Working with an angle grinder
The story about how and what to cut ceramic tiles at home, what can produce a similar operation, it is necessary to continue with the description of the work with the angle grinder. This tool is always on hand for anyone who likes to repair his apartment by himself or just create something with his own hands. The main rule for such tools is to use a diamond disc with appropriate grit size. It is easy to work with an angle grinder.
- First of all replace the disc, choose one that is designed for dry cutting. Always check the quality of the joint before working.
- On the tile from the front side we put the cutting line.
- The tile is fixed on the work surface. It is important to place it so that during the work it did not move from its place, while remaining accessible to make a cut.
- It is important to start working with the angle grinder from yourself. One hand should hold the tile and lead the disk away (just a little) from the line of scythe marking.
Note! With the angle grinder can do not only straight cuts, but also to cut g-cutting, complex shape cuts.
How to cut porcelain tiles with a tile cutter
The principle of operation of the tool is somewhat similar to the glass cutter. It, too, has a cutting roller that runs on guides. In addition to it, there is the bed, on which the workpiece is placed, the lever and guides. It is very important that the diameter of the cutting element conforms to the height of the tile.
In addition, when choosing a fixture, pay attention to:
- The base of the fixture. The metal of which it is made must be thick enough so that the base does not vibrate or sag during cutting.
- The strength of the guide elements and supports.
- The smooth running of the carriage. It should preferably be supported by special bearings.
- No backlash as the carriage advances. It is not possible to make a straight cut if it is present.
Tile cutters vary in length, and it is better to choose a long model. This will give the opportunity to cut porcelain tiles of different sizes, and not only along the side, but also diagonally.
Rubi 650
To cut a fragment of porcelain tile with your own hands on a straight mowing line, you need to perform the following steps:
- Place the tile cutter on a stable, even base.
- On the product we mark the line of the cut.
- Lay the piece on the bed so that the path of movement of the roller passed exactly on the marking.
- Make the cut by pushing on the slide and moving it away from you.
- Release the handle and break the piece by applying firm pressure.
- Grind the cut to remove any possible chips.
Working with a mechanical tile cutter is very simple, even a novice master can cope. There are, however, some disadvantages to be aware of:
How to cut tile without a cutter or without a tile machine
- It is impossible to cut a piece wider than 6 mm that way.
- You can’t chamfer or make curved cuts with a mechanical tile cutter, either.
- If the cut is below the edge of the adhesive or if the surface is ribbed, chipping is very likely to occur.
All about cutting tile tiles with an angle grinder
To begin with, the tile cutter is designed for cutting tiles. For each of its variety: thick or thin, more or less strong, you can find a suitable model of tool. The main advantage of the tile cutter is that it gives an even cut without splinters. There is not a lot of dust in the process, the risk of damaging the plate is minimal. With an angle grinder all is not so.
Makita GA5030
You can cut ceramics with it and the result can be very good. But you have to work hard for that. It is desirable that was a skill to work with the grinder, otherwise there is a great risk of ruining the material. The tool will cut any cladding if the cutting disc is selected correctly. You have to be prepared for the fact that in the process of cutting will be very noisy, a lot of dust will rise into the air. The cutting line can become chipped.
Alternative tools and their features
Let’s look at the most popular methods of cutting clay or porcelain tile. This includes:
- angle grinder with a huge disc. There are a number of types of these tools that can be used to cut ceramics. Buy the appropriate diamond disc for that. There are several varieties available, depending on the coarseness of the grain and the purity of the cut.
- Electronic jigsaw. This is a successful and very handy tool, with which you can make an unstained cut, but to do this, buy a special rathole for tiles. Its advantages. Versatility, in other words, it is possible to make curved cuts with a huge radius.
- Glass cutter of manual type. Suitable for cutting smooth glazed tiles.
- Drilling holes with a drill. This method is good, but to get a high quality end, after cutting, you need to go over the place with additional grinding tools, for example, rathole and sandpaper.
Hand-formed breaking out
Occasionally it is necessary to make curved swaths. mowing line can be not only straight but also semi-circular. problematic are such rips when they do not start from the edge. In such cases, for you will have to make a hole at first, and later break out of it.
For shaped tears, it is recommended (if it can be) to use the deepest risk by any method over the entire edge of the tear. This will reduce the number of likely chips.
There is a special tool for breaking out. Wheeled pliers. But it is not advisable to get a special tool for a single job. So you can get by with ordinary pliers.
The development of breaking is very ordinary. Pliers (or pliers) are very compressed, the material crumbles or shrinks and flips sharply (only far from the mowing strip of the break, more than 5 mm). Small pieces break off. If you try to break off a big piece at once, you can spoil the whole job. Part can break off behind the risk line.
Long, straight, and narrow pieces across the tile are broken off by a sharp twist of the pliers to the side. Earlier clamping them along the mowing strip takes a risk (a scratch, of course, should be there). For all this, the tile may not break off along the entire length and the rest of the function will have to repeat. Then also carefully break the remaining sharp edges.
The most conventional method. take a risk and hit a sharp corner. This way the majority of parts can be prepared quickly and easily.
Sawing is used if you want to cut a piece not along the entire length. In this case, several sides are cut and one is broken off using a solid bar or clamps.
Sharpness: glass cutter and other tools
To cut narrow (three mm wide) clay tiles without using a tile cutter, tools with a sharpened cutting edge are also used. glass cutters, drills, knives, and other implements.
To mark with these tools, a ruler is used, and a scratch mark is placed on the upper layer of the tile. It is advisable to make the cut on yourself, without interruption. It is necessary to control the pressure on the tool so as not to destroy it and the material. After making the cut, break the tile against the edge of the table.
Pliers are used for making curved cuts in the clay tile. At the beginning of the work, it is recommended to mark the outside of the material with a marker. Then from the edge of the tile you need to start nibbling small pieces of material, squeezing the pliers. If necessary, with the help of a raster and sandpaper, the edges of the tile should be made smoother.
Drawing a shaped cut with pliers
How to cut a tile
Experts say that it is more convenient to cut tiles with a tile cutter, because the tool is designed specifically for this purpose. For a straight cut on the tile before the line of the cut with a pencil or marker. Place the tile on the base of the tile cutter, aligning the wheel and the fishing line. Then you need to lift the handle until the wheel touches the tile, and then move it toward you with a small effort. To get a high quality cut it is necessary to make only one pass with a circle.
READ How to Saw Ceramic Tile
After the tile is cut, it must be divided into two parts. For this purpose, in the area of the lower third of the tile, “wings” are installed, which can be sealed with tape, so they do not leave traces. Now you can hit the handle with the palm of your hand a little bit or use more force if the tile is not cracked from the first try.
If during the facing the cut is overlapped by another tile, it is not necessary to grind the edge. But for laying in the inner corner you need a smooth edge. To sharpen the kerf use a special grinding stone (chosen depending on the type of tile) or sandpaper.
Using an angle grinder for tiles
An angle grinder is often used for cutting granite tiles. This method is considered an alternative, but it has its own advantages. First of all, it should be noted that the angle grinder allows you to cut much faster, which affects the productivity. The principle is similar to the action of an electric tile cutter, but in this case the cutting takes place with a dry disc. The negative point is that on the edges of the tile after cutting small chips are formed. The number and size of chips largely depends on the accuracy and skill of the tiler. Therefore, before you cut tiles with an angle grinder, it is better to improve your skills with this tool on unnecessary scraps of material.
The tile should be fixed on a flat surface. An even line is drawn on its front side. take the angle grinder in your hand so that the cutting is performed in the direction towards yourself. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a mask, in order to protect your eyes and respiratory system from ceramic dust. This cutting method is quite dangerous and noisy. A lot of dust is generated during cutting. Without experience you will get many inaccuracies and errors. This should be kept in mind, all the important points are discussed in the video to the lesson.
What to cut with. what influences the choice
Before we look at ways to cut ceramic tiles at home, let’s determine what influences the choice of one method or another.
- The nature of the cut. A straight cut or a rounded cut is necessary.
- Thickness of a glazed tile.
- Quantity. What is good for a few tiles may not be cost-effective for a large volume.
Another factor is the quality of the material. For example, some tiles have a glazed surface. Given that such a surface is soft and easily crumbles, it is recommended to use a handheld tile cutter or glass cutter for cutting.
These cutting tools will not handle harder surfaces, such as ceramic. If you have a porcelain tile in front of you, you will need electric tools.
Cutting porcelain tiles at home with a hand tool is impossible. And the stronger the base material, the more thoroughly the tool should be chosen. For example, you can use an electric tile cutter, angle grinder and the like.
Finisher’s tips. how to professionally cut different kinds of tiles
Tiling. the work is not easy for beginners, requiring thoughtful preparation. In addition, it is important to find an individual approach to the variety of material to reduce waste, and hence the financial cost to the customer.
The formula for cutting tiles without damaging the material
Considering the topic of how to properly cut a tile, professional tilers rely on general principles.
The material must be thoroughly cleaned. There must not be any traces of tile adhesive or dust on it.
The work involves the formation of dust, so it is advised to wear eye protection.
Using a hand-held tool, you can’t overdo it. Otherwise, the breakage of tiles is guaranteed. Choosing a power tool, act confidently, clearly, but accurately.
To effectively solve the problem of cutting tiles at home, the construction environment offers different modifications of tools.
What’s most important in operating the various units associated with tile cutting?
Better to work with the glass cutter. expert opinion
Answer, to cut tiles, first select a suitable glass cutter. It is available on the market in three variations.
The roller glass cutter is the most commonly used. The advantage is the thin, clear line.
The oil type model works in a similar way, providing a cut without damage. The oil makes the task quick and easy.
The diamond glass cutter is more for the skilled craftsman, because there is a great risk of getting uneven edges. In the case will need a “hard” hand.
A competitive technical advantage of the tool is the ability to cut not only in a straight line, but also the shaped cutting of tiles is quite aesthetic. The glass cutter is used when working with tiles, ceramics.
Recommendation! For porcelain stoneware, manual glass cutters, electric jigsaws are better not to use. They can be used as an additional tool.
Tiles should be placed on a geometrically flat surface, removing small particles of dirt, glue. When making the cutter line, the effort should be exerted. The outlined edge is removed with wire cutters.
Tip! Approaching the mowing line outlined with the glass cutter, the cutters should grasp the small fragments. If you use the pliers “big step” in the separation of the almost cut part, there is a risk of going over the edge of the mowing line and spoil the appearance of the product.
There remains an important point: to cut ceramic tiles, you must fully embrace the glass cutter and keep it strictly perpendicular. Sometimes it is difficult for the craftsman, so often such tools are more used by professionals and for thin types of tiles.
At the construction site, where deadlines are tight, rushed by the foreman, faster cutting of ceramic tiles is done with an angle grinder. But even with it you need to know certain tricks.
Basic ways to cut porcelain tile with an angle grinder
This type of tile is one of the hardest ones. It is hard-wearing, suitable for public premises. Deciding to cut porcelain tile should be based on two methods.
The evenness of the mowing line when using an angle grinder depends on the properly selected disc. There are two possible ways to choose between discs.
Solid discs are applicable in the case of “wet” cutting with water to cool the tool and reduce dust. They are appropriate to use in tile work.
Deciding to cut porcelain tiles at home, it will be appropriate to turn to the segmental disc, assuming a “dry” method of processing. But cutting for more than 2 minutes is not recommended. You need to take a break.
Using a standard angle grinder, the representatives of the construction industry are not advised to buy discs less than 2 mm thick. Before each procedure, checking the condition of the disk to reduce the appearance of chipping to zero is mandatory.
A specialist marks out the future cut with a marker, placing the tile on a prepared flat surface. It is better to fix it on the workbench. The cut is made from the front side. In some cases it makes sense to make a double cut. From the “face” of the product is pressed lightly, holding the line, from the end part carry out the basic cutting. This secret answers the question of how to cut tiles with an angle grinder without chipping, without damage to the owner of the room.
Proven methods of cutting ceramic tiles with a tile cutter
Common bathroom ceramics, for example, is also cut with an angle grinder. Although at home is often more appropriate handheld tile cutter.
Minimizing the formation of dust, imperfections on the tiles.
The tool is lightweight, contains a cutting roller, relatively quickly performing the task. The possibility of defect is many times less, even in comparison with an angle grinder. By placing the tile under the foot on the metal platform of the structure, with one movement it is possible to promptly make a cut. There are several types of handheld tile cutters.
Roller options are simple enough, suitable for standard tiles.
For harder ceramic tiles, a mechanical tile cutter with a rigid slide is recommended.
For extremely hard materials up to 16 mm thick, a model with bearings is the right choice.
This tool with air and water cooling system will come in handy for large amounts of work. What are its advantages?
It is possible to cut tiles at an angle of 45 degrees for the design of corners between walls.
Ability to cut stone, porcelain stoneware.
The depth of cut plays a role in the process. The recommended value is 3 cm. Length of the notch, which should be 50 cm, is important. and motor power. Make sure the wheel is securely in place before the job is done by checking its wear.
What useful tips are worth considering yet?
The end of the tile material is sometimes cut at an angle. When using an angle grinder, you should choose a solid disc, designed for tile. Qualitative cutting of tiles under 45 degrees will turn out when installing the product on the edge, starting to grind the back of the clay part. If irregularities are detected, it is allowed to repeat the operation.
To get a smooth edge is convenient to turn to the diamond “turtles” or sandpaper. Also, professionals advise using an angle grinder with adjustable speeds to avoid burning the edge.
Trick from the pros! For maximum aesthetics of the corner, it is recommended not to reach the glazed part of about 1 mm. Filigree craftsmanship is determined by the experience of the operator. Passing through the glaze with the tool, not a very nice edge comes out.
Tile laying is a creative process, requiring the selection of quality tools, knowledge of different methods. If the technique of laying comes with experience, then a reliable tool is purchased in proven construction stores. Brand name suppliers of repair products like Crepe-Sila simplify the work process, help save time. The better the tool, the better the target is achieved.
Ceramic cutting step
Cutting tiles with the glass cutter is similar to cutting glass with the same tool. Soaked and marked ceramic tile must be put on a flat solid surface with the glossy side up. It is better to wear work gloves to avoid hands injuries. It is necessary to move the glass cutter along the scythe marking line, pushing on it. For the accuracy of the mowing line it is wise to use a ruler, an angle or a template as a guide. It is advisable to guide the cutting tool in the direction from the farthest edge of the ceramic towards yourself. The pressure on the cutter should be medium force, so as not to cut the tile, and not to crush it.
When cutting ceramics, the important thing is to cut through the strong outer layer. You will get an even, thin line of groove, weakening the strength of the tile. For a thick plate, you need to make a groove on the back side as well. The groove from the glass cutter remains shallow, it is impossible to cut the tile with the glass cutter. Therefore, the refined clay product should be broken into two parts by the scythe line notch.
In order to obtain a high-quality tile without cracks after sawing, you must know how to break it correctly. There are several ways to separate parts of a clay tile:
- It is necessary to position the tile on the table so that the notch fishing line and the edge of the furniture coincide. One hand should hold the edge of the tile, left on the countertop, and the other hand should gently press the free part of the ceramic. Through such manipulation, the tile should neatly break along the mowing line of the groove.
- Along the mowing line of the cut under the tile, place a match or small nail and press lightly with your hands on both sides. If the cut is made correctly, then the tile will split along the mowing line of the groove.
- If there is a need to break off a narrow strip of tile, it is better to detach it with pliers.
To make the cut even, you need to distribute the force evenly over the entire mowing line of the cut. Do not lift the parts too high when cutting, otherwise they could fall and break. If there are any irregularities after sawing, they can be broken up with the joiner’s scissors. If it is necessary to cut a tile not straight, but circumferentially, you need to make a mark with a pencil, make a notch with a cutting tool and carefully bite out small pieces with pliers, forming a recess.
When the work is finished, it is desirable to grind the place of the cut with coarse sandpaper or a grinding stone. You’ll get a nice smooth surface, the cut will look neat and aesthetically pleasing.
What tool to use?
The tools necessary for cutting tiles are diverse. This includes and angle grinder with a diamond wheel, and a special machine for cutting tiles (electric tile cutter), and “balerinka”. a special attachment to the drill. Not to forget the more familiar and available to us diamond glass cutters, ceramic hacksaw and wire cutters.
Let’s dwell on some ways of cutting, and at the same time let’s figure out what is the most convenient way to cut tiles.
The extent of the work must be clarified beforehand. this will determine the choice of tool. If you only need to work on a small area with minimal material, a diamond glass cutter or hacksaw is sufficient.
Advice. If there is a need to cut ceramic tiles into pieces, soak them in water for a few hours. The place for the work must be flat. If you need to cut a narrow strip (less than a centimeter), it is better to use a file. So you will not break the tile and make an even cut.