How To Use The Tile Cutter Correctly

21st September 2020

How to use a manual tile cutter correctly

Before how to use a manual tile cutter, it is necessary to check its condition. All parts must be undamaged, the cutter wheel must rotate without jamming. Its surface should be of the correct round shape, without burrs and dents. The movement of the carriage with it should also be carried out without jerking or jamming. As a rule, for these purposes, a radial bearing is provided in the design of a manual tile cutter. It is also worth checking the condition of the bed; before working with the tile cutter, it is necessary to clean its surface from visible dirt.

The tile surface is marked with an ordinary construction pencil according to the required dimensions.
The tile is positioned on the bed of the cutter so that the marked line of the cut coincides with the trajectory of the carriage on which the cutting roller is fixed. It is important that the distance to the cut from the edge of the tile is at least 10 mm, otherwise you will get a sloppy edge.
The carriage is guided along the line with slight pressure. It is important at the moment to feel the required amount of pressure so as not to push through the tile, but also to get a cut of the required depth so that the glaze of the tile is cut. It is allowed to run the roller over the tile surface only once, otherwise the cut may turn out to be uneven.
Now the handle of the tile cutter turns to the working position, the field of which, with a sharp and confident movement, it lowers, as a result the tile is gently broken along the previously obtained cut.

Experts advise to soak ceramic tiles in water before cutting. Also, a drop of machine oil applied along the mowing line of the cut makes the cut easier. You can also read an article on how to cut tiles with and without a tile cutter.

And for a more detailed analysis of the use of a manual tile cutter, I recommend looking (using the example of a Walmer tile cutter).

And one more thing (for example, RUBI TX-N tile cutter).

It will be convenient to work with a manual tile cutter if the volume of work is not too large, and the hardness of the tile is small or medium. For stronger tiles, consider using an electric tile cutter.

How to use a tile cutter: instructions for the user

Renovations are often associated with the laying of ceramic tiles. In the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. The main task is to carefully glue it to the wall or floor so that you get a flat surface, without drops and pits. This will require a building level, as well as tile cutter, with which it is necessary to cut the tiles exactly to size.

Design fundamentals and technological capabilities

Tile cutter Is a generalized name for construction tools for straight, curved or even curved tile cutting. The classification of the variety of these tools is based on the type of driving motion. So, tile cutters can be:

Manual;
Mechanized or electric.

Manual tile cutter consists of a base. Beds, carriages with a roller and a handle. It resembles an ordinary glass cutter in principle. A cutting roller cuts the glaze of the tile. At this moment, it is clamped in the body according to the principle of pliers. Once the glaze is cut, the tiles break off along it. To obtain a smoother and more accurate cut, guides are used that expose the tile clamping field. Sometimes manual tile cutter tabletop can be used for round holes.

Electric tile cutter. A device equipped with an electric drive that drives the diamond cutting disc in rotation. The principle of operation of this version of the tile cutter is similar to a circular saw. Ceramic tiles move along the guide to obtain an even and accurate cut. One of the varieties of a mechanized tile cutter is a tape cutter equipped with a diamond tape. To cool the tiles, water is supplied to the cutting area, which also rinses off the cutting products.

In order to properly cut ceramic tiles, you need to know, how to use the tile cutter correctly.

How to use an electric tile cutter correctly

The use of a more technologically advanced device. An electric tile cutter. Allows you to get a very neat cut with somewhat rounded and smooth edges. Sharp edges, which are obtained when working with a manual tile cutter, when cutting ceramic tiles with an electric device. It also allows you to cut pieces of tiles less than 5 millimeters wide.

The technology for cutting tiles on an electric tile cutter looks like this:

Before how to use the tile cutter, you need to mark the tiles.
Place the tiles on the cutter table along the adjusted guide.
Turn on the rotation of the diamond blade and supply water to it.
Gently slide the tile towards the disc with both hands. At the moment the tile is brought under the disc, the pressing force on it should be minimal. After cutting, it can be increased slightly. If you press too hard on the tiles while cutting in, strong vibrations can occur and the tiles will crack. When the diamond wheel comes out during the completion of cutting, the pressure force must also be reduced so that no chips and irregularities are formed.
Get a neat cut and set the tiles aside.
Turn off disc rotation and water supply.

When working with an electric tile cutter, it is worth considering the recommendations of specialists. It is important that during the operation the tiles are neatly and evenly pressed against the table of the tile cutter, otherwise vibrations will appear. Also, uneven tile placement on the table can cause the blade to jam in the center of the tile, or to catch the tile in the disc, resulting in an inaccurate cut that is not directed along the mowing line. To accurately move the tile, you must use the guides, as well as press on the tile with two hands, if you press on it with one hand, you can also get an uneven cut.

Do not forget about periodically changing the water in the tank, as all the cutting products. Dust and larger particles of tiles. Get into it. They can lead to contamination of the diamond disc and subsequent galling, which in the worst case can lead to breakage of the disc or tile. Breakage of the disc when the tile cutter drive is on is dangerous in terms of injury to the worker. If you see that the disc is unnecessarily dirty or worn out, then you should replace it with a new one. In this case, you will be able to make a neat and smooth cut.

And for consolidation you can see how to use an electric tile cutter on the example of Caliber PLE-200 900.

How to use the tile cutter

Author: Alexey Shelest

“Hand and Power Tools”

Tiled walls, floors and even ceilings are not surprising to anyone, since this coating is the most reliable and effective. Always looks nice and clean. Only tiles can easily withstand frequent washing and disinfection, even with the most powerful chemicals.

And there is nothing to say about its durability. Often at home, tiles are changed only because it is no longer fashionable and stylish, and not because of its unsuitability.

The most popular tile coatings include tiles, porcelain stoneware, and ceramics. To create a smooth and even surface, you need a cut without curvature and chipping. For this, a special tool is used, which is called a tile cutter.

The device is used both in the professional field and in everyday life. With it, you can quickly and efficiently cut tiles, give the material the desired shape. The device works almost silently, does not create dust.

Buy tile cutter. Half the battle, the main thing. Be able to use it correctly. Although these devices have such an advantage as ease of use, you still need to have certain knowledge and skills.

I will tell you how to use the tile cutter correctly in this article. The information will be useful for both beginners and tilers.

Electric view of a tile cutter, how to cut with a tile cutter

The electric type is the most powerful tool for cutting tiles, porcelain stoneware and tiles. The cuts are straight and straight, and the cut edges are smooth and slightly rounded. To make curly cutouts, two tools are enough: wire cutters and an electric tile cutter. Also, these two tools will help you cut tiles up to 5mm. The cutting element is a diamond disc. Another advantage is the cleanliness of the electrical device. The fact is, the design of the tile cutter, powered by electricity, is supplemented with a tray with water. It is there during activity that debris, dust, all dirt gets. It is advisable to change the water often enough, since debris falling into the sump can get on the rig, which will lead to its breakdown.

How to cut tiles without chips? Only with an electric tile cutter. They can cut any material, regardless of its structure and density. Cutting edges are always straight and smooth.

The most important element of the tile cutter is the machine, which consists of a special platform. A diamond disc is attached to the platform, as well as a sump with water, where the waste goes. During operation of the device, water from the sump falls on the cutting knife, thus wetting it. Thanks to this, work is progressing quickly and efficiently. Wetting also increases the lifespan of the entire device and the tiles retain their shape and aesthetics.

Tile cutting professionals provide advice on how to cut tiles. It is very important here to calculate the force of pressing the tool against the material. The force of the cutter’s pressure on the tile depends on the density of the tile and the type of material from which the blade base is made. In the first minutes, when he just touches the material being processed, the pressure is low, when the blade begins to move along the entire length of the tile, the pressure gradually increases. At the end of work, the pressure is again at minimum. To avoid vibration during work, which increases the load on the hands, the tiles must be very well fixed on the working surface.

To ensure that safety is at a high level during work, it is necessary to wear protective goggles to protect against splinters in the eyes, as well as ear muffs to protect against strong noise.

If it becomes necessary to clean the blade from clogging, it is necessary to saw the worn out brick mold or make several cuts in the stone for the purpose of grinding. There is also another way: setting the blade in reverse direction. To the question of how to cut porcelain stoneware, the answer is simple: the same as ceramic tiles. Electric tool performs different cutting methods, can be applied to different materials.

Tiles and methods of cutting them, types of tile cutters

The tile cutter is the first assistant in cutting tiles, giving them the desired shape and size. During repairs, laying the floor, ceiling, the master always keeps this tool close at hand.

The tile contains clay, which is pre-fired and covered with a layer of glaze. The production of tiles is very simple. The desired shape is formed from clay, then slightly dried to fix the volume. The next stage is glaze application and kiln firing. Firing in the oven is carried out with the aim of giving the product strength, making the tiles durable, beautiful and aesthetic. Despite its fragility, the surface does not lend itself to deformation, does not bend.

Many are interested in the question of how to cut a tile.

There are several ways:

Stationary electric tile cutter;
Manual tile cutter;
Roller tool;
Tongs-shaped tile cutter.

How to work with a tile cutter depends on which type it is (manual or electric).

Stationary type manual tile cutter how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles

This kind of tile cutting tool is designed for both industrial and domestic use.

Compared to an electric one, the manual tile cutter has a slightly different design:

Bed;
Carriage;
Cutting element (wheel);
A pen.

Inexperienced craftsmen who first encounter a tile cutter ask themselves: is it possible and how to cut porcelain stoneware tiles. The main advantage of a manual stationary tile cutter is the ability to process tiles that are denser and coarser in structure.

Before working with a manual stationary tile cutter, you must mark with a pencil the place where the cut will be made. The tile is installed over the bed. The material for processing should be placed so that the line of the marking coincides with the cutting element, the wheel. The incision must be made by lightly pressing on the tile with the tool. Here it is very important to control the pressure: you need to make an incision, the depth of which will allow you to break the tile along this cut, without breaking the tile. Cutting the tile at the edges requires one movement, repeated cutting may make the tile uneven.

To determine how to cut porcelain stoneware without chips and get an even edge, it is necessary, after the cut, to move the handle of the tile cutter to the other side. We install it on the cut line, and then with a sharp, single movement, you need to break the tile. High-quality cutting is considered if the width of the cut parts is 100 mm.

In the process of working with a manual type, it is necessary to monitor the cutting element. In order for the roller to rotate with ease and be even, it must be well fixed in the carriage, this will ensure smooth, jerky-free movements, therefore the carriage is equipped with a bearing. To make the tile break easily, it is moistened with water. If more information is needed, see about it. There are a lot of them on the net.

Instruments

High-quality ceramic tile surface cladding often involves the use of a tile cutter that will help you adjust the tile to the desired size. The tile cutter is the easiest and highest quality way of cutting tiles: the operations are silent and exclude the appearance of dust, and most importantly, they do not require professional training, therefore they can be performed even by an inexperienced user at home.

How to cut with a roller tile cutter

A roller tile cutter is the most primitive and not very convenient way to cut tiles and not very hard and dense ceramics.

The cutting process itself involves marking the surfaces of the tiles with a soft pencil of the mowing line. Then place the tiles on a board or flat plywood and make one cut. To do this, press down evenly on the tile cutter, making a deep groove from one edge of the tile to the other.

To neatly divide the tile into two, just place it on nails and apply a little pressure.

It should be noted that the glass cutter, the instruction of which describes all the features of the process of cutting ceramic tiles, is suitable exclusively for cutting piece material.

How to use a tile cutter. Tongs

Cutting with a hand-held tile cutter requires a little work and easy cuts. This inexpensive, small-sized device will allow you to perform a given amount of work without much effort at home.

Cutting begins with a traditional marking, which is followed by a cutting wheel mounted on a pliers. The tile cutter is equipped with a slightly wider circle than a conventional glass cutter, allowing a deeper cut in the ceramic tile. For breaking, forceps should be brought to the edge of the tile. Place a wide plate of tongs forming a small angle on the face of the tile, and place the central part along the mowing line of the bend above the made furrow. By carefully squeezing the ceramic product with forceps, excess parts are broken off.

Such devices are certainly better than a glass cutter, but it is extremely difficult to cut thin strips with their help.

Tile cutting with electric tile cutter

There is no doubt that electric tile cutter with a diamond disc is the highest quality and most efficient way to cut tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware of any hardness, shape and even thickness, and its use guarantees a perfectly straight and clean cut with slightly rounded and smooth edges, unlike sharp ones, which are formed as a result of using a simple tile cutter. Armed with an electric tile cutter, additionally equipped with nippers, you will be able to make curved cutouts of impeccable quality and tiles less than 5 mm.

Another indisputable advantage of this type of equipment is the cleanliness of the working process by equipping the tool with a pallet with water, where dust and the smallest particles of tiles enter at the time of operation.

Regardless of the design features of an electric tile cutter, the cutting technology is the same: traditionally, the machine consists of a platform, a diamond-coated disc attached to it and a tray with water, which is supplied to the knife during operation, thereby abundantly wetting it. Due to this, the amount of dust emitted is noticeably reduced, the service life of the diamond disk increases, and the tile itself does not crack.

The speed of cutting tiles is comparable to the speed of cutting a log with a conventional saw, but in this case you have to move the tile under the disc, and not the knife under the tile.

The force of pressing on the tile is determined by the density of the tile and the material from which the knife blade is made. It should be remembered that at the moment when the knife blade barely touches the tile being processed, the pressure should be minimal, as the blade moves through the tile, it increases and decreases again towards the end of the operation. During cutting, the tiles should be well fixed on the table, this will help to avoid vibration and reliably protect the blade from jamming in the center of the tile.

It should be noted that experts advise changing the water in the pan as often as possible, because together with the slab chips that have got into it, it is fed to the knife, and this can lead to serious damage to the blade.

A safe option would be to press the tiles with your hands from both sides at the same time, because if the tile tilts to one side, the cut edges will turn out to be uneven and with fragments, or the disc will completely tighten the tile, throwing it to the side.

Since working with an electric tile cutter is dangerous, it is recommended to wear protective goggles and earphones against strong noise.

The saw blade can withstand a thousand cuts in wet cutting conditions. Blades occasionally clogged with ceramic debris require cleaning. To do this, it is enough to cut a worn-out sand mold for bricks or make cuts in a grinding stone for ceramic tiles. You can choose another method. Remove the blade, unfold it and rotate it in the opposite direction. And only if the wear of the blade is great, you can replace it.

The question of the advisability of buying a professional electric tile cutter, practice and experience for working on it are extremely important, each user decides individually. At the same time, I would like to note that it is very effective for large volumes of work, and its only drawback is the high price.

Tile cutting as part of tiling

Laying ceramic tiles on the surface of the floor or wall only in rare cases does without cutting it, much more often the master keeps a tile cutter at the ready, which he can use at any time during the facing work.

So, our article is especially for those who are currently engaged in or are just planning to cover surfaces with ceramic tiles, but have not yet decided on the choice of the most suitable tile cutter model and does not know the technology of correct cutting.

It is known that glazed ceramic tiles are made of fired clay, covered with a layer of glaze on top. The technology for the production of ceramic tiles is very simple: the clay is given a certain shape and dried to fix the volume. After applying the glaze, the product is fired in the oven, due to which it acquires special strength, durability and a beautiful aesthetic appearance. In finished form, as you yourself know, the tile is not subject to deformation and bending, although it is very fragile and pricks easily.

All these properties and characteristics of the tile become the head of the choice of a certain method of cutting it. Let us dwell in more detail on the basic methods of cutting ceramic tiles and tell you how to use a tile cutter at home to do small amounts of work.

How to cut tiles with a manual stationary tile cutter

Manual stationary tile cutter is the most common tool for high-quality cutting of tiles and porcelain stoneware among professionals and those who decided to carry out repairs with their own hands.

The complete set of the manual tile cutter, the photo of which is presented below, includes a bed, a carriage with a cutting wheel and, of course, a handle.

Many people ask the question: “How to use a manual tile cutter?”

So, the technology of working with such a tool is impossibly simple: initially, a marking of the future cut is made on the surface of the tile with a pencil. Then the tile is placed on the surface of the bed in such a way that the markings coincide with the direction of movement of the cutting wheel, and an incision is made under slight pressure. At this moment, it is important to feel the force of pressure so as not to crush the tile and at the same time make an incision groove of such a depth that would be sufficient for a subsequent fracture along this notch.

Remember, the cutting motion should only be done once, otherwise the cutting edge may be uneven.

Next, the handle of the tile cutter must be turned into an active (for breaking) state and with a quick, confident movement, break the tile along a fresh cut. An experienced craftsman will do this with one clap of the palm, correctly calculating the effort. It should be noted that the parts to be cut must be at least 10 mm in width, otherwise high-quality cutting will not work.

When working with a manual stationary tile cutter, it is important to pay attention to the fixation and condition of the cutting wheel: it must rotate easily and be level. The movement of the carriage with a cut-off roller should be smooth, excluding jerks, for this purpose it is equipped with a bearing. The base of the device must be clean and level, and the handle must be free of mechanical damage.

To facilitate the fracture of the tile, experts soak it in water before cutting, and a drop of machine oil, which is applied to the fishing line of the intended cut, will greatly simplify the cutting.

How to use the tile cutter will clearly show a from youtube.

Using a hand-held stationary tile cutter for cutting hard and thick ceramics is effective for medium-sized jobs. In general, working on an instrument of this type with the existing skills is not difficult.

HOW TO USE THE TILE CUTTER CORRECTLY?

Modern ceramic tiles are a very beautiful finishing material. It has a lot of advantages, one of which is its strength and durability. When laying, it is often necessary to cut the tiles, adjusting their dimensions in place. Cutting ceramic tiles is not easy. Not only is it strong, but it is also a very fragile material. It will take a lot of time when trying to cut with an ordinary hacksaw, and it is unlikely that it will do without chips that will ruin the entire look of the tile.

In order to cut the tiles accurately and quickly, you need to use a tile cutter. This device will allow you to cut ceramic tiles without unpleasant sounds, and during the process there will be no dust. No special knowledge or experience with this device is required to operate it. Even a beginner can do the job using a tile cutter. And, of course, a professional cladder cannot do without a tile cutter.

Features of working with a manual tile cutter

For both professionals and those who are just getting their first experience with a tile cutter, a stationary manual tile cutter is suitable. It consists of a bed, a cutting wheel with a carriage and a handle. There is nothing particularly difficult about how to use a manual tile cutter. The cut line is marked on the tile with a pencil.

Then the tiles are laid on the bed so that the line matches the direction of movement of the cutting tool. The tile is cut with light pressure. Do not press hard, as it may crack. The cut must be made in one pass of the tool. Then the handle must be moved to a position where the tile can be broken.

This is done in one swift motion.

For a manual tile cutter to work well, the following conditions must be met:

Its cutting roller must not have any surface defects;
Its rotation should be light;
The carriage should move without jolts or hesitation;
The working surfaces of the bed must be kept clean and the handle must be free of any damage.

The amount of work that such a tile cutter can handle is average. It can be used to cut thick and durable tiles. To make it break easier, it must be soaked well in water.

Safety at work

Before using the tile cutter, you need to study the safety rules, because working with an electric tile cutter is quite dangerous. The danger comes from both rapidly rotating cutting tools and tile chips that can fly out from under the tool at high speed.

In order to protect yourself from injury, it is imperative that you wear safety glasses. One blade can maintain its quality after 1000 wet cuts. In this case, it must be cleaned as often as possible from the remnants of tiles. This is done by cutting a sand mold to make bricks or a grinding stone to work on ceramic tiles. You can reinstall the cutting blade so that it rotates in the opposite direction to the cut, and thus rotate it for a while.

Electrified instrument

The strength of the tile is given not only by the fired clay, but also by the layer of glaze with which it is covered. The tiles are fired with a layer of glaze already applied. It protects it from mechanical damage and makes it waterproof. Glazed tiles have a glossy surface and will last a very long time.

The electrified tile cutter will cut very efficiently and effectively. This process will be especially productive if a diamond disc is installed on the device as a cutting tool. For a device with such equipment, it will not be a problem to cut stone or porcelain stoneware of any thickness. over, there will be no dust during such work, since it will settle in a sump with water, which is part of the tile cutter design. Small particles of the tile will also get there. If the device is equipped with nippers, then with its help it will be possible to separate pieces that have a size less than 5 mm, you can also cut out figures, doing this work very efficiently.

In any tile cutter design, water is needed not only to deposit dust, but also to improve the surface quality after cutting with a diamond blade, as well as to increase the life of the diamond blade itself. For this purpose, a large amount of water flows from the pan to the instrument. It also contributes to the fact that cutting occurs without chips and damage to the glaze layer.

The cutting speed with a diamond blade is close to that at which logs are cut with a circular saw. The difference is that the circular saw blade is under the log and the tile cutter’s diamond blade is above the tile. The tile advances under the disc.

It is necessary to measure the pressure force with the density of the tile material and the cutting tool itself. Cutting must be started with minimal pressure, then the pressure can be increased, and before the end of cutting the pressure must again be reduced.

The tile itself must be securely fixed. When working in it, vibration should not occur. It is necessary to change the water in the sump more often, since the accumulated fragments of ceramic together with water can fall into the cutting zone.

Roller tile cutter

There is another type of these devices. A roller tile cutter. This device has a very simple design. The tiles to be cut with a marked cutting line are laid on a flat board or plywood. The roller cutter makes the cut in one pass. To completely separate the pieces of the tile from each other, you need to put it on nails and press on the surface. This tile cutter is used for one-time work.

If you want to do work at home, a small, lightweight tile cutter will do. Marking is made on the surface of the tile. To know how to use a tile cutter of this shape, you need to remember a few tricks. The marking should be carried out with the cutting wheel of this device. In order to break off the unnecessary part of the tile, a wide plate of tongs is wound under the front side, and their central part is located above the incision made. Using the device, the tile must be carefully squeezed until it breaks.

For making oblique and curly edges, you need to use either tongs or an electric tile cutter. If uneven edges remain, then they are leveled using pliers and a file.

Safety at work

Scheme of using a manual tile cutter.

In order to protect yourself from injury, it is imperative that you wear safety glasses. One blade can maintain its quality after 1000 wet cuts. In this case, it must be cleaned as often as possible from the remnants of the tile. This is done by cutting a sand mold to make bricks or a grinding stone to work on ceramic tiles. You can reinstall the cutting blade so that it rotates in the opposite direction to the cut, and thus rotate it for a while.

Electrified instrument

Electric tile cutter cutting scheme.

Features of working with a manual tile cutter

This is done in one swift motion.

For a manual tile cutter to work well, the following conditions must be met:

Its cutting roller must not have any surface defects;
Its rotation should be light;
The carriage should move without jolts or hesitation;
The working surfaces of the bed must be kept clean and the handle must be free of any damage.

The amount of work that such a tile cutter can handle is average. It can be used to cut thick and durable tiles. To make it break easier, it must be soaked well in water.

How to use the tile cutter correctly?

Diagram of an electric tile cutter with a longitudinal stop.

Read about the circular saw guide here.

Roller tile cutter

For making oblique and curly edges, you need to use either tongs or an electric tile cutter. If uneven edges remain, then they are leveled using pliers and a file.

Sources:

http://storgom.Ua/novosti/kak-polzovatsya-plitkorezom.html
http://strport.ru/instrumenty/kak-polzovatsya-plitkorezom
http://moiinstrumenty.com/2018/10/13/kak-pravilno-polzovatsya-plitkorezom/
http://moiinstrumenty.ru/rezhushhie/kak-polzovatsya-plitkorezom.html

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