How to cut ceramic tiles figuratively

Cutting tiles with a manual tile cutter

If there are a lot of tiles to be cut, it is advisable to choose a manual tile cutter as a tool.

To make a cut, you must insert the tile into the device and slowly move the handle of the cutter roller away from you, applying uniform pressure over the entire area of ​​the cut. At the end of the cutting line, press the handle to break the tiles.

Advantages of a manual tile cutter: ease of use. accurate tile cutting. You need to make noticeably less effort than with a glass cutter.

Disadvantages of a manual tile cutter: too narrow mowing lines cannot be cut (at least 5 millimeters). There remains the likelihood of uneven pruning with sloppy work. The device has a special purpose, and most likely will not be useful for other work on the farm.

Electric tile cutter

Electric models of tile cutters help in the shortest possible time to easily and efficiently process large volumes of tiles. The complete set of the electric tile cutter includes a platform with a cutting element (usually a disc with different spraying), an engine, and a water tank. Depending on the model of the tool, the disc can be partially immersed in the reservoir, or it can be moistened with water only at the point where the tile is cut. The use of water protects the tiles from chips, and the cutting disc itself from microdamages, in addition, the amount of ceramic dust is significantly reduced.

Cutting tiles with an electric tile cutter allows you to implement any specific tasks: cut off narrow strips of tiles less than 5 mm., Make recesses or holes, cut tiles at an angle of 45 degrees. The electric tile cutter makes the most even cuts with perfectly smooth edges, which saves you the trouble of post-processing and leveling the edges.

Advantages of an electric tile cutter: professionalism, speed, lightness, and precision in work.

Disadvantages: no significant disadvantages. However, purchasing it for private use does not make much sense. It is required to contact the specialists who have this tool.

Cutting ceramic tiles: tools and working methods

During the repair and cladding of premises, it is often necessary to cut the tiles. Therefore, many are wondering what and how to cut ceramic tiles. The choice of the most convenient tool and method depends on a number of factors.

The most important thing is the type of tile at its destination (for walls or floors). The desired shape of the cut plays a similarly important role. Well, the last weighty factor is the quantity (with significant volumes of tiles, using a hand tool for trimming will be extremely tedious).

Ballerina

If it is necessary to cut the tile to obtain a round hole of the required diameter, then a circular ballerina drill comes to the rescue. This tool can be manually adjusted to adjust any diameter of the future hole.

To make the process of cutting tiles by a ballerina as fast and accurate as possible, use a tripod for a drill.

How and what to cut floor tiles

Floor tiles, porcelain stoneware, clinker. all these types of ceramic cladding are highly durable and thick. Hence, this leaves its mark on the choice of the cropping tool. As a rule, you will not be able to do without the help of specialists, especially with a large amount of pruning. If you are looking for what to cut your floor tiles, we advise you to choose one of the following options.

Glass cutter

Cutting wall tiles with a glass cutter, in the case of small quantities, is a comfortable and quick solution. The roller glass cutter is not difficult to handle. It is necessary to make markings on the tile and put it on a flat and solid surface. Pressing the glass cutter, we carry it along the marked mowing line. The resulting line of the cut should be clearly visible, without gaps. Then, put some small hard object under the tile, and lightly press on both sides of the cut to separate both pieces.

As a good alternative to a simple glass cutter, there is an oil glass cutter in the building materials market. It makes cutting ceramic tiles even easier.

A reservoir has been added to the design of the oil glass cutter, where it is necessary to fill in machine oil. During the cutting process, it flows down the inner channel and wets the cutting roller, making it much easier to move.

Advantages of a glass cutter: good working speed, low tool cost, and ease of use.

Disadvantages of glass cutter: Suitable for processing small volumes of tiles. If the cut in some places was not deep enough, there is a possibility of chips appearing there when separating the cut parts of the tile.

How to cut wall tiles?

Tiles designed for wall cladding are usually quite thin. Therefore, cutting it is not particularly difficult.

Tile cutting tongs

On the one hand, the tile cutting pliers (or tile cutters) are equipped with a transverse plate, and on the other, a metal roller 1.5 cm in diameter.The metal allows cutting thick floor tiles, while the plastic wheel is only suitable for thin tiles.

To cut the tiles, you need to draw the markings and draw the line with the roller with slight pressure towards you. A clear groove strip will remain on the tile. Then insert the tile into the pliers slot along the longitudinal mowing line of the cut.

The transverse plate of the forceps should be located on the glazed surface, and the rectilinear base is pressed against the seamy side. The slice marking should be clearly in the middle of the top plate. When the tongs are squeezed, the tiles will break exactly at the intended mowing line.

How to cut tiles? Tile cutting tools

Manual tile cutter (mechanical)

The most common tile cutter among builders and DIYers is the small manual tile cutter. Its width corresponds to the size of one tile. The large-diameter cutting wheel leaves a deep groove in the tile, so that the tile breaks easily and evenly at the cut.

Manual tile cutter: the optimal tool for cutting tiles (in terms of price, speed of work, and quality of the result)

In order to accurately cut the tile, you must first draw the line of the break on the tile, then horizontally bring it into the device and fix it with a ruler. It is necessary to cut with a movement away from you, raising the handle. Then it remains only to slightly press on the place of the break.

With a manual tile cutter, you can cut both thin wall tiles and thick floor tiles with high quality. The cost of such a tool is slightly lower than an electric one: the cheapest one costs about 40. But for a quality device with a rigid frame and support, the price reaches 300. A plastic tile cutter is fine for wall tiles, but a metal case should be chosen for heavy floor tiles.

It is difficult to make a curved cut with a manual tile cutter, but professionals can do that too. Of course, you need to practice and practice the skill. How to use a manual tile cutter and how to make curly tile cutting with it, watch the video.

Cutting tiles with a manual tile cutter

Roller glass cutter for cutting tiles

This type of tool has been known since ancient times, when construction technologies were not yet very advanced. This is not the most convenient way to cut usually only thin wall tiles. Floor tiles may be too thick to be perfectly cut with a glass roller cutter.

How to cut tiles with a roller glass cutter? An easy way to get a straight, straight cut is to use a glass cutter to mark the mowing line on the tile surface, and then break off the unnecessary section. The method is only good for cutting half of a tile or strip at least 1/3 wide. Lay the tiles (face up) on the table so that the intended cut is aligned with the edge of the table. Better to pre-practice on unnecessary materials.

Roller glass cutters and wire cutters are used if you want to cut the tiles in a curvilinear manner. for example, for the side of the bathroom or for the figured joint of coatings. How to make curly cutting of tiles? To do this, on the front side of the tile, draw the required shape of the cutout with a felt-tip pen, carefully “scratch” it with a glass cutter, and then gradually pinch off the excess. Bite off smaller pieces of tile as you get closer to the basting. Use a file and emery paper to sand the cut.

Methods for cutting tiles: how and how to cut tiles and porcelain stoneware?

dated January 21, 2014

If you decide to start laying ceramic tiles yourself, the process of cutting it can not be avoided. You will need certain skills and a set of tools. However, if you carefully consider the optimal tile layout, the number of tiles you cut can be kept to a minimum. As a general rule of thumb, to make the masonry look decent, do not use too narrow stripes. The joints in the corners should be made up of sufficiently wide strips (at least half of the tiles).

It is necessary to cut the tiles correctly. to obtain a perfectly even cut. By purchasing a few more tiles, you can practice cutting them yourself. And soon you will be pleased with the result. There are several ways to accurately cut tiles.

Electric tile cutter

The electric tile cutter cuts tiles quickly and with the highest quality. To obtain an even, smooth cut, a diamond wheel is used. Water is supplied to the fracture site, which prevents dust from rising into the air. Console cutters are especially handy.

Such a device does not require physical effort. just press a button. But since the electrical appliance is not cheap, over 300-500 dollars, it is advisable to use it for large volumes of work.

Tile cutting angle grinder

Grinding machines are often used to cut thick tiles. However, this method has one very significant drawback: a lot of dust. This method should only be used if others have proven ineffective. If possible, it is worth cutting the tiles with an angle grinder outside the walls of the dwelling being finished, otherwise it will be difficult to get rid of dust later.

What tool can be used to cut ceramic tiles

You can cut the embossed tiles using a special cutter, but there are many devices for carrying out this process. Among the many tools that are actively used in the preparation of finishing work, it is those with which tiles are cut that are the most unusual. They can differ in many ways.

In particular, by:

  • Technical characteristics;
  • Constructions;
  • Size;
  • The way of operation and not only.

The smallest of them can be as large as a ballpoint pen, and if the tool is used in industry, then it requires a lot of space. The main devices for cutting tiles are tile cutter, angle grinder and jigsaw.

Using an electric tool allows you to achieve an excellent effect in a minimum amount of time, and sometimes even special training is not required to work with it.

For easier cutting of tiles at home and in the absence of the need to process large volumes of canvas, you can use a glass cutter, pliers, sharp tongs, diamond wire. It is important to note that such materials are only suitable for soft and flexible tiles, especially those with a small thickness. Also, such devices are used to adjust the cut if it was made poorly and unevenly.

Hand-cutting ceramic tiles at home

Often, even craftsmen cut ceramic tiles with a hand tool, as it has a number of special advantages. Initially, it is worth noting its low price, availability and wide range. However, there is also a minus. If you need to cut a large number of tiles, then in this case, a hand tool will be far from appropriate. Basically, the processing and cutting of tiles is carried out by a glass cutter, which cuts both glass and ceramics.

To do this, you will need to carry out:

  • Marking so that the cut is of the highest quality;
  • Laying tiles on the table to prevent slipping;
  • Lay a straight edge along the mowing line;
  • Cut along the mowing line;
  • Tapping the reverse side of the canvas along the cut made;
  • Moving the tile with one edge located on the other side of the cut to the edge of the table;
  • Pressing on the edge of the tile.

This is how the canvas will break off. The edge must be flat and free of teeth. The handheld device does not take up too much space, and you can use it even in places where there is no electrical network.

If there is unevenness, then they are trimmed using tongs or nippers.

In order to use a manual tile cutter, you need to put the blade on the tool, after making a marking line, press the blade of the tool against the mowing line with the handle, gently press the handle to make a cut, remove the tile from the base of the tool, break the blade along the cutting line of the cut.

Choosing the right tile cutting equipment

Any finishing work is carried out only after the base is prepared, the material is purchased, and it is prepared and cut into the necessary parts. In addition, the preparation of the necessary tool is required, with which it will be convenient and simple to work.

ceramic, tiles

The choice of the tool depends not only on the budget and personal preferences, but also on a number of other criteria:

  • If the tile is porous and soft, especially glazed, then you can use a hand tool in the form of a tile cutter and glass cutter. It will be enough ordinary human strength to carry out both cutting and breaking off a part of the canvas.
  • If you intend to work not only with ceramic tiles, but also, for example, with a porcelain stoneware canvas, then you need to use a special electrical apparatus. The higher the strength, the more powerful the equipment must be.
  • A cut of any tile, but with a relief surface, is carried out only on the front side. Here, the choice of tool must be done according to the same principle, or, to be more precise, by the thickness of the coating.

In addition to the tool itself, you need to use additional nozzles, each of which is selected according to the type of canvas that will be cut off and according to the tool used. You can cut ceramic tiles with diamond discs, which are installed on an angle grinder or drill.

A diamond-coated wire should be installed on a jigsaw, and a diamond stone is mounted in a glass cutter.

When it comes to working with an angle grinder, you need to use a dry cutting attachment to cut ceramic tiles. There are much more nozzles for electric tile cutters, since the choice will depend on the type of device, the principle of operation of the equipment, and the type of blade. A dry disc is sufficient just as with an angle grinder, however some cutters come with a built-in water tank. If you plan to use it, then the use of a dry disk is strictly prohibited. The advantage of the equipment is that you can cut without dust and dirt.

How best to cut ceramic tiles at home

Cutting ceramic tiles is quite possible on your own at home. Basically, they prefer to cut the canvas using a special electric tool, as this allows all actions to be carried out quickly, efficiently and, most importantly, without oversights. Modern equipment allows you to cope, even if you need to cut a very thick and dense blade.

You can make a cut:

  • Electric tile cutter;
  • Angle Grinder;
  • Jigsaw;
  • If you use an electric glass cutter;
  • Circular saw and more.

To cut the tile, you need to check how securely the canvas is fixed, first draw the cutting line, strengthen the base of the device or the working surface, bring the part that will be cut to the drawn mowing line and make a cut.

It is best to cut the canvas in this way, as the process will be quick.

The likelihood that the edge of the tile will crumble or even break off is reduced. The most important thing is to pre-prepare protection for hands and eyes in order to observe the safety of such work.

The better to cut ceramic tiles: 5 types of tools

Fixtures: how to cut ceramic tiles

In general, it is quite possible to cut a piece of ceramic tiles with your own hands, just like choosing a tool. It is worth noting that when buying and using an electric tool, one should not forget about personal safety and about checking the device for serviceability and the absence of defects in functioning, which can cause not only illiterate work, but also harm to the master.

You can also use a regular glass cutter

The easiest way is to use a conventional roller glass cutter. It is used for a small amount of work. the line of the cut is marked with a pencil using a ruler. A shallow furrow is cut along the intended mowing line with a glass cutter. Breaking occurs by gentle pressure on the edge of the tile, set on the corner of the countertop. The edge of the cut obtained in this way has noticeable irregularities and needs additional processing with abrasives. It is generally accepted that this option can only be suitable for thin wall tiles, and cutting the floor tiles is unlikely to work. Many craftsmen believe that it is impossible to cut porcelain stoneware with an ordinary glass cutter.

Angle grinder (angle grinder)

Generally speaking, it is a versatile tool. Just as before, craftsmen could cut down a house with one ax, and now they can cut anything with one angle grinder. The author witnessed how a smooth round hole 5 cm in diameter was cut.

Note! The method is suitable for straight, curly views and with minimal skills in handling a curved line tool of any configuration.

For cutting you will need:

  • Angle Grinder. Any power and any kind;
  • Cutting wheel (stone or diamond);
  • Safety helmet or goggles (required);
  • Protective fully enclosed suit and gloves (recommended);
  • Respirator (recommended);
  • Clamp. Additionally in some cases (clamp or vise).

The tiles are pre-marked, preferably with scratching the mowing line with any sharp tool. In extreme cases, it is allowed to apply the mowing line with a construction marker. During operation, a lot of dust is generated and the marked mowing line can be erased when removing it.

ceramic, tiles

Small straight cuts around the edges of the tiles can be made by laying the tiles on a flat surface on a table or floor. First, the surface is cut by a few millimeters. With this operation, the tile’s own gravity and friction force are sufficient to hold the product in place. For deeper passages, you can additionally step on the edge or hold on to an assistant. For curly cuts, it is better to attach the product with a clamp to the tabletop or fix it in a vice, after placing pieces of cardboard or thick cloth under the lips.

Advice! Place a piece of plywood under the product to prevent damage to the table surface or floor.

The cut is carried out in several ways:

  • On the outer edge, the marks are passed several times along the entire length. In one pass, they deepen up to 3 mm. Repeat the operation until the result is achieved;
  • With small segments, up to 2 cm long, immediately for the entire thickness;
  • The markings are applied to both sides. A superficial cut is made on the front side (up to 3 mm). Then cut from the reverse side (up to 3 mm per pass) until the target is reached. This method avoids accidental damage to the face of the cutting tool.

Recommended for difficult cuts: on edges or curved. The fact is that with this method there is a lot of dust, consumption of the cutting blade, time and labor costs. Regular straight line can be cut in much simpler ways.

How the manual tile cutter and glass cutter work

The technique for cutting ceramics with a manual tile cutter looks like this:

  • the element is inserted into the clamping area;
  • the tile is positioned in accordance with the desired cutting path;
  • the tool jaws are compressed and fixed with a special handle;
  • the working body with the cutting unit is pressed down and is pulled with effort along the mowing line of the cut.

As a result of this simple technique, a depression is formed on the ceramic tile. Tile cutters allow you to adjust the degree of immersion. In practice, it is chosen so as not to require excessive effort from the performer and not to cut very deeply, as chips and even cracks may appear.

When working with a manual tile cutter, the rational cutting depth is determined as follows: it is necessary to go through a layer of gloss and about a quarter, and for weakly annealed tiles. a third of the base ceramic. For matte tiles, it is recommended to pass at least a third of the minimum thickness (in the area of ​​the recesses on the back).

After creating the indentation, the tiles are removed from the tile cutter and split along the mowing line with a blow or bend. In the first case, it is better to do this with a rubber mallet. Some models of tile cutters are equipped with an auxiliary device for breaking the ceramic along the mowing line of the cut. If part of the tile goes to waste, you can simply beat it off against the edge of the desktop, but you need to act carefully.

Tile glass cutter

A similar technology of work. when using a manual glass cutter. A cut is marked on the tile, a support is laid (for example, a wooden plank), the tool is pressed tightly and is carried along the mowing line along the guide, with effort.

With a certain skill, you can cut floor tiles with a glass cutter and along a curved path. However, it is worth noting that good results are achieved on glossy tiles, which are quite thin. Therefore, the use of a glass cutter is somewhat limited.

How and what to cut floor tiles

When laying tiles on the floor, the question often arises of how to cut the floor tiles efficiently, with minimal effort, high speed and guarantees of a good result. This can be done with a variety of tools and devices. About this in our article.

Splitting ceramic tiles

The final stage of cutting ceramic tiles is splitting the material. There are several types of splitting the tile at the place of the break: on the edge of the table, along a solid rod, between the clamp.

Splitting the tile against the edge of the table

When splitting ceramic tiles with a hard rod, you can split the material into larger and smaller pieces. In this case, a rod is used, the diameter of which is 8. 15 mm (drills, nails, pencils and other devices), the length is 2/3 of the length of the fracture. Ceramic tiles are laid on a rod and aligned at the fracture site. The final stage. pressing on the material.

Splitting on a solid rod

Using Tile Nips To Cut Ceramic Tiles

When using the method of splitting the material between the clamps, the ceramic tile is fixed between two pieces of plywood, bars and other materials at hand. The tile is installed on the break line, clamped. Final stage. pressing on the free edge.

Splitting with a clip

Thus, there are various ways to cut tiles without using a tile cutter. For convenience, when preparing for work, it is recommended to soak the tiles in water for 40 minutes. When carrying out work, it is also recommended to mark the material and control the pressure so as not to damage it.

Tiled apron in the kitchen
Building Yard Two Common Methods for Cutting Tiles

Round holes

Depending on the diameter of the holes, the tool and attachments are selected. Any tool with a rotating tip (drills, screwdrivers, rotary hammers, hand rotors, etc.) is most suitable for making holes in tiles.

Note! The power of the tool does not matter, the speed of rotation is more important. It is desirable that a low rotation speed can be set. Above 500 rpm only to the detriment of the cutting tool. Although the hole is made faster, the cutter gets very hot and breaks down faster. In addition, the high rotation speed increases the likelihood of chipping along the edges of the hole.

Various attachments for drilling holes in tiles.

Small diameters (up to 15. 30 mm):

  • Special drills with one-sided acute angle sharpening. The best option, but quite expensive. Lasts for a long time, they drill almost any hard tiled surface;
  • Lance drills for tiles. Cheap drills, for one-off work, the best option. When used on a simple tile, they will be enough for several dozen holes;
  • Carbide-tipped drills (for concrete, stone, for hammer drills, etc.). Not the best option, but if necessary, a couple of holes can be made with them.

Large diameter tips:

  • Bits with different materials (diamond, corundum, tungsten carbide). Are professional tools and are expensive;
  • “Ballerina”. In the center there is a spear drill, the location of the second cutter is adjusted by moving the rod, fixed on the central leg with a bolt. A cheap option that allows you to cut several holes of different diameters.

From a diameter of 50 mm, holes can be cut with an “angle grinder”. All work is recommended to be carried out in a protective mask or goggles.

Complex curly cutting of ceramic tiles

In addition to the standard cutting of products, in which an even cut is made, there is a curly cutting of ceramic tiles. Tile cutters in this case become useless, since they can make exceptionally even cut lines of the mowing line.

One of the common cases is the socket. How to cut a socket hole in ceramic tiles? It all depends on the circumstances. Sometimes it is enough to make a U-shaped cut to fit the size of the outlet. Another option is to split the two tiles into two rectangular pieces and cut them off. In this case, the long side is trimmed with a tile cutter and the short side with an angle grinder. Outside corners follow the same pattern.

Advice! When applying the markings, from 1.4 to 1.8 mm are subtracted for the indent from the wall, and 2.5 mm for the grout.

There is another way to make a U-shaped cut. For this, any acceptable method is used. For example, the same ruler and glass cutter to create cuts in the glaze. After which the excess parts are chipped off, and the edges are rubbed with sandpaper.

But how to cut a hole in a ceramic tile for a pipe? Here it is already more difficult, since there are no right angles. The hole should be round and straight. Professionals use special crowns that are diamond-coated and allow you to quickly make a hole of the required diameter for a sewer or water pipe.

But what if there are no such crowns? The first option is to use a tile drill or a win-win drill. This is not the easiest way, but quite realizable:

  • Before you cut a circle in ceramic tiles, you need to install the tiles on a flat and clean surface.
  • Marking is applied to the tile surface.
  • A drill in a drill makes even holes in a marked circle. They need to be made dense, the closer the better.
  • Using the same drill, you need to remove the remaining gaps, performing the work at an angle of 45 degrees.
  • The hole will be rough and messy. Therefore, it gets better with sandpaper and large nippers.

If this hole is made under the mixer or under the display stands, then you do not need to bother with the alignment of the edges, they will disappear.

When it is necessary to make a hole with a larger diameter, for example, for forced ventilation, a mini-angle grinder with a ceramic disc is used. Again, marking is made on it, and with the help of an angle grinder, two cuts are made crosswise. After that, four even cuts are made between them to form a square. The rest of the edges are bite off with pliers. Do not bite off large pieces right away. At the end, everything is cleaned with sandpaper. Another option for cutting is directly along the contour of the intended circle by half the thickness. After that, a crosswise incision is made to the full thickness. It remains to break off 4 elements.

You can make a hole using a jigsaw and a special string for it. The tile is marked, a hole is made in it, into which a string for a hand jigsaw or a file on a jigsaw tile is inserted. A hole is made along the contour. It will turn out smooth and neat.

One of the most popular ways is to use a drill called “ballerina”. The ballerina will allow you to make round holes of the correct shape of various sizes as accurately as possible.