Machinery buying guideLast updated October 2026

Gangsaw (Frame Saw)

The classic block-to-slab frame saw.

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Price level
Premium
Best to buy
Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct
Top sources
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Gangsaw for sawing marble blocks into slabs in a stone factory

Photo: USAID Afghanistan, Public domain

Overview

What it is

A gangsaw (frame saw) is the traditional block-to-slab machine: a heavy frame carrying dozens of steel blades swings back and forth over the block while descending slowly, cutting the whole block into slabs in one run.

For marble and other soft stone the blades carry diamond segments and cut quickly. For granite, older "abrasive" gangsaws used plain steel blades with a slurry of steel grit and lime; multi-wire saws have largely replaced them.

Stage
Block to slabs
Blades
Dozens per frame
Cutting
Diamond (marble) or steel grit (granite, legacy)
Output
A whole block per cycle
Footprint
Heavy foundations, power and water

Applications

Best used for

  • High-volume marble slabsDiamond gangsaws are fast and consistent.
  • Soft stoneLimestone and travertine.
  • Uniform thicknessEvery slab from the block cut identically.

Think twice for

  • Granite. Multi-wire saws are faster, cleaner and waste less.

Origins

Which countries to source from

The producing countries that matter for gangsaw (frame saw), 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.
  • Brazil flagBrazil+37.5% & 30137.5% Section 301 (2026) plus the legacy China Section 301 duty (25% on most stone and machinery lines), on top of MFN.
  • 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.
  • China-origin machines carry a total effective duty of 37.5%, combining the 25% legacy Section 301 duty with a 12.5% Section 301 surcharge in force since July 2026.
  • Steel-heavy equipment may be subject to Section 232 derivative tariffs, which displace the 2026 Section 301 surcharges. Verify current status for specific items.

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. 1Match blade count to your block sizes and slab thickness.
  2. 2Check stroke speed and frame weight (productivity).
  3. 3Plan foundations and electrical supply.
  4. 4Include slurry and water recycling.
  5. 5Used gangsaws: check for frame cracks and flywheel bearings; rebuilding is common.

Price level: Large but long-lived; used and rebuilt gangsaws are widely traded.

Vendor Network

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