Once you have planned your tiling project and purchased your tiles, the next step is to figure out how to cut the tiles. Even the simplest tiling job requires some cutting to fit corners and avoid obstructions. So knowing how to cut tile is an important skill to achieve a professional finish and avoid wasting material.
Different jobs require different cuts. Different methods and tools are used depending on the material being handled and the required cut shape. To help you understand how to handle these different cuts, we offer this guide to help you plan ahead.
How To Cut Tile With A Grinder
The most effective way to cut ceramic tile is with a wet tile saw, but not everyone has access to such a specialized tool. While it does not cut as cleanly as a tile cutter or tile wet saw, it is an effective way to cut roughly around heating vents, doorways, and wall edges that are covered with baseboard or finish material.
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Proper Safety
Do not use power tools without proper safety equipment. A dust mask is sufficient, but be sure to wear earplugs, work gloves, and safety glasses. Also, wear a long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans to avoid accidentally cutting yourself on pieces of flaked ceramic while grinding. When cutting ceramic, it is most effective to hold the grinder with both hands and clamp it to the cutting surface. If the grinder has side handles, use them. Also make sure the guard is in the correct position to deflect chips.
Blade
Diamond blades with smooth edges and no notches or serrations are best for cutting ceramic tile. Serrated blades are best for porcelain, and serrated blades are best for natural stone. Once you have selected the appropriate blade, make sure it is securely fastened to the grinder with the included clamping tool. Vibration will break ceramic tiles, so make sure the blade is firmly secured.
Masking tape
Covering the edges of the area where the grinder will cut the tiles is a good trick because it will prevent the ceramic glaze edges from peeling off with the movement of the grinder. Use one, two, or three pieces of tape, as desired. The best method is to draw a line with a marker, then place the adhesive tape, draw a line over it, and then add more layers if you like. more than three layers is overkill.
Cutting
Angle grinders are better suited for cutting at an angle than tile saws, which are designed for straight cuts. Cut directly on the surface of the tile, passing gently along the cut line, keeping the grinder blade perpendicular to the tile and in line with the mark. It is also possible to round the edge of a drain precisely by placing the blade horizontally on the edge flush with the face of the tile and slowly lowering the grinder blade into the tile, working slowly around it, making small cuts rather than cutting into the tile. This is a straight cut, pushing the blade vertically into the tile and cutting through the tile along the mark.
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How to cut tiles using a tile cutter?
1. Mark the line on the tile you want to cut. It is important to place the mark on the glazed or polished surface of the tile that will be outside.
2. Place the tile on a flat surface and use a square ruler as a guide for the glass cutter. Always place the square ruler slightly outside (no more than 1/4″) of the mark line so that the cutter can hit the correct position.
3. Starting from the edge of the tile, place the cutter on the marked line. Press the cutter as you move over the tile: the objective is to mark the line without cutting completely. If you hear a scratching sound while moving, that means the tile has been marked!
4. Place the hanger on a flat surface and place the marked line on it. With light pressure, press the sides of the tile to fit it in. This process can also be done with a cutter.
5. Sand the cut edge so that there are no cuts or burrs. Use an abrasive stone (aluminum oxide stone) to file the edges of glass or porcelain tiles.
How to cut tiles with a click cutter?
1. Make a line on the tile where you want to make the cut.
2.Place the tile on a flat surface, glass side up, under the cutting wheel. From the edge of the tile, press the carbide cutter firmly into the surface of the tile until a straight line is formed. A second cutting wheel may be needed to draw a line, but do not pass it through too many times, as too many marks will result in chipped edges.
3. After drawing the line, lift the handle and apply pressure to the center of the tile. Apply pressure firmly and gently on the handle. If marked correctly, the tile will break easily.
4. If a tile has sharp or rough edges, smooth them with a stone or brick.
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How to cut tiles using a tile cutter?
1. Cut a line on the tile where you want to make the cut. You can also use a round object such as a compass, can or lid to draw a curve or semicircle.
2. If the area to be cut is far from the edge of the tile, it is best to cut the tile first. In this case, first mark and cut straight pieces with a snap cutter or wet tile saw. Then continue shaping the smaller pieces once cut off.
3. Grip the cutter handle firmly and crisply cut away the shavings one piece at a time. Do not cut too hastily and cut small pieces to avoid breaking the tile from the mark onward.
4. Tile edges are very sharp if not scraped off. Be especially careful about scraping along objects, such as shower drains.
How To Cut Tile With A Grinder | Infographic
How To Cut Tile With A Grinder | Video Explanation
FAQs
What kind of blade do I need to cut tiles with an angle grinder?
If you want to cut tile with an angle grinder, you will need to invest in a good quality blade. There are many different types of blades available, so it is important to research and choose the one that best suits your needs. One of the most common types of blades for cutting tile is the diamond disc.
Diamond blades are durable and can withstand considerable wear. They can also cut harder materials such as porcelain and ceramic tiles. However, they can be quite expensive.
Carbide-tipped blades are another option. Carbide blades are less expensive than diamond blades, but less durable. They can cut tiles cleanly, but may need to be replaced more frequently than diamond blades.
Finally, an abrasive wheel can be used to cut tiles. Abrasive wheels are the least expensive option, but they do not last as long as other types of blades. Moreover, they are less precise and can leave jagged edges.
Cutting Ceramic Tiles Up or Down?
Opinions differ on which method is best for cutting ceramic tiles. Some are convinced that cutting tiles face up is the way to go, while others are convinced that cutting tiles face down is the only way to go. So which method is correct?
Actually, both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Cutting tiles face down means knowing exactly where to cut. This is useful when dealing with complex patterns or when you want to achieve a precise cut.
However, cutting face-up is more dangerous because your fingers are closer to the blade. There are advantages and disadvantages to cutting tile face-down. On the plus side, it is generally considered safer because your fingers are away from the blade.
Some also believe that cutting backwards is a cleaner cut. However, this method has the disadvantage that the tiles are upside down, making it difficult to see where they should be cut. Now, what’s the verdict?
There is not necessarily a right answer when it comes to cutting ceramic tiles; it ultimately depends on your preference and what works best for you. If you are cutting tiles for the first time or are not confident in your ability to cut with precision, you may want to start by cutting the tiles facing up. On the other hand, if safety is more important to you, you may want to opt for a face-down cut.
Ultimately, try both methods and see which gives better results.
How do I cut tiles with a grinder without chipping them?
When cutting tiles without chipping with a grinder, there are a few points to keep in mind to ensure a clean and accurate cut.
First, make sure you are using a sharp blade designed to cut tile. If the blade is dull, you risk chipping when cutting the tiles.
Second, when cutting, take your time and don’t rush. Cutting too quickly may also result in chipping of the tile.
Finally, use a tile cutting guide to ensure that the cut is straight and even.
Observing these points will help ensure a clean, accurate cut and prevent chipping of the tiles.
How to cut ceramic tiles that have already been installed?
If you need to cut ceramic tiles that have already been installed, several methods can be used. The best method depends on the type of tile and the tools used. Using a wet saw is one method.
Wet saws are designed for cutting tiles and can make clean, straight cuts. If you do not have a wet saw, you can rent one at a hardware store or construction center. Another method is to score the tiles with a scoring tool and break them along the marked lines.
This method works best with small tiles, as it is difficult to get good scores on larger tiles. You will also need a glass cutter or similar tool to score the tiles. Finally, if you have access to the other side of the wall (or floor), cut the tiles with a grinder with a diamond blade attachment.
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Conclusion
With experience, it is possible to cut tiles with an grinder without rushing. It is important to use the necessary safety equipment, use the correct disc, and make simple preparations. Use adhesive tape and mark the cut with an oil-based marker to minimize mistakes. If you don’t have a wet tile saw, you may want to use an angle grinder for quick cutting. We hope this article helps you decide which tool is best for cutting tile.