What kind of disc can be used to cut ceramic tiles

Types of discs for cutting porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles

Several types of angle grinder discs are suitable for cutting tiles. made of stone or diamond-coated metal. There are several models in the line of diamond discs. solid, segmented, combined. They can be used not only for making simple cuts, but also for finer curly processing of the product.

Segmented dry cutters

In segmented dry cutters, functional slots are provided along the perimeter, directed from the cutting edge to the center hole. Radial cutouts allow free expansion of heated metal and more efficient heat dissipation by air cooling. This allows for a longer continuous rotation time. the segmented angle grinder can work for 1-1.5 minutes with a 20-second pause.

Steel rims

Blades made of steel form a large product group, which includes wheels for dry and wet cutting, as well as combined models. Steel discs are very tough and durable, and diamond-coated makes them suitable for the hardest materials.

Diamond grit is applied by the manufacturer in three methods:

• silver solder. the cheapest products suitable for household use. Potential service life is low due to the loss of strength of the solder when heated;
• laser soldering. heavy-duty wheels of a high price segment, used on an industrial scale. They perfectly cope with the processing of workpieces of any strength;
• form-fitting. diamond chips are embedded in the surface during the heating of the disc edge with electricity. They belong to the middle price segment, they serve for a relatively long time, which makes it possible to recommend them for processing large volumes of tiles.

Fine work disc

For those tile elements where you need to achieve high accuracy and a certain cut configuration, it is recommended to choose a disc more carefully. It is better to use a circle with a small thickness. about 1.5 mm. It will facilitate manipulation with an angle grinder, will not make a wide cut and will not damage fragile tiles.

The result of the work largely depends on the cutting technique. To create oval shapes, the angle grinder makes short cuts tangentially to the outer contour, trying to cut off excess areas.

How to choose the right drive?

Depending on the disc modification, the angle grinder is capable of processing a wide variety of materials. metals, wood, porcelain stoneware, reinforced concrete, natural stone, etc.

Getting rid of dust

One of the disadvantages of an angle grinder is the large amount of dust generated during the sawing process. Here are a few life hacks to help reduce dust:

You can use a vacuum cleaner without an assistant. The masters propose to build an impromptu hood from a container and a vacuum cleaner:

• Cut off the top of the plastic canister.
• Cut a round hole in the side for the vacuum cleaner hose.
• Place workpiece and angle grinder over the container.
• Switch on the vacuum cleaner and cut over the hood.

What determines the price of a circle?

Replaceable elements designed for the processing of hard materials are usually diamond-coated, which gives the cutting edge extra strength. It is the diamond coating that significantly increases the cost of nozzle wheels. But they are also the strongest and most durable, easily cope with complex processing tasks.

A more simplified option is a stone disc designed for sawing a small amount of tiles. It costs much less, but wears out faster, creates a lot of dust and does not allow achieving high processing accuracy.

Professional wheels for cutting with a diameter from 125 mm to 350 mm are also distinguished by a high cost. They are distinguished by their maximum durability, excellent spraying and cutting quality, even with regular use. Such attachments can be used to cut not only tiles, but also marble, granite massifs and even reinforced concrete.

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. This is nearly impossible with conventional cutters and saws, and the cut is likely to 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. An ordinary homeowner who has not dealt with such work can cope with this task 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 the help of 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 regulator, 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

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 helper 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;
• You need to take an 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 move 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 need to 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 through 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 bar.

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

How To Cut Tile 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.

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 securing, 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 surely simplify the cutting process, but this increases the risk of damage to the tiles, which can simply fly to 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 more effort will be required. If you have not previously encountered such work, then we recommend that you first try your skills on defective material.

You can protect the tiles 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.

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.

For dry cutting

Diamond blades for dry cutting porcelain stoneware must be extra strong and have something like their own cooling system. These requirements are met by segment circles with slots in the base. It is they who serve as a system for cooling the cutting blade.

And yet, despite the relatively low heating rate of the material, the disk for dry cutting of porcelain stoneware should be periodically “cooled”. In the process of work, it is advisable to take short breaks every one and a half to two minutes in order to exclude the possibility of damage to the saw blade.

What disc to cut ceramic tiles

Best Ceramic Tile Cutting Wheel 2013.

“Best” not in comparison price. quality. But simply the “best” in terms of quality and cutting speed. At one time, this place was occupied by BOSCH circles. But, at present, their price is almost two times higher than that of similar products by the Di-Star corporation and the quality of the cut is worse. Maybe their quality has remained at the same level, but better quality products have just appeared.

cut-off diamond wheel DiStar

The products of “Di-Star” company appeared on the Ukrainian market long ago (1998). these were cut-off wheels of the subsidiary company “Ukr-Diamant”. It was possible to work in such a circle for more than a year. But were high and other manufacturers were more popular. Currently, the cutting wheel for cutting an angle grinder with a diameter of 125 mm costs about 20, and cuts ceramic tiles with almost no chips.

5 Ways To Cut Tile. Everything You Need To Know For Your First Tile Project

For wet cutting

The wet cutting diamond blade for porcelain stoneware can be absolutely smooth because water is used as the coolant. A continuous web without protrusions allows for better cutting of coatings with a lower probability of chipping and irregularities.

Also, diamond cutting of tiles can be carried out using universal blades, which are intended for both wet and dry cutting. There are small notches on their surface that act as coolers.

Ceramic Tile Cutting Technology Angle Grinder

An angle grinder can be called a universal cutting tool, although it can also grind surfaces in addition to cutting. And when the manufacturer of finishing works is faced with the question, is it possible to cut tiles with an angle grinder, then, of course, the answer must be yes. And although this is a fairly powerful tool that can spoil thin wall tiles when cutting, they are allowed to cut floor tiles and porcelain stoneware, taking into account some of the nuances of the process itself. Of course, it is better to use a tile cutter (manual or electric) for cutting tiles, but if there is none, then an angle grinder will do. So, let’s understand the topic of how to cut tiles with an angle grinder.

Disc for cutting porcelain stoneware and which disc to cut tiles

The diamond blade for cutting porcelain stoneware is a consumable material with which the cutting of durable coatings is carried out. Among the existing options, it is the diamond cutters that are considered the highest quality and most reliable, which, during the processing of the tiles, give the minimum roughness of the edge. We will consider the types and features of the use of such discs.

Disadvantages of “angle grinder” when cutting tiles.

The first drawback is increased injury rate.

The second drawback is the dust that forms during operation. This can be considered the main disadvantage. If finishing work is being completed in the room (wallpapering and painting), then it is impossible to cut the tiles with a turbine.

Although, recently I saw a simple solution to such a problem. a cardboard box vacuum cleaner:

Questions from letters and consultations on Skype;

Which side to cut the tile from the angle grinder?

How To Cut Porcelain Tiles by Hand with Grinder without Chipping. Testing Diamond Blades 4 Tiling

From the front. This will result in fewer chips. When marking and cutting a hole (for example, for a socket) on the back side, the chips will be significant and the cutting line will be different. There is a danger that the housing will not cover damage to the enamel along the edges of the hole.

Hole for the socket. cut from the back of the tile.

How much power is needed for an angle grinder to cut tiles?

For tile cutting, power is not the main indicator. A turbine with a minimum power is suitable for this. I already talked about this “Makita GA4530”

For tile cutting, the main thing is turnovers. The stronger the rpm, the cleaner the cut. And, most importantly, how well the rotating shaft is made and the quality of the bearings on it. In case of incorrect alignment or a poor-quality bearing, vibration starts:

• A clean cut will no longer work. Chips will appear on the tiles.
• Vibration will build up (especially at high RPMs), leading to destruction of the bearing.

A tool of this quality can only be made using expensive equipment. And a reputable company can afford it. But these are not necessarily just brands. which are on hearing. Confirmation of this is the experience of working with a mixer of the modest firm “Fiolent”

How to cut tiles with an angle grinder to avoid chipping?

It is difficult to cut off ceramic tiles with one angle grinder, it is difficult without chips. This can be done by first drawing the line you want to cut using the tile cutter roller. The wheel cuts through the top layer of the tile. enamel, and chips are not formed.

But the tile cutter does not break a narrow strip on a tile to the end (or does not break off at all). The rest has to be cut off by the angle grinder. In this case, you need to cut like this. so that the cut-off wheel hardly touches the mowing line drawn by the cut-off roller.

Also, the impeller circle should be cut at a slight slope (and without touching the cut line).

Next, the cut off edge of the tile, you need to finish it with a bar. wrapped with fine sandpaper. Coarse “sandpaper” will chip on the enamel, and fine sandpaper will take a long time to process and it wears out quickly. Therefore, the slanted edge of the tile is easier to handle.

The number (grain) of the paper is selected empirically. The paper is fastened on a flat wooden block with a stapler or small nails. What is the best bar from emery stone? The bar is longer. It not only grinds down the edge. but thanks to an extended flat plane it evens out the cut piece.

Such a bar is enough for half a year of work.

Below is a short video How to cut off an angle grinder and sand the edge of a tile:

Well, and one more opinion. how to process the end of the tile to be cut:

Shaped tile cutting

During repairs, it may be necessary to make holes in the tiles for pipes, hoods or sockets. Tiles may also need to be trimmed to fit around a toilet, sink with leg, or door trims. Below we will consider how to cut ceramic tiles in these cases.

Angle Grinder

The main advantage of this method is that cutting ceramic tiles with an angle grinder does not require special skills and is available to a non-professional. The principle of operation is very simple: we connect to the network, press the start button and, after the disc picks up the required speed, we cut “from ourselves” according to the markings applied in advance.

It is advisable to cut the ceramic tiles with a tool that has the ability to adjust the speed. It is recommended to work at a speed not exceeding 3.5 thousand rpm. At a higher speed, ceramics begin to crack, and hot shavings and dust fly in all directions at great speed.

Also, do not use blades designed for metal cutting. Choose discs for concrete or diamond (non-segmented).

The angle grinder is an inexpensive and easy-to-use tool. But it has several significant drawbacks. First, when cutting, a huge amount of dust and debris is generated. Secondly, the edges of the tiles are not very neat. They have to be processed additionally: remove the jagged edges with pliers, process the cut with a file and sandpaper.

Also, despite its simplicity, this tool requires careful handling. In order not to harm yourself while working, you need to know how to cut ceramic tiles correctly. Always hold the tool firmly in your hands to keep the space in front of the saw blade clear. Be sure to use safety glasses, gloves and a respirator.

Glass cutter: regular and oil

If you need to make a quick cut of ceramic tiles in small quantities, then it is most convenient to use a roller glass cutter. It is not difficult to work with this tool. We put the tiles on a hard and even surface, make markings with a marker. We roll the glass cutter along the intended mowing line, pressing evenly, towards us. A visible band should remain on the surface. After that, we break the tiles along the cut mowing line. To do this, put a small object under it. a match or a carnation, and gently press on both sides.

Cutting ceramic tiles becomes even easier with an oil glass cutter.

The handle of this tool has a reservoir into which a mixture of kerosene and machine oil is poured. Flowing down a special channel, this mixture enters the roller and greatly facilitates the cutting process.

The advantages of the tool include speed of work, low price and ease of use. At the same time, with a glass cutter, it is difficult to cut a large number of tiles at one time.

How to cut tiles for wall cladding?

Ceramic tiles, which are commonly used for wall decoration, are relatively soft. Therefore, cutting it, in comparison with other types of this finishing material (floor or wall tiles), does not present any particular difficulty.

Ballerina

Deciding how to cut a ceramic tile to get a hole of a certain diameter? Choose a circular ballerina drill for this job. The distance to the cutter is manually adjustable, and you can set any diameter that you need.

To get a neat hole, use a drill stand while working. With the help of one ballerina, you can make up to 20 holes in a tile.

How to cut ceramic tiles? Instruments and methodology

When choosing how to cut ceramic tiles, you need to decide on the upcoming volume of work and its type. A tool that can handle wall tiles easily will not work with floor tiles. Radial sawing requires different tools than simple cutting.

Electric tile cutter

If you are looking for a way to cut ceramic tiles quickly and efficiently, then use an electric tile cutter.

An electric ceramic tile cutting machine consists of a motor, a platform on which a cutting element (most often a diamond-coated disc) is fixed and a container with water. In some models, the blade is partially submerged in water, in others, only the cutting area on the tile is wetted. This principle of operation reduces the amount of dust, prevents the tiles from cracking and extends the life of the cutting blade.

The electric tile cutter is a versatile tool. It is suitable for cutting ceramic tiles of any hardness; makes straight cuts with smooth edges that do not need additional processing; cuts tiles less than 5 mm wide. In addition, it can be used to make a cut at an angle of 45 degrees, as well as a hole or recess.

When deciding what to cut ceramic tiles, keep in mind: a good electric tile cutter is quite an expensive tool.

Such an acquisition only makes sense if you plan to use it regularly.

How to cut floor tiles

Ceramic flooring has a high hardness coefficient and places higher demands on the tool. When choosing the best way to cut ceramic floor tiles, stop at one of the options discussed below.