How To Use A Manual Tile Cutter

How to use a tile cutter: instructions for the user

Renovations are often associated with the laying of ceramic tiles. In the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. The main task. Gently stick it to the wall or floor to get a flat surface, without drops and pits. To do this, you need a building level, as well as a tile cutter, with which you need to cut the tiles exactly to size.

Design fundamentals and technological capabilities

Tile cutter. This is a generalized name for building tools for straight, curved or even figured cutting of tiles. The classification of the variety of these tools is based on the type of driving motion. So, tile cutters can be:

How To Use A Manual Tile Cutter
  • Manual;
  • Mechanized or electric.

The manual tile cutter consists of a base. Bases, carriages with roller and handle. It resembles an ordinary glass cutter in principle. The cutting roller cuts the glaze of the tile. At this moment, it is clamped in the body according to the principle of pliers. Once the glaze is cut, the tiles break off along it. To obtain a smoother and more accurate cut, guides are used, which set the tile clamping field. Sometimes a desktop hand-held tile cutter can be used to cut round holes.

Electric tile cutter. The device, equipped with an electric drive, turns the diamond cutting disc into rotation. The principle of operation of this version of the tile cutter is similar to a circular saw. The ceramic tile moves along the guide for an even and accurate cut. One of the varieties of mechanized tile cutter is a tape cutter equipped with a diamond tape. To cool the tiles, water is supplied to the cutting area, which also rinses off the cutting products.

In order to properly cut ceramic tiles, you need to know how to use the tile cutter correctly.

How to use a manual tile cutter correctly

Before using the manual tile cutter, check its condition. All parts must be undamaged and the cutter wheel must rotate without binding. Its surface must be of the correct round shape, without burrs and dents. The movement of the carriage with it should also be carried out without jerking or jamming. As a rule, for THESE purposes, a radial bearing is provided in the design of a manual tile cutter. It is also worth checking the condition of the bed; before working with the tile cutter, it is necessary to clean its surface from visible dirt.

  • The tile surface is marked with an ordinary construction pencil according to the required dimensions.
  • The tile is positioned on the bed of the cutter so that the marked line of the cut coincides with the trajectory of the carriage on which the cutting roller is fixed. It is important that the distance to the cut from the edge of the tile is at least 10 mm, otherwise you will get a sloppy edge.
  • The carriage is guided along the line with slight pressure. It is important at the moment to feel the required amount of pressure, so as not to push the tile, but also to get a cut of the required depth so that the glaze of the tile is cut. It is allowed to run the roller over the tile surface only once, otherwise the cut may turn out to be uneven.
  • Now the handle of the tile cutter turns to the working position, the field of which, with a sharp and confident movement, it lowers, as a result the tile is gently broken along the previously obtained cut.

Experts advise to soak ceramic tiles in water before cutting. Also, a drop of machine oil applied along the mowing line of the cut makes the cut easier. You can also read an article on how to cut tiles with and without a tile cutter.

And for a more detailed analysis of the use of a manual tile cutter, I recommend looking (using the example of a Walmer tile cutter).

And one more thing (for example, RUBI TX-N tile cutter).

It will be convenient to work with a manual tile cutter if the volume of work is NOT too large, and the hardness of the tile is small or medium. For stronger tiles, consider using an electric tile cutter.

How to use an electric tile cutter correctly

The use of a more technologically advanced device. The electric tile cutter allows you to get a very neat cut with somewhat rounded and smooth edges. There are no sharp edges, which are obtained when working with a manual tile cutter, when cutting ceramic tiles with an electric device. It also allows you to cut pieces of tiles less than 5 millimeters wide.

The technology for cutting tiles into an electric tile cutter looks like this:

  • Before using the tile cutter, you need to mark the tiles.
  • Place the tiles on the cutter table along the adjusted guide.
  • Turn on the rotation of the diamond blade and supply water to it.
  • Gently slide the tile towards the disc with both hands. At the moment the tile is brought under the disc, the pressing force on it should be minimal. After cutting, it can be increased slightly. If it pushes too hard on the tiles during the cut, strong vibrations can occur and the tiles will crack. When the diamond wheel comes out during the completion of cutting, the pressure force must also be reduced so that no chips and irregularities are formed.
  • Get a neat cut and set the tiles aside.
  • Turn off disc rotation and water supply.

When working with an electric tile cutter, it is worth considering the recommendations of specialists. It is important that when performing the operation, the tiles are neatly and evenly pressed against the table of the tile cutter, otherwise vibrations will appear. Likewise, uneven tile placement on the table can cause the blade to jam in the center of the tile, or to grip the tile with the disc, resulting in an inaccurate cut that is NOT aligned with the mowing line. To accurately move the tile, you must use the guides, and also press the tile with two hands, if you press on it with one hand, you may also get an uneven cut.

Do not forget to periodically change the water in the tank, as all the cutting products get into it. Dust and larger tiles. They can lead to contamination of the diamond disc and subsequent galling, which in the worst case can lead to breakage of the disc or tile. Breakage of the disc when turning on the drive of the tile cutter is dangerous in terms of injury to the worker. If you see that the disc is excessively dirty or worn out, then you should replace it with a new one. In this case, you will be able to make a neat and smooth cut.

And to fix it, you can see how to use an electric tile cutter using the example of Caliber PLE-200 900.

How to properly cut tiles with a manual tile cutter

In order to start using a hand tool, you do not need to take any courses or receive any special training. First of all, you need to place the tool on a perfectly flat surface and, very importantly, a hard surface. Then it is necessary to check the sharpness of the cutter and how firmly all the main elements were fixed to the operated tool.

So, the tile needs to be cut according to the following instructions. At the same time, it is very important to follow the order in order to complete the work efficiently and quickly. How to use the tile cutter, you can also learn in more detail from the topic posted on our website.

  • On the front side of the tile, you need to draw a cut line. To do this, use a sharp pencil or marker, do not forget in the ruler.
  • After that, you need to bring the tile to the surface of the manual tile cutter, which is called the working.
  • Align the instrument clearly perpendicularly. To do this, you need to rest hard enough on the far side of the tile cutter, and then carefully adjust the position of the tile used, while taking the marks that you made on its surface in advance. At the same time, do not forget that you need to focus on the central line, which is located at the base of the tool.
  • Use the handle to guide the cutter to the tile. It must be installed on the very edge of the product on the side that is closer to you.
  • After that, you need to press the handle hard enough so that the cutter can touch the tile. Thus, the tiles must be pressed down with the metal part and the cutter rollers.
  • Then, with just one movement, which should be quite sharp and clear, you need to draw a small furrow from yourself and to the extreme edge of the tile, which you rarely.
  • As a result, in order to break the processed tile, you need to press the handle a little and the tile will break directly along the mowing line that you cut.

Thus, using a manual tile cutter, you can get two pieces of tiles of the size you need, which will have perfectly smooth and incredibly neat edges in the place to break.

What is a tile cutter and why is it needed

Many people have no idea what a tile cutter is or why such a tool is needed at all. If we consider this issue in more detail, then. This is the most common apparatus that allows you to quickly and accurately cut ceramic tiles. Today, both manual and electric tools are actively used in construction. It is worth noting that it is possible to easily cope with the operation only if a manual tile cutter is used, but some difficulties may arise with the electric option.

Even if you consider that both types of instruments have the same name, they are NOT alike at all. The only exception, of course, is the final result of the tool. In order to be able to use a manual tile cutter, you need to make grooves with it (the unit has very sharp incisors), and then break the tile. In turn, the electric type of tile cutter works with the help of a battery or from an electrical network, and in its appearance and in the principle of operation, it may slightly resemble a circular saw. The tiles are sprayed with a very sharp diamond blade, which has an incredibly high rotation speed.

How to use a manual tile cutter

In order to perfectly cut ceramic tiles, in most cases a hand tool is used as a tile cutter. Mostly, in order to use it, you do not need to have professional skills, respectively, the tool can be quite successfully used at home.

The manual tile cutter has quite a lot of positive points, which include simple use as a result of which a very clear cut is obtained. The handle additionally performs the function of a lever allowing to reduce the applied effort to a minimum.

At the same time, it was NOT about Bosch and without some negative points. For example, a manual tile cutter cannot be used very close to the edge of the tile (the allowable distance for work must be at least five millimeters).

Before starting work, you must carefully learn how to use a manual tile cutter. If you have any difficulties in this matter, then on our website you can find where all the details and nuances are indicated.

Devices and principle of operation of a manual tile cutter

The most important feature of this tool is that it has an incredibly sharp incisor. As a rule, they use a diamond one, which has the same principle of operation as a simple cutter. For correct and complete operation, it is necessary to install the processed tile directly on the base of the device. In order for the tile not to wobble and it could be easily and evenly cut, there is a pressure part at the bottom of the manual tile cutter, which allows you to firmly fix the tile.

On this clamping part of the tool there are a cutter and several rollers, which allow the tile cutter to move along the surface of the material. There is also a small handle on the carriage. It is she who is responsible for the different forces we press on the tile and directly on the displacement of the cutter during operation.

Due to the fact that during the use of the tool there are no difficulties, it is very often used both in construction and in repair work, which are carried out at home. A manual tile cutter has an advantage when compared to an electric tool, because it is small, in a short time the tool allows you to make an extremely straight cut on the tile.

If you consider that you need to cut very durable materials or too much tile, then in such a situation, a hand tool may not be enough. Of course, a huge role in this situation is played by human skills and directly by the manufacturer of this or that tool.

Safety rules when working with a tile cutter

In order to use the manual tile cutter as safely as possible and at the same time the result of the work was of high quality, you need to follow some safety rules, namely:

  • Before starting work, it is imperative to inspect the tool used so that you can identify all breakages and irregularities in the guides in time, then find and eliminate Visible damage to the tile cutter.
  • You need to walk a couple of times on the tile with no load and at the same time all movements must be smooth, without any jolts.
  • Do not forget to additionally check the tubular guides. They must be perfectly clean, free of dust and dirt. Eliminate pieces of tiles, mortar marks and the final result from them in order to improve the work. Lubricate with a little machine oil.
  • In addition, pay attention to one more cutting disc. Its state should be Ideal, in no case curved, and rotation around the axis of the attachment should occur without any. Either problems. It should be noted that during the operation of the manual tile cutter, no extraneous sounds must also arise.
  • In order not to get any injuries, it is best to work with special glasses and gloves.
  • Some experts also recommend testing the water supply on the disc, which makes the job easier.
  • It is necessary to start work only after the disk gains momentum, which can be called the maximum.

Manual tile cutter. Many people have asked how to use it correctly recently, but in fact there is nothing complicated in this process. Every inexperienced beginner will be able to cope with the work. If, nevertheless, you cannot cut off the piece of tile you need, then on our website you will find with the most detailed instructions that will allow you to find out all the details and nuances of this type of work. Do not forget about the safety rules, because your health and, of course, safety largely depends on this.

How to cut tiles with a manual stationary tile cutter

Manual stationary tile cutter is the most common tool for high-quality cutting of tiles and porcelain stoneware among professionals and those who decided to carry out repairs with their own hands.

The complete set of the manual tile cutter, the photo of which is presented below, includes a bed, a carriage with a cutting wheel and, of course, a handle.

Many people ask the question: “How to use a manual tile cutter?”

So, the technology of working with such a tool is impossibly simple: initially, a marking of the future cut is made on the surface of the tile with a pencil. Then the tile is placed on the surface of the bed in such a way that the markings coincide with the direction of movement of the cutting wheel, and an incision is made under slight pressure. At this moment, it is important to feel the force of pressure so as not to crush the tile and at the same time make a groove to cut such a depth that would be sufficient for a subsequent fracture to cut it.

Remember, the cutting motion should only be done once, otherwise the cutting edge may be uneven.

Next, the handle of the tile cutter must be turned into an active (for fracture) state and with a quick, confident movement of the fracture, cut the tile along a fresh cut. An experienced craftsman will do this with one clap of the palm, correctly calculating the effort. It should be noted that the cut parts must be at least 10 mm in width, otherwise high-quality cutting will NOT work.

When working with a manual stationary tile cutter, it is important to pay attention to the fixation and condition of the cutting wheel: it must rotate easily and be level. The movement of the carriage with a cut-off roller should be smooth, excluding jerking, for THESE purposes it is equipped with a bearing. The base of the device must be clean and level, and the handle. No mechanical damage.

To facilitate the fracture of the tile, experts soak it in water before cutting, and a drop of machine oil, which is applied to the fishing line of the intended cut, will greatly simplify the cutting.

How to use the tile cutter will clearly show a from youtube.

Using a hand-held stationary tile cutter for cutting hard and thick ceramics is effective for medium-sized jobs. In general, working on an instrument of this type with existing skills is NOT difficult.

Tile cutting as part of tiling

Laying ceramic tiles on the surface of the floor or wall only in rare cases does without cutting it, much more often the master keeps a tile cutter at the ready, which he can use at any time during the facing work.

So, our article is especially for those who are currently engaged in or are just planning to cover surfaces with ceramic tiles, but have not yet decided on the choice of the Most suitable model of tile cutter and does NOT know the technology of correct cutting.

It is known that glazed ceramic tiles are made of fired clay, covered with a layer of glaze on top. The technology for the production of ceramic tiles is very simple: the clay is given a certain shape and dried to fix the volume. After applying the glaze, the product is fired in the oven, due to which it acquires special strength, durability and a beautiful aesthetic appearance. In finished form, as you yourself know, the tile is not subject to deformation and bending, although it is very fragile and pricks easily.

All these properties and characteristics of the tile become the head of the choice of a certain method of cutting it. Let us dwell in more detail on the basic methods of cutting ceramic tiles and tell you how to use a tile cutter at home to do small amounts of work.

Instruments

High-quality surface cladding with ceramic tiles often involves the use of a tile cutter, which will help to adjust the tile to the desired size. Tile cutter. This is the easiest and highest-quality way of cutting tiles: the operations are silent and exclude the appearance of dust, and most importantly, they DO NOT require professional training, therefore they can be performed even by an inexperienced user at home.

:

  • Tile cutting as part of tiling
  • Tile cutting with electric tile cutter
  • How to cut tiles with a manual stationary tile cutter
  • How to cut with a roller tile cutter
  • How to use the tile cutter
  • Cutting curly edges and oblique lines

Tile cutting with electric tile cutter

There is no doubt that an electric tile cutter with a diamond blade is the highest quality and most efficient way to cut tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware of any hardness, shape and even thickness, and its use guarantees a completely straight and clean cut with slightly rounded and smooth edges, unlike sharp That are formed as a result of using a simple tile cutter. Armed with an electric tile cutter, additionally equipped with nippers, you will be able to make curved cuts of impeccable quality and tiles of less than 5 mm.

Another indisputable advantage of this type of equipment is the cleanliness of the working process by equipping the tool with a pallet with water, where dust and the smallest particles of tiles enter at the time of operation.

Regardless of the design features of an electric tile cutter, the cutting technology is the same: traditionally, the machine consists of a platform, a diamond-coated disc attached to it and a pallet with water, which is fed to the knife during operation, thereby abundantly wetting it. Due to this, the amount of dust emitted is noticeably reduced, the service life of the diamond disc increases, and the tile itself does not crack.

The speed of cutting tiles is comparable to the speed of cutting a log with a conventional saw, but in this case you have to move the tile under the disc, and not the knife under the tile.

The force of pressing on the tile is determined by the density of the tile and the material from which the knife blade is made. It should be remembered that at the moment when the knife blade barely touches the tile being processed, the pressure should be minimal, as the blade moves through the tile, it increases and decreases again towards the end of the operation. During cutting, the tiles should be well fixed on the table, this will help to avoid vibration and reliably protect the blade from jamming in the center of the tile.

It should be noted that experts advise changing the water in the pan as often as possible, since together with the slabs that have got into it, it is fed to the knife, and this can lead to serious damage to the blade.

A safe option would be to press the tiles with your hands from both sides at the same time, because if the tile tilts to one side, the edges of the cut will turn out to be uneven and with fragments, or the disc will completely tighten the tile, then throw it to the side.

Since working with an electric tile cutter is dangerous, it is recommended to wear protective goggles and earphones against strong noise.

The saw blade can withstand a thousand cuts in wet cutting conditions. Blades occasionally clogged with ceramic debris require cleaning. To do this, it is enough to cut a worn-out sand mold for bricks or make cuts in a grinding stone for ceramic tiles. You can choose another method. Remove the blade, unfold it and rotate it in the opposite direction. And only if the wear of the blade is great, you can replace it.

The question of the advisability of buying a professional electric tile cutter, practice and experience for working on it are extremely important, each user decides individually. At the same time, I would like to note that it is very effective for large volumes of work, and its only drawback is its high price.

How to use a tile cutter. With tongs

Cutting with a hand-held tile cutter requires little work and easy cuts. This inexpensive, small-sized device will allow you to perform a given amount of work without much effort at home.

Cutting begins with a traditional line, which is followed by a cutting wheel mounted on a pliers. The tile cutter is equipped with a slightly larger circle than a regular glass cutter, allowing you to get a deeper cut in the ceramic tile. For breaking, forceps should be brought to the edge of the tile. Place the wide pliers plate forming a slight angle on the face of the tile, and place the central part along the bend mowing line above the made furrow. By carefully squeezing the ceramic product with forceps, excess parts are broken off.

Such devices are certainly better than a glass cutter, but it is extremely difficult to cut thin strips with their help.

How to use a manual tile cutter: Step by step instructions

The tile material remains one of the most popular floor and wall coverings in private homes and commercial spaces. It has a practical, aesthetically pleasing and durable surface to maintain, which is an advantage over other decorative finishes. At the same time, physical resistance is not only an operational advantage, but also a barrier to obtaining non-standard tile sizes. The solid base makes it difficult to process the material, which makes it necessary to use a special tool. A tile cutter may be the best solution. It has a simple device and accessible mechanics of action. How to use a manual tile cutter at home? To do this, you need to carry out a number of preparatory measures, set up the tool and perform cutting with a functional element of the cutter. Now it is worth considering each stage separately, having previously dealt with the design of the tile cutter.

Edge finishing

It is hardly possible to get a cut close to ideal without the use of professional equipment, but if we are talking about 2-3 elements, then average quality can be acceptable. over, an unsatisfactory result is corrected with a grinder or fine-grained abrasive. Even ordinary sandpaper will hide obvious defects and chips at the edges of the cut. With electric sander and polishers, you will get a better finish, but for this it is recommended to practice in advance on the waste. In any case, in order to minimize the number of defects, you should initially adhere to a number of rules. How to use a manual tile cutter to ensure straight and smooth edges? To do this, you need to do it in one pass without creating duplicate risks. Therefore, the pressure must be sufficient, but with full control and hold of the cut line. In addition, the fault should also be carried out with the utmost care strictly at the created risk.

Preparing the tool for work

The most important thing at this stage. Check the integrity of the structure and the performance of functional organs. All chips and irregularities during the workflow can affect the quality of the result. Fasteners are checked separately. For example, flange nut and rail retainers. It is necessary to calculate the cutting parameters, which will depend on the dimensions of the workpiece and the characteristics of the tool itself. The model will do well with small-format segments with a little enthusiasm, but thick and large elements will require a version with a strong rail base. And in the second case, there will be some nuances of operation. For example, how do you use the Dexter 730mm manual tile cutter, which is considered one of the most productive in its class? It is very important for him to ensure reliable fastening of the workpiece, and it is better to cut off large parts in small segments. So, when processing a porcelain stoneware slab with a thickness of about 14-16 mm, a piece of 30 cm, preferably a compartment in two approaches in equal parts.

Sequence of work steps

First of all, it is necessary to mark the mowing line of the cut, and then fix the workpiece on the working platform. In the future, the instruction prescribes the following operations:

  • In accordance with the marked risk, the cutting roller is installed on the edge from which the cutting will be made.
  • The wheel and guide frame are pre-lubricated with technical oil or, in extreme cases, are wetted with water.
  • Grasping the handle, you need to cut. And here it is worth paying attention to this question: how to use a manual tile cutter. On your own or on yourself? That is, in which direction is it easier to direct the cutting line? As practice shows, it is more convenient to work “to oneself”, since in this case a higher pressure force is provided and physical control of risk improves.
  • At the final stage, a break is performed along the cutting contour.

Instrument device

The manual cutters feature an optimized lever arm design that cuts and cuts. The functional part is based on a metal platform installed on a flat surface. This is a kind of bed that ensures a stable working process. On the platform there are guide rails, a spring block for secure fastening of the workpiece and grippers. Cutting is performed by a roller, the movement of which is controlled by the user. That is, the quality of the result will largely depend on the skill of the performer. This is how a Typical design for standard operations works, but how do you use a manual roller tile cutter when you need to get complex true true shape cutting? Firstly, an oblique cut allows you to get the simplest budget models with a rotary functional part. It is enough to initially tilt the working body of the platform and make the necessary cut. Secondly, models with a ballerina should be used exclusively for holes. In a way, this is an integrated drill, which also acts on given guides, but most often has an electric drive.

Is there an alternative tile cutter?

The closest replacement option is an angle grinder (angle grinder). The main advantage of this tool is its high productivity, which provides the ability to work with workpieces of different thickness over 15-20 mm. How do I use the STAYER 500 mm hand-held tile cutter to achieve the same cut? Even such a powerful professional version of the nominal is designed for processing products up to 16 mm thick. Raising this bar is possible only in the case of a double cut on both sides. The complexity of the operation will consist in ensuring the convergence of the two cutting lines and performing the subsequent even chip.

Post-processing tiles

Regardless of the type of tool used, sometimes additional processing of the material is required. This can be a rough correction of the cut in order to change the dimensions, and a light finishing grinding.

In the first case, it is recommended to use grinders with coarse abrasives. By changing the attachments, you can switch to point correction with fine edge finishing. Surface and pinpoint corrections are usually performed with sandpaper, a file, or a grinding stone. In order to minimize the amount of work at the final stage, conditions should be created to obtain smooth edges.

How to work with a manual tile cutter to get a clean and smooth line cut? First, the trait should be made as deep as possible through punching. In this case, the cutting line will be maintained, and chips on the surface will NOT appear. Secondly, the cutting part in the form of a roller or disk must be in optimal condition by the time of operation. A dull element is more likely to leave a flaw.

Special features of the tool. What to consider?

If you plan not only to carry out straight cutting, but also holes (for example, for switches and sockets), then you cannot do without a “ballerina”. How to cut tiles with a manual tile cutter with this addition?

It is enough to fix the device on the target area, adjust the radius of the circle to the required dimensions and start the operation. The force for cutting the hole is fed through a separate handle, on which you need not only to press, but also to scroll, as is the case with classic hand drills.

To increase the stability and reliability of the position of the tile cutter, a more massive platform with a reinforced frame can be provided. Under high loads, it remains stable, eliminating the risk of accidental displacement of the cutter.

Preparation for work

You should start processing the material only after checking the tool for the integrity of the structure, its serviceability and functionality. To be sure, it will not be superfluous to test the tile cutter on unnecessary blanks and construction waste.

Next, the workplace is organized:

  • The cutting line must be clearly visible, therefore rich all-round lighting will be a prerequisite for obtaining a high-quality result.
  • Equipment for measuring procedures is also prepared, but in the process of work it is removed to the side, like consumables.
  • The next question is also important. How to cut with a manual tile cutter, so that the slightest possibility of foreign objects falling under the saw blade is excluded? It is advisable to remove not only fragments, but also dust with crumbs after each approach. That is, upon completion of the next operation, all garbage is removed from the desktop.

This will guarantee not only high-quality cutting, but also the safety of the performer.

Top tool makers

Tile cutters are widely represented in the STAYER, Bosch, DeWALT and Fubag line. These brands produce models that are durable and reliable in design, suitable for professionals and DIYers.

In the Russian segment, the best manual tile cutters are represented by the companies “Enkor” and “Zubr”. For example, to create a high-precision cut, the specialists of the first company offer a functional modification “300mm 1/6 3657” on bearings, the cost of which is only 700 rubles.

How to choose the right tile cutter model?

The main criterion. Tool dimensions. They also determine the way the tile cutter is positioned on the surface and the thickness of the material that can be processed. For example, small desktop versions can handle workpieces measuring 10-15 mm. Massive floor cutters with a length of more than 600 mm successfully work with thick paving slabs.

There is also a separate category of small tile cutters. Their design is oriented towards making small breaks. Some models neatly adjust the edges to be ready for finishing, eliminating the need for abrasives.

Safety when working with a tile cutter

Hand tools are less traumatic, but with it it is worth remembering the safety rules. The user must wear protective goggles when cutting so that the splinter and the resulting dust particles do not get into the eyes.

Conversely, gloves are not recommended for hands. The clamping mechanism can also cause injury in the event of material being caught.

From a safety point of view, the question of how to use a manual tile cutter for large volumes of work is also important. In-line operations leave a lot of fine dust. Even careful periodic cleaning will NOT remove small particles. Therefore, work should be done in a respirator or mask that protects the respiratory system.