How and with what to cut porcelain stoneware?
At the moment, there are two directions in cutting porcelain stoneware: straight and curved cutting. In connection with this classification, cutting technologies are divided, and, consequently, the means of its implementation.
How and with what to cut porcelain stoneware?
Porcelain stoneware as a facing building material allows you to embody various design ideas: it is used to lay tiles on terraces, mount the surfaces of steps, decorate facades, walls and floor coverings with it. over, the possibility of combining various textures and colors in porcelain stoneware allows you to create real masterpieces in the interior. However, in most cases, when working with porcelain stoneware, preliminary processing is required, in particular cutting.
Since porcelain stoneware is a hard building material, its processing technology requires the use of special tools. At the moment, there are two directions in cutting porcelain stoneware: in a straight line and curly cutting. In connection with this classification, cutting technologies are divided, and, consequently, the means of its implementation. To determine how to cut porcelain stoneware, you need to know the features of the use of existing tools that are used to solve such problems.
Angle Grinder
An angle grinder, which is capable of performing series of shaped cuts and parallel cuts. But, since this is a manual device, deviations during cutting are indispensable. Sometimes even edges with a jagged surface remain, which is impossible when working with an electric tile cutter.
To understand how to cut a porcelain stoneware with an angle grinder, it is worth noting that this cutting technology does not differ from using it when processing other materials. But in most cases, a diamond blade for dry cutting in relation to porcelain stoneware can only be used as an option for "rough" cutting, although if ideally straight edges are not needed, then the angle grinder will come out on top in cutting porcelain in terms of cutting speed.
Nippers
Of all the cutting attachments, this is the simplest. It is sometimes very difficult to do without pliers when laying porcelain stoneware in residential premises. Most often nippers
apply for cutting ceramic granite with irregular shape.
What tools are used
So, how to cut porcelain tiles at home? Hand tools are ineffective in this case. You should generally forget about the glass cutter. But there is a way out. First of all, it is worth mentioning such a tool, which is available in the arsenal of almost every real owner and craftsman – this is an angle grinder. With its help, you can successfully perform both a straight cut and a curly cut.
Do not use a glass cutter to cut porcelain tiles.
Another tool is a tile cutter. It is of two types: manual and electric. Since we are talking about porcelain stoneware, it is better to use the electric option. Of course, it will take up more space than an angle grinder or its manual alternative, but the efficiency is impressive.
You can use a device similar to an electric cutter, since you already have nothing suitable. Replace the circular saw blade with a diamond blade and you will get a good tool for working with porcelain stoneware.
If you intend to cut a large amount of porcelain stoneware, you can ask for help from special firms that provide this kind of service. They have all the necessary equipment for any kind of work. For curly cutting, the method of waterjet cutting is used, but this service is quite decent.
Material features
Porcelain stoneware gained its popularity due to its unique properties, but these advantages complicate the process of cutting tiles at home.
The following features of porcelain stoneware should be highlighted:
- Strength;
- Wear resistance;
- Frost resistance;
- Fire resistance;
- Aesthetics;
- Durability;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Hygiene;
- Antistatic.
Due to the almost complete absence of pores in the structure of the material, porcelain stoneware is super strong, it does not scratch, abrade, does not crumble, but that is why it is very difficult to cut it yourself. How to be in such a situation?
Porcelain stoneware is a very durable material
A circular saw
How else can you cut porcelain tiles at home? If you are the owner of a summer house or a private house, you probably have your own workshop. One of the most essential tools in this case is a circular saw. It is a toothed disc machine. Since the work is related to the processing of porcelain stoneware, you need to change the attachment to a diamond blade for dry cutting.
After the preparation is completed, the line of the cut is outlined, you can start working. Press the tile against the table and gently push it forward with both hands, taking care of your fingers. This option is suitable for a large amount of work with a straight cut.
Angle Grinder
The angle grinder is the number one tool that can easily cut porcelain stoneware tiles. To do this, use a diamond-coated nozzle for dry cutting.
The all-round helper for porcelain stoneware tiles – the angle grinder
In order not to mow the cut line and not damage the tiles, you must first outline the contours with chalk, pencil or marker. Then fix the porcelain stoneware to a stable surface. The disc is installed in the direction of travel of the angle grinder.
Get to work after checking that the attachment is secure. Step back a little from the line mowing line and start working. Move smoothly, slowing down at the edge. The disadvantage of using an angle grinder is a high percentage of the likelihood of chipping, that is, marriage. This is especially true for glazed tiles. Therefore, it is better to consider the option of using a tile cutter.
Material features
Porcelain stoneware gained its popularity due to its unique properties, but these advantages complicate the process of cutting tiles at home.
The following features of porcelain stoneware should be highlighted:
- Strength;
- Wear resistance;
- Frost resistance;
- Fire resistance;
- Aesthetics;
- Durability;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Hygiene;
- Antistatic.
Due to the almost complete absence of pores in the structure of the material, porcelain stoneware is super strong, it does not scratch, abrade, does not crumble, but that is why it is very difficult to cut it yourself. How to be in such a situation?
Porcelain stoneware is a very durable material
Tile cutter
The tile cutter used for adjusting the shapes and sizes of heavy-duty materials is used in the electrical version. It looks like a machine with a diamond disc. In this case, it is recommended to use the wet cutting attachment. On the machine, you can conveniently fix the tile, thus preventing its displacement in the process.
The powerful professional electric cutter will quickly handle large tile volumes
How to cut porcelain stoneware tiles with a tile cutter:
- Fill the tray with water. This will ensure cleanliness during operation. In the future, you need to change it often enough so that the accumulated particles do not fall on the disk and do not damage it.
- Place the tiles on the cutting surface of your tile cutter.
- Hold the porcelain stoneware with your hands, preferably on both sides, if possible.
- Press lightly and guide the material towards the blade.
From time to time it is necessary to clean off plaque from the disc so as not to reduce the efficiency of the tool.
Laser
Laser cutting of porcelain stoneware is carried out on CNC machines, equipped with industrial lasers with a power of 1 to 40 kW. The laser beam cuts at high speed workpieces of a wide variety of thicknesses and in any direction. The tile sawing error does not exceed 0.1 mm. Laser cutting machines are used when you need to create a complex figured pattern, notches on steps, cut out panel elements or make even mowing lines for complex joints. It is not possible to use such equipment at home, since it is quite expensive.
Ballerina
Cutting porcelain stoneware tiles at home is allowed with the help of an original device – a ballerina. This special circular drill fits into the chuck of an electric drill and allows you to cut various holes in tile material 7-10mm thick. By moving the cutter along the rod, the diameter can be changed.
The fixture is rather difficult to center, and the quality of the edge is not high. The resulting cut is often crooked and uneven. But this tool is inexpensive, always available, so even an inexperienced beginner can make 1-2 holes in porcelain stoneware tiles.
Material features
Ceramic granite tiles have appeared on the building materials market relatively recently, but have already gained great popularity due to their high performance, which combines the properties of natural stone and ceramics. This tile material is obtained by dry pressing a homogeneous mixture of quartz sand, illite clays, kaolin, feldspar and mineral dyes. The final appearance of porcelain stoneware tiles takes on after firing in special ovens at high temperatures (1200 1300 ° C).
The material has the following characteristics:
- High hardness – 7-8 units. On the Mohs scale (corresponds to corundum);
- Strength;
- Wear resistance and durability;
- Hygiene and ease of care;
- Antistatic;
- Low water absorption;
- Resistance to aggressive environments;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Frost resistance;
- Fire resistance.
Due to the almost complete absence of pores, extremely high strength and other features, the material is difficult to process. It is recommended to use a specialized tool for cutting porcelain stoneware, which allows you to get an even high-quality cut.