How the Montolit tile cutter cuts.

What do professional tile cutters do to keep a large tile from cracking during drilling or cutting with an angle grinder?? And it works!

A week ago I got a call from a colleague from Nizhny Novgorod and we had about this conversation, I will start with the words of a colleague:

Next, the master filmed a short video and sent it to me. And that’s what I saw:

• The tile was being cut on a plywood table and it was obvious that the table top was crooked.
• The tile wasn’t fixed in any way and shifted during the sawing process.
• The master dipped the disk completely and immediately, and I could feel that he had spared no effort.

Because of lack of experience (this was the fourth project in a row), some serious errors were made. Of course, the issue could really be in the tiles, I’ve seen this myself (I’ll attach a link to the description of the case at the end) and have heard from colleagues more than once.

But specifically here, after the recommendations given by me, the tile has ceased to burst. I publish a list of recommendations:

What tile cutter should be used for cutting

There are two types of tile cutters: these devices are electric and mechanical. The first type is suitable for industry or construction site work. Manual models are used for cutting tiles at home.

Household tile cutters are found in three types:

• Roller. The device consists of a handle and a cutting roller. It is used as a separate tool or is used together with the saw station.
• On bearings. This option is used when you want to cut durable ceramic tiles, more than 16 mm thick.
• Mechanical. Thanks to the rigid slide, you can make precise cuts with this machine.

Important! No model can cut a strip from the edge if the required width is less than 10 mm. In this case, the worker will need to use cutters.

MONTOLIT. MASTERPIUMA, PIUMA, MINIPIUMA. PROFESSIONAL TILE CUTTERS

Professional MONTOLIT monorail tile cutters are highly appreciated by European tile manufacturers. Many of them say about themselves “I’m a MONTIman” 🙂 For high-precision cutting of all types of tiles between 0 and 20-22mm in thickness, including.ч. for porcelain tiles and complex thin porcelain tiles (most of the other brands are not suited for cutting tiles under 5-6 mm thick). Very little pressure is required on the tile during cutting.

The professional tile cutters.tile cutters are available in the following models: self cut. PIUMA BP. MASTERPIUMA P3 and MINIPIUMA, with on-target cutting. MASTERPIUMA T2.

die-cast aluminium and nickel-plated steel structure powder coating gives a high-quality even surface protection (and a decorative effect that makes the metal parts look like plastic). such as a handle, ruler-fence or dop. ruler) tungsten carbide cutting roller (P3 and T2 models). titanium-plated). Simple change (see video on the clipart) there are two millimetre scales on the ruler: 1.) for all measurements, 2.) for 45° ⁰ measurements (with the cathetus value corresponding to the hypotenuse on the first scale); on P3 and T2 models the first scale of the ruler is at an angle to the worktable plane.table plane; second scale. engraved (see photo in the tile cutter card) ruler with “lens effect”. high contrast, crispness of scale minimizes reading errors on P3 and T2 models instantaneous attachment of the ruler at an angle from.45⁰ to 45⁰ with button the side limiting ruler (metal) for an exact alignment of the tiles in the position 0⁰ to 45⁰ with BP and P3 models the separating foot is wide and curved with a bridge. Ideal for mosaics and glazed ceramics: the precision of the movement of the handle along the guide is ensured by the R system.A.S. (Roller Adjuster System, patented): on the front of the handle there is an antifriction metal roller with super-clear engraving (notches). During cutting, this roller is in constant contact with the rail and eliminates the possibility of any lateral movement of the P3 model with a small movement of the divider handle, it automatically moves from the position for cutting tiles to the position for separating the P3 model has two adjustment screws to tighten the handle to the rail and eliminate the possibility of lateral movement (see video in the tile cutters card) P3 model has an oil dispenser (WD-40); Roller lubrication is primarily recommended when cutting non-smooth, textured tiles to move the tile cutter ruler is fixed to the platform along the rail, not exceeding the length of the tile cutter on the body of the tile cutter has two compartments with a cover for storing cutting rollers in models P3 and T2 retractable red dop. edge trimmer (metal) for cutting borders and skirting boards: spring-loaded work table for P3 and T2 models, with an extendable extension. base to support large tiles

on and off cutting systems: on-the-spot cutting. Traditional for Russian tilers. The freehand motion creates additional cutting force and allows you to cut thicker materials; freehand motion allows you to cut on top of each other. common in Europe. The “pull” motion is crisp and allows for faster cutting speeds.

PIUMA BP is a professional tile cutter and the reference model for MASTERPIUMA.

Has all main advantages of MASTERPIUM: design, materials and workmanship, power and clean cut. Main difference. The ruler is simpler, but has the same functions.

Safety rules when working with a tile cutter

It is important for the worker to know not only how to use the tile cutter, but also what safety rules should be observed when working with the device:

• Before you start cutting, read the instructions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations;
• only start cutting if you have a safety guard and special shoes on
• Wear safety glasses to prevent small particles of material from getting into the eyes;
• The tool should be installed only on a firm and rigid base in order to avoid vibration;
• Cutting must be done in a designated area, where the worker can not be distracted from the process.

Important! Any worker can perform the cut, but a beginner must be trained in safety. The best way to make a cut is for the operator to demonstrate the cutting tactics by example.

Why MONTOLIT?

To date, the market is filled with many brands of tile cutters, and choosing a quality tool that will cover a maximum number of tasks, will be practical in use, and at the same time will not greatly affect the is becoming more difficult.

Professional MONTOLIT monorail tile cutters are highly appreciated by European tile cutters. MONTOLIT copes with 90% of tasks, can easily replace even an electric tile cutter.

In terms of operation principle, design, quality and cost are on a par with SIGMA tile cutters.

MONTOLIT tile cutters with a high precision cut of all tile thicknesses from 0 to 20-22 mm, including.ч. for porcelain tiles and complex thin tiles. Most tile cutters of other brands are not suited for cutting tiles less than 5-6 mm thick.

During cutting, you need very little pressure on the tile, and the cut is perfectly smooth.

The line of professional tile cutters includes models:

with self-cutting. MASTERPIUMA P3. Traditional for Russian tilers. Circular motion creates additional cutting force and allows you to cut through materials of a thicker thickness.

With self-cutting. MASTERPIUMA T2- The self-steering movement enhances the precision of the cut.

The tile cutters are made in Italy and have a 2-year warranty. At the same time you should try very hard to break anything.

The tile cutter is made of die-cast aluminum and nickel-plated steel, powder-coated to give an even, high-quality protective coating.

Cutting roller is made of tungsten carbide, titanium coating, the life of such cutter is about 5 km. You can replace the roller yourself within a minute, and the design provides a place to store spare rollers. We strongly recommend periodically cleaning the roller from accumulated dust and dirt to keep the cut “clean.

The scale has two millimeter scale for all measurements and 45° measurements. The scale of the ruler is at an angle to the plane of the work table; the second scale is engraved. The “lens effect” ruler minimizes reading errors.There is also an instantaneous ruler fixation at an angle from.45⁰ to 45⁰ with button. Side stop rail for tile positioning from 0⁰ to 45⁰. With this functionality, you can set markers and markings aside. Optional retractable ruler for cutting curbs and baseboards.

The patented R-system ensures the precise movement of the handle on the guide.A.S. (Roller Adjuster System: On the front of the handle a roller made of anti-friction metal (highly resistant to wear and tear during long hours of rubbing) with super-exact engraving. During cutting, this roller is in constant contact with the rail and eliminates any lateral movement.

Extendable additional support base for large format tiles.

MASTERPIUMA P3 models have a wide beam and curved foot. Ideal for mosaic and glazed tile, it automatically moves from tile cutting position to tile splitting position with a small movement of the splitter handle. Two adjusting screws to tighten the handle to the rail and eliminate the possibility of lateral movement.

FLASH LINE is a separate line of tile cutters, which allows you to cut large format tiles, up to 340 cm in length. For tiles of thickness: 0-10mm.

Design of the hand tool

To understand the rules of using the tool, you need to figure out how it works. Handheld tile cutters have a common device for cutting tiles. Here the main structural elements are:

It’s a solid metal base that holds all the parts. On it the facing material is laid, so among the main criteria for selecting the device are the evenness of the support and the dimensions according to the format of the tiles.

Additional attention should be paid to the anti-slip pads. On one side, there is also an indelible scale and a small overhang, which allows you to break the ceramic along the cutting line.

They are represented by two parallel tubes with smooth outer walls. expensive versions replace it with an I-beam. Their function is to keep the working mechanism in the right position for the operator, to allow some kind of pressure on the tile. The guides are also used to guide the tool.

The rigid element of a tile cutter to cut tiles by hand. A cutting wheel, a lever and a special foot for breaking the tiling material are fixed on it.

Platform, frame elements under the guides are usually made of cast steel, as their quality determines the reliability and durability of the tool. The carriage and the cutting element must be even more resistant, so they use an alloy with tungsten and cobalt. Rubber pads are fitted on the underside to prevent the platform from sliding on the floor.

Use of such a handheld tile cutter can be both professional and novice master. In addition to this advantage, masters note other advantages:

• quiet operation;
• the simplicity of the device;
• mobility;
• compactness;
• low weight
• eco-friendliness;
• low cost.

However, there are also disadvantages. Here it is difficult to form pieces with a width of less than 10 mm, the break line edge turns out sharp with small irregularities.

Cutting a narrow strip of tile

For large areas under tiling and for cutting thick porcelain tiles, craftsmen prefer to choose electric analogues. Also worth highlighting here is the high percentage of getting a low-quality cut. And novice craftsmen often tile breaks not along the intended line, which can only be straight.

How to get rid of dust when cutting tiles

Dust plaque in huge quantities when working with an angle grinder is inevitable. To reduce dust formation, experts use different types of tile cutters in their work, which guarantee the absence of the dust cloud at work.

But buying an expensive device for a one-time small job is not economically viable. So, to reduce the dust you can use the following techniques:

• Cut through only a layer of glaze, gently break the tile and grind the edges.
• Moisten the workpiece and constantly pour water into the groove after each pass with the cutter.
• Purchase and install on the hood of the angle grinder a special device for water supply to the work area.

All of this will allow you to do the work in more comfortable conditions.

Bearings make it easier to work

After the “stayer” I bought a better handheld tile cutter, and the cutting handle with a diamond wheel was already on bearings, which greatly simplified the work. But, after a while on the rods on which moved the cutting handle, from the bearing formed a kind of grooves, then it became difficult to work. It lasted longer, about a year.

Professional handheld tile cutter “SuperPro”

And then one sunny day I saw a professional handheld tile cutter “SuperPro”. I just admired his incredibly thoughtful design. It has a base with springs. The stiffening rib is such that you can sit, and the handle is completely on bearings and adjustable.

But it had two drawbacks: It was heavy (13 kg instead of 5 kg), and the rigidity ribs are so thick that they just sit there.) and expensive (it cost 10,000, instead of the old one, 3,000). Let me tell you right away, I was not confused, and I bought it in a very short time. And from that moment on I began the carefree life of a “tile cutter”. It coped great with porcelain tiles, and probably nothing to say about the tiles. it snapped like a sunflower! The main thing at the beginning is to set it properly, to set it to 90 degrees, and periodically tighten the bearings and do not forget to lubricate! And then this tool will serve you well and for a long time. It has served me for about 2 years and has undergone far greater stress than previous instances.

The Montolite tile cutter is an excellent alternative!

“Montolit“, too, apparently, a good device, the guys not once recommended, it also belongs to the professional class, but myself I did not have a chance to use it.

To sum it up. If you need an option for relatively short-term work with tile, you can buy and ordinary. And where in places it gets porcelain tiles, you can use an angle grinder or a water tile cutter for its processing (which is actually what I did at the beginning).)

But if you are engaged in professional activity tiler, then I recommend you to choose a good, expensive professional manual tile cutter. And do not worry about the price. Rest assured, it will more than pay for itself in the shortest time.