How to work with a manual tile cutter on a tile

Criterias of choice

The choice of quality tools is the key to the correct and quick completion of finishing work. There are a few main points to focus on when buying.

work, manual, tile, cutter

Size and weight

The simplest hand models in the form of small tweezers and cutters can weigh only 200-300 g and have a length not exceeding 600 mm. Standard rail cutters already weigh up to 1.5-2 kg, and their length is on average about 800 mm.

Professional equipment, powered by mains power, weighs 20 kg and can cut long tiles up to 1200 mm.

In general, the length of any tool is several cm longer than the maximum possible cut.

When comparing hand-held tile cutting tools to large professional machines, there are a number of advantages.

Unfortunately, like any tool, a manual tile cutter has a number of disadvantages.

How To Cut Porcelain Tile-using a tile cutter

  • The presence of skill. The first time you have to spoil a couple of tiles before learning how to work with the tool. And even with work experience, the percentage of defects from such a device is still high.
  • Work only with thin material. To trim natural stone and thick porcelain stoneware, you will need expensive professional equipment.
  • Time wasted. Installation and cutting of each tile will take at least a couple of minutes, which is insignificant for small volumes of work and can be an unpleasant surprise with frequent use.

Material

The frame, platform and guides of the cutter are made of durable metal such as cast steel. To protect the tool from corrosion, a chrome plating is often done. At the bottom, a rubber gasket or small legs are attached so that the metal does not scratch the already laid tile or parquet. Rollers and carriage are made of even stronger metal with the addition of tungsten or cobalt. And on the cutting discs and drills, real diamond chips are applied with silver solder.

RUBI STAR-60-N

The Spanish brand, which has also moved production to Chinese factories, offers a model of a tile cutter with a reinforced frame and victorious cutters. Allows for cutting lengths up to 610 mm, which implies diagonal cutting of large tiles. The only drawback is the not too budgetary price of about 10,000 rubles.

Mechanical

Such tile cutters have a rigid carriage, which allows you to make the cut more accurate and even due to the stop.

All about manual tile cutters

Renovation of almost any room, whether it is an ordinary studio on the outskirts of the city or a large industrial facility, is not complete without laying tiles. And tiling work always requires cutting this difficult material, creating cutouts or trimming corners. At the same time, it is simply not possible to cut such a hard material as tiles and porcelain stoneware, which has a sufficiently high fragility, comparable to the fragility of glass, with an ordinary construction knife or scissors. You will need a special tool called a manual tile cutter.

On bearings

The cutting element of such a device has bushings with bearings, which makes it possible to make its stroke smooth and verified, which means that the cut will be clearer and more accurate. Often, simpler tools are purchased for home use. For example, a small pencil-shaped tile cutter in the form of a regular chisel with a spatula at the other end, which is suitable for working with tiles up to 10 mm thick. Or tile cutter-pliers. small nippers designed to create custom cutouts at the ends. It is very convenient to use such pliers to make small cutouts for pipes located next to the wall.

Another convenient device for cutting holes in tiles, not only at the ends, but also in the middle, is a special carriage with a “ballerina”. This is a screw nozzle with cutters that allows you to cut holes of any diameter in tiles up to 16 mm thick. Rotating around its axis, such a nozzle resembles the movements of ballerinas’ dances, for which it got its name.

All of the above cutters with cutters work with manual power, but among the hand tools there are also those that are powered from the mains.

They resemble small circular saws and are used when the tile thickness exceeds 16-20 mm. As a cutting element, special discs with a diameter of 180 to 300 mm are used, and powerful professional models of tile cutters allow using discs with a diameter of up to 700 mm.

STANLEY STSP125-B9

The American manufacturer offers a lightweight model of a manual electronic tile cutter, similar to a small angle grinder. The increased cutting depth (up to 41 mm) allows processing not only standard facing materials, but also heavy granite and marble slabs. Can be used for dry and wet (water jet) cutting. The price is only about 3000-4000 rubles.

How to use a manual tile cutter

How to work correctly during construction and finishing work with ceramic tiles?

  • Be neat;
  • Think carefully about every step;
  • Use special cutting attachments.

You need to cut the tiles with a special tile cutter, a feature of which is the presence of a sharp cutter. As a rule, it is installed diamond, as it is a more durable and wear-resistant material. In order to carry out the cut, it is necessary to lay the blade on the base of the device, so that when cutting the blade, the blade does not sway, and the cut is not made according to a previously drawn mowing line.

Due to the fact that working with the tool is not too difficult, it is often used in construction and finishing works.

over, the device is perfect for home use. It is worth noting that handheld equipment has a number of advantages over an electric tool. It is small and much easier to handle. In addition, it is considered the safest.

Safety rules when working with the tool

Each tool has its own safety, which must be observed in order to exclude unpleasant consequences, such as deformation of the phalanges of the fingers and the like.

  • Before direct work, it is imperative to conduct a thorough inspection of the tool for malfunctions, since this is what can cause a breakdown and an accident.
  • Before cutting the tiles, you need to make a couple of idle movements to make sure they are smooth and free of jolts.
  • You need to pay attention to the tubular guides, which should be as clean as possible. It is especially important that they are free of dirt. If there is contamination, then it is necessary to eliminate them, as well as traces of the solution with which the treatment is carried out. To make the operation of the device as efficient as possible, it is worth doing the processing of parts with machine oil.
  • It is necessary to inspect the cutting disc itself, since it should be in perfect condition, not bent, but rotation without fluctuations and along one axis. There should be no difficulties and obstacles in rotation, as well as additional whistle.
  • To avoid injury, you should wear special glasses and gloves.
  • Experts recommend checking the water supply to the disc before work, which will ensure quick work.

Cutting starts only after the blade reaches maximum speed.

Rules: how to work with a tile cutter and why you need one

Some people think that using a roller tile cutter is possible without preliminary preparation and even trivial reading of the instructions.

What are the consequences:

  • Illiterately cut part of the tile.
  • Security breach.
  • Damage to health, in particular to the upper limbs.

If we consider in more detail the moment for which a tile cutter is needed, then at first glance it is the simplest device, which is not difficult to use and does not require professional special education. Hand tools are considered more convenient for use at home, since electrical ones are too difficult to work with.

It is especially problematic to work with electrical equipment, since it can fail at the most unnecessary moment or even cause problems with the system with the electrical network.

Electric and manual tile cutters have the same names, but different purpose and method of operation. The only exception is the final result. An electric tool has a sharper incisor and cannot simply make a groove, as it cuts quickly and sharply. Electric tile cutters are either mains or battery powered, and some may resemble circular saws in appearance. In addition, when working with a power tool, there is the possibility of significant injury, since the diamond blade has too high a rotation speed.

Recommendations: how to properly cut tiles with a tile cutter

The instructions for the tile cutter do not contain special instructions on which professional training should be, and the work is carried out quickly and easily. However, it is worth following the recommendations from the manufacturer so that even such a simple moment as a tile cut is as correct as possible and without oversights.

  • The tool must be placed on a flat, stable surface. She must be solid.
  • It is imperative to check how sharp the cutter is, as well as the fastening strength of each element.
  • When cutting tiles, the order of work must be followed. Namely, on the front side of the tile, a fishing line is initially drawn along which the cut will be made. It is enough to use a pencil or marker and a ruler.
  • The tile is installed on the base of the tile cutter.
  • The tool must be set perpendicular to the working surface. To do this, you need to place a strong emphasis on the far corner of the device, and then correct the position of the canvas, be sure to take into account the mark made earlier.
  • It is important to remember that the reference point is taken on the central line located on the working surface of the unit.
  • Next, using the handle, the cutter is brought to the tile.
  • It should be installed on the edge of the product, the one that is closer to the master.
  • Then the handle is pressed firmly so that the cutter touches the tile surface. Thus, it will be sandwiched between the metal part and the rollers in the equipment.
  • To make a cut, it is enough to make a sharp and clear movement. Through it, a small groove is made from oneself to the opposite edge of the canvas.
  • After that, in order to break off the cut part of the tile, you need to press its handle and the blade will be broken along the previously drawn mowing line.

Thus, you can cut a tile and get two even parts of the product. the cutting line will be clear and without chipping, which will allow you to carry out repair work efficiently and without defects.

How to use a manual tile cutter

A manual tile cutter is used much more often than an electric one, and we are talking not only about domestic conditions, but also about industrial ones. At first, the process of cutting tiles may seem complicated and almost impossible, but in reality it is only required to research the instructions and safety recommendations. There are many nuances in functioning, but all of them are not difficult to remember and one should not forget about them when working. Safety rules are considered to be especially important, and even more than the observance of the stage-by-stage work.

How to properly cut tiles with a tile cutter

Experienced craftsmen, before cutting the tiles with a manual tile cutter, recommend holding the tiles in warm water for a while. It will become slightly softer, which will reduce the likelihood of cracks and chips. To reduce friction and improve cut quality, it is advised to drip machine oil directly onto the line of the line or onto the cutter wheel.

How to properly cut tiles with different tile cutters?

Every craftsman should know how to cut a tile with a tile cutter so as not to spoil a rather expensive material. Any facing work with ceramic tiles is not complete without cutting, when you need to get fragments of the required size and shape. For a good appearance, it is necessary that the cut is even and neat, and after grouting, a sharp uneven edge does not stick out.

How to use a manual tile cutter correctly

To use the manual tile cutter correctly, you should be guided by the following technology:

  • On the face of the tile, use a marker or felt-tip pen to apply a line of marking.
  • Fix the material with special clamps, while the line should be located exactly under the cutting wheel.
  • Place the cutting element at the beginning of the markup and press it lightly.
  • Grasp the handle and gently move the carriage away from you along the cutting line. The pressure must be strong enough to cut the glaze. With great force, it is possible to break the tiles or damage the glazed layer at the cut. Insufficient pressure will not allow breaking the hard surface and then breaking the tile.
  • Move the handle to the middle, lower the lever (if included), then press it or hit it sharply. In the absence of a lever, the tile is placed on the edge of the table along the mowing line of the cut and broken by pressing on the part protruding from the edge.

If everything was done correctly, the tile should break neatly exactly along the mowing line of the cut. Some models are equipped with a built-in ruler and a rotary base for cutting tiles at an angle of 45 degrees. Read more at

Advantages and disadvantages of manual tile cutters

Like any other tool, a manual tile cutter has positive and negative qualities that you should definitely consider when choosing a tile cutting attachment.

Among the advantages are the following characteristics:

  • independence from electrical networks;
  • the ability to use at any temperature and humidity;
  • compactness;
  • light weight;
  • low cost.
  • does not cope with a large amount of work;
  • does not allow cutting a strip of tile less than 1 cm;
  • cuts particularly hard material with difficulty.

Safety engineering

You need to know how to safely carry out work on cutting tiles with your own hands, how to avoid possible injuries. There are a number of requirements that must be met:

  • Inspect the tile cutter for operability and damage.
  • Check carriage travel. It should move smoothly, without jerking.
  • The guides must be even and smooth, without damage.
  • The cutting blade must have a level surface, free from burrs and dents. It should rotate freely on the axis without creaking or getting stuck.

For safety reasons, use protective plastic goggles and fabric gloves.

Classification of manual tile cutters

For cutting tiles in small quantities, you can use a hand tool. It is much more convenient to cut tiles in large volumes using electric devices.

Based on the design features, the following types of manual tile cutters are distinguished:

  • Roller. The simplest device in which a carbide roller is used as a cutting element.
  • Mechanical. The tool is equipped with a rigid carriage, thanks to which you can cut with great precision.
  • On bearings. The softness of the cut when cutting is determined by the presence of bearings on which the bushings are installed.

Cutting of tiles can be done both with a hand tool and with an electric tile cutter, an angle grinder, wire cutters, and a glass cutter. You can even do this with a jigsaw, but it is better to use specially designed devices for this, since they allow you to achieve the desired cut quality.

Manual tile cutter device

The device of manual tile cutters is the same, there are only a few differences regarding functionality. The following working parts are distinguished:

  • base, which serves as a platform for the location of all working elements;
  • tubular guides along which the carriage with a cutting wheel moves;
  • carriage. in addition to the cutting roller, it is equipped with a special concave foot for breaking off the cut part of the tile;
  • cutting element. a carbide roller rotating on an axis;
  • handle with which the carriage moves.

How to work with a roller tile cutter

The roll cutter is the simplest tile cutter, but its options are limited. They can cut soft material, but they cannot cut hard and dense tiles. This tool can only cut a few pieces, since its performance is low.

Along the marked mowing line, the cutting roller makes a groove from edge to edge of the tile. If the cut is deep enough, then the element is easily broken along the mowing line of the cut. To do this, you can put the tiles on the edge of the table or on a large nail and press.

How to use a manual and electric tile cutter

During the renovation, it may be necessary to cut the tiles. but not everyone knows how to use a tile cutter. Without this knowledge, you are unlikely to be able to perform neat tiling according to all the rules. Of course, you can try to do everything intuitively or use another, more familiar tool, but it’s better to spend a few minutes and get acquainted with the basics of using this simple but very effective tool. So let’s figure out how to cut a tile with a tile cutter.

The tile cutter is an indispensable tool for the tiler

Devices and principle of operation of hand tools

The most important feature of this tool is that it has an incredibly sharp incisor. As a rule, a diamond cutter is used, which has the same principle of operation as a simple cutter. For correct and full-fledged work, it is necessary to install the processed tile directly on the base of the device. To ensure that the tile does not wobble and can be easily and evenly cut, there is a clamping part at the bottom of the manual tile cutter, which allows you to firmly fix the tile.

On this clamping part of the tool, a cutter and several rollers are located, which allow the tile cutter to move along the surface of the material. There is also a small handle on the carriage. It is she who is responsible for the different force of the onslaught on the tile and directly on the displacement of the cutter during operation.

How to use and cut a manual video tile cutter

Due to the fact that during the use of the tool there are no difficulties, it is very often used both in construction and in repair work that is carried out at home. A hand tool has an advantage when compared to an electric tool, because it is small in size, in a short time the tool allows you to make an exceptionally straight cut on the tile.

How to Use a Manual Tile Cutter Beginners Guide

If you consider that you need to cut very strong materials or too much tile, then in such a situation, a hand tool may not be enough. Of course, a huge role in this situation is played by human skills and directly by the manufacturer of this or that tool.

Types of tile cutters

The use of a special tool for cutting tiles is the simplest and most effective way of high-quality and fast preparation of tile material. Working with a tile cutter does not require professional training, is practically noiseless and eliminates excessive dusting of the room, with its help even an inexperienced worker can cut tiles in high quality at home.

Facing the floor and walls with ceramics very rarely does without trimming it. The master tiler always keeps a tile cutter close at hand and can use it at any time. The building materials market today offers a wide selection of various tools, among which it is necessary to choose the most convenient and high-quality ones, capable of fully fulfilling their functional purpose.

With the tool, tile material can be cut in several ways: curved, straight and figured. Depending on the type of mechanism underlying the functioning of the tile cutters, they are divided into two types:

  • manual, among which there are stationary, roller and gable-shaped;
  • electrical or mechanized.

Important! Before purchasing a tool for cutting tiles, you must first study the instructions for its operation and learn how to use the tile cutter in order to prevent excessive waste of building material.

Using an electric tile cutter

Using a hand tool

The manual tile cutter does not require any special preparation. It is enough to place it on a firm, level surface. Check the sharpness of the cutter and the fastening of the main elements of the tool.

  • Using a pencil or a marker and a ruler, draw the line for the intended cut on the tile on the front side.
  • Place the tile on the working surface of the tool.
  • Place it strictly perpendicular. To do this, you need to rest against the far side and correct the position of the material, according to the marks on its surface. When doing this, be guided by the central line at the base of the tile cutter.
  • Move the cutter with the handle and place it at the very edge, on the side that is closer to you.
  • Press the handle so that the cutter touches the tile, and it itself is pressed by the metal part with rollers.
  • In one clear motion, slide the furrow away from you to rest against the outer edge.
  • Press down on the handle to break the tile in half along the notch mowing line.

As a result, you will receive two pieces of tiles with an even and neat scrap.

Advantages and disadvantages of manual tile cutters

When comparing electric and hand tools, the latter have the following disadvantages:

  • it is impossible to quickly process a large amount of tile material;
  • the edge of the cut is sharp;
  • you cannot cut the tiles evenly if you need to reduce their size to 1 cm.

Among the advantages of hand tools are noiselessness, compactness, affordability, they are not hazardous to health and have a low cost. A manual tile cutter is an indispensable tool not only for the master tiler, but also for the novice builder who decides to make repairs in the house with his own hands. With its help, you can quickly and efficiently perform all the work, cutting off the tiles exactly to size. As a result, the surface will be flat, and the tiles will fit snugly together.

Manual tile cutter

Even a beginner in this business will figure out how to work with a manual tile cutter. This tool is an irreplaceable assistant in the process of tile laying. With its help, you can quickly and easily cut a fragment of the required size.

A design feature is the presence of a sharp cutter, most often a diamond one, which works on the same principle as a regular glass cutter. The tile is installed on the base of the tool. So that it does not stagger, it is fixed using the clamping part of the tile cutter. The cutter itself and the rollers are located on it, thanks to which it moves along the surface of the material without much effort. The handle on the carriage is responsible for the force of the onslaught and the displacement of the cutter.

Conventional manual tile cutter. very easy to use

Since it is very easy to use a manual tile cutter, this tool is used very often in construction and renovation. Its advantage over the electric model is its small size and complete safety of use, but with its help only a straight cut can be made. In addition, a manual tile cutter can be a little weak for cutting heavy-duty materials or large quantities of tiles at a time. But this largely depends on the manufacturer of the tool and the skill of the master.

Working with an electric tile cutter

Before starting work, it is necessary to correctly unfold the tool on the work table. Unscrew the bolts holding the weather shield and fit the diamond cutting blade. Replace the visor. Check that all parts are securely fastened. Place the tile cutter’s work surface in a horizontal position. Fill the reservoir with water to dip the disc a few centimeters.

  • Mark the line for cutting on the tile.
  • Place it on the work surface of the electric cutter. If the kit includes attachments, install it on the side of the side to support the tile on it and prevent it from moving.
  • Cutting is carried out slightly away from the mowing line of the marking, as the disc removes several millimeters of material.
  • Move the tile slowly towards the disc.
  • When you get to the edge, slow down a little to avoid a rough chip.
  • Wipe the finished part from dust.

The skills of how to use the tile cutter will come in handy over and over again. Choose one of the tool options and practice in advance on unnecessary tile trims.

Cutting tiles with a tile cutter: a general beginning

After preparing the tile cutter for use, you can start cutting the tiles. To do this, you need an accurate marking of the surface. So, for this you can use a regular construction pencil or, for example, a marker. We apply with its help the marking line. Before cutting the floor tile with a tile cutter or wall tile, it must be firmly fixed in relation to the cutting roller. For this, in some designs of tile cutters, special clamps are used, which allow the tile to be completely stationary. If there is no such grip, then the tile must be held with one hand, and the handle with the cutter roller carriage with the other.

Immediately before making a cut, it is necessary to apply a drop of machine oil to the surface of the cutting roller, which will significantly reduce the friction of the surfaces of the roller and the tile, which, in turn, will increase the quality of the cut obtained.

Preparatory work

A manual tile cutter is an elementary, but at the same time, cutting tool that requires certain preparation and sequence of actions to obtain an accurate result. Let’s talk about them in more detail.

Before cutting the tiles with a manual tile cutter, it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparations:

  • Inspect the structure of the tile cutter for visible damage and irregularities in the guides.
  • Check the smooth movement of the carriage with the cutting roller along the tubular guides. It is important that they are free of any contamination that could become a hindrance. If you just cleaned them, you can apply a small amount of machine oil to the surface to lubricate.
  • Check the condition of the cutter wheel. It should rotate freely without unnecessary sounds like creaking or jamming. If the surface of the cutter wheel is damaged (for example, burrs or dents), then it should be replaced. Otherwise, irregularities or cracks will appear on the cut.

Before cutting the tile with a tile cutter, you should also take care of your own safety. To prevent scratches, cuts and other troubles, it is worth using construction gloves. In the process of cutting the tiles, do not under any circumstances allow fingers to get under the cutting roller. Also, the field of obtaining an incision, the tile must be broken along it, while small particles are formed that can get into the eyes. wear safety glasses.

What is a manual tile cutter?

Tile cutter is the combined name of a group of tools designed to produce straight or curly cuts on ceramic or tile. As for the design, the manual tile cutter consists of the following elements:

  • The base, which is the supporting part for all other elements;
  • Tubular guides designed for precise movement of the cutting element;
  • Cutting element, which is an axle-mounted metal roller with a pointed edge;
  • A handle designed to move the carriage with a roller along the intended cut.

Many years of experience in construction work shows that using a manual tabletop tile cutter in a domestic environment is the best option both in terms of productivity and accuracy, as well as simplicity. Benefits of using a manual tile cutter:

  • Ease of operation due to the elementary design of the device;
  • The handle in the design plays the role of a lever that significantly reduces the effort with which it is necessary to cut the tiles;
  • Quite accurate (in comparison with the more elementary method. glass cutter) cut.

However, the use of this version of the tile cutter imposes some restrictions on the processing of tiles. So, for example, you cannot get a cut at a distance of less than 5 millimeters from the edge of the tile. If you try to do this, then there is a high probability of breaking the edge. Also, in addition, you can read the article on how to use the tile cutter.

How to cut tiles with a manual tile cutter. Instructions for using the tile cutter

A popular and practical finishing material for bathrooms, toilets and kitchens is ceramic tiles, which always require precise marking and cutting to the required dimensions. If we talk about the industrial scale of construction, then most often professionals use a mechanized (electric) tile cutter, but the manual option is quite suitable for home conditions.

How to cut ceramic tiles with a tile cutter?

After the tile is accurately aligned with the mowing line of the marking, lift the handle of the tile cutter so that the roller surface touches the face of the tile. Now you can move the handle towards you in a smooth motion. In this case, it is very important to control the pressure on the tile surface. With insufficient pressure, the notch will be small to successfully break the tile depth.

If you press the handle too hard, ugly cracks may appear on the decorative layer of the tile. If you are cutting a tile for the first time, it is best to take a piece on which you can experiment, as it is likely that an even cut may not work.

Important: the cut must be made in one longitudinal movement of the carriage with the cutting roller, otherwise the repeated risks will not coincide with the first one, so the cut will turn out to be inaccurate or excessively rough.

How to cut tiles with a tile cutter?

The composition of the tile is practically the same as the ceramic one. Only the color of the base is different. it is lighter. However, this practically does not affect the tile cutting process, therefore it is produced similarly to ceramic tiles.

So, the incision is made. Now we put the tiles on a flat horizontal surface and raise one of the edges, which is as far as possible from the cut mowing line. Now, carefully, but at the same time, press the tile sharply enough in the area of ​​the notch marks so that the tile breaks exactly along it.

If the cut is not accurate enough, then its edges can be trimmed with a grinding stone or sandpaper. Gentle longitudinal movements can be used to achieve a smooth cut edge. It is necessary if the tile will be butt-joined with the other. If it is placed in a corner, it is not necessary to sand the edge.

The tile has been cut, now you can start laying it.

And it is also worth seeing more clearly how to cut tiles with a manual tile cutter.

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