Machinery buying guideLast updated October 2026

Block Cutter

Strips for tiles, pavers and kerbs, straight from the block.

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Price level
Mid-range
Best to buy
Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct
Top sources
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Large-diameter blade saw cutting a limestone block in Belgium

Photo: Tbc, Public domain

Overview

What it is

A block cutter mounts a gang of large-diameter diamond discs on a single shaft above a moving table or trolley. It cuts blocks, or thick slabs, into strips that go on to be cross-cut and calibrated into tiles, pavers, steps and kerbs. A horizontal blade can undercut to free the strips.

It's the backbone of tile factories in marble, limestone and travertine, and makes good use of small or irregular blocks that a gangsaw can't take.

Stage
Block to strips, tiles, paving and kerbs
Blades
Multiple large-diameter diamond discs
Options
Horizontal undercut blade, automatic table
Common in
Tile factories and paving plants

Applications

Best used for

  • Tile productionMarble, limestone and travertine tiles.
  • Paving and kerbsGranite and sandstone strips.
  • Small or irregular blocksHigher yield from blocks gangsaws can't use.

Origins

Which countries to source from

The producing countries that matter for block cutter, what each is known for, and a direct link to vendors there.

Timing

Best time of year to buy

Buy around the big fairs: Xiamen and Marmomac Brazil in March, Coverings in April and Marmomac Verona in late September. Makers launch models and offer show pricing.

  1. Jan: normal
  2. Feb: normal
  3. Mar: best time to buy
  4. Apr: best time to buy
  5. May: normal
  6. Jun: normal
  7. Jul: normal
  8. Aug: slower or pricier
  9. Sep: best time to buy
  10. Oct: best time to buy
  11. Nov: normal
  12. Dec: normal
Best time to buy Normal Slower or pricier
  • Italian makers close for about three weeks in August; orders placed in July often slip to September.
  • Chinese makers close for Lunar New Year; order by early December for spring delivery.
  • Large lines are built to order: expect three to nine months from deposit to commissioning.
  • Plan installation for your own slow season so the changeover doesn't cost production.

Import costs

Tariffs and import duties

Base duties for the main import markets, the extra US surcharge by origin, and the trade remedies to check before you quote a landed price.

HS codes

  • 8464.10Sawing machines for stone

Base import duty (MFN)

  • United StatesFreeHTS 8464.10, sawing machines.
  • European Union2.2%
  • United Kingdom2%

Importing into the US? Add the 2026 origin surcharge

Section 301 rates in force since 24 July 2026, stacked on the MFN rate above.

  • Italy flagItaly10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
  • Turkey flagTurkey+12.5%Section 301 (2026) adds 12.5% on top of the MFN rate.
  • China flagChina+12.5% & 30112.5% Section 301 (2026) plus the legacy China Section 301 duty (25% on most stone and machinery lines), on top of MFN.
  • India flagIndia+10%Section 301 (2026) adds 10% on top of the MFN rate.
  • China-origin machines also carry the legacy US Section 301 duty (25% on most machinery lines) on top of the 2026 surcharge.
  • Steel-heavy equipment can fall under US Section 232 derivative tariffs; if it does, the 2026 Section 301 surcharge does not apply. Check the current derivatives list.
  • Imports of stone sawing machines from China may be subject to trade measures such as anti-dumping or countervailing duties which should be verified in the EU TARIC database before each import.
  • Importers of stone sawing machines into the European Union must comply with the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, including CE marking and conformity assessment requirements.

Rates checked October 2026. Indicative rates for planning, not a customs ruling. Duties depend on the exact tariff line, origin, trade agreements and the rules in force on the day of entry. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you price an order.

Before you order

Buying checklist

  1. 1Maximum blade diameter sets your maximum cutting depth.
  2. 2Check the number of spindles and blades, and the horizontal cut.
  3. 3Look at table automation and strip unloading.
  4. 4Confirm blade and segment supply.

Price level: Mid-priced; the blades are a significant running cost.

Vendor Network

Ready to source block cutter?

Compare verified suppliers, or post an RFQ and let them come to you with quotes.

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