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Tips for Cutting Tiles


Cutting ceramic tile can be quite easy with the right tools. In general, tiles can be cut or shaped with a carbide wheel tile cutter, tile nipper or diamond saw cutter. Cuts can be done straight, in circles or by clipping off edges for pipes or other fittings. Tile is similar to glass in the sense that when the glazed surface is cleanly scored and pressure is applied to each side, it will break neatly along the scoring.

Tile cutters have a carbide wheel like standard glass cutters. The cutter can hold the tile square to the cutting blade, and a clean, straight line can be scored by sliding the handle with some applied force. Pressing down on the handle will cut the tile along the line.

Cutter Blades

Tile cutters can normally cut pieces only up to 5/8 inch wide. For thinner pieces, an abrasive saw blade, diamond wet saw or hacksaw with carbide blade might be required. The best tool for this purpose would be a diamond wet saw, as they can cut quickly and accurately. These saws are not really dangerous, since they do not have teeth like regular wood blades, but tiny pieces of diamond that can be found on the edge and sides of the blade. However, you might think twice about actually buying one, as a decent diamond wet saw costs nearly $1,000.

Cutting Circles in Tiles

There are two ways of cutting circles in tiles. The first is buying an expensive carbide circle whole saw, which is nice but too costly for onetime use. The second is to get an inexpensive carbide rod saw blade that fits into a standard hacksaw frame. You will first need to drill a large enough hole in the tile that allows the actual blade to be inserted then attach it to the hacksaw frame so you can start sawing. It is important to note that the tile must be firmly supported as you saw, otherwise it will crack when you reach the end of your cut. It is also a good idea as you are about to reach the end to slow down and use less force when cutting.



 


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