End deflector for abrasive water jet slot cutter

摘要

An end deflector for an abrasive water jet slot cutter is provided. The end deflector includes two wear resistant plates which direct portions of the water jet upwardly and downwardly. Preferably, the abrasive water jet slot cutter includes a source of high pressure water and a high pressure water outlet from which a stream of water is expelled. A venturi device is provided adjacent the water outlet for creating a vacuum. A feed device feeds an abrasive particular material to the venturi device so that the abrasive material is entrained in the stream of water. Thereafter, the stream of water is collimated in a tube which produces a cylindrical water jet which is then deflected before it impinges on the rock to mine the rock. The abrasive material is preferably sand and the tube including the deflector is easily replaceable.