When you have bought porcelain tiles, you are faced with the question: which tile cutter to choose for porcelain tiles?

There are several types of ceramic tiles on the market, you can choose from matte, polished, waxed for sanitary areas or glazed.

Technical characteristics - high strength, low water absorption and a stable pattern that is not prone to abrasion - have made porcelain stoneware much more popular than its brother - tiles.

If there is practically no difference in the process of laying and cutting tiles and ceramic tiles, then cutting porcelain tiles is significantly different.

Tile is a light and fragile material and can be cut with a glass cutter. Porcelain stoneware is a dense and durable material, so a special tool is used for it - a tile cutter.

To make it easier for you to decide which one to choose, we will look at the procedure for working with a manual tile cutter and electric option, we’ll tell you how to cut porcelain stoneware with each of them.

The most important advantages of a manual tile cutter are its low cost and the ability to cut in rooms where there is no or unstable power supply.

Most often it is used to prepare tiles for laying in small volumes, for example, in the sanitary rooms of a private house.

Externally, a manual tile cutter for cutting porcelain stoneware is similar to a regular glass cutter - a rigid base, on which there are two guides, between which a holder with a fixed carbide wheel moves.

Working with a manual tile cutter works like this: draw a line for the future cut with a pencil, fix the porcelain stoneware on the tile cutter base so that the roller passes exactly along the drawn line, raise the handle of the device and begin cutting by pressing the handle and moving the roller from one edge to the other.

To ensure that the edge of the cut tile remains even, try to cut in one motion. Edge roughness resulting from several cuts can be corrected later.

On porcelain stoneware there is a cut along which chipping will occur. Raise the handle of the tile cutter, fix the paws in the middle of the cut and smoothly, with even force, press on the handle.

The porcelain stoneware will be broken clearly along the applied outline. If all actions are carried out correctly and with the necessary force, then the cut will be smooth.

If any flaws are found, the cut surface can be polished with a stone disc mounted on a grinder.

Before using a manual tile cutter for the first time and after prolonged use, you must make sure that the holder moves smoothly along the guides and that the handle rises and falls easily.

Before starting work, make sure that the roller is firmly secured. Otherwise, tighten it by tightening the fixing bolts.

If the movement of the roller or the movement of the holder is difficult, you can drop oil on them. A roller with significant wear must be replaced, otherwise an insufficiently deep groove will not provide an accurate break.

Make a few test cuts. If they turn out smooth, then you can start cutting porcelain stoneware.

There are a lot of models of manual tile cutters, most of them have similar functions.

Most often, tiles are cut in a straight line, but some models offer the ability to cut at an angle or cut holes.

Manual tile cutter perfect if you have a small volume of porcelain stoneware (for example, only in the bathroom). In this case, you don’t have to overpay and don’t buy an electric one.

When you plan to lay porcelain stoneware on the floor and walls of a private house or in office space, then purchasing an electric tile cutter is justified.

Electric tile cutter

The electric tile cutter has a simple device - the cutting process in it is carried out using an electric drive.

Electric flat cutters can be divided into three groups - dry cutters, wet cutters and industrial tools for waterjet cutting of porcelain stoneware.

The third group for a reason heavy weight, large dimensions and high price are not used in private construction. The cutting quality of such tile cutters is no different from the factory one.

In addition, they implement the functions of software cutting along any contour.

If you want to do without a tile cutter altogether or, conversely, cut out shapes on porcelain stoneware, then you can place an order at a company that provides industrial cutting services.

Which tool should you choose? An electric tile cutter of the “dry cutter” type is an ordinary grinder with a diamond-coated disk installed on it. The disc is solid and has no slots.

When cutting with this type of electric tile cutter, it is important to move the line 1-2 mm to the larger side. Make the cut by pointing the grinder towards you. Chips and unevenness are inevitable with this cutting method.

They are easily sanded using the same grinder, but with a grinding stone installed.

Try to cut the slab in one motion. Cut slowly, with equal pressure on the tool. This will ensure fewer chips.

Working with a dry cutter has a number of significant disadvantages. The most important is the technological complexity of the process and the high risk of self-injury.

Excessive pressure on the disk if there is a defect in it can lead to the disk breaking at the time of cutting and the scattering of fragments. It is important to follow safety precautions.

Since during the work a large amount of dust of different fractions will fly away, it is necessary to work in glasses that have a protective coating that protects against splitting.

An important nuance when working with a dry cutter is to start and finish the cut at low speeds. A sharp increase in speed can crack porcelain tiles.

During the cutting process, press the slab tightly against the base of the tile cutter. This will help dampen the inevitable vibrations caused by the movement of the cutting device.

This affordable electric tile cutter has a significant technological drawback - the need for an additional work cycle for grinding the cuts.

In home construction, this increases the finishing time, and in the case of a hired team, it leads to an increase in the cost of services.

An electric tile cutter, which has the function of minimizing cut chips, is called a wet cutter.

Just like a manual flat cutter, an electric one consists of a base on which the material is actually cut, and an electric drive from which the cutting wheel is powered.

The porcelain stoneware is pressed against the base, and the guides fix the cutting wheel.

The device can be used for long working cycles, during which the working surfaces would inevitably overheat.

To minimize excessive heating of parts and porcelain tiles, the electric tile cutter is equipped with a water cooling function.

In some models, water flows directly onto the disk, while in others, the cutting itself occurs when the material and cutting device are partially immersed in water.

The cuts obtained in this way are much more even and smooth and do not require additional grinding.

This device is suitable for cutting all types of tiles, but it is necessary to select a different disc for wet cutting for each type.

More expensive models of electric tile cutters can be equipped with additional accessories for cutting at an angle.

They will find application if it is planned designer renovation, and the porcelain tile laying lines will not be parallel to the floor and ceiling lines.

When you have to choose an electric tile cutter, pay attention not only to the set of functions, but also to the manufacturer.

A tool that is significantly cheaper than its counterparts will almost certainly have some flaws.

There are no complex parts in an electric tile cutter, but there are technological requirements for rigidity.

The material of the parts responsible for the rigidity of the cutting mechanism fastening may not correspond to the loads and undergo stretching.

Therefore, before purchasing an electric tile cutter, take a closer look at whether it is possible to tighten the fixing bolts or replace the moving head.

If in doubt, then opt for a more expensive similar tool.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in choosing a tile cutter and using it for porcelain tiles. Now you can cut materials either manually or electrically.

Quality tiling works depends on the tool. The times of a minimalist approach to tools are gone; today it is often impossible to carry out cladding at a decent level without having the appropriate tools. First of all, this aspect is important when cutting ceramics. The qualifications of the tiler and the outcome of tiling events are highly likely to be determined by looking at the tile cutting machine that the master uses. Glass cutters, scribers and even mechanical tile cutters do not guarantee high-quality cuts for many modern materials. Therefore, when striving for the perfect trim, pay attention to a power tool.

Even today, most wall ceramics can be done with a good old-fashioned scriber, while floor tiles can mostly be done with mechanical tile cutters. But what to do on an object that is complex, in terms of materials? The glass cutter does not cut porcelain tiles, and the “mechanics” almost always suffer from play. Professional tiler in modern realities- a specialist who has an electric tile cutter in his arsenal. On the path to professionalism, you need to understand what specialized power tools are available. Manufacturers offer:

• manual electric tile cutters;
• stationary with engine below;
• stationary with the engine at the top;

Quick navigation through the article

Manual electric tile cutters

The simplest type cutting tool powered by mains or batteries. The principle of operation is similar to an angle grinder, the differences lie in the “tile” specialization. Yes, it contains:

• comfortable handle;
• support sole;
• adjustment of the disk immersion depth and tilt angle;
• the ability to connect a dust collector or container with water (for wet cutting);

It is possible to work without dust in a horizontal position, so it will not be possible to cut the laid wall tiles clean. There are also larger variations that run on batteries. They no longer resemble a grinder, but they still don’t reach the title of machine tool. Their peculiarity is their compactness and independence from the network.

Universal manual electric saw MAKITA 4101RH with diamond blade. Power 860 W, rotation speed 12000 rpm. Possibility of wet cutting and tilt angle up to 45 degrees. approximate cost- 23,000 rub.

Trimming with a manual electric tile cutter high quality is not different. Their job is to replace the angle grinder and provide comfort and mobility.

Stationary machines with bottom-mounted motors

This and the next type of tool combines cutting quality and the absence of dust - machines with water cooling, which at the same time prevents dirt from being sprayed. In all cases cutting material diamond disc protrudes. Here it is stationary, one part is above the platform on which the slabs are placed, the other is below, in a tank of water.

The “lower” orientation of the engine allows the machines to be made compact. This circumstance has led to widespread of this type. When carrying out renovations in a residential apartment, it is often difficult to find a place for a bulky tool, and transporting a “bottom-drive” tile cutter is much more convenient. But the main advantage of this type is the ability to cut dimensional tiles. There are no limiters on the support platform, which expands the format boundaries. The tiler is limited by skill and physical capabilities.

The disadvantage of such tools is the need to guide the ceramics along the cutting line manually. Certain skills allow you to do this without problems, but as the size of the tile increases, trimming becomes more difficult. The machines are equipped with guide rails that make it easier to fix the tiles, but comfortable cutting of large-format ceramics is limited by the frames of a small table.

Some models allow cutting at an angle of 45 degrees. The engine is stationary in any case, the platform tilts. The disks used in machines of this type are large (180-300 mm). However, the “tip of the iceberg” protrudes above the frame. The rest is left to the hydrocooling system. This circumstance entails a limitation on the cutting depth; usually the range is not impressive.

Let us summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the described type of tile cutters:

• compactness;
• increased slab format;

• narrow cutting depth range;
• insufficient cutting quality due to manual handling of slabs;

To ensure high-precision cuts and comfortable work, arm yourself with heavier weapons.

Stationary machines with overhead engine

This type of electric tile cutter - professional tool. It is not compact, relatively expensive and structurally complex. There are two types of “top-drive” water-cooled machines:

• Pavements. The cutting part is movable and moves along guides.
• Console. The platform is movable, the console is fixed.

We’ll leave it up to you to decide which type you prefer; there are as many opinions as there are people. The cantilever electric tile cutter resembles in a sense a machine made from previous section, the advantages and disadvantages of which you already know. The first type of tool is more common among tilers. Both types are characterized by:

• presence of a pump;
• possibility of cutting at an angle of 45 degrees;
• adjustable cutting height;
• the presence of clamps, guides and tires;

Pay special attention to all design details, the quality of the final work depends on them. More details about the main nodes below.

Chinese electric tile cutter Sturm tc9822u with top motor is suitable for cutting tiles, glass, marble, granite. Power 1.2 kW, rotation speed 2900 rpm. Maximum length cutting 920 mm, depth - 48 mm. The cost of such a device is 17-18 thousand rubles.

Manufacturer of tile cutter Corvette 468 – Russia (ENCOR). The line includes machines with both bottom-mounted and top-mounted motors. The maximum length and depth of cut are for the Corvette 468 tile cutter and are 920 and 60 mm, respectively. There are models with a laser pointer to make precise trimming easier. Russian machines are united by a durable body, stable design of moving parts and efficient electronic and hydraulic systems. approximate price this model - 28,000 rubles.

Characteristics related to the operation of power units

Rotational speed

High spindle speed does not play a role here significant role. For the cut to be effective in terms of quality and quantity, the diamond blade needs 2-3 thousand revolutions per minute at idle speed.

Engine power

This parameter is more important, and the more larger plate. Tile 750-1500 W is enough, while granite and marble require a couple of kilowatts. The diameter of the diamond blade is directly related to the power: in the first case, the cut is provided with a diameter of 230-250 mm, in the second you will need a 350 mm wheel. The size of the machine also depends on the power; if you do not plan to work with stone, do not buy a unit that weighs over a hundred kilograms.

Cutting height

This is one of the most important factors. An electric tile cutter is purchased based on the expected thickness of the facing material. The mentioned 350 mm is enough to cut slabs up to 135 mm thick. A professional tiler who does not specialize in stone does not need such indicators. Working “on the edge” is not recommended due to possible overheating of the slabs, deterioration in the quality of the cut (chips, etc.) and jamming of the disk.

Typically, the cutting depth ranges from 40-110 mm, and in addition, the height is adjustable.

Electronics

An electric tool must be safe, so protection against current must be high. Especially in water-cooled systems. Despite the presence of RCDs, waterproof casings and high-quality insulation, many tile cutters require grounding.

Mechanical characteristics

bed

Depends on the dimensions of the platform maximum size cut tiles. Machines designed for cutting stone have impressive formats. The tile cutter's passport indicates the possible length of the cut, but in fact it is slightly less. By removing the clamps, you can increase the performance, but in this case, the ease of use decreases and the risks increase. In some models, the table is expanded due to support brackets or folding additional platforms.

Angle cutting capabilities

A professional electric tile cutter can cut at an angle of 45 degrees. However, some machines also offer intermediate angles. That and stability support system- one of the factors determining the quality of the machine.

Water supply

With water supply.

In machines of this type, water is supplied to the cutting area by a pump. Please pay attention to the following points:

• drainage efficiency;
• the amount of water circulation;
• availability of waste collection compartments;
• nozzle adjustment;

It is good to back up general principles with examples.

The conclusion of the review is subjective, but... In our opinion, the most convenient tile cutter is an electric one, with a top-oriented motor and a movable cutting part. Pay attention to all the details:

• comfort of system adjustment;
• ease of transportation;
• the ability to change the diameter of the disk;
• overview of the workspace;
• easy wheel replacement;
• cable quality and length;

The effectiveness of your work depends on the nuances. Practice first on training slabs, the skill of high-quality cutting will come very soon.

comments powered by HyperComments

The process of laying porcelain tiles would not be possible without cutting the tiles in place. This is especially true when laying out complex pattern. But this is not plywood, and you can’t cut it that easily. Its hardness can reach nine points out of a maximum of ten.

There are several technologies for cutting porcelain tiles, for example, it is used special device– manual tile cutter for porcelain stoneware. Choice specific method And appropriate tool depends mainly on two parameters:

• tile quality:
• type of cut.

No matter how carefully the lining is selected and made, there will still be a section along the walls that is not multiple of the tiles. This means it needs to be trimmed. A similar situation arises when bypassing communications. Obviously, to carry out this work you need a tile cutter for porcelain stoneware; how to choose it is another question.

Mechanical machine for cutting porcelain stoneware: what is it?

A manual porcelain tile cutter is used to cut tiles in a straight line.

There are also tools equipped with a special element, a “ballerina,” with which they cut round holes.

Despite its fairly low cost, it is very convenient and provides good quality. Its design is quite simple - it is a base platform on which guide tubes are fixed. It is along them that the moving element moves. All tools of this type are equipped with a device with which the tiles are broken at the cutting site.

The cutting element of the tool is a carbide or diamond roller - exactly the same as a glass cutter, only bigger size. The roller is fixed in a special holder that moves along guides. Special base, on which all these elements are assembled, are firmly installed on the surface when performing work.

A manual tile cutter is more suitable for household work and small volumes. For most models, there are also restrictions on the thickness of the cut tiles - no more than 12 mm. The cutting quality is quite high, although sometimes the cutting area will need to be further processed.

When choosing a tile cutter, adhere to general rule: The thickness of the tiles and the diameter of the cutting roller must match each other: the greater the thickness of the porcelain stoneware, the more powerful the diameter should be.

How to cut with hand tools

The movement of a manual tile cutter along the guides is ensured by bearings or cylinders. After long-term storage, you need to check the movement of the mechanism and the sharpness of the roller:

• the worn “diamond” roller is replaced,
• tighten its fastenings if, when pulled along the rods, the mechanism jams or flops, replace the bearings, clean the guides, etc.,
• The roller motion can be made easier by adding a drop of oil.

Porcelain tile cutting process

After taking accurate measurements, marks are placed on the solid tile, then a line is drawn with a marker or pencil, according to the measurements. The tiles are placed on the base of the tile cutter and positioned in such a way that the roller runs exactly along the line from start to finish. The tile should not move during cutting, so it is fixed by hand during the work. Another is to raise the handle of the tool and lower it.

Please note that the paws should not rest against the tile, and the diamond roller should touch its surface.

The roller is brought to the edge of the porcelain stoneware and, pressing the handle, it is evenly drawn to the other edge: the more evenly the roller is moved, the clearer and more uniform the cut will be.

Try to do it in one go, since multiple cuts along the same line will affect the quality of the cut.

The next step is to return the tile to its previous position, raise the handle of the tile cutter and place the paws with a stop in the middle of the cut, breaking is carried out with their help. Gradually increasing the force, press the handle until the porcelain stoneware breaks. You can remove small excess from the tiles using wire cutters or pliers, biting or breaking off along the cut line.

Poor quality cuts can be corrected by grinding. To do this, place a stone cutting disc on the grinder. Draw a thin line parallel to the cut with a pencil or marker, then sand it. Of course, if the coating is supposed to be hidden in the future, say, under a baseboard, the quality of the cut is not so important.

Dry cutting: grinder (angle grinder)

A cutter is a disc for cutting porcelain stoneware that has no slots and is coated with diamond, sometimes completely. The direction of rotation of the dry cutter must be aligned with the direction in which the grinder mechanism rotates. This not only improves the quality of the cut, but also reduces the risk of injury.

When used skillfully and carefully, a dry cutter can give the same results as a tile cutter. In this case, the tiles are not sawed off along the line, but with a margin of 2-3 mm. At the same time, chips and cracks may remain on its front surface. This quality of cut can be accepted if it is not visible. The number of chips can be reduced if the cut is made in one pass - each new pass increases the number and size of cracks and chips. The remaining stock is sanded around the stone.

The main advantage of cutting with a grinder is the ability to cut straight as well as curved. This way you get all sorts of geometric shapes. However, this process is technologically more complex, and also requires maximum care and strict adherence to safety precautions. The disadvantages of cutting with a disk include dust and debris, which are formed in large quantities during the work process.

Wet cutting: electric tile cutter

How to cut ceramic granite if you need to get a very high-quality and clean cut. If you work with a dry cutter or a mechanical tile cutter, it is not always possible to ensure such high quality, and besides, it takes too much time. An electric tile cutter is most suitable for such work. Its design consists of a table and a cutting element, which is driven by an electric motor. On some models, the table for fixing the tiles is motionless, and cutting is carried out by advancing the cutting element. For others, on the contrary, the cutting part of the tool is stationary, and cutting occurs due to the movement of the table.

For quality and safe work This tool requires constant cooling: the material being cut and the cutting blade must be constantly cooled. In most cases, electric ones use water cooling.

13490 0

Gained wide popularity in construction ceramic tile, because it is characterized by practicality, durability and attractive appearance.

To work with tiles, you need to have the necessary skills, and a special cutting tool will make it easier. Efficient adaptation for this purpose - a rail manual tile cutter. Choosing a manual tile cutter is a responsible task, so it is important to approach this issue seriously and correctly.

Advantages of a manual tile cutter

• This rail cutting tool has standard length 300–600 mm. It is better to choose a universal option with a length of 600 millimeters. With its help you can correctly cut wall and floor tiles making straight and angled cuts.
• This tool is self-contained because it does not require electricity to operate. In the process of cutting tiles, it is not afraid of even critical air humidity.
• Light weight and mobility make it possible to use the tile cutter in small spaces.
• The standard package includes an extension ruler and a square. Best models allow you to cut round holes using the built-in ballerina. How long such a device will last depends on the quality of the entire product.
• How much a mechanical device for cutting tiles costs depends on the configuration and brand of the manufacturing company.

This device works on the same principle as an ordinary glass cutter - first the tile is scratched with a diamond-coated roller, and then broken. Taking into account the structure and characteristics of the tile material, this rail cutting tool was created. It firmly secures the tiles, and its cutting part moves along guides, as if on rails, clearly cutting through the tiles.

Design of a manual tile cutter

This tool has three main components:

1. Base or platform.
2. A cutting roller with a foot for breaking tiles, mounted on a carriage with a handle.
3. Guides with supports.

The durability and reliability of the device depends on the ability of each part to resist deformation.

• Platform - load-bearing element structure, so its main characteristic is strength. Often made from solid stamped steel sheet with additional stiffening ribs on inside. The surface of the base is covered with rubber strips on the sides of the central rib and is equipped with a special stop for fixing the tiles. Platforms of more expensive models are equipped with external rulers and protractors.
• The carriage with rollers mounted on guides is a rail mechanism. Depending on how much the device costs, designs vary. The durability of the rollers as a replacement element depends on their quality and what type of tile is intended to be cut.
• Guides most often have cylindrical shape in the form of a rail. They must ensure smooth movement of the carriage and straightness of its motion. Their strength and resistance to mechanical loads largely determine how long they will perform their functions without fail.

Manual tile cutters are:

• roller - have hard rollers as a cutting element;
• mechanical - equipped with a rigid carriage with a handle. This rail mechanism allows you to cut facing material with high accuracy;
• on bearings that are designed to work with particularly strong thick tiles.

What to look for when choosing this tool?

Keeping in mind factors such as:

• price,
• technical capabilities,
• rating for reliability, quality, versatility and ergonomics.

The main criteria for choosing a manual tile cutter are:

1. Frame strength.
2. Base length.
3. Smooth ride.

• The base should be sufficiently rigid and not shock absorbent during operation, since this directly determines how long the tool will last. A weak frame will not last long, so preference should be given to a frame made of thick metal. The handle must be of high quality and strong, which will allow you to correctly break hard types of floor tiles using a powerful pressure lever.
• It is not recommended to buy a model that is too small. It is better to buy a more universal rail option, which costs a little more, but allows you to cut both floor and wall tiles. In addition, the universal model allows you to cut tiles diagonally. Everyone can decide how much to save, but it is better to pay attention first of all to the value of the device, which is expressed in its versatility and ease of working with it.
• A high-quality rail tile cutter is equipped with bearings that ensure smooth running. Before you buy the device, it is recommended to cut a couple of test tiles with it. Smooth gliding and clarity of the drawn line, which contributes to smooth breaking of the tiles, are the main indicators of a reliable tool for cutting ceramic material.

How much a manual tile cutter costs depends not only on its quality, but also on the manufacturer’s brand. Well-known companies that specialize in this production are constantly modernizing, updating and improving their range.

For such companies, the main thing is image, so they are characterized by constant quality control. So, to buy a reliable one universal tool, you need to focus on models from popular brands.

Tile cutters from well-known manufacturers

1. The Germans Boada company dates back to the middle of the last century with the production of the RUBI model. Today this tool is distinguished by its versatility. It has a power splitter allowing you to cut different kinds tiles in wide range. Chrome-plated guides and roller cutters (8-22 mm) do an excellent job with this type of work.
2. The Matrix 600 mm rail tile cutter has a ball bearing mechanism, which ensures easy handle movement and maximum stability during cutting. The aluminum frame makes the tool lighter and makes it easy to move and work with without stress.
3. The Sigma manual tile cutter is distinguished by its power, which is combined with smooth and smooth operation. This tool is characterized by ease of cutting tiles, high quality results, lack of crumbling, and versatility.

Many people are interested in the question of how many functions it can combine. good tool. In the case of branded tile cutters, we can talk about maximum versatility, reliability and ease of use.

Many people don't like it. This activity is quite difficult for a beginner. If you have never encountered it, practice on a clay tile first. It is much softer and more pliable than porcelain stoneware. The tools used are the same, and once you get your hands on ordinary ceramics, you will be able to handle them more confidently. artificial stone. Cutting porcelain tiles involves the use of mechanical and electrical “assistants”.

The choice of tool depends on both the tile and the task. The ideal tiler's arsenal includes. The layman’s case is simpler, so cutting porcelain stoneware at home requires either going to the store or renting a tool. Although if the cutting areas are ultimately hidden, you can limit yourself to a grinder. But about how to cut porcelain stoneware, in order.

Quick navigation through the article

Mechanical tile cutter

This is the most popular exclusively tile tool. There are many variations, but it must be relatively powerful and durable. It consists of a frame, rail guides, a cutting roller and paws for breaking tiles. A machine (bearing or cylinder) with two guides has become widespread.

A manual tile cutter is suitable for straight cutting of ceramics, but it is not suitable for curved trimming. The exception is the L-shaped cut, but this is not the most convenient way.

To cut porcelain tiles:

• Mark the boundaries of the cut.
• Place the plate on the tool frame so that one mark corresponds to the center of the frame, and the other to the cutting roller.
• Move the roller evenly from one mark to another.
• Gently press your paws onto the cut area.

Carry it out once; repeated action almost always leads to marriage. The roller must be sharp and the runners lubricated, otherwise the process will be very difficult. A manual tile cutter has one serious drawback - over time, play appears in the guides, leading to uneven cutting. Tightening the mounting bolts helps little, as a result of which the tool is only suitable for trimming, which will be hidden by wall tiles or baseboards.

We are talking about “standard”, popular, tile cutters with a relatively low cost. An expensive instrument, especially a monorail, does not have this drawback. But for homework, for obvious reasons, it is not suitable.

Hand tools are good for quick trimming large quantity slabs, the cutting site of which will subsequently be hidden. In this it is much better than an electric device. Considering that it comes complete with a template, which helps you not to be distracted by marking the ceramics when cutting identical pieces, this The best decision for large and clean work.
The video shows how to easily cut porcelain tiles with a manual tile cutter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTC9H3T_bLs

Electric tile cutter

An electrical device does not have the disadvantages of a mechanical one. Thanks to him, they achieve a very high-quality cut. It allows you to work with dense and thick porcelain stoneware without compromising quality. In addition, he is able to cut thin pieces of ceramics; in case of mechanical tool, even if you have a new roller and lubricated runners, positive result there is no guarantee.

An electric tile cutter is not as fast as a manual one, but this hardly matters where impeccable quality is needed. The only drawback is the relative high cost. However, the price is comparable to high-quality imported mechanical tools.

What is an electric tile cutter?

• Table or camp.
• Guide.
• Cutting element (diamond wheel).
• Electrical engine.
• Water system.

Cutting with a diamond wheel is accompanied by a large amount of dust, so the device has a hydraulic system that cools the cutting element and prevents active spraying of ceramics. Models differ in water supply scheme. In one case, this is a reservoir of liquid in which part of the circle is constantly immersed; in the other, wetting is carried out running water. The fluid must be changed periodically to prevent waste from accumulating and contaminating the diamond element. The latter should also be washed regularly, otherwise the cutting particles become clogged.

The devices and cutting systems differ. In some tile cutters the circle moves and the table is stationary; in others, on the contrary, the cutting element is fixed, and the tiles are fed due to the movement of the mill. In any case, preparing porcelain tiles for cutting is similar to what we described in the section on mechanical tools.

When using an electric tile cutter, shaped cutting of porcelain tiles is possible. The mechanism is too tough for a twisting cut, but it can handle an angular one. The advantage of many models is the ability to trim at an angle of 45 degrees. Today they are moving away from decorative tiled corners, preferring monolithic cladding. It is possible to do without a machine in this situation, but it is very difficult and impractical.

Bulgarian

An angle grinder is a tool that will help out if you don’t have any other cutting tool. Next, about the advantages and disadvantages of the grinder.

With a grinder, you can trim any shape and size, and sand a 45-degree angle. To work, you need a special diamond disc for tiles: smooth and without holes.

Pros:

• Availability. There is an angle grinder in almost every home; all you need to do is purchase a diamond wheel.
• Opportunity figure cutting. The mobility of the tool allows you to cut out almost any shape - all it takes is skill.
• Many people have some skill in working with angle grinders; this ensures quick mastery of the trimming process.

Minuses:

• Noise and dust. Working with an angle grinder comes with “audio accompaniment” and a lot of dust.
• An angle grinder is a dangerous tool. Careless movement and negligent attitude to safety precautions can easily lead to injuries.
• Poor quality cut. Depending on the quality of the grinder, the degree of chips and microcracks in the tiles differs, but there are always flaws. Finishing the cut by grinding partly solves the problem, but it is better to use an angle grinder for working with tiles that, from an aesthetic point of view, are not of great importance - the cut points should be hidden.

Techniques for working safely with an angle grinder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvqotukmgEo
Having outlined the cutting line, cut a couple of millimeters from it - the diamond wheel “eats” part of the ceramic. Set the circle according to the direction of movement of the mechanism; there is an indicating arrow on the cutting element. While working, try to drive the car back and forth less, this will reduce the number of chips. This advice does not work when cutting thin pieces of porcelain stoneware; here the desire to cut in one pass will result in the slab breaking.

Choose a diamond wheel responsibly and buy high-quality consumables. Otherwise, there is a risk of destruction of the element, which at enormous speed leads to injury. Give preference to circles without ventilation (gaps), ceramics do not like them.
Video about choosing a diamond wheel for cutting porcelain stoneware:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bn8ab9DkRI
A dull “diamond” can be restored to working condition using a brick. Go over it 2-3 times with a cutting element, this will rid the circle of accumulated dirt.
How to make a narrow cut:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCTfHEy2j7g

Water jet cutting

The described tools are good in their own way, but how to cut porcelain stoneware complex schemes? Sometimes a project requires an intricate design with a lot of curves and lines. You can take a grinder and try to cut it with it, but, as we have already said, it leaves a lot of chips that cannot be hidden with anything. Yes, and the trembling hand is not best help in such a matter. In this situation, waterjet cutting of porcelain stoneware comes to the rescue.
This is the most technologically advanced method of pruning, and it can only be carried out with special equipment in specialized workshops.
The method consists of supplying water mixed with abrasive microparticles through a very thin (0.2-0.4 mm) nozzle under pressure. The computerized system is capable of cutting out any, even the most complex, patterns in porcelain stoneware up to 200 mm thick. Waterjet cutting costs money, but sometimes it is irreplaceable.

Which tool you prefer - manual or electric - is up to you. We introduced you to several methods of cutting porcelain stoneware, and we will help you choose the right one specific situation. Just an earnest request: do not listen to those who advise using a hacksaw for metal. The method works, but at what cost? Huge labor costs, loss of time... Approach pruning with common sense. comments powered by HyperComments