Mineral wool surfacing tool

Abstract

A mineral wool surface finishing tool includes a base defining a first generally planar surface and a second surface opposite to the first generally planar surface, the first generally planar surface being configured to move along a rough surface of a mineral wool sheet, the second surface being spaced apart from the first generally planar surface by a thickness of the base. The mineral wool surface finishing tool includes a first handle coupled to the second surface and a second handle spaced apart from the first handle and coupled to the second surface. A blade has a cutting edge extending from an elongated edge of the base and extending along the length of the elongated edge of the base. In response to sliding movement of the first generally planar surface of the base along the rough surface of the mineral wool sheet, the cutting edge is configured to remove material from the rough surface to create a generally planar surface on the mineral wool sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to mineral wool cutting tools, and more particularly to such tools for shaving or planing the surface of mineral wool materials. Background Technology

[0002] Mineral wool, also known as asbestos, is widely used due to its thermal, acoustic, and fire-resistant properties. It is used as insulation within building walls to help maintain the internal temperature of rooms and further provide sound insulation and fire resistance. Some mineral wool materials can be used as exterior materials (i.e., not within walls), where the mineral wool is visible, or otherwise as a backing substrate for visible surface finishing, such as plaster, synthetic plaster, or other suitable exterior coatings. The use of mineral wool materials as exterior design materials is limited, at least in part, by the difficulties in on-site shaping and shaving. The technology described in this invention addresses this deficiency of the prior art.

[0003] Fan-shaped cutters are typically used to cut mineral wool sheets 500 to a certain length (i.e., to cut completely through the sheet); however, fan-shaped cutters available in the prior art are not useful for planing or finishing mineral wool materials. In related fields, thermal foam cutters use heated metal wires or blades (e.g., nickel-chromium) to cut foam materials, but cannot cut mineral wool, which is much denser than most foam materials, contains many individual fibers that need to be cut, and is significantly more heat-resistant. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool configured to remove material from a rough surface of a mineral wool sheet, the mineral wool surface finishing tool comprising: a base defining: a first generally planar surface configured to move along the rough surface of the mineral wool sheet, the generally planar surface having a height and a length, the length being at least three times the height, such that the first generally planar surface defines an elongated edge; a second surface opposite to and spaced apart from the first generally planar surface by a thickness of the base, the height and length of the first generally planar surface being greater than the thickness; a first handle coupled to the second surface; a second handle spaced apart from the first handle and coupled to the second surface; and a blade having a cutting edge extending from and along the length of the elongated edge of the base, wherein in response to sliding movement of the first generally planar surface of the base along the rough surface of the mineral wool sheet, the cutting edge is configured to remove material from the rough surface to create a generally planar surface on the mineral wool sheet.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to mineral wool surface finishing tools, wherein the blade includes a toothed edge or a fan-shaped edge.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described in this invention relates to mineral wool surface finishing tools, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is D-shaped.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, wherein a first handle is configured as a knob that can rotate relative to a base.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, wherein a blade extends in a plane, wherein the blade is coplanar with a first generally planar surface, and wherein the cutting edge is configured to surface finish a rough surface in the plane.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to mineral wool surface finishing tools, wherein the blade is removable from a base and coupled to the base via a plurality of fasteners.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, wherein a base overlaps a portion of the blade along its entire length.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, wherein the blade includes a first blade positioned end-to-end adjacent to a second blade.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, further comprising a tool holder coupled to a first generally planar surface and a tool configured to remove a blade from a base coupled to the tool holder.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, further comprising a blade protector configured to cover the cutting edge of the blade in the use position and magnetically coupled to a base in the retracted position.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method of operating a mineral wool surface finishing tool, the mineral wool surface finishing tool including a base defining a first generally planar surface and a second surface, the first generally planar surface being configured to move along a rough surface of a mineral wool sheet, the second surface being opposite to and spaced apart from the first generally planar surface by a thickness of the base, and a blade having a cutting edge extending from an elongated edge of the base and along the length of the elongated edge of the base, the method comprising: pressing the first generally planar surface against the rough surface of the mineral wool sheet; and moving the mineral wool surface finishing tool back and forth along the rough surface in a longitudinal direction of the mineral wool surface finishing tool while moving the mineral wool surface finishing tool downward along the rough surface, such that the blade removes material from the rough surface to create a generally planar surface on the mineral wool sheet.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a method in which moving a mineral wool surface finishing tool back and forth along a longitudinal direction and along a rough surface includes moving the mineral wool surface finishing tool over a seam between a mineral wool sheet and adjacent mineral wool sheets to make the surfaces of the two adjacent mineral wool sheets coplanar.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool configured to remove material from a rough surface of a mineral wool sheet, the mineral wool surface finishing tool comprising: a base defining: a first generally planar surface configured to move along the rough surface of the mineral wool sheet, the first generally planar surface having a height and a length such that the first generally planar surface defines an elongated edge; and a second surface opposite to and spaced apart from the first generally planar surface by a thickness of the base, the height and length of the first generally planar surface being greater than the thickness; a first handle extending from the second surface; a second handle spaced apart from the first handle; and a blade having a cutting edge extending from and along the length of the elongated edge of the base, wherein the blade extends in a plane, wherein the blade is coplanar with the first generally planar surface, and wherein the cutting edge is configured to surface finish the rough surface in the plane.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to mineral wool surface finishing tools, wherein the blade includes a toothed edge or a fan-shaped edge.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described in this invention relates to mineral wool surface finishing tools, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is D-shaped.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, wherein a first handle is configured as a knob that can rotate relative to a base.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to mineral wool surface finishing tools, wherein the blade is removable from a base and coupled to the base via a plurality of fasteners.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, wherein a base overlaps a portion of the blade along its entire length.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, wherein the blade includes a first blade positioned end-to-end adjacent to a second blade.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a mineral wool surface finishing tool, further comprising a tool holder coupled to a first generally planar surface and a tool configured to remove a blade from a base coupled to the tool holder. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1A It is a three-dimensional diagram of a mineral wool surface finishing tool with toothed blades.

[0025] Figure 1B It is a three-dimensional diagram of a mineral wool surface finishing tool with fan-shaped blades.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A Front view of a mineral wool surface finishing tool.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A A top view of a mineral wool surface finishing tool.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A Rear view of a mineral wool surface finishing tool.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A A side view of a mineral wool surface finishing tool.

[0030] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of a mineral wool surface finishing tool according to another embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6B This is a perspective view of a mineral wool surface finishing tool according to yet another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6B A side view of a mineral wool surface finishing tool.

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 6B A three-dimensional magnified view of the fan-shaped blade of a mineral wool surface finishing tool.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of a mineral wool surface finishing tool in use.

[0035] Figure 10A yes Figure 1A Front view of the toothed blade.

[0036] Figure 10B yes Figure 1A A side view of a toothed blade.

[0037] Figure 10C yes Figure 1A A magnified side view of the teeth of a toothed cutting blade.

[0038] Figure 10D yes Figure 1A A magnified front view of the teeth of a toothed blade.

[0039] Figure 10E yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional diagram of a toothed blade.

[0040] Figure 11A yes Figure 1B Front view of the fan-shaped blade.

[0041] Figure 11B yes Figure 1B A magnified front view of the edge of the fan-shaped blade.

[0042] Figure 11C yes Figure 1B A magnified side view of the edge of the fan-shaped blade.

[0043] Figure 11D yes Figure 1B A three-dimensional image of a fan-shaped blade.

[0044] Figure 12 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the seam between multiple mineral wool sheets.

[0045] Figure 13 It is used for Figure 12 Surface finishing of mineral wool sheets Figure 6B A three-dimensional diagram of a mineral wool surface finishing tool.

[0046] Figure 14 yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of a portion of a mineral wool surface finishing tool.

[0047] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A perspective view of a portion of a mineral wool surface finishing tool, in which the blade guard is shown in the retracted position.

[0048] Before explaining any embodiment of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components described in the following description or shown in the drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1A The following is an illustration of the method for processing mineral wool 500 ( Figure 9A mineral wool surface finishing tool 100 is used to surface finish (i.e., shave, plane) the rough (e.g., uneven) surface 510 of a mineral wool sheet or sheet. The mineral wool surface finishing tool 100 includes a base 110 for sliding along the mineral wool 500, a blade 150 for surface finishing the mineral wool sheet 500, and a pair of handles 138, 142 for a user to grip as they move the base 110 and blade 150 across the entire surface of the mineral wool sheet 500. The mineral wool surface finishing tool 100 performs surface finishing on the sheet 500. In the context of this invention, surface finishing refers to removing material 520 (…) from the large flat surface 510 of the sheet 500. Figure 9 Surface finishing involves cutting approximately parallel to the surface to be finished, similar to planing or shaving. Surface finishing of sheet 500 can be useful when it is placed on a non-planar surface, resulting in ripples or other protrusions on its visible outer surface. In other cases, two sheets 500 may be placed adjacent to each other, with a non-planar seam between them, where the mineral wool surface finishing tool 100 is configured to smooth the seam by surface finishing one or both sheets 500 until any inconsistencies within the seam are eliminated.

[0050] The base 110 is generally planar and includes a first surface 114. Figure 4 The first surface 114 is configured to run along the surface of the sheet 500 to be surface-finished. In some embodiments, the first surface 114 is formed separately from and attached to the remainder of the base 110, such that the first surface 114 is formed of a material having properties that facilitate smooth movement along the surface of the sheet 500. In other embodiments, the first surface 114 is integrally formed with the remainder of the base 110. The second surface 118 is opposite to the first surface 114, and the thickness of the base 110 is defined between the first surface 114 and the second surface 118. Each of the first surface 114 and the second surface 118 is generally rectangular and generally planar, however, as Figure 5As shown, the second surface 118 includes a plurality of longitudinal protrusions that help provide rigidity to the base 110. The base 110 extends and elongates in the longitudinal direction LD between a first longitudinal end 130 and a second longitudinal end 134. The base 110 has a height defined between opposing lower edges 122 and upper edges 126 that extend the length of the base 110 between the first end 130 and the second end 134. The base 110 is generally rectangular and has a length (in the longitudinal direction LD) significantly greater than its height (each of the length and height is significantly greater than the thickness). In some embodiments, the length of the base 110 is at least three times its height. In other embodiments, the length of the base 110 is at least five times its height. In still other embodiments, the length of the base 110 is at least ten times its height (e.g., 10-15 times, 10-20 times). Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the length of the base 110 is greater than the width of the sheet 500 (e.g., at least 36 inches, at least 48 inches), which allows the entire width of the sheet 500 to be surface-finished in a single pass.

[0051] The second surface 118 supports a first handle 138 and a second handle 142 for the user's first and second hands, respectively. As shown, the first handle 138 is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end 130 of the base 110, and the second handle 142 is positioned closer to the second longitudinal end 134. Thus, the user controls the mineral wool surface finishing tool 100 along its entire length by gripping each of the handles 138, 142. Each of the handles 138, 142 is coupled to the base 110 via one or more (e.g., two) fasteners (such as threaded fasteners) passing through openings in the base 110 and the corresponding handles 138, 142. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, each of the handles 138 and 142 is identical, and each handle 138 and 142 is formed as a D-shaped handle (the handle itself forms a curved portion of the D shape, and the second surface 118 of the base 110 forms a straight portion of the D shape), having a gripping surface around which a user can encircle their fingers to grip the handle 138 or 142. See also Figures 6A-6B and Figure 7In the embodiment shown, the first handle 138 is replaced by a knob 338 coupled to a cylindrical base 340. As shown, the cylindrical base 340 is coupled to a base 110, and the knob 338 is coupled to the cylindrical base 340. In some embodiments, the knob 338 is rotatable relative to the cylindrical base 340. The rotatable knob 338 allows the user to pivot the mineral wool surface finishing tools 300, 400 about the axis of rotation of the handle 338, which is useful in various cutting operations.

[0052] See also Figure 1A The blade 150 is attached to the base 110 to facilitate surface finishing of the sheet 500. As shown, the blade 150 is attached to the lower edge 122 of the base 110 via a plurality of fasteners 154 (e.g., threaded fasteners such as through bolts), the plurality of fasteners 154 extending through an opening 158 formed in the base 110 (adjacent to the lower edge 122) and a similar opening 156 formed within the blade 150 itself. Figure 10A , 10E ).like Figure 5 As shown in more detail, openings 156 and 158 overlap each other, such that when the blade 150 is attached to the base 110, at least a portion of the base 110 overlaps with the blade 150. A cutting edge 162 of the blade 150 is formed on the lower edge of the blade 150. As shown, the blade 150 extends the entire length of the base 110 between its two longitudinal ends 130 and 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 150 is coplanar with a first surface 114 that travels along the surface of the sheet 500 to be surface-finished. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the blade 150 includes a plurality of (e.g., three) blades 150 placed end-to-end adjacent to each other, forming a seam 166 between adjacent blades 150. Figure 8 As shown in more detail, the first end of each blade edge 152, 262 corresponds to the opposite second end, which maintains a continuous blade edge across multiple blades 150, 250. By utilizing multiple shorter blades 150 to cover the entire length of the base 110, manufacturability is simplified, and the transport and storage of replacement blades become easier to manage.

[0053] Figure 1A The cutting edge 162 shown is a toothed cutting edge with a plurality of individual teeth configured to cut through mineral wool material. Figure 1B It shows something similar to Figure 1A The mineral wool surface finishing tool 100 and the mineral wool surface finishing tool 200 have a blade 150 replaced by a fan-shaped blade 250, the fan-shaped blade 250 having a fan-shaped blade edge 262, as combined Figure 11A-11DAs explained and illustrated in more detail. In some cases, the fan-shaped blade edge can provide additional functionality, such as allowing bidirectional cutting (D1, D2); Figure 9 This avoids pulling on the fibers of the mineral wool material. In some embodiments, the fan shape is on one side of the blade 250, which makes the other side smooth as the blade 250 moves (i.e., within the movements of D1, D2, and D3, such as...). Figure 9 (As shown) Pass through material 500 to make the cut substantially smooth.

[0054] Figure 1A First and second tool holders 160A, 164A, coupled to a second surface 118 of a base 110, are shown, spaced apart from each other between two handles 138, 142. Tool holders 160A, 164A are each configured to hold tools 160B, 164B for removing and reassembling blade 150 to the base 110 (e.g., for replacing blade 150). In some embodiments, tool holders 160A, 164A are bent relative to the base 110 to selectively grip and release the respective tools 160B, 164B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tool holder 160A supports a wrench 160B, and the second tool holder 164A supports a hex key 164B. In the illustrated embodiment, the wrench 160B and hex key 164B can be used together to remove and reassemble fastener 154 from the base 110 and blade 150 to facilitate blade 150 replacement. In other embodiments with other fasteners, different tools (e.g., screwdrivers, second wrenches, etc.) can be coupled to two tool holders 160A, 164A.

[0055] Figures 10A-10E The toothed blade 150 is shown in more detail. Figure 10A The length L1 of the blade 150 is shown. In some embodiments, the length L1 is the same as the length of the base 110. In other embodiments, the length L1 is an even fraction (e.g., 1 / 2, 1 / 3, 1 / 4) of the length of the base 110, which allows a plurality of blades 150 (e.g., two, three, or four blades) to span the entire length of the base 110. In some embodiments, the length L1 is approximately 16 inches. Figure 10B-10C The toothed edge 162 of the blade 150 is shown, with each tooth alternating on both sides. As shown, the outward trajectory of the teeth results in a total tooth width T2 (e.g., approximately 0.040 inches to 0.060 inches) greater than the width T1 of the rest of the blade (e.g., approximately 0.030 inches). Figure 10DA single tooth with a toothed cutting edge 162 is shown. In some embodiments, the distance L2 between adjacent teeth can be, for example, 0.100-0.150 inches, or about 1 / 8 inch. In some embodiments, the tooth height H1 is 0.150-0.200 inches, or about 3 / 16 inch. In some embodiments, the tooth angle θ1 is about 35 to 40 degrees.

[0056] Figure 11A-11D The fan-shaped blade 250 is shown in more detail. Figure 11A The length L3 of blade 250 is shown, which is similar to the length L1 of blade 150. Figure 11C The fan-shaped edge 262 of the blade 250 is shown tapering to a point or tip, wherein each side of the blade 250 extends toward the tip at an angle θ2 of, for example, 20 degrees. See also Figure 11B In some embodiments, the sine difference H2 of the cut edge 262 is approximately 0.030 inches. In some embodiments, the height H3 of the cut edge 262 is approximately 0.040-0.050 inches.

[0057] In use, mineral wool shaving tools 400 (such as...) Figure 9 As shown, but could also be tools 100, 200, or 300, mineral wool sheet 500 can be used to correct adhesion or otherwise secure it to a non-planar wall or other surface. The surface may be non-planar due to, for example, excess material on the surface (e.g., gravel / concrete from concrete or masonry processes) creating lumps or high points in the mineral wool. In other cases, the surface supporting sheet 500 may be non-planar due to deformation in the surface (such as arched walls or plywood). Figure 9 As shown, the user places their hand on each of the two handles 136, 142 (or, if using as...). Figure 9 The tool 400 shown is used with the hand placed on the knob 338 and handle 142, and the first surface 114 of the base 110 is placed against the surface 510 of the sheet 500 to be surface-finished. When the first surface 114 is placed against the surface 510, the blade 250 is also placed against the surface 510, although the cutting edge 262 extends generally parallel to the surface 510, so that the blade 250 does not cut laterally to the desired plane of the surface 510. With the tool 100 pressed against the surface 510 of the sheet 500, the user translates the tool 400 back and forth along directions D1 and D2, while simultaneously moving the tool 400 downward along direction D3 to surface-finish the sheet 500, removing thin layers 520 or protrusions extending outward from the desired surface of the sheet 500, creating a generally flat surface on the mineral wool sheet 500. Further processing can be performed to remove additional material. The direction of cutting the sheet 500 by cutting edge 262 is in direction D3, roughly parallel to the surface 510 to be finished.

[0058] See Figure 12-13 Tools 400 (such as) Figure 13 As shown, but could also be tool 100, 200, or 300, the seam 530 between two mineral wool sheets 500, 500 can also be smoothed. If sheet 500 is not aligned with surrounding sheets 500, 500 (e.g., caused by excess material on the surface beneath sheet 500), the seam 530 between two adjacent sheets 500, 500 may be non-planar. Figure 12 As shown, the high point created by the excess material at the rear of sheet 500 creates a plane adjacent to seam 530, extending outward beyond the rest of sheet 500, with a thickness of 540. Figure 13 As shown, the usage of the mineral wool surface finishing tool 400 is combined with the above. Figure 9 The process is largely the same, with the blade 250 moving back and forth along the length of the tool 400 as it moves into the area of ​​the sheet 500 to be surface-finished. The movement continues until the high point is removed. Because the tool 400 is long enough to remain on at least two adjacent sheets 500, the resulting smooth cut surface is in plane with the surrounding sheets 500.

[0059] If the user wants to provide cutting motion based on the rotation of the mineral wool surface finishing tool 400 rather than translation along directions D1, D2, the user can rotate the tool 400 about the axis of rotation of the first handle 338, and guide the tool with a second hand on the second handle 142 in an arc centered on the first handle 338. In some cases, this movement can result in cutting of the mineral wool material 500, or can otherwise provide the user with indication of any high point on the surface 510 within the sweeping range of the tool 400.

[0060] Figure 14-15 A portion of a mineral wool surface finishing tool 100 is shown. In particular, the upper corner (at the intersection of the upper edge 126 and the first longitudinal end 130) is shown to illustrate one of the protrusions providing greater rigidity to the tool 100. As shown, the upper protrusion (located at the upper edge 126) faces the user during use and extends laterally (e.g., vertically) from the main portion of the base 110 of the tool 100 (because extending away from the user would cause interference with the material to be cut). A ferromagnetic material 180 (e.g., a thin metal strip, a magnetic strip) is attached to one side of the protrusion (as shown, the lower side). Figure 15As shown, the blade protector 172 can be coupled to the tool 100 at a ferromagnetic material (e.g., magnetically) to store the blade protector 172 when the tool is in use. As shown, the blade protector 172 is generally V-shaped and has a first leg 172A and a second leg 172B extending on the opposite side of the blade 150 to cover the cutting edge of the blade 150 in the use position (i.e., when the blade protector 172 is used to protect the blade 150). In the retracted position (when the blade 150 is available), the blade protector 172 extends over a protrusion, with the first leg 172A extending over the protrusion to the upper edge 126 of the base 110, and the second leg 172B extending to the other side of the protrusion. As shown, the second leg 172B includes a ferromagnetic material 176 (e.g., a magnet, a magnetic metal strip) that magnetically couples the blade protector 172 to the base 110 at a ferromagnetic material 180. The ferromagnetic material 176 of the blade protector 172 can also secure the blade protector 172 to the blade 150. In some embodiments, the base 110 and / or the blade protector 172 may be formed of a ferromagnetic material, and separate ferromagnetic strips 176, 180 attached thereto are not required.

[0061] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments described above, variations and modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention.

[0062] Various features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mineral wool surface finishing tool configured to remove material from a rough surface of a mineral wool sheet, the mineral wool surface finishing tool comprising: The base, wherein the base defines: A first generally planar surface is configured to move along a rough surface of a mineral wool sheet. The generally planar surface has a height and a length, the length being at least three times the height, which causes the first generally planar surface to define an elongated edge. and A second surface, opposite to and spaced apart from the first generally planar surface from the thickness of the base, wherein the height and length of the first generally planar surface are greater than the thickness; A first handle, the first handle being coupled to the second surface; The second handle is separately disposed from the first handle and coupled to the second surface; and A blade having a cutting edge extending from and along the length of an elongated edge of the base. In response to the sliding movement of a first generally planar surface of the base along a rough surface of the mineral wool sheet, the cutting edge is configured to remove material from the rough surface to create a generally planar surface on the mineral wool sheet.

2. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The blade includes a toothed edge or a fan-shaped edge.

3. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is D-shaped.

4. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The first handle is configured as a knob that can rotate relative to the base.

5. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The blade extends in a plane, wherein the blade is coplanar with the first generally planar surface, and wherein the cutting edge is configured to surface finish the rough surface in the plane.

6. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The blade is removable from the base and coupled to the base via a plurality of fasteners.

7. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The base overlaps with a portion of the blade along its entire length.

8. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The blade includes a first blade, which is positioned end-to-end adjacent to a second blade.

9. The mineral wool surface finishing tool of claim 1, further comprising a tool holder coupled to the first generally planar surface and a tool configured to remove the blade from the base coupled to the tool holder.

10. The mineral wool surface finishing tool of claim 1, further comprising a blade protector configured to cover the cutting edge of the blade in a use position and magnetically coupled to the base in a retracted position.

11. A method of operating a mineral wool surface finishing tool, the mineral wool surface finishing tool comprising a base defining a first generally planar surface and a second surface, the first generally planar surface being configured to move along a rough surface of a mineral wool sheet, the second surface being opposite to and spaced apart from the first generally planar surface by a thickness of the base, a first handle coupled to the second surface, a second handle spaced apart from the first handle and coupled to the second surface, and a blade having a cutting edge extending from an elongated edge of the base and extending along the length of the elongated edge of the base, the method comprising: The first generally planar surface is pressed against the rough surface of the mineral wool sheet; and The mineral wool surface finishing tool is moved back and forth along the rough surface in the longitudinal direction of the tool, while simultaneously moving downward along the rough surface, so that the blade removes material from the rough surface to create a generally flat surface on the mineral wool sheet.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein moving the mineral wool surface finishing tool back and forth along the longitudinal direction and along the rough surface includes moving the mineral wool surface finishing tool over the seam between the mineral wool sheet and adjacent mineral wool sheets to make the surfaces of the two adjacent mineral wool sheets coplanar.

13. A mineral wool surface finishing tool configured to remove material from a rough surface of a mineral wool sheet, the mineral wool surface finishing tool comprising: The base, wherein the base defines: A first generally planar surface is configured to move along a rough surface of the mineral wool sheet. The first generally planar surface has a height and a length such that the first generally planar surface defines an elongated edge. and A second surface, opposite to and spaced apart from the first generally planar surface from the thickness of the base, wherein the height and length of the first generally planar surface are greater than the thickness; A first handle, the first handle being located from the second surface; A second handle, spaced apart from the first handle; and A blade having a cutting edge extending from and along the length of an elongated edge of the base. The blade extends in a plane, the blade is coplanar with the first generally planar surface, and the cutting edge is configured to surface finish the rough surface in the plane.

14. The mineral wool surface finishing tool of claim 13, wherein the blade includes a serrated edge or a fan-shaped edge.

15. The mineral wool surface finishing tool of claim 13, wherein each of the first handle and the second handle is D-shaped.

16. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 13, wherein, The first handle is configured as a knob that can rotate relative to the base.

17. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 13, wherein, The blade is removable from the base and coupled to the base via a plurality of fasteners.

18. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 13, wherein, The base overlaps with a portion of the blade along its entire length.

19. The mineral wool surface finishing tool as described in claim 13, wherein, The blade includes a first blade, which is positioned end-to-end adjacent to a second blade.

20. The mineral wool surface finishing tool of claim 13, further comprising a tool holder coupled to the first generally planar surface and a tool configured to remove the blade from the base coupled to the tool holder.

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