Laying tiles requires certain skills and qualifications. This is especially true when you need to adjust the tiles to the desired size and have to work with a grinder or tile cutter. Most of the damaged tiles occur during pruning.
Choosing a tile cutter
Regardless of which tiles you want to trim, wall or floor, and regardless of the direction in which you need to trim them, the edges of the cut pieces should be as even as possible. After all, an uneven, carelessly cut tile, if laid on the surface, will immediately catch the eye.
It is best to cut the tile with a tile cutter.
It is specially designed for this, so you can work with it even without proper experience.
However, an electric tile cutter is expensive, so if you have tiling in your renovation plans, it's best to purchase a manual tile cutter.
Externally, the tile cutter looks like a platform with tongs attached. But according to its principle of action, it rather resembles a glass cutter. As in the glass cutter, the main working body in the tile cutter is a heavy-duty alloy wheel. Compared to a glass cutter, it is much larger, since other surfaces have to be cut. But the principle of operation is the same: the wheel makes a scratch on the tile in the place where the break is needed.
When choosing a tile cutter in a hardware store, choose a model where the carriage has bearings. This is important because there are models that have the carriage fitted directly onto the rails. They are cheaper, but they also have a stiffer stroke, and play can occur, and as a result, the impeller must be changed frequently.
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The main rules when working with a tile cutter
Before you start cutting a tile with a tile cutter, you need to take a little time to get it ready for use. First you need to make sure that the cutting wheel is in working order. If it is dull, it should be replaced. In hardware stores, you can pick it up for any tile cutter model.
It is necessary to check that the wheel is securely fixed and rotates strictly along the axis, and does not stagger to the sides. If the wheel wobbles, then it must be secured by tightening the fastening bolt, otherwise an even cut will not come out. Immediately before operation, it is better to lightly lubricate the wheel and guide frame with machine oil. But do not overdo it, you need 2-3 drops of oil, no more.
When cutting tiles, the rule applies: the denser the tile, the thinner the strip can be cut from it. But still, cutting off a strip less than 5 mm with a tile cutter will not work, for such cases you need special nippers.
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How to cut tiles correctly?
First, you need to measure the desired distance on the tile and use a construction marker or felt-tip pen to draw a cut line. It is at this mark that you need to get a straight cut. The tile is laid down on the base of the cutter with the applied line up, and so that the wheel and the applied line coincide.
Holding the tile with one hand, with the other we lift the handle with the wheel so that the wheel is on the tile in its upper part in relation to you at the very beginning of the future fault. Having put the wheel, you need to move the handle towards you with a little pressure so that the risk remains. You only need to make one pass. If you do more, you will not be able to accurately trace the line and the fault will turn out to be ugly, crooked.
The tile cutter is a versatile tile cutter.
The cut tiles are divided into parts using special stops, similar to wings. When cutting, the roller does not allow the stops to press on the surface, but when the risk is cut, they are put into action. To do this, reinstall the bar in the lower part so that the stops press on the lower third of the tile near the base of the handle and on the lower part of its surface.
Stops should be equipped with special pads so as not to leave marks on the surface. If they are not there, then they can be replaced by wrapping the ends of the supports in several layers with adhesive plaster or tape. Having secured the tile, we hold the lever with our left hand, and with our right we lightly hit it from above. The tile should split in two. But even if the tile did not crack after the impact, you should not immediately panic. You may not have hit hard enough, hit it again, harder.
If the cut is made correctly, the split will be even. But even if the break turned out to be not very even, then it can always be corrected by using a grinding stone or sandpaper.
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How to properly cut tiles with a grinder and glass cutter?
The tile cutter is the best solution when you need to cut tiles. However, it so happens that the amount of work is too small to buy a tile cutter. In this case, a grinder or glass cutter will come to the rescue.
When working with a grinder, you need to remember that this is a tool of increased danger. This rule becomes even more relevant if you cut tiles with a grinder, because they were not originally intended for such work. Therefore, it is impossible in any case to cut the tile with a grinder that is not equipped with a protective cover. You also need to take care of your own eyes and ears by wearing safety glasses and earphones.
Only a diamond wheel should be used for cutting tiles. A circle for metal cannot cope with such work. The tiles must be securely fixed. After turning on the grinder, you need to wait until the disc picks up speed, and then, pressing down a little, draw the disc along the marking line. It is imperative to drive the disc from yourself.
When working, the grinder must be kept level so that the disc is always at an angle of 90º to the cutting line. Compared to a tile cutter, the cut will not be as high-quality, but after processing with a grinding wheel it will look decent.
If you do not have a tile cutter or a grinder, and the tiles need to be cut, you can also use a regular glass cutter. But when using a glass cutter, the tiles will need to be soaked in water for at least an hour. And only after that start marking and cutting.
The tile cutting technique is no different from glass cutting. Place the tiles on a flat and stable surface. A ruler lies near the drawn line. Then, with a glass cutter, draw along the marked line, while you should not make the cut too deep. Once the cut is made, the tile is moved to the edge of the surface so that the edge of the surface and the cut are aligned. Now it is enough to press on both sides, and the tile will split exactly along the notch.
You can use a carbide-bladed jigsaw to trim the tiles. But working with him is too slow. It will take 5 to 10 minutes to trim one tile with a jigsaw, which is too much, especially considering how many such operations need to be performed during installation.
Today, ceramic tiles have become one of the most demanded materials for interior decoration. And if you decide to save money and put it on your own, then you will definitely face the need to cut it.
If you have not had to cut tiles before, then before starting work, it is better to practice on defective material. So you will fill your hand a little, and you will not be sorry for the spoiled tiles. The main thing is not to despair and not give up after the first setbacks. And then you will succeed.
Here we come with tiles to the outer corner. Now we will shoot a movie for you, how to mark up to this corner and cut the tiles so that they fit well and go around this outer corner.
This tile is here. Now on it we will all show how we will do it all, without cutting the tiles in half, or how. Namely, we will cut out this corner in the tile.
Means what we do. We select a drawing so that everything is done according to the drawing and coincides with how everything is done according to the tile drawing. We select in the same way so that we do not have offsets with the picture. Have chosen. Now we make the markup on the tiles.
We take our tile, attach it to the tile that already has a seam, and give the seam that we will have. Here we retreat from the edge 4 or 5 millimeters and put a mark on the tile. We transfer this mark to the end. Here it is our mark.
Now we do the same with this edge, too, which is already glued.
Again, we attach, do not forget about the seam. We look and also retreat from the edge of the 4-5 millimeter and put a mark.
We transfer our marks to this side. Farther. We take our impromptu right angle ruler. Let's assume that this tile has a right angle. We took such a cut. We need to connect these lines. We are lying. Here we combine with the label. We make sure that the trimming tile lies exactly with this tile and does not protrude anywhere, lies on the same plane. Since here we are drawing a right angle. We extend the line one and the other in exactly the same way. You can take whole tiles, but trimming is easier. It is lighter in weight. Drawn.
Cutting a tile with a grinder and a tile cutter
So, the next step is this. The tile cutter does not cut with the letter "G". So what do we need to do? I usually choose the shortest, choose the short distance to cut with the grinder.
So, we will cut this part up to this line with a grinder with a disc on the tile. And we will cut through this part already. Well, it happens that this length comes across.
Just make a cut with a tile cutter and break off that piece. So, we take a grinder and cut through this part. We take glasses, put on. Here is a grinder. Hopefully there is a disc on tiles here. It is on the tiles. It's sleek. How to choose a disc by tile I have separate videos. It's all about diamond-coated discs. Here is diamond plating. This is the cutting part of the disc.
So, let's turn it on. So what I want to say. When we make a cut with a grinder, we do not lead strictly along the line, but a disk that would go next to the line. So that we can see the line. That is, we will cut through next to the line.
We include.
So, we made a cut. What else I want to say. You probably noticed that when I was cutting, I was driving the disc, as if we were cutting bread with a knife. What does it do? This ensures that the disc with such a thread will never pinch it. Never. Because we either release it, then we give the load, then we release it, then we give the load. And he cuts better then. And cuts faster and better.
This means the next step: we made the cut, now we need to make a cut on the tile cutter. We align this line with the axis on the tile cutter. So, here they are. I put a leg, and now we cut it simply, starting from the end of the grinder cut through to the end of the tile itself.
Here, it feels like they hit the groove. Res feels. And cut through.
That's it, we made a cut. Now we chop it off. Everything. Here is our outer corner, I repeat.
The final stage of gluing tiles
And now we will glue it. Our tile is a soldering of corners, so we will apply glue in the center along such movements. As if we are priming it slightly.
What I want to say. Why are we retreating from the wall, not giving density? Because this is due to temperature conditions. The tiles should not fit snugly against the wall. The same is with the ties. Tempera tape is made for screeds. So, we level it on the plane. Well, just in case, we can still check if our leaf is not getting lost. The tile itself is with glue, but skirting boards with glue will still go here.
Who calls it a boot, but I call it a tiled skirting board. That is, the skirting board will be made of tiles. We take the tiles. It is exactly one centimeter thick with a layer of glue. Why? Because the tile itself is 7 millimeters and the glue layer is about 2-3 millimeters. We just attach our tiles to the wall. So I give her 2-3 millimeters, it closes perfectly. So our cut closes, everything works out great.
In this way, we trim all the tiles to the outer right angles. This is one way.
All rights to the video belong to: Sergej Master
The easiest way to cut tiles into pieces is to use a manual tile cutter. Its cost varies from 200 rubles or more, however, using this tool you can save a lot of time and effort. Moreover, you can simply rent it in a building materials store. In this article, we will show you how to cut tiles with a tile cutter.
Tile cutter device
On the fixed tile, a cutting line is outlined, along which they draw a tile cutter wheel. Next, the lever is lowered, and the material breaks along the marked line. This work takes no more than 1 minute.
Rules for using a manual tile cutter:
- Before using the tile cutter, it is worth dripping oil on the guide frame and wheel to put it at risk. Make sure the wheel is securely fastened. It should not move to the sides, otherwise you will get a curved notch line. When the cutting wheel wears out, you should replace it by purchasing a similar one in a hardware store.
- Before starting the process, it is worth first trying to make some experimental cuts of the desired bend. If it was not possible to make the necessary cut with a manual tile cutter, you should use an automatic one, or make several notches and break off the tile in small parts using nippers.
Video
A video showing different ways to cut tiles:
Technology for cutting ceramic tiles using a tile cutter
To make a straight cut with a tile cutter, you must draw a line with a felt-tip pen on the material. Next, lay the tiles on the special base of the tool and align the indicated line with the wheel for applying risks. When making many identical cuts, it is advisable to fix the frame with a screw in a given position. Hold the stove with one hand and the wheel lever with the other.
The lever must be raised until the wheel touches the tile surface, and then move the handle towards you. With light pressure, make one pass of the wheel at a risk.
Note! With repeated holding, the cut will turn out to be of poor quality.
Further, according to the risk taken, it will be necessary to divide the material into elements. To do this, place the wings at the beginning of the lever so that they are at the level of 1/3 of the bottom plate. Pre-treat the tool wings with masking tape so that they do not damage the material. Hold the tile in the desired position by lightly pressing the lever with the thumb of one hand, and hit the lever with the palm of your other hand.
Note! In the event that a split has not formed on the material, you should hit harder. If even after this the material does not give in, start working with another tile, starting the process over again.
After finishing work, the cut edge may stand out. This is corrected by sanding it with sandpaper or sanding stone. Stock up on the right type of stone to match the structure of your slab. No need for edging when covered with adjacent tiles.
Video
This video shows how a manual tile cutter works:
Any ceramic tile laying process is not complete without cutting it. There will be a lot of it especially if you use some kind of non-standard layout, for example, diagonally. In the last article, we talked about getting uniform and beautiful cuts everywhere. Now we will talk about how to properly cut tiles at home.
As you know, the tiles are made of baked clay, which is covered with glaze on top. It’s hard to break it with your hands, but if it lies on any unevenness, then it cracks easily from a small load. To simplify this process and make the required fracture line, you need to loosen the top layer of the glaze - that is, cut it, and therefore make efforts to break.
There are 3 main ways to do this:
- Special tool - manual, electric tile cutter or special tongs.
- Bulgarian.
- Other handy sharp tools.
Let's talk in more detail about each tile cutting method.
Fast navigation through the article
Cutting tiles with a manual tile cutter
This is the most popular option used by both professional tilers and hobbyists. You can find it in a store at a price of 300 rubles and more, depending on the size, quality and additional bells and whistles, such as a rotary base and a built-in ruler for easy cutting of tiles at an angle of 45 degrees. At the same time, it is better not to buy the cheapest models, they will often break the tiles incorrectly, due to poor pressure on the flimsy base.
How a manual tile cutter works
How to use the tile cutter:
- The tile is inserted into the tile cutter, and the markings on it are aligned with a special mark.
- The handle is lowered and held away from you. It must be driven at the same speed and even pressure so that the roller cuts the glaze to the same depth. It will be enough to run the roller once. If you drive several times, the breakage may turn out to be of poor quality.
- Next to the roller there are special paws that lower and break the tiles into 2 parts, after a sharp push on the lever. At the same time, all tile cutters have a metal tubercle on their platform, and soft pads along the edges. When you press down on the edges of the tile with your feet, maximum tension will be created at the notch, if properly aligned with the backing, and it will evenly break off.
It is difficult to explain this in words, so it is easier to watch a video that shows how to cut tiles correctly with a tile cutter:
High-quality tile cutters allow you to cut even tiles with a thickness of 10 mm without problems. It doesn't matter at what angle you cut it: at least 45 degrees, at least 30.
How to cut a tile with the letter "G"
Since the tile cutter can only cut the tiles straight, many have difficulty with L-shaped cutouts. The easiest option is to divide this tile into 2 rectangular elements, but then you get an extra ugly seam that will catch your eye.
But this can be avoided if the short side is cut with a grinder, and then the long one with a tile cutter.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make L-shaped cuts on tiles
You can cut the outer corners in the same way. When marking them, it is necessary to subtract about 4–5 mm, for a grouting seam 1.5–2 mm and a small indent from the wall.
The second method: by any method available to you, a cut is made on the glaze, and the excess is gradually broken off with pliers. Irregularities are treated with sandpaper. This option will even allow you to get a rounded incision for abutting the risers.
How to cut porcelain stoneware
It is believed that porcelain stoneware is the hardest material from which floor tiles are made. You can trim it in the same way as a regular tile.
Sometimes simple floor tiles are more difficult to cut than porcelain stoneware. There is a hardened tile, on which, after cutting with a tile cutter, the notch on the glaze is almost invisible. And even the diamond disc on the grinder does not take it - the cut turns out to be torn, like after a tractor. In such cases, you need to use a grinder and file a 2-3 mm groove on the back to mark the place of the break.
Tile cutter tongs
Tile-cutting tongs are the cheapest (200-400 rubles), and they are suitable only for small volumes of work with thin ceramic tiles at home.
After notching, press down on the tile with a cracking pliers
How to use the tile cutter:
- Mark out all gaps and seams (–5 mm).
- Attach a metal ruler to the scribe line and slide the cutter along it once. The pressure should be moderate to form a visible streak. Lead him from the far end towards you.
- Place the tongs with their feet along the line of the crowbar near the edge. The sponges should be on top of the glaze and the straight part on the bottom. The fracture line should run right midway between the edges of the upper lip.
- Press gently on the handles to break off the tiles. At the same time, do not lift it high, otherwise it will break after falling.
Electric tile cutter
If you have a large volume of work, then the fastest and highest quality cut comes from an electric tile cutter. They use a diamond wheel and supply water to the cut to cool and remove dust. The cheapest types of the amateur class can be found on sale for 3-4 thousand rubles.
We cut the tiles with a grinder
Sometimes there are cases when you need to cut a narrow strip of tiles 0.5–2 cm, and an ordinary tile cutter does not take it, because his legs are too wide.
In such cases, you need to draw a notch line with a pencil and make it washed down with a grinder with a diamond disc. But if you try to cut it off in one go, the narrow strip will break off in parts. Therefore, you need to smoothly and without pressure walk the grinder along the markings to get an incision about 2 mm deep. It is necessary to walk with a disk along the line, and not directly along it, then the width of the already narrow strip will not decrease.
Using the same method, running several times along the same seam, you will cut a narrow strip. The second and next time you can drive the grinder faster, but try to press it to the opposite side, then there will be no chips.
It is better to do this work by weight, so the vibration will go into the hands. When you already see that the strip will soon fall, it is advisable to put something soft over it so that it does not break.
Cutting tiles with a grinder with a special diamond-coated disc on tiles
If any irregularities remain, they can be sanded out with the same grinder.
Be sure to wear glasses when working with a grinder.
How to choose the right disc by tile
For cutting, metal discs are used with diamond plating along its edges. But they are different: for concrete, brick, stone. Tiled discs do not have any holes, the soldering on them is uniform and smooth. Discs for concrete have slots on the solder, and will chip when vibrated. If you cut ceramic tiles with them, then these chips can fly into your face.
We make a drink at 45 degrees
Ceramic pencil skirting is best for protecting the sharp outer corners of tiles
For a beautiful joining of external corners, many craftsmen saw down the edges at 45 degrees so as not to use ceramic corners. But in dangerous places where it is possible to slip, it is still better to use the so-called border-pencils, although some consider them a "collective farm".
If you are using a professional electric tile cutter, the tilting platform there makes it easy to make a 45-degree angle on the tile bevel, but not everyone has such a tool. It is easy to make such an angle on your own using the same grinder "by eye". The disc is drawn along the incision line, with the disc tilted slightly inward.
Undercut tiles at 45 degrees
How to cut tiles without a tile cutter
If you only need to cut a few tiles, it doesn't have to be spent on a tile cutter. You can use the tools at hand:
- Glass cutter.
- Drill. It should preferably be with a victorious tip, as it will scratch the tile better.
- Nail.
- Construction knife.
Attach a metal ruler to the notch and draw once with a glass cutter or drill. A deep scratch should remain on the enamel. If you are using a knife, but will need to carry out several times.
Place the tile with the cut at the corner and press down on the edges with a sharp motion. The cut will not turn out perfectly flat, unlike the tile cutter, but you will not have to spend additional money.
To make cutting ceramic tiles easier, many craftsmen soak them in water for about 1 hour.
Conclusion
Cutting ceramic tiles is not difficult, and you yourself will understand it after a few successful times. It's just that if you don't have experience, you should always buy material with a 10-15% margin. In some hardware stores, they provide services for cutting tiles to the desired shape and size, but here you need to be 100% sure of the size.
comments powered by HyperCommentsCarrying out the facing of the room with tiles, sometimes it is necessary to lay, in addition to the whole tiles, also their parts. How to cut a tile so that its edge turns out to be even, and at the same time you do not have to spoil unnecessary workpieces? This problem can be solved if you use a tile cutter - a special device for cutting tiles, grinder or glass cutter. Learn about the intricacies of performing work with various tools from this article and video.
Professionals, when carrying out tile-laying work, use a special tool called an electric tile cutter or water saw. With its help, high-quality cutting of tiles is carried out - either stone, with a soft or hard base. The tool consists of a platform, a diamond disc attached to it and a tray with water. During the cutting process, water from the pallet is fed to the knife, cooling it, preventing the formation of dust and protecting the workpieces from cracking. Maintain the correct water level in the pan and change it periodically to avoid clogging the knife with crumbs.
To carry out cutting, it is necessary to mark the tiles, then lay their working platform and fix it with a clamping bar. Switch on the tile cutter motor and start the rotating disc. Hold the workpiece firmly with both hands and gently push it under the diamond blade. Crack the cut workpiece using tile cutters.
The benefits of using an electric tile cutter are undeniable. This tool provides:
- precise, clean and even cut, no chips;
- minimal waste;
- no dust;
- cutting at an angle;
- the speed of cutting any, even the most durable or thick tiles;
- withstands a large number of harshness.
Attention! Tiles coated with carbide chips should not be cut with an electric tile cutter, as it destroys the cutting element of the tool. For cutting work, it is recommended to wear a protective suit, goggles, gloves and a respirator that protects against dust and small particles from entering the lungs.
How to cut tiles with a manual tile cutter
To carry out the cutting of tiles, several types of manual tile cutters are used. Having chosen a tool in the form of tongs, you should carefully cut with a diamond cutter on the face of the tile, then using a corner, break it into two fragments.
The tabletop manual tile cutter can quickly cut tiles up to 15 mm thick. This requires:
- mark on the workpiece with a felt-tip pen;
- lay the tiles on the base of the glass cutter, while its wheel must match the markings;
- while operating the tool handle, skip the wheel once along the marking line;
- fix the tiles with wings on both sides;
- lightly hit the handle to get the segment you want. If, after a few strokes, it does not give in, it is better to repeat cutting on another copy.
Attention! It is easier to cut a narrow piece from a ceramic workpiece if it has a dense structure.
If you need to make rounded holes on the tile - up to 80 mm in diameter, this can be done with a tile cutter with a circular cutter. Wetting the workpiece with water will help to improve cutting accuracy.
How to cut tiles with a glass cutter
In the absence of special devices, a straight cut of ceramic tiles can be made with a glass cutter. A high-quality cut can be made with it if the markings are located at a distance of at least 0.8 cm from the edge.
Correctly cutting tiles with a glass cutter is done as follows:
- put it in a container of water for an hour;
- then outline the line of the future cut with a felt-tip pen;
- having laid the tile on a hard surface, and holding it with your hand, once, pressing evenly, draw along the marking line with a glass cutter. When carrying out this manipulation, the glass cutter should be held at a right angle and directed towards yourself. In place of the marked line, a shallow groove should form under the action of the glass cutter;
Using a glass cutter
- to break it, it is necessary to lay the cut tile on a glazing bead or pencil and hit from above with your palm, evenly distributing the impact force along the notch line.
Advice! Usually, the tile is cut with a glass cutter if it is necessary to cut 2-3 pieces. In order to process more tiles, it is recommended to use more advanced methods and tools.
The use of a glass cutter for cutting tiles is justified only when processing thin ceramic tiles.
How to cut a tile with a grinder
Using a grinder, you can independently perform straight and curly cutting of tiles of any thickness. For this, either a disk or a diamond wheel for dry cutting is installed on the tool, respectively. As in working with a tile cutter, when using a grinder, you should wear goggles and a respirator to protect yourself from dust and small fragments, which are quite a lot when working with this tool.
To properly cut the tile with a grinder, you should clean the surface of the workpiece and apply markings on it, then securely fix it with grips on the workbench. Cut the workpiece with a grinder, gently resting the cutting disc against its surface along the marking line. In the process of cutting, you should not try to capture the entire thickness of the tile, as it will break well from the notch.
Using the grinder
The main disadvantages of using a grinder when cutting tiles are:
- in the formation of a large amount of dust, therefore, when working with a grinder, you should definitely use glasses and a respirator or a construction vacuum cleaner;
- in a lower quality of the cut obtained, which will need to be additionally sanded.
Tile cutting is one of the preparatory stages of facing work. It can be done using various tools. You can learn more about how to cut tiles correctly by watching the video.
How to cut tiles: video