What is the difference between a 3 axis, 4 axis or 5 axis bridge saw?

Is it worth paying double for a 5-axis CNC over a 3 or 4-axis saw?

While 5 axis CNC machines are a more significant investment compared to 3 or 4 axes, they also allow for greater productivity. For those working on more complex shapes, 5 axis bridgesaws are able to perform more operations on the one machine, reducing the need for repositioning and loading and unloading.

For the stone industry, this is a major advantage. On a 5 axis bridgesaw, you’re able to cut complex L-shaped countertops and vanities, 45 degree bevels, and sink and stove cutouts without moving the piece. From there, any finishing can usually be done on 1-2 additional machines; whether they’re edge polishers or machining centres.

Alternatively, models like the Bovone Stonedge 9+1, a recent addition to our collection, are made specifically for benchtop production. Deciding which option is right for you depends on a variety of factors. Including:

• Existing equipment
• The skill of your labourers
• Business goals
• Factory footprint, and
• Overall workflow

If you think that upgrading to a 5 axis would be advantageous for your shop, let our experts know. We’ll do a thorough analysis and share our thoughts on the matter.

Do I still need a waterjet if I buy a 5 axis bridgesaw?

While upgrading to a 5 axis bridgesaw brings many benefits, including less reliance on labour, there are a number of reasons why pairing it with a waterjet is beneficial.

Aside from versatility, waterjets excel in:

• Precision; especially for tight tolerances
• Efficiency executing detail work like cutouts and holes
• Cutting sharp inside corners smoothly, and
• Minimising material wastage

For many stonemasons, the most efficient setup is to do rough slab cutting on the 5 axis bridgesaw, then move to a sophisticated waterjet like the Smartline or Easyline for rounded corners and other detail work. If any extra details are required, a 5 axis CNC like the CMS Speed completes the workflow.

The benefits of combining a 5 axis bridgesaw with a waterjet don’t just apply to part quality. It’s also a far less hands-on arrangement, requiring minimal labour to complete tasks. That means less exposure to silica dust, less human error, and less risk of machine downtimes if staff are unavailable.

Waterjets on their own are one of the best machines to own, especially in a rapidly changing world. Whether you choose to combine it with a 5 axis bridgesaw depends on your overall workflow and needs.

The overall quality of both waterjets and 5 axis machines varies greatly. Longevity, customisation, and learning curves are all factors when making a purchasing decision, as is support. Many stonemasons find that it’s better to go the safe route and invest in established European brands over cheaper imported models. The below example illustrates why.

What am I paying for if I buy a premium European bridgesaw over an imported one?

The difference between investing in a premium European bridgesaw vs an imported machine isn’t just in the build itself. It’s also in the service.

While European models like those from CMS and Bovone stem from a long legacy of premium builds, thoughtful optimisation, and customisation features, the details matter. Accessibility to spare parts, tooling, and support is essential to keep these machines running; something that isn’t always guaranteed when purchasing imported models.

Paul from SP Stone outlined this exact scenario as a key factor for investing in a CMS Kosmos with us. After having an imported bridgesaw sitting in their shop with no one to support them, the company looked for local options that would enable them to make full use of their asset.

The CMS Kosmos, with our support, gave them the confidence and capacity to make major productivity leaps. Read the full testimonial for details.

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