It makes conservators nervous, but in the right hands pointing and grouting can be quickly removed without damaging the surrounding stonework using angle grinders.

Now the work has become even more efficient thanks to a new high performance tool developed by Diamond Tools of Germany for C&E Fein of Stuttgart for their SuperCut FSN 400.

The new blade will remove 200-400% more material than its predecessors, thanks to the substitution of natural diamonds with synthetic MBS versions produced by GE Superabrasives.

The SuperCut 400 machine works by oscillating 3.2∫ 22,000 times a minute, creating a simultaneous cutting, separating and grinding effect. The tool still needs an experienced operator, but helps to reduce the danger of slipping out and damaging the surrounding material.

In a luxury hotel in Hamburg, the joints around tiles in 283 bathrooms - 21,000m in all - were cut out using just 40 of the new discs and five segment shaped diamond attachments. The time taken averaged out at just three hours per bathroom.

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