How To Cut A Tile With A Tile Cutter

Types of tile cutters

Manual. It belongs to semi-professional instruments. It is good because it is a stand-alone device for work. The manual tile cutter looks like a cutting table, glued over with a relief elastic material. Has sharp edges at the incision site.

The cutter with a comfortable lever handle is located above the rib on two longitudinal guides. Good manual tile cutters cost over 100. If you only need to cut the tiles once, it is best to borrow this tool. Pay attention that the cutter is not in plastic couplings, but on bearings.

Electric professional tile cutter

Professional electric. You cannot do without it in situations when you need to cut porcelain stoneware tiles. This tile cutter is already a more complex machine. It provides water cooling, the cuts will always turn out smooth and even. Can be cut at different angles, some machines have a laser guidance system.

When buying a professional tile cutting machine, attention should be paid to power. The cost will already be several times higher than that of manual tile cutters.

How to properly cut ceramic tiles with a tile cutter

When repairing an apartment with your own hands and working with tiles, you cannot do without cutting this material. Tile trimming is needed in different situations. It is quite simple to do it at home. The main thing. Have a special tool on hand, called a tile cutter. The article will tell you about the varieties and give advice on choosing for your tasks.

Hand carving technique

It is much easier to cut tiles correctly with a tile cutter if you follow the following rules:

Step # 1. The tile must be fixed and cut along a straight mowing line along the future break.

Step # 2. Lower the lever and break the tile in two.

The process is not complicated at all and will NOT take more than a minute to cut one tile. But, it is necessary to take into account some nuances in order to make high-quality cuts and use tiles in construction with a clear conscience:

• To ensure a straight cut, use a felt-tip pen to cut the mowing line tile. Then these mowing cutting lines must be aligned with the cutting wheel.
• When cutting with one hand, hold the tile in place and with the other hand. Wheel handle.
• The handle of the tile cutter must be raised so that the wheel touches the surface of the tile from the side of its upper part. Then move the handle towards you.
• A light pressure is enough. Do not overdo it so as not to break the wheel. The wheel only needs one pass.
• The line is outlined. Now you need to qualitatively and evenly divide the tiles. For this, the wings are installed at the base of the handle at the level of the lower third of the tile. It is recommended to glue the wings with adhesive tape so that there are no marks on the finished tiles.

If you can’t split the tile, then you just need to take another one and start the cutting process again.

Helpful Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes

• For the work to go like clockwork, it is recommended to drop a little oil on the wheel and on the guide frame before using the tile cutter.
• In order for the notch to be not crooked, it is necessary to check that the wheel is fixed in order. Sometimes it is necessary to fix it with a special bolt before starting work.
• To get a good result, before starting work, you should check that the wheel is not worn out.
• The denser the tile, the easier it will be to cut. It is possible to cut with the described tool even strips of tiles of only 5-6 mm.

You can find out in detail with all the nuances in grouting tiles in the next article.

Working with a manual tile cutter, even for a beginner, is NOT particularly difficult. The main thing. Carefully study the device, the concepts of how to use it correctly. Tips from the craftsmen Presented in this article will help you achieve the perfect result and successfully complete the repair.

How to cut tiles with a tile cutter. Step by step and with photos.

How to cut tiles with a mechanical tile cutter has already been briefly described and shown on this site.

At first glance, there is nothing complicated about this. But in any business, there are details. The hell is known to be in the details.

Cutting in a straight line is NOT particularly difficult. The need to cut a tile with a letter “D”, confusing.

So usually you have to cut tiles on a slope and near various hatches, doors.

Step by step cutting a piece of tile.

Previously, using a square and a marker, it is necessary to mark 3 corner points of the piece to be cut. Sometimes a short wedge and a pencil are enough for marking. (At the end of the ARTICLE).

Run the cutting wheel of the tile cutter along two lines, according to the markings.

Cut the short line of the cut with the angle grinder. The cut-off wheel must be designed for cutting ceramic tiles (this is always indicated on the disc packaging). The cut-off wheel, when cutting, should not be located along the mowing line, indicated by the tile cutter, but along the edge, on the side of the cut (unnecessary) piece.

All these difficulties are needed so that the cutting wheel does NOT leave chips on the enamel.

If the tile “very budget option”, as in the picture, the enamel bounces off even when cutting with a new wheel and an expensive tile cutter.

Part of the cut made “Angle Grinder”

After a short cut of the angle grinder has been made, the tile must be installed with the long side on the tile cutter, exactly along the line previously drawn with the wheel, and broken off with the handle.

Lever (with a cut-off roller) for breaking tiles, it must be installed at the beginning or at the end of the tile, stepping back from the edge of the tile 2-3 cm.

Installing the tile cutter lever while pressing on the cutting line

In this way you can cut tiles up to 12-15mm thick. But not with every tile cutter.

Cheap tile cutters, with two pipe guides, bend and cannot break, often, ordinary porcelain stoneware. The tool shown in the photo can cut tiles up to 18 mm. Only in this case, it is necessary to make cuts on both sides of the tile.

After a piece of tile is broken off, it is necessary to refine the corner with a cutting wheel.

The whole process is completed by sanding the cut edges with a float with emery paper. This operation is especially important when the cut part of the tile is NOT covered with anything.

Processing of the cut end of the tile

When it is not possible to install a tile cutter on a table or workbench, then they work directly on the floor. With a significant amount of undercutting, the knees begin to hurt. This can be avoided by placing a 5 cm sheet of styrofoam next to the tool. This will not only create comfort for the knees, but will also help trim large tiles.

“Little tricks” when cutting tiles with a tile cutter

A small roller as a markup and cut a tile with a letter “D”

Questions from letters and consultations on Skype:

1. How to cut corrugated tiles?

An electric tile cutter is most suitable for trimming corrugated tiles. This is the case when it is superior to mechanical (my opinion).

With a slight tuberosity of the tile, the last version of the tool is also quite suitable.

But the greater the relief in the tiles, the more difficult it is to break with the lever along the mowing line of the cutter roller. Therefore, the cutting wheel should draw as much line as possible for all irregularities. Then there is a chance that the tile will break along the cut line.

And the smaller the cut piece, the less chance for a successful cut. It can be seen below that half of the tile always breaks successfully.

Tile cutting

The main feature of the tool. This is that it is elementary simple. Set so that the disc is guided straight along the mowing line drawn for the cut. The tile must be guided by holding it. Do not forget that the first touch should be light enough. Next, a little effort should be made while advancing the tile.

If you are feeding the tiles by hand, and not by securing them, be sure to make sure that there is no vibration, as chips may form.

Tool List

When working with tiles, you need the following tools:

• Tile cutter;
• Marking pen or felt-tip pen;
• A ruler, preferably made of metal;
• Manual tile cutter.

Basics of carving

Before you start cutting the tiles, you need to re-check the calculations and draw a strip on the tile. The incision is made along this strip. It is better to draw the fishing line with a marker, so it will not be erased, and you will accurately follow the direction of movement.

Fixing the tile, clearly fixing it on the tool. There are designs that have clamps with special layers made of rubber. Otherwise, you will have to cut off a piece of the tile (diagonally). Hold the other half with your hand. However, this is not difficult. During the incision, you need to measure the pressure exerted by your hand on the handle.

For training purposes, previously broken material can be used. Having fixed it, you need to move the carriage towards you. So you can easily determine the strength of the required pressure. The cut must be made in one motion, otherwise you can damage the decorative part of the tile.

After making the cut, the tiles should be placed on a smooth surface, the line of the cut should match the edge of the surface. Hold the tile on one side of the cut with one hand and on the other. Press.

Jigsaw

Many people underestimate this tool. However, it can be very useful if you have a tile cutter or angle grinder available. It is worth Note that a stone saw jigsaw can be used in the same way, however, the speed of work will decrease several times.

To cut you will need:

• Jigsaw (power does not matter);
• It is recommended to use special goggles to protect the eyes;
• Stone Carving Saw.

Safety rules

We must not forget about safe behavior when working with an electrical device.

• Work should be performed only in Special glasses;
• Before starting work, pay attention to the disc, which must be sharp enough and rotate smoothly;
• If there is an incomprehensible sound or spark, the equipment should be disconnected from the power supply and taken to a service center;
• Check if there is water;
• Cutting can only be started after the disc has reached maximum speed.

angle grinder

An angle grinder can be used if a tile cutter is not available. It is considered a versatile apparatus. It should be noted that for people with little skills in using this tool, this method is suitable for straight curly shapes, as well as any lines, including curved stripes.

In the process of work you will need:

• Angle Grinder;
• Special helmet;
• It is advisable to use a respirator;

• Diamond wheel. You can use a stone cutting wheel;
• Mittens and a special suit. It must be closed;
• Clamping tool. In some cases, pressure may be needed;
• Protective glasses.

How to cut a tile with the letter “G”

Since the tile cutter can only cut the tiles straight, many have difficulty with L-shaped cutouts. The easiest option. Divide this tile into 2 rectangular elements, but then you get an extra ugly seam, which will be striking.

But this can be avoided by trimming the short side of the angle grinder and then cutting the long side. Tile cutter.

Step-by-step instructions on how to make L-shaped cuts on tiles

You can cut the outer corners in the same way. When marking them, you need to subtract about 4-5 mm, for a grouting seam 1.5-2 mm and a small PG.

Second method: in any way available to you, a cut is made on the glaze, and the excess is gradually broken off with pliers. Irregularities are sanded with sandpaper. This option will even allow you to get a rounded incision for abutting the risers.

Cutting tiles with a manual tile cutter

How a manual tile cutter works

How to use the tile cutter:

• The tile is inserted into the tile cutter, and the markings on it are aligned with a special label.
• The handle is lowered and held away from you. It must be driven at the same speed and uniform pressure, so that the roller cut the glaze to the same depth. It will be enough to run the roller once. If you drive several times, the breakage may turn out to be of poor quality.
• There are special paws next to the roller, which lower and break the tiles into 2 parts, after a sharp push on the lever. In this case, all tile cutters have a metal tubercle on their platform, and soft pads along the edges. When you press on the edges of the tile with your paws, maximum stress will be created at the notch, if correctly aligned with the backing, and it will evenly break.

It is difficult to explain this in words, so it is easier to look at which shows how to cut tiles correctly with a tile cutter:

High-quality tile cutters allow you to cut even 10 mm thick tiles without any problems. And it doesn’t matter at what angle you cut it: at least 45 degrees, at least 30.

How to cut tiles with a manual tile cutter. Instructions for using the tile cutter

A popular and practical finishing material for bathrooms, toilets and kitchens is ceramic tiles, the laying of which always requires accurate marking, as well as cutting to the desired size. If we talk about the industrial scale of construction, then most often professionals use a mechanized (electric) tile cutter, but the manual option is quite suitable for home conditions.

How to cut tiles with a tile cutter

Cutting tiles with a tile cutter: a general beginning

After preparing the tile cutter for use, you can start cutting the tiles. This will require accurate surface marking. So, for this you can use a regular construction pencil or, for example, a marker. We apply with its help the marking line. Before cutting the floor tile with a tile cutter or wall tile, it must be firmly fixed to the cutting wheel. To do this, in some designs of tile cutters, special clamps are used, which allow to ensure a completely fixed position of the tile. If there is such a grip, then the tile must be held with one hand, and the handle with the cutter roller carriage. Other.

Immediately before making a cut, it is necessary to apply a drop of machine oil to the surface of the cutting roller, which will significantly reduce the friction of the surfaces of the roller and the tile, which, in turn, will increase the quality of the cut obtained.

What is a manual tile cutter?

Tile cutter. This is the joint name for a group of tools designed to obtain straight or shaped cuts on ceramic or tile. As for the design, the manual tile cutter consists of the following elements:

• The base, which is the supporting part for all other elements;
• Tubular guides designed for precise movement of the cutting element;
• Cutting element, yak is a metal roller mounted on an axis with a sharp edge;
• A handle designed to move the carriage with a roller along the intended cut.

Many years of experience in construction work shows that the use of a manual tabletop tile cutter in a domestic environment. This is the best option both in terms of performance and accuracy, as well as simplicity. Benefits of using a manual tile cutter:

• Ease of operation due to the elementary design of the device;
• The handle in the structure plays the role of a lever that significantly reduces the force with which it is necessary to cut the tile;
• Quite accurate (in comparison with a more elementary method. Glass cutter) cut.

However, the use of this version of the tile cutter imposes some restrictions on the processing of tiles. So, for example, you cannot get a cut at a distance of less than 5 millimeters from the edge of the tile. If you try to do this, then there is a high probability of a break in the edge. Also, in addition, you can read the article on how to use the tile cutter.

What is a manual tile cutter?

Tile cutter. This is the joint name for a group of tools designed to obtain straight or shaped cuts on ceramic or tile. As for the design, the manual tile cutter consists of the following elements:

• The base, which is the supporting part for all other elements;
• Tubular guides designed for precise movement of the cutting element;
• Cutting element, yak is a metal roller mounted on an axis with a sharp edge;
• A handle designed to move the carriage with a roller along the intended cut.

Many years of experience in construction work shows that the use of a manual tabletop tile cutter in a domestic environment. This is the best option both in terms of performance and accuracy, as well as simplicity. Benefits of using a manual tile cutter:

• Ease of operation due to the elementary design of the device;
• The handle in the structure plays the role of a lever that significantly reduces the force with which it is necessary to cut the tile;
• Quite accurate (in comparison with a more elementary method. Glass cutter) cut.

However, the use of this version of the tile cutter imposes some restrictions on the processing of tiles. So, for example, you cannot get a cut at a distance of less than 5 millimeters from the edge of the tile. If you try to do this, then there is a high probability of a break in the edge. Also, in addition, you can read the article on how to use the tile cutter.

Cutting tiles with a tile cutter: a general beginning

After preparing the tile cutter for use, you can start cutting the tiles. This will require accurate surface marking. So, for this you can use a regular construction pencil or, for example, a marker. We apply with its help the marking line. Before cutting the floor tile with a tile cutter or wall tile, it must be firmly fixed to the cutting wheel. To do this, in some designs of tile cutters, special clamps are used, which allow to ensure a completely fixed position of the tile. If there is such a grip, then the tile must be held with one hand, and the handle with the cutter roller carriage. Other.

Immediately before making a cut, it is necessary to apply a drop of machine oil to the surface of the cutting roller, which will significantly reduce the friction of the surfaces of the roller and the tile, which, in turn, will increase the quality of the cut obtained.

How to cut ceramic tiles with a tile cutter?

After the tile is precisely aligned with the mowing line of the marking, you must lift the handle of the tile cutter so that the roller surface touches the face of the tile. Now you can move the handle towards you in a smooth motion. In this case, it is very important to control the pressure on the tile surface. With insufficient pressure, the notch will be small for successful breaking of the tile depth.

If you press the handle too hard, ugly cracks may appear on the decorative layer of the tile. If the tiles are less common for the first time, then it is best to take a piece on which you can experiment, since it is likely that an even cut may not work.

Important: the cut must be made in one longitudinal movement of the carriage with the cutting roller, otherwise the repeated lines will not coincide with the first, so the cut will turn out to be inaccurate or excessively rough.

How to cut tiles with a manual tile cutter. Instructions for using the tile cutter

A popular and practical finishing material for bathrooms, toilets and kitchens is ceramic tiles, the laying of which always requires accurate marking, as well as cutting to the desired size. If we talk about the industrial scale of construction, then most often professionals use a mechanized (electric) tile cutter, but the manual option is quite suitable for home conditions.

Preparatory work

Manual tile cutter. An elementary, but at the same time cutting tool, which requires a certain preparation and sequence of actions to obtain an accurate result. Let’s talk in more detail in them.

Before cutting the tiles with a manual tile cutter, it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparations:

• Inspect the structure of the tile cutter for visible damage and irregularities in the guides.
• Check the smooth movement of the carriage with the cutting roller along the tubular guides. It is important that they do not have any contamination, which can become a hindrance. If you have just cleaned them, you can apply a small amount of machine oil to the surface to lubricate.
• Check the condition of the cutter wheel. It should rotate freely without unnecessary sounds like creaking or jamming. If the surface of the cutter wheel is damaged (for example, burrs or dents), then it should be replaced. Otherwise, irregularities or cracks will appear on the cut.

Before cutting the tile with a tile cutter, you should also take care of your own safety. To prevent scratches, cuts and other troubles, it is worth using construction gloves. In the process of cutting the tiles, in no case should your fingers get under the cutting roller. Also, the field of receipt to cut the tile must be broken along it, while small particles are formed, which can get into the eyes. Put on safety glasses.

How to cut a tile with a tile cutter?

The composition of the tile is practically the same as the ceramic one. Only the color of the base is different. It is lighter. However, this practically does not affect the tile cutting process, therefore it is produced similarly to ceramic tiles.

So, the incision is made. Now, placing the tiles on a flat horizontal surface and raise one of the edges, cut as far as possible from the mowing line. Now carefully, but at the same time, press the tile sharply enough in the area of ​​the notch risk, so that the tile breaks exactly along it.

If the cut is not accurate enough, then its edges can be trimmed with a grinding stone or sandpaper. Gentle longitudinal movements can be used to achieve a smooth cut edge. It is necessary if the tile will be butt-joined with the other. If it is placed in the corner, then the edge is optional.

The tile has been cut, now you can start laying it.

And it is also worth looking at more clearly how to cut tiles with a manual tile cutter.

How to cut tiles. Features of tile cutting with angle grinder and tile cutter

When working with ceramic tiles, it is impossible to avoid cut rows, which are laid in inconspicuous places. Usually cut tiles are glued symmetrically along the edges of the walls. The need to cut tiles arises when wall cladding around doorways, utilities and other obstacles, which requires careful installation. In any case, a tiling master, especially a beginner, needs to know how to cut ceramic tiles in each case. After all, the technology for performing a straight cut is significantly different from the figure cutting technology. The correct choice of tools allows the master to perform cladding work efficiently and without downtime, as well as avoid a large amount of waste in the form of unevenly split tiles.

How To Cut Tile Angle Grinder

Angle grinder, called by the Russians an angle grinder in honor of the first manufacturer to start supplying this power tool to Russia. It is a multifunctional tool capable of processing tiles with a diamond cutting wheel. Both straight-line and figured cutting of tiles with an angle grinder is possible, while the disc is changed to a diamond wheel designed for dry cutting. When making a cut, it is not necessary to strive to capture the entire thickness of the tile, since it easily breaks along the cut mowing line.

The quality of the edges of the cut tile angle grinder is lower than when processing with a tile cutter, but it does not require preparatory work. The disadvantage of using an angle grinder when cutting tiles is the formation of a large amount of dust and debris flying in different directions. Therefore, the master tiler must work in goggles, gloves, observing all safety requirements.

Tile cutting tools

Cutting tiles can be carried out Not only with special tools, called a tile cutter, developed by manufacturers specifically for this facing material. Glass cutters, an angle grinder, wire cutters, an electric drill with various attachments are also used, which are also used when cutting second building materials.

Each tool has its own characteristics and tricks of operation, requiring a certain skill from the person working with it, which comes with experience. Therefore, Experienced craftsmen advise to make sure to carry out a trial cutting, using one of the spare tiles for THESE purposes. This will allow you to adapt to the tool and material with little loss.

How to cut tile: an example of work. How to cut tiles with a tile cutter

There are hundreds of tile cutter models, all of which can be divided into two large groups: manual and electric.

• Manual tile cutters are produced in the form of tongs, which outwardly resemble pliers. With this tool, a neat cut is first made on the face of the enamelled tile with a diamond cutter. After that, using the corner of the tile cutter, the tiles are simply broken off. No special skills are required in the work, so the tool is suitable for beginner amateur craftsmen.

• Tabletop models of manual tile cutters with different base lengths are used for cutting tiles, the thickness of which does not exceed 15 mm. For example, cutting 8 mm tiles used for wall cladding is done with a tile cutter that is NOT longer than 400 mm. Some models equipped with a circular cutter are capable of making rounded holes up to 80 mm in diameter in addition to straight cuts.

• Electric tile cutters are used for large tiling work. This power tool is indispensable for cutting thick tiles. Choosing a machine for cutting tiles, they look at its power, the size of the diameter of the cutting wheel, the depth and length of the cut, the size of the table, the weight of the tile. The time during which the machine can work in continuous mode also matters.

• Electric tile cutters are divided into two types, which differ from each other in the way the motor is placed. Models with a bottom motor are compact in size, therefore they are used when working in small rooms. The upper engine position is used in the construction of rail tile cutters, which are much more convenient to work with. In addition, their tile cutting quality is much higher. The diamond blade in all tile cutters is water-cooled. The advantage of electric tile cutters is their ability to cut ceramic tiles at an angle rather than more than 45 degrees.

How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles

To cut porcelain stoneware tiles, use an angle grinder, small and medium, with a diamond disc. There are several types of diamond discs:

• For dry cutting;
• For wet cutting;
• Ventilated;
• Unventilated.

It is better to cut porcelain stoneware with a ventilated diamond blade, because it overheats during operation and requires additional cooling. At the same time, diamond discs provide accurate cutting and adjustment of the tile cut. The disadvantage of using an angle grinder for cutting porcelain stoneware tiles is the increased dust and noise levels. It is convenient to cut porcelain stoneware using special machines designed for wet cutting. At the same time, the tile cut looks smooth and even, there are no chips.