How To Cut Floor Tiles Angle Grinder

How To Cut Tile Angle Grinder?

floor, tiles, angle, grinder

When doing renovations, many homeowners find it necessary to cut ceramic tiles that can be done using an angle grinder. This tool allows you to do this work at a high level, with minimal risk of chips or cracks. In this article we will show you how to cut ceramic tiles using an angle grinder.

Required tools and materials

Cutting ceramic tiles is a laborious process that requires maximum concentration. The difficulty is largely due to the fact that the tiles are made of durable material. Dust-free tiles can be cut and sawed down with a tile cutter, but such a tool is not cheap. With conventional cutters and saws, this is almost impossible to do, and the cut will most likely be uneven and unattractive. A regular angle grinder is best suited, the cutting wheel of which allows you to neatly cut tiles even at home.

Despite the fact that this process is relatively difficult, if you get the hang of it, it does not take much time and does not require much effort. This task can be handled by an ordinary homeowner who has not dealt with such work and will be able to cut off even a “hog” without the help of a tile cutter.

You can cut tiles using the following tools:

  • special tile cutter;
  • diamond tools;
  • Angle Grinder.

For cutting ceramic tiles, those that have a diamond coating are suitable. Their use minimizes the formation of cracks and chips. It is forbidden to use discs used for metal work, as they will only damage the tile. Even if you manage to cut with such a circle, it will be uneven and of poor quality. This is due to the sliding of the disc on the tile, due to which the presence of small cracks is inevitable. At the same time, when it comes to home surface finishing, you can ignore these damages, since they will surely disappear during subsequent processing.

In no case should you neglect safety measures, since the risk of harm is quite high.

Be sure to carry the following attributes with you:

  • glasses;
  • mask;
  • thick gloves.

Please note that the selected angle grinder or grinder must have a speed controller, since many modern inexpensive tools do not have this function. Such models operate at the highest speed, which is why it is impossible to cut tiles with their help.

We cut the tiles correctly

When using tiles for wall decoration, a situation will surely arise when you need to cut off part of the slab so that it fits into the remaining space. over, a similar procedure will be required regardless of which type of tile you choose. Cutting is required most often in cases where unique patterns on the walls are created or various decorative objects are formed using tiles.

If you have already prepared all the attributes you need for work, you can consider how the tile should be cut correctly. The angle grinder is an excellent assistant in this matter, since with its help you can create not only straight cuts, but also curly cuts. Next, we will look at how to cut tiles in various ways.

A straight cut is as simple as possible:

  • First, you need to fix the tile on the plane so that it does not slide and ride on it.
  • The part of the tile that needs to be cut must remain in weight. the surface line will be the guideline for the notch mowing line;
  • Take your angle grinder so that you can see the cut line. If you hide it from yourself, you will not be able to make an even cut.
  • You need to direct and move the blade towards you, not away from yourself. This is the mistake many beginners make. Hold the tool firmly and level so that it does not walk in different directions, otherwise the cut will be ugly. Holding the angle grinder crooked can damage the disc as it can fly off.

A round hole is made as follows:

  • Initially, you must use a marker to draw the required hole. Draw on the glossy side of the tile.
  • Then you need to determine the center of the circle. This can be done using straight lines drawn crosswise.
  • Gently saw the tile from the inside in a circle until we go deeper.
  • It is necessary to turn the angle grinder so that the blade gradually fits into the outlined circle.
  • When the cut is deep enough, it is required to saw the drawn cross along the drawn lines, after which you carefully take out the resulting 4 sectors of the circle.

You need to cut the tiles only on the front side, since this is the only way to get a cut without various defects. Consequently, all possible damage will be concentrated on the back of the tile, which will be hidden with tile adhesive.

It is best to measure and mark the tiles to be cut from the start.

To cut at a 45 degree angle, follow the instructions below:

  • It is important to note that cutting the tiles obliquely is more difficult than making a straight cut. However, this is much easier than creating curly elements. You need to start by doing.
  • the angle grinder must be turned so that the disc is located at the angle you need, while you must carefully drive the blade, removing excess, so that at the end an even angular cut is obtained.
  • Perfectness can be achieved by using ordinary sandpaper, which is best fixed on a block.

Abrasive paper should be used for each element as this will help improve the appearance of the cut.

Important nuances

The angle grinder must be set at a low speed so that you can control and adjust its actions. When you have the ability to secure the tool, be sure to do so, as this will simplify your work. Once the angle grinder is secured, you only need to move the tile along the desired trajectory.

If there is no possibility of anchoring, then the floor is the best place to work. Be sure to put bars or lumber under the slab. It is important to note that a low speed should also be set due to the fact that this will exclude the discarding of the blade or disc upon contact with the surface.

Turning on the maximum speed will probably simplify the cutting process, but this increases the risk of damage to the tiles, which can simply fly into pieces. The easiest way to cut is the straight line cut, since even a beginner can handle this job. When it comes to rounding, then it will take more effort. If you have not encountered such work before, then we recommend that you first try your skills on defective material.

You can protect the tile from chips by using a special grinder or sandpaper. This work is not difficult, but it will significantly improve the quality of the cut. Thus, you can get rid of existing defects.

Dry tile cut at 45 degree. Сухая резка края плитки под 45 градусов.

If you decide to choose a grinder for this work, and not sandpaper, then you need to work at the minimum speed.

Be sure to follow these guidelines:

  • you need to work in special clothes;
  • safety glasses are required;
  • it is recommended to use earplugs when working;
  • all used devices must be in good condition;
  • work can only be performed by adults who know the safety rules for using a cutting tool;
  • when wet processing, make sure that the sander does not get into the water, as this can lead to an electric shock;
  • you cannot process slices at maximum speed;
  • you need to work in a room with good ventilation.

To maintain your health, it is extremely important to follow these recommendations.

Next, see a master class on tile cutting angle grinder.

Segmented dry cutters

The disc of this modification is also made of steel, but differs from the standard attachment by the presence of slots. They are located along the edge of the product towards the central part and divide it into equal segments.

Segmented dry-cut discs are used to process very durable porcelain stoneware and natural stone tiles. With segmented slots, the nozzle lasts longer than other models. Extends life and air cooling during cutting.

Combined disc models

Tile cutting discs angle grinder got a similar name due to its ability to work both dry and wet. This is an intermediate option between segmented wheels and dry cutters:

  • cuts better than segment, but worse than solid;
  • works continuously more solid, but less dry cut.

Most often, combined circles are used in the field of cutting brick and concrete, but their use is allowed when carrying out facing work. The disadvantage of combi models is a tendency to quickly clog with dust.

Stone discs

Sharpening bits are most often made of stone. They constitute a solid base with a minimum thickness of 6 mm. Thanks to their massive base, stone discs are ideal for sharpening tools that conventional fine bits cannot cope with.

As a rule, stone discs are not suitable for tile cutting due to their great thickness. But they can make the tools at hand sharper without much effort. A stone wheel with glued on sandpaper petals is suitable for grinding materials. It is recommended to clean the tiles with a soft abrasive marked No. 120, 150, 180.

Solid dry cutters

The solid tip, despite its name, is used for wet cutting. It is devoid of cuts responsible for thermal relief, therefore, it requires the use of a coolant. water supply to the cutting zone. Due to the tendency to overheat, the solid dry cutter works continuously for no longer than 15 seconds. At idle, it is left for another half a minute to cool down.

A solid dry cutter provides a better cut. The most important thing is not to forget about the water supply. Its supply can be ensured by connecting a hose or attaching a specialized device.

How to turn an angle grinder into a tile cutter?

The design of the angle grinder does not allow cutting with maximum emphasis. the device will have to be constantly suspended or an assistant is involved. The most rational solution is to slightly modify the angle grinder, turning it into a convenient and safer electric cutter.

To begin with, choose the most convenient and spacious place for the location of the machine. The basis for an angle grinder can be a sheet of metal with a groove to deepen the cutting edge. The gutter will be a kind of mark on which you can navigate when performing work.

Then proceed to fixing the grinder. In this matter, special clamps will help, which can firmly fix the tool body. Improve your improvised tile cutter by adding a container of water to cool the blade and a wet cutting attachment.

Straight cut

The simplest processing option that even beginners can handle is cutting tiles with an angle grinder along a straight mowing line. To begin with, the tool is fixed on a flat surface. It must be positioned so that the cutting edge hangs from the platform. The direction of the cut must remain within the tiler’s line of sight, with the tiles laid face up.

Hold the sander with the cutting direction away from you while following the intended mowing line. Ideally, the cut should be done in one pass, only then it will turn out smooth.

Cutting at a 45 degree angle

An angle grinder is necessary to cut tiles when installing plastic or metal corners. This will help form a beautiful bevel edge when laying diagonally.

An even and fast cut can only be done with a diamond-coated nozzle. The tile is placed under the edge with the glazed side down. Positioning the angle grinder at an angle of 45 °, grind the back side. Once the corner is formed, the actions are repeated, moving in a circle along the edge of the cut.

Some craftsmen start with rectangular tile cutting. Then the nozzle is guided so as to remove the excess ceramic at a predetermined angle. Finish work by sanding the edge.

How to cut wood, plywood, chipboard

Despite many questions and attempts to cut an angle grinder from wood, many experts do not recommend using this tool for such work, but taking other tools for these purposes. jigsaws, circular saws, etc. This is due to the high degree of danger in the process of performing such work.

Among the reasons for the increased danger, the most important are:

  • The likelihood of a large amount of wood being captured by the teeth of the disc, which will lead to a sharp slip of the tool from the hands;
  • Heating of the disc during the cutting process, which leads to its fragility. In this case, even a slight skew becomes the cause of the destruction of the disk, which is why its small pieces will fly apart;
  • There is a high probability of soldering disconnection, which can lead to injury to the master.

Now there is a wide variety of special tools for woodworking. So why risk your own life?

Can plexiglass be cut by an angle grinder?

Thanks to the angle grinder, you can easily cut the plexiglass. For this operation, an ordinary ceramic circle will be sufficient.

It is necessary to make a contour cut, and then deepen it. The cut glass will need to be moved to the edge of the table and broken. Remember to cut this material carefully so as not to damage it.

Features angle grinder Dnipro-M

Angle grinders manufactured by Dnipro-M have increased safety measures. By purchasing a branded angle grinder, you can be sure of their quality.

  • during long-term operation, the device’s power button is automatically locked;
  • elimination of vibration from uneven wear of the disc due to its balancing;
  • auto shutdown of the engine in case of power surges or surges;
  • engine cooling function;
  • almost instantaneous shutdown of the angle grinder in case of jamming of the device;
  • dust extraction system.

In addition, it will not be superfluous to highlight such features of the Dnipro-M angle grinder as: a rubberized handle, which is very conveniently located, additional engine protection by means of a triple varnish coating, as well as low weight and ergonomic design of each presented model.

Cut, clean, grind. how to work properly with an angle grinder

An angle grinder (angle grinder), also known as an “angle grinder”, is an effective but extremely traumatic tool. The use of this machine inappropriately enough often leads to various kinds of injury, damage and injury, in some cases fatal. In most cases, such injuries are inflicted on themselves by non-professionals who for the first time hold such a tool in their hands and have an idea of ​​its work only in words. That is why it is of great importance to study safety precautions, operating rules and the use of protection in the process of working with an angle grinder.

In order not to get lost among the multitude of “empty” tips and unnecessary recommendations, choose only the right sources of information. How to use an angle grinder correctly, what protection to use and much more, you will learn just by reading this article.

What you can do an angle grinder and where to start

Such a tool allows you to confidently cut, grind, clean and polish many well-known materials, such as concrete and tiles, metal and wood, brick and others. In this case, for each specific type of work, a special replaceable nozzle will be required. In some cases, such a tool can be used for other purposes, such as cutting an angle glass grinder or sharpening cutting surfaces (knives, drills, etc.).

This power tool is indispensable in the process of construction or repair work. It is actively used in car repair shops, utilities, during rescue operations and in other areas of our life. In other words, the angle grinder is widely used in industry and in everyday life.

The very work of an angle grinder is a hazardous operation. Before starting it, it is important to prepare the instrument itself. In this case, the choice of the nozzle plays a special role. It is important to consider the following points here:

  • The diameter of the saw blade. the smaller its value, the greater the rotational speed, which means that it is able to withstand a greater number of revolutions;
  • The working material directly affects the choice of consumables. For example, for metal pipes, an abrasive disc, and concrete. diamond;
  • Study the symbols and markings of such consumable carefully. This will allow you to understand if the attachment is suitable for the intended operation.

Types of attachments for an angle grinder

Angle grinder discs are widely used in different operations and must be changed for different materials. over, each of them has unique properties and design. That is why it is so important to choose the right consumable for your angle grinder.

Cutting ceramic tile How to cut wall and floor tiles with angle grinder and hand cutter

Depending on the purpose, they are:

  • detachable. for cutting or sawing materials;
  • saws. for cutting various wood products;
  • roughing. for grinding metal, concrete and wood blanks;
  • stripping. for removing rust from metal surfaces and removing other types of stubborn dirt.

Flap discs are among the most common types of scraper discs. Such tools are suitable for processing materials from metal, plastic and wood.

Attaching the accessory to the angle grinder

  • Disconnect the tool from the mains and jam the rotation shaft with the attachment by means of a special button;
  • The lock nut must be unscrewed. To do this, use a key with two tabs;
  • Remove the old drive. After that, a new one can be installed on the mounting flange;
  • Screw in and secure the lock nut with a wrench.

What can you grind an angle grinder

Despite the fact that the angle grinder is primarily intended specifically for grinding, it must be prepared separately for each operation. A support wheel mounted on the tool shaft significantly contributes to correct and safe work.

To process wood, an emery wheel must be glued onto the platter. Sandpaper is selected for the material purely individually. This is done by the number of the paper itself. The modern assortment makes it easy to find a circle of the required diameter and size. An additional convenience is the presence of Velcro on the emery wheel, which allows you to quickly change them to an angle grinder.

Thanks to the angle grinder, light sanding of concrete has become possible. For this purpose, it is recommended to purchase a protective cover. He will protect the master from flying dust. Also, such a casing has a branch pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner.

A standard metal grinding wheel is perfect for grinding metals. Such a nozzle has different diameters, thicknesses and different grains of the grinding surface. Note that if you are planning to sand a really rusted surface, then first you should go over it with a metal brush.

Safety when working with an angle grinder

A really huge role is played by safety measures when working with an angle grinder. The most important nuances of safe work are reduced to a few simple rules:

  • Carefully consider the protection of the whole body. eyes, face, hands;
  • Remove all unnecessary items from the workspace. This is especially true of the place from which sparks can fly out;
  • Hide all combustible materials away;
  • Make sure that the fixation of your workpiece is really reliable;
  • Check the fixation of the workpiece again (!);
  • Hold the tool firmly with both hands during work;
  • It is not necessary to directly influence your angle grinder, namely to put pressure on it while working. Let the disk do everything on its own;
  • After completing the work, wait until the rotation stops completely, then put the angle grinder with the disc upwards so as not to damage it;
  • Unplug the device from the mains and make sure there is no smoke or fire.

How to cut tiles, ceramics, granite, tiles

A feature of these materials is a large amount of dust and the possibility of chips during the cutting process. It is important here to approach the preparatory process correctly. If it is impossible to avoid the formation of dust, then it is quite possible to reduce the risk of chips to a minimum.

In order to avoid chipping during the cutting of tiles, it must be moistened with water. This step in time lowers the temperature of the material, which is the main cause of destruction. It will also allow not only cutting the tiles without chips, but also cutting out the necessary fragments. Approximately according to this principle, tiles are cut.

There is also an alternative way. In this case, you will need to operate the stone cut-off wheel. The use of such a circle practically excludes the formation of cracks and chips.

Cutting porcelain stoneware is more difficult, as this material is thicker and stronger. The best solution in this case would be to use a stone circle:

  • make a contour cut along the contour mower line. Then again, until the not cut thickness of the product becomes less than the cut;
  • slide the product to the edge of the table;
  • break the porcelain stoneware tiles with a sharp but not violent movement.

Angle 45 degrees.

The usual right angle cut on a tile is not always suitable, for example, when it is necessary to dock it beautifully, and when making curly elements finished with ceramics, it may be necessary to cut it off at an angle of forty-five degrees, which will be much more difficult to accomplish in practice. But everything is possible with some effort, so let’s look at how to act.

First, carefully cut the tiles at a regular right angle, taking into account the tile sizes you need. Turn the angle grinder so that its disc is at the desired angle and carefully remove excess from the cut edge, taking care not to touch the face surface. If you still didn’t succeed in making a perfect oblique cut, you can bring it to the ideal with ordinary sandpaper or a grinding wheel.

Important nuances

The angle grinder must be set at a low speed so that you can control and adjust its actions. When you have the ability to secure the tool, be sure to do so, as this will simplify your work. Once the angle grinder is secured, you only need to move the tile along the desired trajectory.

If there is no possibility of anchoring, then the floor is the best place to work. It is imperative to put bars or lumber under the slab.

It is important to note that a low speed should also be set due to the fact that this will exclude the discarding of the blade or disc upon contact with the surface.

Turning on the maximum speed will probably simplify the cutting process, but this increases the risk of damage to the tiles, which can simply fly into pieces. The easiest way to cut is the straight line cut, since even a beginner can handle this job. When it comes to rounding, then it will take more effort. If you have not encountered such work before, then we recommend that you first try your skills on defective material.

You can protect the tile from chips by using a special grinder or sandpaper. This work is not difficult, but it will significantly improve the quality of the cut. Thus, you can get rid of existing defects.

When. the question always arises, is it possible to cut tiles with an angle grinder? So, to begin with. yes, you can, but how exactly. now we’ll tell you.

Incision.

The incision is made towards you, the disc is perpendicular to the surface. Sometimes the movements of the angle grinder are made back and forth to reduce the heating temperature. To prevent chips from forming on the front surface, the angle grinder must be tilted slightly to the side. If the cutting angle is less than 90, then chips are not formed.

How to cut tile angle grinder

High-quality and simple cutting of tiles with an angle grinder should be done as professionally as possible, that is, in the end you should get an even, smooth cut and a minimum amount of dust in the process. There are three main directions of the notch, which will not hurt to understand in more detail.

Technology for cutting tiles for the floor in the apartment

In order to make it easier to cut the tiles, you need to properly prepare the material. Softening ceramic tiles at home is achieved by soaking in water for half an hour. This simple procedure removes dust, reduces brittleness and increases material flexibility. After that, it is not difficult to cut it even with an ordinary stationery knife and glass cutter.

Refinement.

Abrasive processing of the edges when working with an angle grinder is a must. If an abrasive disc with a special “Slider” nozzle was used, then the edge will have to be ground less, since the number of chips is minimized. Sanding the edge is done with the same angle grinder that was used for cutting, or with an emery cloth attached to the bar.

How to cut a porcelain stoneware angle grinder:

Next, let’s look at how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles at home. For cutting porcelain stoneware, it is necessary to choose solid type diamond-coated wheels, designed for wet operation

When choosing a wheel, pay attention to the maximum permissible rotational speed, it must correspond to the rotational speed of the angle grinder

Cutting disc for porcelain stoneware tiles.

The cutting of porcelain stoneware must be carried out with a constant supply of a small amount of water. Otherwise, the sputtering on the disc will not last long and it will quickly cease to perform its functions. Therefore, before work, it is necessary to prepare a plastic bottle of water, pre-piercing a hole in the bottle cork.

Refinement.

In the lower part of the cut, the tile may have roughness. To refine it, turn it over to the opposite side, clamp it with a clamp and use an angle grinder and a diamond disc to slightly grind the edge.

Glass cutter

It is the simplest and cheapest ceramic tile cutting tool. It has a different design:

  • cutting element. small diameter wheel;
  • stylus with a diamond tip;
  • roller glass cutter with oil reservoir in the handle. Grease flows down a narrow groove and facilitates notching.

Glass cutter cutting elements can be replaced as the edge is seamed. How to cut ceramic tiles with a glass cutter? On the front side, a cut line is drawn with a pencil or marker. Holding the ruler on the mowing line, draw the glass cutter towards you from the far edge of the tile. The goal is to draw a uniform depression that reduces the strength of the tile.

Then place the tiles on the edge of a table or other flat surface. the line of the cut should line up with the edge. Holding the edge of the tile on the table with one hand, gently press down on the edge that is suspended with the other. The tile should break at the notch. Its edges are sanded with a file for ceramic products.

It is advisable to use a glass cutter for small amounts of work. It allows you to make straight cuts vertically and diagonally. Not suitable for cutting floor tiles, porcelain stoneware tiles and tiles over 5 mm thick. It is problematic to cut a strip less than 20 mm wide with a glass cutter.

How to cut ceramic tiles with a manual tile cutter

The tool allows you to cut strips from 5 mm wide, straight or diagonally.

It is used to cut durable floor tiles and porcelain stoneware up to 15 mm thick. By design, it is a base, on which the carriage runners with a cutting wheel are fixed. It is slightly larger in diameter than in a glass cutter, which makes it possible to achieve a greater notch depth. The minimum size of the wheel is 1.5 cm.It is also removable, it can be replaced after a cycle of work.

On the base of the manual tile cutter there is a strip of hard material, with the help of which, after the cut, the tile is broken. There is a T-shaped piece in front of the roller on the carriage, which exerts pressure on the two halves of the tile.

The tile is placed on the base of the tool, after marking the break line, clamp it tightly., The clamping corners must be metal in order to cut the floor tiles; plastic is enough for the wall. Pull the carriage handle towards themselves, making an incision on the front surface of the tile.

The incision is made once. After the end of the cut, the handle is pressed and the tile breaks. Edges will also have to be processed if they fall on a corner. If grout is used, then it will hide all defects.

We cut ceramic tiles with an electric tile cutter

This tool belongs to the professional category and is quite expensive. With its help, a significant amount of work is easily performed, it cuts any tile quickly, accurately and beautifully. Allows you to make a cut with a width of less than 5 mm, make cuts at an angle of 45 degrees, recesses and holes. It is used for curly cutting. The cut has smooth and slightly rounded edges. In some models, the edge of the blade is immersed in water, in others, only the surface at the cutting site is wetted. During operation, all dust settles in the cooling water tank.

In design, it is in many ways similar to a circular saw. Consists of a platform, a cutting disc fixed on it and an electric motor.

How to properly cut ceramic tiles with an electric tile cutter.

  • Water is poured into the container so as to overlap the edge of the cutting wheel by 2-3 cm.
  • Include tile cutter.
  • Press the ceramic tile against the machine and slowly move it under the disc, focusing on the marked line.
  • The blade is moved under the cutting element with a force depending on the strength of the tile. It is not recommended to apply excessive pressure on the knife, this may cause the tile cutter to stop.
  • To cut a corner, the tile is gently lifted, unfolded and repeated.

It is necessary to monitor the condition of the cutting edge of the disc, replace it in time. Diamond wheels are commonly used. Also regularly, as it gets dirty, they change the water in the bath.

How to cut ceramic tile angle grinder

New wheels are used for dry cutting, diamond dusting or for work on concrete. an angle grinder is best used with adjustable speeds. At a rotation speed above 3.5 thousand rpm, the tile cracks, and the dust content increases significantly.

The angle grinder can be used to cut floor tiles, porcelain stoneware and wall tiles. With a certain skill, you can cut circles of 70 mm in diameter and make curly cuts.

The cut is made from the back of the tile, as small chips may remain on the surface. The canvas is placed on a solid and even surface, mark the line with a marker, draw an angle grinder around it and break off the part that is longer. The cut surface can be trimmed with the same angle grinder.

How to cut ceramic tiles

In any case, special tools will be needed for the work. The simplest of them is a glass cutter, a manual tile cutter has a higher performance, for professionals it is recommended to opt for electric tile cutters. Upon gaining a certain skill, the tile can be cut with an angle grinder, and a diamond string is used for the manufacture of art products.

Other ceramic tile trimmers

What is the best way to cut ceramic tiles if you need non-standard edge shapes? There are various devices for this.

  • Nippers. Used to bite off small pieces, corners and semicircles. Leaves an uneven edge that needs to be trimmed with an emery wheel.
  • Diamond string. It is fixed in an ordinary hacksaw for metal, used for curly cut. It cuts only wall tiles and requires some skill, since jerking chips form on the surface.
  • Crowns are used to make round holes in ceramic tiles for sockets and switches.
  • Ballerina. With the help of such a drill, holes of various diameters are made. The size is adjusted manually by changing the distance to the cutter. Up to 20 cuts can be made with one nozzle.

How to cut ceramic tiles

When working with tiles, the question arises: what is the best way to cut ceramic tiles? The choice of tool is determined by the amount of work and the properties of the tile itself. There are several ways to cut ceramic tiles.