (i) a lower section secured to the lower flange of the monolithic metallic plate, the lower section including a lower longitudinal slot, and (ii) an upper flange extending upwardly from the lower section on the second longitudinal side of the guide bar assembly, the upper flange being secured to the upper section of the monolithic metallic plate,
• a fastener extending through each bore of a plurality of bores extending through the guide bar assembly to secure the guide bar assembly to the frame, and
• a cutting belt positioned in the lower longitudinal slot of the wear bar and including a downward-facing cutting surface,
• wherein the lower flange of the monolithic metallic plate is spaced apart from the upper flange of the wear bar, and the lower flange of the monolithic metallic plate and the upper flange of the wear bar cooperate to define a longitudinal channel in the guide bar assembly.