Restorative Techniques, the new stone cleaning equipment firm set up by Jamie Fairchild, the former Director of Jos/Torc company Stonehealth, has launched its first product – VorTech.

It is a gentle, swirling vortex abrasive system and a descendant of the original Jos method.

The first one has already been bought by Martin Gaynor of Gaynor Masonry in Birmingham.

VorTech can be controlled precisely with air and granulate flows adjustable independently by the operator at nozzle end rather than having to communicate with someone else at the power end of the unit or going up and down the scaffolding to make alterations. This has been achieved without making the hose cumbersome and the nozzle holder is light weight.

Dials allow settings to be predictable and reproducable. There are safeguards against accidental fire up.

There is the option of a high efficiency, light and portable air driven water pump that can be hung on the side of the pot to add to the portability of the unit. It uses little air to pump as well as making effective use of water. During wash down, for instance, an air and water mix reduces the amount of water needed.

Price ranges from £7,400 for a standard 24L pot with manual granulate valve and pressure adjustment, including one of the new air operated water pumps, through a remote adjustment version with air driven pump at £8,400 to an all pneumatic version with remote adjustment at £8,900. Prices include delivery and full training and instruction (on the UK mainland).

Abrasives for this gentle swirling vortex and other similar systems are already available for direct delivery from Restorative Techniques. The company supplies all requirements of Calcite 140, Dolomite 140 and an Aluminium Silicate in both 180 and 250 grades from its own.