How to Cut Tiles with an Electric Tile Cutter

Tile is one of the most popular facing materials. It can be made of ceramics, cement, stone and even glass. And in each case, the material requires a special approach to processing. Of course, any master will pre-plan the work surface for decoration specifically for a specific number of solid elements, but sometimes it is simply impossible to reduce to zero areas in which fragmentary styling is required. You need to be prepared for such a masonry. at least to know how to properly cut tiles with a tile cutter without chips and cracks. This operation requires strength, attention and a quality tool.

Which tile cutter to use?

The choice of the ordinary user is offered three options for tile cutting. mechanical manual, mechanical desktop (machine) and electric. The simplest solution is a compact hand tool with a cutting roller and a handle. Applying sufficient force to the movement of a functional organ, the operator performs cutting tiles. In most cases, the tool simply poses a risk, which is then broken. This option is good independence from the mains, resistance to elevated temperature and humidity, but its capabilities will not be enough to work with large volumes or solid-state material. In such cases, it is advisable to use desktop models. How to cut tiles with this type of tile cutter? It is enough to lay the workpiece on the working platform, and then activate the movement of the cutting part along the guides. Actually, the principle of operation remains the same as in the case of the manual model, but the massive stationary design allows you to apply more force, while ensuring stability.

As for the electric models, they are complete electrical equipment in which the saw blade carries out the cutting. The unit is massive, energy-consuming and demanding for maintenance, but the quality of its work and the convenience for the operator are not comparable with the above analogues.

Workplace organization

One of the main conditions for working with a tile cutter is adequate lighting. The user should be able to clearly see the slightest cut on the tiled surface from different sides. All tools must be in place. Equipment, auxiliary accessories must be at hand, but so that they are locked in place and do not accidentally fall out onto the work site. Another question is important. how to cut tiles with a tile cutter so that the workflow does not stop? If we are talking about a large batch, then initially the place for the placement of whole tiles, as well as a niche to which finished fragments will be sent, will be organized. The main thing is that these zones do not interfere with the operator, but at the same time be physically accessible to him.

How to cut tiles with a manual tile cutter?

The designs of manual tile cutters may vary, but in general the technique remains the same. Most models assume that the tile material will be initially fixed on the desktop. it is best to use a carpentry workbench, the design of which provides clamps for workpieces. Next, cutting equipment is prepared. The roller, rollers and rods are treated with oil, which improves the course when applying risks. Now you can proceed to the working procedure. How to cut a tile with a tile cutter? By manual force, which is applied to the special handle, it is necessary to draw the wheel along the previously outlined cutting line. It is important to emphasize that manual models do not directly cut tiles except for thin or soft paintings. Most often, they inflict a risk, along which a fault is further performed.

Видео: How to Cut Tiles with an Electric Tile Cutter

Electric Tile Control

In this case, the tile is located directly on the tool platform and is fixed with a clamping bar. Some models of electric tile cutters allow you to place workpieces at different angles, which makes it possible to make oblique and curved cuts. After installing the material, the saw blade is turned on. It is important to wait until it reaches a sufficient speed, and then proceed to direct cutting. How to cut tiles with electric motor tile cutter? The operation is usually performed without operator intervention, but some models provide the ability to manually clamp the disc. But this is not even the main thing. If you plan to work with large volumes. for example, with 20-30 elements, then you will need to provide for water cooling of the working equipment, which will protect it from overheating. To do this, you must first fill the appropriate tank in the design of the machine.

Possible tool breakdowns

The problem that beginners do not always notice is expressed in the instability of working equipment. This is manifested in the vibration of the same disk, as a result of which more chips and chips from the material are released. The problem is fixed either by replacing the working body, or by its more reliable fixation. If there is a problem with the motor, then check the cable connection to the network, as well as revise the fuse. Not insured against technical problems and cutting tiles with a manual tile cutter without an electric motor. In working with such a tool, insufficiently rigid fastening of the equipment, its wear or violation of the geometry of the structure can be observed. Accordingly, the solution to the problem will be a complete revision of the connecting nodes of the structure, as well as checking the operational life of individual functional parts.

The nuances of processing tiles in different formats

In work with a thin tile about 8 mm thick it is desirable to use manual tile cutters. In the hands, the cutting moment is felt sharper, which allows more precise control of the process without harming the whole part of the material. As for stone and concrete tiles, as well as workpieces with a thickness of more than 20 mm, it is better to work with this material immediately on electric machines that will perform cutting more accurately and accurately than mechanical units. How to cut tiles with a tile cutter with an electric motor? Soft bases crumble easily, so excessive force is advisable to avoid. Power plants can be a useful solution to this problem only if reliable and comprehensive fixation of the tile. However, blanks with carbide chips are completely contraindicated for such machines, since the outer layer quickly destroys the equipment.

Compliance with safety rules during work

It is equally important to comply with safety rules already in the process. How to cut tiles with a tile cutter so as not to cause harm to health? It should be borne in mind that during processing by electric tile cutter, small fragments and dust are discarded. From such waste should be protected with complete casings, and even better. use a pipe for a construction vacuum cleaner. Timely removal of tiled chips with dust will not only protect the operator, but also keep the room clean.

What can replace a tile cutter?

An angle grinder (angle grinder), that is, an "angle grinder", can very well handle cutting tiles, and solid-state. porcelain, natural stone and concrete. But there are some peculiarities in using this tool. If on the question of how to cut tiles correctly with a tile cutter, aspects of delicate adherence to cutting techniques come to the fore, then angle grinders require twice as much attention to safety. All the power in working with this tool does not lie on the bed, as is the case with the electric tile cutter, but on the user. Therefore, sufficient power support is required in the process of physical control of the tool body, and also an abundant departure of the same crumb with dust from the workpiece is taken into account.

Conclusion

For the average user, cutting tiles is a rare, if not exotic, procedure. And even if such a need arises, the amount of work will be small. Therefore, you can confine yourself to the purchase of a manual tile cutter for such needs. The question of how to properly cut ceramic tiles with a tile cutter of this type will find its answer already at the first test attempts to process workpieces. The mechanics of cutting thin tiles are quickly absorbed even by inexperienced home craftsmen. Another thing is that in the case of solid-state thick tiles, hand tools will not help. will have to seriously prepare for work with electrical equipment.