Manual Tile Cutter Which Is Better To Choose

What is a tile cutter for?

This type of technique is mainly used by professionals who are engaged in finishing work, and more specifically tilers. This profession is somewhat different from many others, since it has a very narrow specialization and requires special precision in performing the work. They work with tiles of different types, ranging from simple paving slabs to tiles, and they always look closely at their work so that the quality of work is always at the highest level, and often they need to cut tiles in order to fit in. and for maximum accuracy in this difficult matter, a tile cutter is used.

The tile cutter has been designed to completely eliminate the need to use other tools that can be used to cut tiles or stone. For example, consider an angle grinder. If you install a diamond wheel on an angle grinder, then, undoubtedly, you can cut both stone and tiles, and any, but such a tool will have a lot of flaws in the work, which will adversely affect many factors at the very end. The main disadvantage when cutting an angle grinder is that it cannot be kept in work strictly at a right angle, which will cause the cut to be wavy, no matter how hard you try, and if you are a real jeweler, you can make a more or less even strip, but not perfect. Also, when working with an angle grinder, a lot of dust will be generated, so this is harmful to health, leads to excessive pollution of the room and can impair adhesion. If you want to work with manual tile cutters, then they have a limitation on the thickness of the tile, it is suitable only for tiles, and then it will take a lot of time to work with it. It is not designed for cutting narrow strips, strips less than 30 mm are likely to break even at the cutting stage. It is also worth noting that tiles with some types of surfaces are also difficult to cut manually. In order to get rid of all these shortcomings, it is recommended to use an electric tile cutter.

In principle, it is possible to clearly identify the main advantages of an electric tile cutter over other types of tools capable of performing similar work (angle grinder, manual tile cutters, glass cutters):

Extreme cutting precision

Amazing cleanliness of the cut (minimum chips)

The ability to quickly make a complex cut (at an angle, diagonally, cut into it, make grooves)

Minimum dust content and maximum cut quality thanks to water supply

The possible cutting depth is limited by the circle installed on it

But it is worth remembering that, like any other tool, this also has disadvantages, which are expressed in the inability to cut along a curved mowing line, as well as the relatively high cost of the tool itself, but if we consider them against the background of the advantages, they seem rather insignificant.

Diamond saw. manual tile cutter

This type has all the similarities with a conventional circular saw, but it has a more reliable body in terms of protection from dust and stone chips entering it, and a diamond wheel acts as a cutting part. Such a tile cutter is very convenient for small jobs where you need to quickly cut the tiles, and it can carry out both wet and dry cuts. It is possible to adjust the cutting depth, as well as the angle of inclination of the saw.

The model manual cutters are lightweight, easy to hold and give you great maneuverability. Most of them are equipped with saw blades of no more than 150 mm, which will allow you to cut a maximum depth of 30 mm, depending on the model, but this is sufficient for most types of work. In order for it to withstand heavy loads when cutting stone, their motors are often with an increased power reserve.

As for the work itself, in the case of a dry cut, it is recommended to attach a vacuum cleaner to it, to remove dust and prevent dust from the room or work area. For a wet cut, a special bottle of water is attached to the body, from where it flows by gravity directly to the cutting site, and this is certainly not the most ideal system.

Disc power / diameter

For such a technique, the main parameter is its power and disc diameter, and you should be very careful about these parameters. If you buy a machine model, it is worth taking one that has a sufficiently large power reserve, since in case of a lack of it, you can lose in the quality of work and productivity, so make sure that the power is not lower than 2000 watts. Such a high power will be needed for professional work, also try to take a model with a 255 mm disc; for simpler work, you can choose a simpler model, with a power of up to 1500 W and a smaller disc, it will be able to cut tiles, paving slabs, tiles, stone. A machine with a power of up to 1500 W is capable of working with a circle up to 250 mm.

Features of water supply

On the bottom motor model, the water is in a reservoir under the bed and the saw is always submerged in it. It is filled with either plain water or a special coolant or emulsion. The reservoir must be periodically removed to replace the contents, and this is not always convenient, it all depends on the model and location of the machine in the workshop.

For an overhead machine, everything is a little different, here the coolant is supplied by a pump and a special filter is installed in front of it to avoid clogging. It is worth noting that the models, in which the nozzle supplying the liquid can be adjusted, directed to the right place, they are very practical and convenient, so that such a machine will be useful for both professionals and beginners. The manufacturer often indicates the volume of fluid supply and it is better to take a model that has a higher one or the water tank will have a larger capacity.

Mechanical features of tile cutters

It is also worthwhile to understand both the mechanical and structural features of such a technique in order to have a better idea of ​​how to work with it and how to choose the right model.

The size of your tile cutter’s table directly determines how large your workpieces can be, so if you work with large tiles or other materials, then you should buy a model with a large table. There are models that can support the installation of table extenders, which allows you to increase the size of the workpiece to be processed. Basically, the manufacturer indicates the maximum length of a cut at an angle, and if the design of the model allows cutting at an angle, it also indicates a maximum length of a cut at an angle of 45 degrees. The table size on an overhead cantilever machine also determines the length of the cutting stroke.

Do not overlook the material of the table as well, because if the material is of poor quality, then you will not be able to work with massive workpieces, the table must have a high resistance to deformation and mechanical damage. It is advisable to choose a model with a table made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel. The console tile cutter will have a non-slip table.

How to choose an electric tile cutter. Professional recommendations

Today we will talk about this type of construction equipment as a tile cutter, consider what its purpose is, why it is more profitable and more practical than other tools that can perform similar functions, and many other questions regarding this technique will be touched upon by us today. The purpose of this article is to familiarize you with the presented tool in as much detail as possible and make your choice of model conscious, so that you can freely figure out on your own how a certain tile cutter suits you.

Electronic systems

The set of electronics for such equipment is rather meager. As mentioned earlier, the speed control is not set for the tile cutter, a system for maintaining speed under load is extremely rarely installed on them, and the designer also neglects a smooth start. If we talk about the electronics on an electric tile cutter, then they simply install an overload protection and, in rare cases, an indication of an overload of the motor, so that you can see that the machine is “choking” and slowed down the feed of the workpiece. Manual models may have protection against unintentional starting.

Biber os 800

Under-engine electric cutter, 800 W.

The working surface of 340×380 mm with variable angles of inclination allows for cutting at an angle. Water cooling and dust removal from the working area.

Approximate cost. 9,000 rubles.

Convenient benchtop tile cutter with good power and good cutting depth. Suitable for home and small construction sites.

Husqvarna ts 66 r

Professional electric cutter that can be used both on the construction site or in production, and for personal use.

Top-mounted 800 W motor, cutting length 660 mm, maximum cutting depth 40 mm and the ability to cut at an angle make it an indispensable assistant when working with ceramic tiles or stone.

The set includes a submersible pump for supplying water to the working area. For convenience, foldable stops are provided, allowing you to work without a table.

Approximate cost. 35,000 rubles.

A quality model from a famous Swedish brand. The submersible pump and stops make working with this equipment more convenient, and the location and power of the engine ensure high quality. Used both at home and on construction sites.

Varieties of manual tile cutters: professional and amateur

The division into such subspecies is not accidental. Amateur tile cutters are often inexpensive models that do not withstand prolonged intensive loads. There is no additional functionality in them, or it is of poor quality. Suitable for single repairs.

Professional options usually cost significantly more. But this price difference includes better components and assembly, as well as a more precisely calculated design. This increases tool life and cut quality.

Additional rulers, squares, stops and other attributes add convenience in handling.

Best Tile Cutters �� 2021 Review &Tips. Wet, Manual, Handheld

Best manual tile cutters

A selection of manual mechanical tile cutters, different both in price and in characteristics, preferred by professionals and amateurs doing DIY home repairs.

Best Manual Tile Cutter In 2021. Top 5 Manual Tile Cutters Review

Mtx 87622

Mechanical double rail tile cutter with corner stop. Cutting wheel with a diameter of 13.5 mm with a bore of 6 mm is designed for cutting tiles up to 14 mm thick. The maximum cutting length is 500mm.

Approximate cost. 1,300 rubles.

The best electric cutters

There are two ways to assess the quality of a tool. The first is direct use. I worked and made my own opinion. But this method is quite costly, both in terms of the time it takes to find a tile cutter, which will please work with, and in terms of finance, because most models are not cheap.

Rubi star 61

Mechanical double rail tile cutter with side supports. Designed for tiles. The presence of replaceable rollers from 6 to 10 mm, as well as a 6 mm winning roller, allows you to achieve a high-quality result. Maximum cutting length. 630 mm.

Approximate cost. 7,000 rubles.

Bars 87590

Hand tools are in great demand. Especially in demand by home craftsmen who independently carry out repairs. The cutting length in one pass is 600 mm. Handles tiles up to 14 mm thick. The tool weighs 10 kg. It stands securely on the table during operation. Easy to transfer to another location if needed.

You can safely cut expensive tiles and porcelain stoneware

Rating of the best inexpensive tile cutters

Budget hand tools are not of good workmanship. However, if you wish, you can find a suitable model for a small amount of work. It is important to check it for operability before buying, make sure that the bed does not vibrate.

Battipav Super Pro 900

The extended platform allows you to cut a length of 900 mm at a time. The bed has a diagonal stop. Tiles 630×630 mm can be cut diagonally.

Due to the powerful bed, the weight is increased to 22 kg

Smooth movement of the carriage

Manual models come with and without bearings. The first tool features a smooth carriage ride. The cut is smooth without gaps and double lines. Lack of bearings impairs smooth running. However, many owners buy such tile cutters because of the budget cost. You can check it only at work. To do this, cut a couple of tiles. The carriage should slide well along the guides, and the workpiece should break exactly along the mowing line of the cut.

NUOVA BATTIPAV SUPER PRO 600

Another representative of the Italian brand with 9 bearings in the bottom bracket. Due to the reduced platform length, the maximum cutting length is 600 mm. A roller with a diameter of 22 mm was used as a cutter. The tile cutter will cope with workpieces with a thickness of 5 to 19 mm.

The disadvantage of the model is the inconvenient handle on the lever

Additional elements

Manufacturers equip different models with rotary rulers, adjusting elements for adjusting the thickness of the material being cut. All these features improve the quality of the cut, but these cutters are expensive.

In the video, an example of a review of a manual tile cutter:

BISON EXPERT 33193-50 _Z01

Opens the TOP manual tile cutters model with ball bearings. The lever is equipped with a comfortable grip under the arm. The monorail runs smoothly. There is a tile ruler on the bed. In terms of productivity, it belongs to the middle class hand tools. The cut is smooth, without chips.

The novelty from the popular manufacturer managed to win the respect of the masters

Top 5 Best Manual Porcelain Tile Cutters

When there is a goal to acquire the best instrument, here you need to look not at the price, but its parameters. Some quality hand-held tile cutters can be as expensive as power cutters.

The device and principle of operation of the plasma cutter

Plasma cutting equipment consists of:

• power supply;
• burners;
• ground cable;
• compressor or compressed air cylinder.

The power source is a direct current inverter that has previously been converted several times with an increase in frequency. To connect, you need 220 or 380 V, depending on the characteristics of the device. At the output, the device gives out voltage up to 400 V and amperage from 25 to 125 A. The burner in such equipment is called a plasma torch. It has a nozzle and a button to start the power. Plasma torch can be manual or automatic type on a bracket with rails.

Plasma cutter components.

Plasmatron device.

The principle of operation of the plasma cutter is to excite an electric arc, into which compressed air is supplied. From heating, it passes into plasma, which is used to cut all types of metals and even ceramics. Plasma temperature is about 20,000 degrees, which is 6 times higher than oxygen cutting.

The plasma also has a high cutting speed of 1500 m / s, which is not present in a gas-oxygen flame, which cuts at the expense of a pressure of 10 atm from a cylinder. These arc characteristics ensure a clean cut, a narrow edge and a minimum of slag on the back of the part.

For cutting with a plasma torch, the following processes are carried out in the equipment:

The current source supplies voltage to the cathode and anode located in the plasma torch nozzle. An electric arc arises between them. At the same time, compressed air is supplied from the compressor, passed through a filter drier. The air passing through the arc is ionized and converted into plasma. This arc is called duty and burns only on the plasma torch.

Plasma torch operation.

The welder then brings the torch to the workpiece. Thanks to a positively charged earth cable connected to the product, the arc is closed on the material. The pilot arc becomes cutting. The welder controls the torch and cuts along the intended contour. Plasma length and width can be adjusted by current strength and diameters of installed nozzles.

When the cut is complete, the welder removes the torch from the workpiece and the pilot arc is lit again. Releasing the button, it is extinguished and air is supplied for some time to cool the nozzle.

Plasma cutter operation scheme.

Plasma cutter: principle of operation, how to choose, the best models

Not all metals can be cut with a gas / oxygen flame. If you need to work with stainless steel, copper or aluminum, you will need a plasma cutter. Even when cutting ferrous metals, this unit leaves fewer slag droplets, and the cut itself is much thinner, which reduces subsequent processing and saves materials. A detailed description of the equipment device and a rating of the best models will help you figure out how to choose a plasma cutter for different applications.

Scope of application, pros and cons of plasma cutting

Plasma cutting equipment is used in factories and private workshops. It is used to cut sheet iron with a thickness of 1 to 100 mm (depending on the power of the device). Plasma can be used to cut complex patterns, burn holes, cut edges. Subsequent blanks are used for welding to other structures or undergo turning, stamping. Unlike oxygen flame, plasma cuts all types of metals and ceramics, so its functionality and application area is wider.

To determine if you need a plasma cutter, consider the advantages and disadvantages of such equipment.

The main advantages of this cutting method include:

High cutting speed

Thanks to the temperature of 20,000 degrees, the plasma cutter can cut workpieces much faster than other methods. For example, a sheet with a cross section of 25 mm will be cut at a speed of 1000 mm / min.

Fast burn-through

If you want to start cutting not from the edge of the sheet, but in the center, then the plasma will burn through the 15 mm thickness in 2 s, and the flame cutter will take about 30 s to do this.

Minimum heating of adjacent areas

Plasma acts pointwise on the metal, without heating the surface around. This reduces the number of deformations and allows you to hold onto large workpieces with gloved hands, turning them as needed.

High cut quality

After the plasma, there are almost no dripped slag drops on the reverse side of the workpiece. The edges contain a minimum of relief, so they do not need processing. you can immediately carry out subsequent welding of structures. If you want to cut thin sheets of 1-2 mm, then they can be grouped on top of each other and do everything in one go. the workpieces will not stick to each other at the edges.

An example of a metal cut with a plasma cutter.

Security

This equipment does not use flammable gases. The use of compressed air or inert gases makes the process safer. there will definitely not be an explosion, as in the case of a reverse flame blow in an oxygen torch.

Ease of use

Unlike flame cutting, it is not necessary to adjust the supply of combustible gas and oxygen separately, and then also to regulate the jet of cutting oxygen. Everything is turned on with one button and is available for quick development even for a beginner.

Automation capability

The plasma cutter can be easily supplemented with a bracket (portal or console type) so that it automatically moves over the product. The control is carried out with CNC. In it, the operator sets the configuration and cutting speed, at the same time one person can monitor the processes on five installations.

Minimum preparation before the process

Plasma is able to cut any metal without preliminary cleaning from dirt or rust. When working, there is no metal splashing and air pops.

But this cutting method also has drawbacks that you need to know in order to correctly choose a plasma cutter and not be disappointed.

Here are the main disadvantages of the apparatus and the method itself:

• The best cut quality is achieved by holding the torch at a 90 degree angle to the surface. Only expensive models can cut a chamfer at an oblique angle.
• It is difficult with this equipment to heat the metal to perform bending or forging.
• The maximum cutting thickness is 100mm, while flame cutting can cut 200-300mm.
• The equipment itself is more expensive. You will need another compressor. Argon is more expensive than propane or oxygen.
• The devices are mains dependent. To work in the field, you need a gas generator. Its capacity must be high enough to cover the needs of the plasma cutter and compressor.

See what the plasma cutter is capable of: