Switch from Manual to Automatic Core Cutting

An automatic core saw is a machine designed to cut geological drill core samples lengthwise quickly, safely, and consistently. Unlike manual saws, the cutting process is automated, allowing operators to process more core with less physical handling and introduces a number of significant safety benefits.

This improves:

• Productivity
• Cut consistency
• Operator safety
• Workflow efficiency

Automatic core saws are ideal for operations processing high volumes of core. They offer major advantages over manual saws, including:

• Faster cutting rates
• Reduced labour requirements
• More consistent sample presentation
• Lower operator fatigue
• Improved workplace safety (quietness, removes exposure to blade and controls water and chip exposure to name a few).

Manual saws are generally better suited for lower-volume applications or cross cuts, while automatic saws provide the greatest benefit in active exploration and production environments.

Most automatic core saws are designed to handle a range of standard core sizes, from BQ up to PQ (only some Corewise saws and all Discoverer Saws handle PQ).

This allows one machine to process multiple core diameters efficiently without major setup changes.

The operator loads the drill core into the feed tray or core holder, and the machine automatically advances the sample through a rotating diamond blade while water cools the blade and suppresses dust.

This automated process ensures:

• Consistent feed speed
• Cleaner cuts
• Reduced manual handling
• Better operator safety

Silica dust is primarily controlled through wet cutting, where water cools the blade and suppresses airborne dust during operation before being extracted and captured (the latter being limited to the Discoverer saw and not earlier models such as Almonte and Corewise).

Additional dust control measures may include:

• Enclosed cutting areas
• Dust extraction systems
• Site ventilation controls

Effective dust management is essential for operator health and compliance.

Yes—modern automatic core saws are designed with safety in mind. Common safety features include:

• Emergency stop controls
• Blade guards
• Automated feed systems
• Reduced pinch points
• Braking systems

These features help minimise operator exposure to moving parts and improve overall site safety. 

Routine maintenance typically includes:

• Inspecting the blade
• Cleaning sludge and residue from saw and recirculation tank (where the latter is installed).
• Lubricating moving parts
• Checking feed components
• Replacing wear parts when required

The saw is designed so that it has easily accessible service points to ensure that maintenance downtime is kept to a minimum.

Because core cutting is by nature a wet, abrasive environment, corrosion resistance is an important consideration.

Machines built from powder-coated steel may corrode over time if protective coatings are damaged (Almonte and Corewise). Saws made with corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel (Discoverer) offer improved durability and lower maintenance requirements in harsh environments.

Blade life depends very much on a number of factors including;

• Rock hardness
• Abrasiveness
• Feed rate
• Water flow
• Blade quality

Using the correct blade specification for the material being cut and managing the cut speed helps maximise blade life and cutting efficiency. It is common for sites to have 2-3 blades types/matrixes on hand as rock hardness changes.

Automatic core saws are commonly available in:

• 415V/480V three phase
• 600V three phase

The right power configuration depends on your site infrastructure and operating requirements.

Yes. Automatic core saws can be used in remote field operations provided there is access to the appropriate:

• Power
• Water
• Sludge/fines management

Remote setups often use recirculating water systems to reduce water consumption and improve portability.

When selecting an automatic core saw, key factors to evaluate include:

• Safety features
• Ease of maintenance
• Corrosion resistance
• Cutting capacity
• Power requirements
• Warranty coverage
• Supplier support

Choosing the right machine is about long-term reliability, safety, and total cost of ownership—not just purchase price.

72” x 32” x 56” at 990lbs

0r

183cm x 81cm x 142cm at 450kg

The dust extractor is an additional 47”/119cm long.

82” x 42” x 57” at 1190lbs

or

208cm x 107cm x 145cm at 540kg

For operations processing significant volumes of core, an automatic core saw can deliver strong returns through:

• Reduced labour costs/needs
• Faster sample processing (less cutting backlogs)
• Improved safety
• Lower manual handling
• Better consistency
• Available as hire-to-buy to utilise flow-through funding (in Canada)

Over time, the efficiency gains often outweigh the initial investment, especially in high-volume drilling programs. While high volume programs get the most benefit, once a program is above 20,000m a saw is paying itself off in a very short timeframe.

Processing capacity depends on the rock type, blade condition, and operator workflow, but automatic core saws can typically process hundreds of metres of core per shift.

This level of throughput makes them ideal for high-volume drilling programs where efficiency matters.