How To Choose A Tile Cutter For Porcelain Stoneware Tiles

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• How a manual tile cutter works
• What to look for when buying
• Electric tile cutter device
• Features of cutting porcelain stoneware tiles
• Additional tools for cutting tiles

When it comes to self-lining walls or floors with tiles, the question becomes about the need to use a tool that quickly and evenly cuts the tiles. The tile cutter helps to split the tiles into several pieces, as well as cut out the shapes that are necessary for installation. The features of choosing a tile cutter for cutting porcelain stoneware differ from cutting ceramic tiles.

How a manual tile cutter works

This type of tile cutter is suitable for a small amount of work, therefore it is the manual tile cutter that is most popular among consumers. Its device consists of:

• The platform on which the tiles should be located;
• Carriage, which is located above the roller;
• Cutting roller, which cuts the tiles;
• A handle that presses the tile to the platform;
• Guide rails along which the cutting roller moves;
• Supports for guides;
• Tiles for breaking tiles.

The principle of operation of a manual tile cutter is similar to that of a glass cutter. The cutting roller cuts the glaze as it passes over the tile surface. A special foot under the roller breaks the tiles in half, resulting in an even cut. The manual tile cutter is used to work with tiles up to 15 mm thick.

When laying tiles, there are times when it is necessary to use tile elements of a non-standard shape, for example, a circle, for facing outlets or laying pipes. For this, a manual tile cutter "with a ballerina" is used. At the heart of such a device is a circular cutter; the diameter of the future round piece of tile can be adjusted.

By the type of their design, manual tile cutters are:

• Roller. As the name implies, the tile is cut by a special roller made of hard metal alloys, due to which it has a long service life;

  

• Bearing. Such types of the device are designed for cutting slab material no more than 1.5 cm thick. Thanks to the bearings on the bushings, the tool has a smoother stroke;

  

• Mechanical. This type of device allows precise cutting of both hard and soft tiles. As a rule, these are cheap models of tile cutters with a weak platform and slip bushings.

  

In operation, the manual tile cutter is quite simple, so it is used by both experienced craftsmen and people who make repairs on their own. The whole process of working with a manual tile cutter consists of the following stages:

1. It is necessary to check the condition of the tool: whether it is in good order, whether the roller is blunt, whether all the elements of the device are in proper condition;
2. Mark the tiles with a pencil;
3. Place the tile on the platform of the manual cutter, the marked line should line up with the cutter wheel. Please note that the distance between the cut and the edge of the tile should not be less than 1 cm. Otherwise, the cut may turn out to be uneven and sloppy;
4. By pulling the handle, one notch of the roller is made. Do not put too much pressure on it, otherwise the tiles may crack. Enough the effort with which the roller makes an incision in the glaze;
5. After that, the handle is pressed and the tile is broken into two parts.

In order for the material to be easier to cut, it is allowed to wet the tiles with water. You can learn more about how to lay tiles by watching the video. Additionally, learn how to drill tiles.

What to look for when buying

When choosing a manual tile cutter, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Frame strength. The cutting platform must be made of metal and of good thickness. If the bed looks fragile, then the tile cutter may not be enough even for a small amount of work;
• Instrument length. If there is a choice between short and long tools, choose the second option. With the help of such a tile cutter, it will always be possible to process not only in length but also diagonally;
• Smooth running. Before purchasing a tool, check that it runs smoothly. It is desirable that its design contains bearings that will provide softness in the operation of the device.

The cutter wheel of a manual tile cutter will grind and dull over time. It cannot be sharpened, so if you have this problem, you will have to purchase a new roller element.

During operation, lubricate regularly, this will extend the service life of the tool.

Electric tile cutter device

In addition to the manual tile cutter, electric models of this tool with water supply to a diamond disc are also widely used. By its design, the electric tile cutter is distinguished by the fact that it is equipped with an electric drive under the working platform, on which a diamond wheel is mounted for cutting tiles.

Also, some modern models of electric tile cutters are equipped with additional functions. For example, the presence of a swivel mechanism allows for cutting tiles at an angle of 45 degrees, and the installed reservoir of water under the cutting disc ensures minimal dust formation during operation. Also, tile cutters of an electrical device can be equipped with markings, thanks to which you can measure the required tile area directly on the platform.

Electric tile cutters can be divided into two main groups:

1. Tile cutter with fixed cutting disc. In this case, the work on cutting the tiles will have to be done by hand, which is the main drawback. The tiles must be moved independently under the cutting disc. One wrong move and you can harm yourself;

2. Tile cutter with moving disc. More accurate and safer tool. In this design, the mechanism with the disc moves itself along the specified line.

   

   

The algorithm for working with an electric tile cutter is not at all complicated and looks like this:

1. Draw a cutting line on the tile;
2. Place the tiles on the platform parallel to the guide;
3. Turn on the device: this activates the electric drive and starts the water supply system from the tank;
4. Place the tile under the cutting disc and let it carefully cut the tiles. This stage requires increased attention. If you do not follow the process, you can not only cut the tiles crookedly, but also damage your health;
5. After performing the cut, the device must be turned off.

Please note that the tiles should be cut on a perfectly clean platform, without any residual material that was cut in the previous time. In this case, the tile must be pressed against the bed as much as possible. If this is not done, strong vibration will occur, and the tile may simply be torn out by the disc.

It is also necessary to regularly change the water in the sump to avoid getting particles of the material back onto the tile. It is important to wear protective goggles when working with your electric tile cutter.

Before starting work, always check that the tool is in good working order: the diamond disc must be clean and level, not deviate from the surface of the tile cutter. In case the disc is damaged or bent, it must be replaced.

Features of cutting porcelain stoneware tiles

Porcelain stoneware is a fairly strong and durable facing material. Because of this, consumers often choose it for laying on the floor surface. To cut porcelain stoneware, you must use a wet-cut electric tile cutter.

You can also cut porcelain stoneware by hand, but this is very difficult, especially for small elements. But with an electric tile cutter, porcelain stoneware tiles. Both of these tools will do the job well, but there are some nuances in their work:

• a manual tile cutter will not allow cutting off porcelain stoneware with a width of less than 3-7 cm. In this regard, the edges of the cut tile material will have to be additionally processed by grinding;
• often tile breaks not along the line;
• unrealistic to cut diagonally;
• cannot be used when avoiding obstacles.

An electric tile cutter will do the job better, but don't forget to change the water in the tank.

The main advantage of waterborne tile cutters is that there is no dust when cutting tiles. It helps a lot when renovating an apartment.

This method of cutting porcelain stoneware is more advantageous for its precision and speed. It will also allow you to cut the facing material at the desired angle, while not applying much effort.

Additional tools for cutting tiles

In addition to tile cutters, other tools can also be used to work with tile material. The main tools for cutting tiles can be considered:

• Glass cutter. Such a tool is suitable when there is no desire to purchase expensive equipment, but it is still necessary to cut several tiles. When working with a glass cutter, the tile should be briefly moistened in water to make it easier to cut. Next, mark a line with a pencil, and pressing the ruler against the tile, draw a clear cut along the line. Then you should knock a little along the entire cut and bring the tile to the edge of the table. Next, you need to break the tile with a sharp movement and it will split into two parts, but this method will not work with ceramic granite tiles;
• Bulgarian. Using a grinder is equivalent to using an electric tile cutter, only taking into account the absence of a water reservoir. The grinder clearly and quickly cuts any tile. The main disadvantage of this tool is that it creates a lot of dust. To cut porcelain stoneware tiles, you need to select a special diamond blade for dry cutting;
• Jigsaw. To use a jigsaw, you need a special tile file. The jigsaw will allow you to cut the required tile shapes. It is not suitable for cutting porcelain stoneware, but the glaze can cope with ceramic tiles, though.

Conclusion. The hand-held tile cutter is the most economical tool for cutting tiles, but if you are serious about it, we recommend purchasing an electric model. Even inexpensive models from 3000 rubles. will be better than the grinder. It is quite simple to master its work, and such a device will always be necessary if you need to make small repairs in the apartment to replace the tiles. It will be interesting to know how to make repairs less expensive.

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