Cutting rectangular holes in tiles
In this case, you need to prepare a drill to make holes along the edge..
Work progress:
- Mark the hole with a marker.
- Fix the tiles on a flat surface.
- Drill holes in the corners of the marked rectangle.
- angle grinder walk along the contours of the marked rectangle.
- Remove the inside.
- Finish the edges with an abrasive.
Safety precautions when working with an angle grinder
When working with an angle grinder with a tile material, precautions must be taken.
Basic safety rules:
- the obligatory presence of a protective casing for the tool;
- the length of the cord is at least 2 m;
- keep the angle grinder strictly vertical;
- use protective equipment;
- hold the tool with both hands and cut away from you;
- do not put pressure on the disc;
- do not cut with a tool immersed in water.
Important! An angle grinder should only be able to cut tiles in a well-ventilated room, as the resulting dust is explosive..
Combined disc models
This type of tooling is suitable for dry and wet cutting. But unlike segmented ones, it loses in terms of cooling, and from solid ones – it does not give such a high-quality cut.
Important! The disadvantage of combined types of equipment is that they are quickly clogged with small dust particles, and only concrete, silicate bricks can be used to clean them.
How to cut tiles with an angle grinder without dust or chips
The main disadvantage when using an angle grinder to cut tiles is that it generates a lot of dust. This makes the job much more difficult. Therefore, experienced builders recommend initially sawing a layer of glaze with an angle grinder. In this case, practically no dust is emitted. And only then break the ceramic tiles along the cut.
Also, when using an angle grinder, chips often appear. Therefore, in order to cut high-quality ceramic tiles, it is recommended to reduce the speed while entering and exiting the material. And also start sawing a little to the right of the marking track. In this case, the chips can be cut off later with a grinding wheel..
Is it possible to cut tiles with an angle grinder
The angle grinder can cut any kind of ceramic tile. The only problem is that this type of work is quite traumatic, and also requires a certain skill. Moreover, this procedure will take longer..
Before making basic cuts, it is recommended to practice on the rough pieces..
Types of cutting ceramic products
Unlike a flat cutter, an angle grinder allows you to perform different types of cutting. But in each case there are peculiarities that you need to pay attention to..
Stone discs
The most budgetary option, but in terms of reliability it is inferior to all other types. When using it, the thickness of the cut will be much thicker, and a lot of dust will be generated during operation..
In the process of use, you need to monitor the condition of the stone circle. And as soon as chips appear on it, replace.
How to choose the right drive
When choosing equipment for working with ceramic tiles, you need to take into account the complexity of the work and the thickness of the material. It is recommended to use diamond-coated steel wheels with form-fit. These types withstand increased stress and have a long service life..
To obtain an even edge when cutting ceramic tiles, choose discs with a thickness of no more than 2 mm, and with a cutting edge width greater than the thickness of the material.
Types of diamond-coated discs withstand increased stress
Required tools and materials
Cutting ceramic tiles is a laborious process that requires maximum concentration. The difficulty is largely due to the fact that the tiles are made of durable material. Dust-free tiles can be cut and sawed down with a tile cutter, but such a tool is not cheap. This is almost impossible with conventional cutters and saws, and the cut will most likely be uneven and unattractive. A regular angle grinder is best suited, the cutting wheel of which allows you to neatly cut tiles even at home..
Despite the fact that this process is relatively difficult, if you get the hang of it, it does not take much time and does not require much effort. This task can be handled by an ordinary homeowner who has not dealt with such work and can even cut off a “hog” without the help of a tile cutter.
You can cut tiles using the following tools:
- special tile cutter;
- diamond tools;
- Angle Grinder.
For cutting ceramic tiles, those that have a diamond coating are suitable. Their use minimizes the formation of cracks and chips. It is forbidden to use discs used for metal work, as they will only damage the tile. Even if you manage to cut with such a circle, it will be uneven and of poor quality. This is due to the sliding of the disc on the tile, due to which the presence of small cracks is inevitable. At the same time, when it comes to home surface finishing, you can ignore these damages, since they will surely disappear during subsequent processing..
In no case should you neglect safety measures, since the risk of harm is quite high.
Be sure to carry the following attributes with you:
- glasses;
- mask;
- thick gloves.
Please note that the selected angle grinder or grinder must have a speed regulator, since many modern inexpensive tools do not have this function. Such models operate at the highest speed, which is why it is impossible to cut tiles with their help..
How To Cut Tile Angle Grinder?
When doing renovations, many homeowners find it necessary to cut ceramic tiles, which can be done using an angle grinder. This tool allows you to do this work at a high level, with minimal risk of chips or cracks. In this article we will show you how to cut ceramic tiles using an angle grinder..
We cut the tiles correctly
Using tiles for wall decoration, a situation will surely arise when you need to cut off part of the slab so that it fits into the remaining space. Moreover, a similar procedure will be required regardless of which type of tile you choose. Cutting is required most often in cases where unique patterns on the walls are created or various decorative objects are formed using tiles..
If you have already prepared all the attributes you need for work, you can consider how the tile should be cut correctly. The angle grinder is an excellent helper in this matter, since with its help you can create not only straight cuts, but also curly cuts. Next, we will look at how to cut tiles in various ways..
A straight cut is as simple as possible:
- First, you need to fix the tile on the plane so that it does not slide and ride on it..
- The part of the tile that needs to be cut must remain in weight. the surface line will be the guideline for the notch mowing line;
- You need to take an angle grinder so that you can see the cut line. If you hide it from yourself, you will not be able to make an even cut..
- You need to direct and move the blade towards you, not away from yourself. This is the mistake many beginners make. Hold the tool firmly and level so that it does not move in different directions, otherwise the cut will be ugly. Holding the angle grinder crooked can damage the disc as it can fly off..
using a angle grinder to cut ceramic tiles
A round hole is made as follows:
- Initially, you need to use a marker to draw the required hole. Draw on the glossy side of the tile.
- Then you need to determine the center of the circle. This can be done using straight lines drawn crosswise..
- Gently saw the tile from the inside in a circle until we go deeper.
- It is necessary to turn the angle grinder so that the blade gradually fits into the outlined circle.
- When the cut is deep enough, it is required to saw through the drawn cross along the drawn lines, after which you carefully take out the resulting 4 sectors of the circle.
You need to cut the tiles only on the front side, since this is the only way to get a cut without various defects. Therefore, all possible damage will be concentrated on the back of the tile, which will be hidden with tile adhesive..
It is best to measure and mark the tiles to be cut from the start..
To cut at a 45 degree angle, follow the instructions below:
- It is important to note that cutting the tiles obliquely is more difficult than making a straight cut. However, this is much easier than creating curly elements. You need to start by doing.
- the angle grinder must be turned so that the disc is located at the angle you need, while you must carefully drive the blade, removing excess, so that at the end an even angular cut is obtained.
- Perfectness can be achieved by using ordinary sandpaper, which is best fixed on a block..
Abrasive paper should be used for each element as this will help improve the appearance of the cut..
Important nuances
The angle grinder must be set at a low speed so that you can control and adjust its actions. When you have the ability to secure the tool, be sure to do so, as this will simplify your work. Once the angle grinder is secured, you only need to move the tile along the desired trajectory..
If there is no possibility of securing, then the floor is the best place to work. Be sure to put bars or lumber under the slab. It is important to note that a low speed should also be set due to the fact that this will exclude the discarding of the blade or disc upon contact with the surface..
Turning on the maximum speed will surely simplify the cutting process, but this increases the risk of damage to the tiles, which can simply fly to pieces. The easiest way to cut is the straight line cut, since even a beginner can handle this job. When it comes to rounding, then it will take more effort. If you have not previously encountered such work, then we recommend that you first try your skills on defective material..
You can protect tiles from chips by using a special grinder or sandpaper. This work is not difficult, but it will significantly improve the quality of the cut. Thus, you can get rid of existing defects..
If you decide to choose a grinder for this work, and not sandpaper, then you need to work at the minimum speed.
Be sure to follow these guidelines:
- you need to work in special clothes;
- safety glasses are required;
- it is recommended to use earplugs when working;
- all used devices must be in good condition;
- work can only be performed by adults who know the safety rules for using a cutting tool;
- when wet processing, make sure that the sander does not get into the water, as this can lead to an electric shock;
- you cannot process slices at maximum speed;
- you need to work in a room with good ventilation.
To maintain your health, it is extremely important to follow these recommendations..
Next, see a master class on tile cutting angle grinder.
How to cut ceramic tiles.
When cutting tiles, use specially designed dry cutting diamond wheels on tiles. Usually, such a circle has a corresponding inscription. It also shows the direction of rotation during installation with an arrow. What is the reason for this requirement is difficult to say.
Expensive and high-quality tiles for cutting tiles “angle grinder”
The quality of the circle, as always, is related to the price. Good circles cost more than 20. As always, the Chinese distinguished themselves and released an inexpensive circle on tiles within 5. Surprisingly, tolerable quality.
The quality of the cut depends on the quality of the circle. The more diamond inclusions the circle contains, the cleaner, without chips, the cut area on the tile will be.
This also determines whether the tile will burst during cutting or not. Often, when cutting with an inexpensive wheel, there are moments of the appearance of hot metal at the end of the cutting wheel. Manufacturers call this licking the metal and recommend cutting a little plaster or concrete. Grains of plaster cut off metal shavings until diamond inclusions reappear on the surface.
When cutting porcelain stoneware, at this moment, a strong heating of the tiles occurs in one place. This often leads to tile splitting..
How to make a 45 ° cut
The required size is marked on the tile with a marker and cut in the usual way, that is, at a right angle. After that, the working edge of the disc is sharpened by 45 ° and smoothed with sandpaper.
How To Cut Tile Angle Grinder (Video)
We cut porcelain stoneware: processing options
When do you have to cut porcelain stoneware? When performing finishing work, the master will inevitably face the fact that the dimensions of the tiles are not multiples of the area to be treated. You have to cut off a few extra centimeters in a straight line or at an angle in order to lay the covering elements. This manipulation is quite easy to perform, especially if you use diamond blades for cutting porcelain stoneware..
It is more difficult to make holes for pipes, cables and other communications. But if you have the skill of working with ceramic tiles, then you can cope with this task. Diamond core bits provide accurate drilling without chipping.
Curly cutting is necessary when creating ornaments, as well as in cases where the surface has complex bends. Doing such work at home will not work. Does this type of processing require expensive professional equipment? waterjet machine.
Figured cutting of porcelain stoneware
- Cut the profile into segments 1×1 m.
- Weld the frame, assemble the rocker arm. The rocker arm structure consists of a pair of 40×20 profiles and inserts from a 20×20 profiled pipe. Weld a T-pillar perpendicular to the rear of the structure, allowing you to hold the assembly on the frame.
- In parallel to the structure, weld two jumpers fixing the rack fasteners with holes for fasteners.
- Secure the rocker arm with bearings and a level.
- Weld a pair of grinder clips to the front of the structure. Install the handle. The tool is ready, you can cut the tile.
Cutting Bathroom Tiles with an Angle Grinder (Quick Tips) — by Home Repair Tutor
To avoid chipping, it is better to cut the tiles with an angle grinder on a flat mowing line.
Electric motor speed
The second important point that determines the quality of the cut of hard materials is the speed of rotation of the disc. The higher the speed, the more intense the impact, the easier the edge bites into the ceramic.
With a fast passage, the tiles do not have time to heat up, which also reduces the number of chips, so an angle grinder needs a powerful, but at the same time compact, so that it can be quickly controlled.
A Few Tips
To make the wall or floor covering look neat and free of chips after cutting to the desired size, you need to responsibly approach the cutting and cutting process. To ensure the most straight edge, be sure to follow these guidelines:
- It is always necessary to cut the tiles from the front side – this reduces the chance of chipping and cracking from the outer edge, but only when working with a high-quality cutting disc.
- Do not immediately immerse the cutting disc deeply into the material body. First, go through the glaze, and only after that you can start a full cut.
- Be careful when lowering the rotating blade to the cutting surface to avoid accidentally damaging the glaze..
- There is no need to apply force when cutting, the weight of the grinding machine is quite enough for a neat cut, your task is to adhere to the desired direction.
Benefits of using a tile grinder
If a tile cutter is not available, the tile can be cut with an angle grinder. It allows you to:
- cut tiles of various configurations;
- cut tiles of any thickness and hardness;
- cut the glued tiles.
- Any master probably has a grinder, so you don’t have to buy a tile cutter or other tool to cut the material..
If there is no tile cutter, the tile can be cut with an angle grinder
Direct cut on the tile with a grinder
On the front of the tile, a marker indicates the cutting line, then the angle grinder turns on, and when it picks up speed, you can start cutting. You need to start from the nearest edge and carefully at the risk to the other side of the tile. When the glaze is evenly cut, make a second pass. Slice until tiles separate from each other.
Important! Ceramic tiles are fragile, so you should not press hard, and the first cut is made to remove the glaze. If you start to cut straight from the edge, then at the end the tile may burst. Therefore, it is recommended to cut evenly from edge to edge in several passes..
Advice
- Cutting material in one pass will help minimize chips.
- Except for corner cuts, tiles are placed face-out..
- So that the edges of the tile are sanded, and not burned, the trimming begins at low speed..
- Tiles prone to burr formation are cut so as not to reach 0.5-1 mm to the glaze.
- The best results are obtained with fine diamond tips for dry cutting.
- Dust will be less if you do not cut the ceramic to the end, but break the remaining thickness.
- A construction vacuum cleaner will help to get rid of the dustiness of the workshop.
- The edge will be smoother if you cut the tile with a glass cutter, securing a steel ruler along the mowing line of the cut.
Cutting tiles with an angle grinder is a painstaking and complex process. Therefore, it is recommended that you first practice handling the device – try to process several elements, and then start finishing work..
Tile Cutting Safety Angle Grinder.
The first is to work with safety glasses. Fragments of ceramics fly out at high speed and often get stuck in the eye. It is difficult to pull out such a splinter on your own..
Second. During cutting, it is necessary to cut the lower third of the circle, without deepening more than half of the circle below the cut. If this is not observed, the impeller will often jump. The consequences are different, from damaged tiles to hand injuries..
For more information on the correct cutting of tiles without chips, and creating holes in it, using an angle grinder, read more in the book.
You can download without any “troubles” by clicking on the picture.
How to cut ceramic tiles in a circle.
When cutting tiles, use specially designed dry-cutting diamond wheels on tiles. Usually, such a circle has a corresponding inscription. It also shows the direction of rotation during installation with an arrow. What is the reason for this requirement is difficult to say.
Expensive and high-quality wheels for cutting tiles “angle grinder”
The quality of the circle, as always, is related to the price. Good circles cost more than 20. As always, the Chinese distinguished themselves and released an inexpensive circle on tiles within 5. Surprisingly, tolerable quality.
The quality of the cut depends on the quality of the circle. The more diamond inclusions the circle contains, the cleaner, without chips, the cut area on the tile will be.
This also determines whether the tile will burst during cutting or not. Often when cutting with an inexpensive wheel, there are moments of the appearance of hot metal at the end of the cutting wheel. Manufacturers call this licking the metal and recommend cutting a little of the plaster or concrete. Grains of plaster cut off the metal shavings until diamond inclusions reappear on the surface.
When cutting porcelain stoneware, at this moment, a strong heating of the tiles occurs in one place. This often leads to tile splitting..
How to cut an angle grinder tile
When tiling, situations arise when ceramic tiles cannot be cut with a mechanical tile cutter. Then you have to use the impeller “angle grinder”. This is not a very good way. The fact is that along the edge of the cut, the enamel on the tile is chipping off..
Best Ceramic Tile Cutting Wheel 2013.
“Best” not in comparison price – quality. But simply the “best” in terms of quality and cutting speed. At one time, this place was occupied by BOSCH circles. But, at present, their price is almost two times higher than that of similar products by the Di-Star corporation and the quality of the cut is worse. Maybe their quality has remained at the same level, but better quality products have just appeared.
cut-off diamond wheel DiStar
The products of “Di-Star” company appeared on the Ukrainian market long ago (1998) – these were cut-off wheels of the subsidiary company “Ukr-Diamant”. It was possible to work in such a circle for more than a year. But prices were high and other manufacturers were more popular. Currently, the cutting wheel for cutting an angle grinder with a diameter of 125 mm costs about 20, and cuts ceramic tiles with almost no chips..
Tile Cutting Safety Angle Grinder.
The first is to work with safety glasses. Fragments of ceramics fly out at high speed and often get stuck in the eye. It is difficult to pull out such a splinter on your own..
Second. During cutting, it is necessary to cut the lower third of the circle, without deepening more than half of the circle below the cut. If this is not observed, the impeller will often jump. The consequences are different, from damaged tiles to hand injuries..
For more information on the correct cutting of tiles without chips, and creating holes in it, using an angle grinder, read more in the book.
You can download without any “troubles” by clicking on the picture.
Disadvantages of “angle grinder” when cutting tiles.
The first drawback is increased injury rate..
The second drawback is the dust that forms during operation. This can be considered the main disadvantage. If the finishing work is being completed in the room (wallpapering and painting), then it is impossible to cut the tiles with a turbine.
Although, recently I saw a simple solution to such a problem – a cardboard box vacuum cleaner:
Questions from letters and consultations on Skype;
Which side to cut the tile from the angle grinder?
From the front. This will result in fewer chips. When marking and cutting a hole (for example, for a socket) on the back side, the chips will be significant and the cutting line will be different. There is a danger that the housing will not cover damage to the enamel along the edges of the hole.
Hole for the socket. cut from the back of the tile.
How much power is needed for an angle grinder to cut tiles?
For tile cutting, power is not the main indicator. A turbine with a minimum power is suitable for this. I already talked about this “Makita GA4530”
For tile cutting, the main thing is turnovers. The stronger the rpm, the cleaner the cut. And, most importantly, how well the rotating shaft is made and the quality of the bearings on it. In case of incorrect alignment or a poor-quality bearing, vibration starts:
- A clean cut will no longer work. Chips will appear on the tiles.
- Vibration will build up (especially at high RPMs), leading to destruction of the bearing.
A tool of this quality can only be made using expensive equipment. And a reputable company can afford it. But these are not necessarily just brands. which are on hearing. Confirmation of this is the experience of working with a mixer of the modest firm “Fiolent”
How to cut tiles with an angle grinder to avoid chipping?
It is difficult to cut off ceramic tiles with one angle grinder, it is difficult without chips. This can be done by first drawing the line you want to cut using the tile cutter roller. The wheel cuts through the top layer of the tile – enamel, and chips are not formed.
But the tile cutter does not break a narrow strip on a tile to the end (or does not break off at all). The rest has to be cut off by the angle grinder. In this case, you need to cut like this. so that the cut-off wheel hardly touches the mowing line drawn by the cut-off roller.
Also, the impeller circle should be cut at a slight slope (and without touching the cut line).
Next, the cut off edge of the tile, you need to finish it with a bar. wrapped with fine sandpaper. Coarse “sandpaper” will chip on the enamel, and fine sandpaper will take a long time to process and it wears out quickly. Therefore, the slanted edge of the tile is easier to handle..
The number (grain) of the paper is selected empirically. The paper is fastened on a flat wooden block with a stapler or small nails. What is the best bar from emery stone? The bar is longer. It not only grinds down the edge. but due to an extended flat plane it evens out the cut piece.
Such a bar is enough for half a year of work..
Below is a short video How to cut off an angle grinder and sand the edge of a tile:
Well, and one more opinion. how to process the end of the tile to be cut: