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How to Make a Tile Cutter: Methods and Tips for Your Project
All home tiling projects require cutting ceramic or porcelain tiles. Cutting tiles allows you to place them near corners, fixtures, irregular positions or other specific purposes.
This short guide will help you learn how to cut ceramic or porcelain tiles using multiple machines and technologies. Use this guide to understand which tools to choose based on the work you need to do. This choice is essential for your work and will be based on the quantities and types of cutting you need to do.
If you are a beginner, we recommend that you buy a few more square meters of tiles to do some tests or to solve problems due to lack of experience. Cutting tiles is not easy, so it is always advisable to rely on a professional in the trade.
Choosing the right cutter for your tile cutter
Cutting tiles with different technologies such as wet tile cutters, dry tile cutters, angle grinders or bench cutters have different advantages. Glass cutter blades or carbide tips are definitely the most economical choice. They can be useful if you have to cut a few pieces for very few jobs. Manual cutters on the other hand are necessary for straight and precise cuts of ceramics. The latter are simple tools and cheaper than power tools.
Angle grinders are perfect for cutting tiles with specific dimensions. If you need to obtain a circle, a square or you need to make a cut on already laid tiles this is the best choice.
If you need more tools, we recommend renting them from authorized dealers who can give you some advice on the right equipment for your needs.
The most important thing when doing these tile cutting jobs is safety. So use all the necessary PPE to protect yourself from dust and noise. To avoid unpleasant surprises use safety gloves. If you have to make cuts inside your home open the windows and cover furniture etc with a sheet. To avoid dust ending up everywhere we recommend you hook the tools to a dust extractor.
#1: How to Cut Ceramic Without a Cutter
There are several methods for cutting ceramic tile by hand, including using a glass cutter blade or a carbide-tipped pencil.
- Check the depth of the enamel layer to determine where you need to etch.
- Use a ruler or set square to mark the cutting line with an erasable marker.
- Press the glass cutter blade or carbide tip firmly along the cutting line using a metal square.
- Do not cut the entire thickness of the tile. If you use a carbide pencil you will still need to make multiple passes.
- Place the tile on a metal shim aligned with the cutting line.
- Press lightly on both ends of the ceramic tile until it breaks cleanly and neatly.
- If necessary, use a diamond abrasive sponge to clean the cut edges.
#2: Manual tile cutter: how to use it
The manual tile cutter is a product widely used for cutting ceramic or porcelain stoneware tiles. All professional tilers have one. It is easily available at many building materials retailers or professional hardware stores. Make sure you use a tile cutter that is larger than the ceramic tile you need to cut.
- Place the tile cutter on a flat surface perpendicular to your position.
- Move the lever of the manual tile cutter to the starting position indicated by the equipment manufacturer.
- Now install the tile with the glazed side facing up.
- Adjust the position of the ceramic with the guides on the cutter plane and observe the cutting mark which is usually shown above the center line of the cutter.
- Push the cutting lever firmly without applying too much pressure until it reaches the end of its travel.
- Now that you have marked the surface of the tile, press the cutting lever down to automatically snap the tile into two precise pieces.
- Again, use an abrasive sponge to clean the cutting edge of your product.
#3: Cutting tiles with an angle grinder or flexible grinder
The angle grinder or simply flex is a top power tool for cutting tiles. With this simple machine you can grind, smooth or cut. If equipped with diamond discs for stoneware, the grinder allows you to make straight cuts, curved cuts, rectangular cuts for drains or electrical plates.
- Measure the tile to be cut
- Trace the shape you need to make with a marker
- Use a clamp to securely hold the tile to a workbench
- Turn on the flexible, wait for the disc to spin at maximum speed and start cutting
- Follow the path you marked and sink the cut through the entire thickness of the tile
There are also two fundamental factors for cutting ceramic or stoneware tiles with angle grinders. The first factor is manual ability. In this case it is really essential to have great manual ability and experience so that the cut is clean and sharp. The second point is the choice of diamond blade. If you have to cut porcelain stoneware tiles, do not worry about the cost. Use high-quality turbo diamond blades. You will notice the difference in terms of usability, smoothness and cleanliness of the cut. You will find some of our excellent proposals for cutting tiles: Tile blades
For further useful information and practical advice contact us at sales@lanordsrl.it or using the chat on this site.
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