Various new finishes have been added to stone lately. Now Thibaut, celebrating their 50^th anniversary in stone machinery, have produced a workcentre that enables masons not just to reproduce popular finishes themselves, but to design their own bespoke finishes for their customers. It is the new T508

General: Less stock, more versatility. That’s the promise from Thibaut with their new T508 Texturing centre. It can produce an unrivalled range of finishes on stone from one machine. Thibaut’s 50 years of experience of surface treatment of stone, starting with their early Jenny Linds, along with their reputation for well-made and reliable machinery provides a considerable comfort factor for those considering the new T508. Some of the finishes produced by the T508 (although not the machine itself) were shown at Marmomacc in Verona last year. And with automatic tool change, it is easy to move from one finish to the next or mix and match the finishes to create a variety of designs. For those looking to really increase the choices of texturing and finishes they can offer their customers the T508 is ideal.

Capabilities: This machine allows you to texture the slabs you have in stock in many different ways. You can produce unique finishes as well as the ones we all know (polished, brushed, bush hammered, honed, antiqued, grooved, waves, leather and so on). The design possibilities using the different finishes are practically endless.

Physical configuration: This is a compact machine that is easily installed. It has monobloc construction that provides solidity and assured rigidity and accuracy. Overall dimensions are 5800mm x 4200mm x 2500mm. The working capacity of the machine is 3500 x 2200mm. Folding doors safely enclose the working area while allowing easy access for loading and unloading.

Work surface: Table surface is 22mm marine ply on a welded structure fixed on the frame. A tilting table is optional for even easier loading and unloading. The machine accepts slabs up to 3500 X 2200mm.

Tool Handling: There is automatic tool change from a tool magazine for 10 positions at the back of the machine.

Motor: A 7.5kW electric motor drives a machining spindle with a variable rotation speed from 300 to 1100rpm. Pressure is applied with Thibaut pneumatic pressure.

Control: There is easy-to-use programming with a user-friendly touch screen interface. The machine is delivered with 20 finishing programmes ready to use and it is easy to programme in your own designs to personalise the finishes you offer to your customers. The T508 is supplied with standard or adaptable programs for pressure, movement and rotation adjustment, working irregular shapes and reworking. The designs supplied include programmes for L-shaped kitchen worktops and round tables.

Price: The T508 texturing centre is priced at 790,000€ including delivery, installation and training (the recommended training period is two days).

Further information: Sole UK and Irish agents for Thibaut are Waters Group Ltd. Call Daniel or Jim on 08456 585758. If you are seriously considering a machinery purchase speak to them about attending the Thibaut open days at Thibaut’s factory in France on 24 April when many of the Thibaut machines will be demonstrated.