How To Use A Manual Roller Tile Cutter

How to use a tile cutter: instructions for the user
The tile cutter is an essential device for proper tile installation. Varieties of tile cutters are described. A sequence of actions and useful recommendations for working with a manual and electric tile cutter are given.

Design fundamentals and technological capabilities

Tile cutter Is a generalized name for construction tools for straight, curved or even curved tile cutting. The classification of the variety of these tools is based on the type of driving motion. So, tile cutters can be:

1. Manual;
2. Mechanized or electric.

Manual tile cutter consists of a base. Beds, carriages with a roller and a handle. It resembles an ordinary glass cutter in its principle of operation. The cutting roller cuts the glaze of the tile. At this moment, it is clamped in the body according to the principle of pliers. Once the glaze is cut, the tiles break off along it. To obtain a smoother and more accurate cut, guides are used that expose the tile clamping field. Sometimes manual tile cutter the tabletop version can be used to produce round holes.

Electric tile cutter. A device equipped with an electric drive that drives the diamond cutting disc in rotation. The principle of operation of this version of the tile cutter is similar to a circular saw. Ceramic tiles move along the guide to obtain an even and accurate cut. One of the varieties of a mechanized tile cutter is a tape cutter, equipped with a diamond tape. To cool the tiles, water is supplied to the cutting area, which also rinses off the cutting products.

In order to properly cut ceramic tiles, you need to know how to use the tile cutter correctly.

How to use a manual tile cutter correctly

Before how to use a manual tile cutter, it is necessary to check its condition. All parts must be undamaged, the cutting roller must rotate without jamming. Its surface must be of the correct round shape, without burrs and dents. The movement of the carriage with it should also be carried out without jerking and jamming. As a rule, for these purposes, a radial bearing is provided in the design of a manual tile cutter. It is also worth checking the condition of the bed; before working with the tile cutter, it is necessary to clean its surface from visible dirt.

1. The tile surface is marked with an ordinary construction pencil according to the required dimensions.
2. The tile is positioned on the bed of the cutter so that the marked line of the cut coincides with the trajectory of the carriage on which the cutter roller is fixed. It is important that the distance to the cut from the edge of the tile is at least 10 mm, otherwise you will get a sloppy edge.
3. The carriage is guided along the line with slight pressure. It is important at the moment to feel the required amount of pressure so as not to push through the tile, but also to get a cut of the required depth so that the glaze of the tile is cut. It is allowed to run the roller over the tile surface only once, otherwise the cut may turn out to be uneven.
4. Now the handle of the tile cutter turns to the working position, the field of which is lowered with a sharp and confident movement, as a result, the tile is gently broken along the previously obtained cut.

Experts advise to soak ceramic tiles in water before cutting. A drop of machine oil applied along the mowing line of the cut will also make the cut easier. You can also read an article on how to cut tiles with and without a tile cutter.

And for a more detailed analysis of the use of a manual tile cutter, I recommend looking (using the Walmer tile cutter as an example).

And one more thing (for example, the RUBI TX-N tile cutter).

It will be convenient to work with a manual tile cutter if the volume of work is not too large, and the hardness of the tile is small or medium. For sturdier tiles, consider using an electric tile cutter.

How to use a tile cutter: instructions for the user

Renovations are often associated with the laying of ceramic tiles. In the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. The main task is to gently glue it to the wall or floor so that you get a flat surface, without drops and pits. This will require a building level, as well as tile cutter, with which it is necessary to cut the tiles exactly to size.

How to use an electric tile cutter correctly

The use of a more technologically advanced device. An electric tile cutter. Allows you to get a very neat cut with somewhat rounded and smooth edges. Sharp edges, which are obtained when working with a manual tile cutter, when cutting ceramic tiles with an electric device. It also allows you to cut pieces of tiles less than 5 millimeters wide.

The technology for cutting tiles on an electric tile cutter looks like this:

1. Before how to use the tile cutter, it is necessary to mark the tiles.
2. Place the tiles on the cutter table along the adjusted guide.
3. Turn on the rotation of the diamond blade and supply water to it.
4. Gently slide the tile towards the disc with both hands. At the moment the tile is brought under the disc, the pressing force on it should be minimal. After cutting, it can be increased slightly. If you press too hard on the tiles while cutting in, strong vibrations can occur and the tiles will crack. When the diamond wheel comes out during the completion of cutting, it is necessary to also reduce the pressure force so that chips and irregularities do not form.
5. Get a neat cut and set the tiles aside.
6. Turn off blade rotation and water supply.

When working with an electric tile cutter, it is worth considering the recommendations of specialists. It is important that during the operation the tile is neatly and evenly pressed against the table of the tile cutter, otherwise vibrations will appear. Also, uneven tile placement on the table can cause the blade to jam in the center of the tile, or to catch the tile with the disc, resulting in an inaccurate cut that is not directed along the mowing line. To accurately move the tile, you must use the guides, and also press on the tile with both hands, if you press on it with one hand, you can also get an uneven cut.

Do not forget to periodically change the water in the tank, as all cutting products. Dust and larger particles of tiles. Get into it. They can lead to contamination of the diamond disc and subsequent galling, which in the worst case can lead to breakage of the disc or tile. Breakage of the disc when the tile cutter drive is on is dangerous in terms of injury to the worker. If you see that the disc is unnecessarily dirty or worn out, then you should replace it with a new one. This will give you a clean and smooth cut.

And for consolidation you can see how to use an electric tile cutter for example Caliber PLE-200 900.

1. Tile cutting as part of tiling
2. Tile cutting with electric tile cutter
3. How to cut tiles with a manual stationary tile cutter
4. How to cut with a roller tile cutter
5. How to use the tile cutter
6. Cutting curly edges and oblique lines

How to cut with a roller tile cutter

A roller tile cutter is the most primitive and not very convenient way to cut tiles and not very hard and dense ceramics.

The cutting process itself involves marking the surfaces of the tiles with a soft pencil of the mowing line. Then place the tiles on a board or flat plywood and make one cut. To do this, press down evenly on the tile cutter, making a deep groove from one edge of the tile to the other.

To neatly divide the tile into two, just place it on the nails and press down a little.

It should be noted that the glass cutter, the instruction of which describes all the features of the process of cutting ceramic tiles, is suitable exclusively for cutting piece material.

How to use a tile cutter. Tongs

Cutting with a hand-held tile cutter requires little work and easy cuts. This inexpensive, small-sized device will allow you to do a given amount of work without much effort at home.

Cutting begins with a traditional line, which is followed by a cutting wheel mounted on a pliers. The tile cutter is equipped with a slightly larger circle than a conventional glass cutter, allowing a deeper cut in the ceramic tile. For breaking, forceps should be brought to the edge of the tile. Place a wide plate of tongs forming a small angle on the face of the tile, and place the central part along the mowing line of the bend over the made furrow. By carefully squeezing the ceramic product with tongs, excess parts are broken off.

Such devices are certainly better than a glass cutter, but it is extremely difficult to cut thin strips with their help.

Tile cutting with electric tile cutter

There is no doubt that electric tile cutter with a diamond disc is the highest quality and most efficient way to cut tiles, stone and porcelain stoneware of any hardness, shape and even thickness, and its use guarantees a perfectly straight and clean cut with slightly rounded and smooth edges, unlike sharp ones, which are formed as a result of using a simple tile cutter. Equipped with an electric tile cutter, additionally equipped with nippers, you will be able to make flawless shaped cutouts and tiles less than 5 mm.

Another indisputable advantage of this type of equipment is the cleanliness of the working process due to equipping the tool with a pallet with water, where dust and the smallest particles of tiles enter at the time of operation.

Regardless of the design features of an electric tile cutter, the cutting technology is the same: traditionally, the machine consists of a platform, a diamond-coated disc attached to it and a tray with water, which is fed to the knife during operation, thereby abundantly wetting it. Due to this, the amount of dust emitted is noticeably reduced, the service life of the diamond disc is increased, and the tile itself does not crack.

The speed of cutting a tile is comparable to the speed of cutting a log with a conventional saw, but in this case you have to move the tile under the disc, not the knife under the tile.

The force of pressing on the tile is determined by the density of the tile and the material from which the knife blade is made. It should be remembered that at the moment when the knife blade barely touches the tile being processed, the pressure should be minimal, as the blade moves through the tile, it increases and decreases again towards the end of the operation. When cutting, the tile should be well fixed to the table, this will help to avoid vibration and reliably protect the blade from jamming in the center of the tile.

It should be noted that experts advise changing the water in the pan as often as possible, because together with the slab chips that have got into it, it is fed to the knife, and this can lead to serious damage to the blade.

A safe option would be to press the tiles with your hands from both sides at the same time, because if the tile tilts to one side, the edges of the cut will turn out to be uneven and with fragments, or the disc will completely tighten the tile, throwing it to the side.

Since working with an electric tile cutter is dangerous, it is recommended to wear protective glasses and ear muffs against strong noise.

The saw blade can withstand a thousand cuts in wet cutting conditions. Blades occasionally clogged with ceramic debris require cleaning. To do this, it is enough to saw through a worn out sand mold for bricks or make cuts in a grinding stone for ceramic tiles. You can choose another method. Remove the blade, unfold it and rotate it in the opposite direction. And only if the wear of the blade is great, you can replace it.

The question of the advisability of buying a professional electric tile cutter, practice and experience for working on it are extremely important, each user decides individually. At the same time, I would like to note that it is very effective for large volumes of work, and its only drawback is its high price.

Tile cutting as part of tiling

Laying ceramic tiles on a floor or wall surface only in rare cases does without cutting it, much more often the master keeps a tile cutter at the ready, which he can use at any time during the facing work.

So, our article is especially for those who are currently engaged or are just planning to cover surfaces with ceramic tiles, but have not yet decided on the choice of the most suitable tile cutter model and does not know the correct cutting technology.

It is known that glazed ceramic tiles are made of fired clay, covered with a layer of glaze on top. The technology for the production of ceramic tiles is very simple: the clay is shaped and dried to fix the volume. After applying the glaze, the product is fired in the oven, due to which it acquires special strength, durability and a beautiful aesthetic appearance. In finished form, as you yourself know, the tile is not subject to deformation and bending, although it is very fragile and pricks easily.

All these properties and characteristics of the tile become the head of the choice of a certain method of cutting it. Let’s dwell in more detail on the basic methods of cutting ceramic tiles and talk about how to use a tile cutter at home for small amounts of work.

Instruments

High-quality ceramic tile surface cladding often involves the use of a tile cutter that will help fit the tile to the desired size. The tile cutter is the simplest and most high-quality way of cutting tiles: the operations are silent and exclude the appearance of dust, and most importantly, they do not require professional training, therefore they can be performed even by an inexperienced user at home.

Devices and principle of operation of a manual tile cutter

The most important feature of this tool is that it has an incredibly sharp incisor. As a rule, a diamond cutter is used, which has the same principle of operation as a simple cutter. For correct and complete operation, it is necessary to install the processed tile directly on the base of the device. To ensure that the tile does not wobble and can be easily and evenly cut, there is a clamping part at the bottom of the manual tile cutter, which allows you to firmly fix the tile.

On this clamping part of the tool there is a cutter and several rollers that allow the tile cutter to move along the surface of the material. There is also a small handle on the carriage. It is she who is responsible for the different force of the onslaught on the tile and directly on the displacement of the cutter during operation.

Due to the fact that during the use of the tool there are no difficulties, it is very often used both in construction and in repair work that is carried out at home. A manual tile cutter has the advantage when compared to an electric tool, because it is small in size, in a short time the tool allows you to make an extremely straight cut on the tile.

If you consider that you need to cut very strong materials or too much tile, then in such a situation, a hand tool may not be enough. Of course, a huge role in this situation is played by the skills of the person and the manufacturer of this or that instrument.

What is a tile cutter and why is it needed

Many people have no idea what a tile cutter is or why such a tool is needed at all. If we consider this issue in more detail, then this is the most common apparatus that allows you to quickly and accurately cut ceramic tiles. Today, both manual and electric tools are actively used in construction. It is worth noting that it is possible to easily cope with the operation only in the case of using a manual tile cutter, but some difficulties may arise with the electric option.

Even if we consider that both types of instruments have the same name, they are not at all similar to each other. The only exception, of course, is the final result of the tool. In order to be able to use a manual tile cutter, you need to make grooves with it (the unit has very sharp incisors), and then break the tile. In turn, the electric type of tile cutter works with the help of a battery or from an electrical network, and in its appearance and in the principle of operation, it may slightly resemble a circular saw. The tiles are cut with a very sharp diamond blade, which has an incredibly high rotation speed.

How to use a manual tile cutter

In order to perfectly cut ceramic tiles, in most cases a hand tool is used as a tile cutter. Mostly, to use it, you do not need to have professional skills, so the tool can be used quite successfully at home.

The manual tile cutter has quite a lot of positive points, which include simple use, as a result, a very clear cut is obtained. The handle additionally also performs the function of a lever allowing to reduce the applied forces to a minimum.

At the same time, it was not about Bosch without some negative points. For example, a manual tile cutter cannot be used very close to the edge of a tile (the allowable distance for work must be at least five millimeters).

Before starting work, you must carefully learn how to use the manual tile cutter. If you have any difficulties in this matter, then on our website you can find where all the details and nuances are indicated.

How to properly cut tiles with a manual tile cutter

In order to start using a hand tool, you do not need to take any courses or receive any special training. First of all, you need to place the tool on a perfectly flat surface and, very importantly, on a hard surface. Then it is necessary to check the sharpness of the cutter and how firmly all the main elements of the operated tool were fixed.

So, the tile needs to be cut according to the following instructions. At the same time, it is very important to follow the order in order to complete the work efficiently and quickly. You can also learn more about how to use the tile cutter from the topic posted on our website.

1. On the front side of the tile, you need to draw a cut line. To do this, use a sharp pencil or marker, do not forget about the ruler.
2. After that, you need to bring the tile to the surface of the manual tile cutter, which is called the working one.
3. Align the instrument clearly perpendicularly. To do this, you need to rest hard enough on the far side of the tile cutter, and then carefully adjust the position of the tile used, taking into account the marks that you made on its surface in advance. At the same time, do not forget that you need to focus on the central line, which is located at the base of the tool.
4. Use the handle to guide the cutter to the tile. It must be installed on the very edge of the product on the side that is closer to you.
5. After that, you need to press the handle hard enough so that the cutter can touch the tile. Therefore, the tile must be pressed down with the metal part and the cutter rollers.
6. Then, with just one movement, which should be quite sharp and clear, you need to draw a small furrow from you to the outer edge of the tile you are cutting.
7. As a result, in order to break the tile being processed, you need to slightly press the handle and the tile will break directly along the mowing line that you cut.

Thus, with the help of a manual tile cutter, you can get two pieces of tiles of the size you need, which will have perfectly flat and incredibly neat edges at the break.

Safety rules when working with a tile cutter

In order to use a manual tile cutter it was as safe as possible and at the same time the result of the work was of high quality, you need to follow some safety rules, namely:

• Before starting work, it is imperative to inspect the tool used so that you can identify all breakages and irregularities in the guides in time, then find and eliminate visible damage to the tile cutter.
• It is necessary to walk a couple of times on the tile with no load, and at the same time all movements must be smooth, without any jolts.
• Do not forget to additionally check the tubular guides. They must be perfectly clean, free of dust and dirt. Remove pieces of tiles, traces of mortar from them and, as a result, to improve performance. Lubricate with a small amount of machine oil.
• In addition, you also need to pay attention to the cutting disc itself. Its condition should be ideal, in no case bent, and rotation around the axis of the attachment should occur without any difficulties. It should be noted that during the operation of the manual tile cutter, there should also be no extraneous sounds.
• In order not to get any injuries, it is best to work with special glasses and gloves.
• Some experts also recommend testing the water supply on the disc, which makes the job easier.
• It is necessary to start work only after the disk picks up those revolutions that can be called maximum.

Manual tile cutter. Many people have been asking how to use correctly lately, but in fact there is nothing complicated in this process. Every inexperienced beginner can handle the job. If, nevertheless, you cannot cut off the piece of tile you need, then on our website you will find with the most detailed instructions that will allow you to find out all the details and nuances of this type of work. Do not forget about the safety rules, because your health and, of course, safety largely depends on this.

Is there an alternative to a tile cutter?

The closest replacement option is an angle grinder (LBM). The main advantage of this tool is its high productivity, which makes it possible to work with workpieces of different thicknesses over 15-20 mm. How do I use my STAYER 500mm hand-held tile cutter to get the same cut? Even this powerful professional version is nominally designed to handle workpieces up to 16 mm thick. Raising this bar is possible only in the case of a double cut on both sides. The complexity of the operation will lie in ensuring the convergence of the two cutting lines and performing the subsequent even cleavage.

Edge finishing

It will hardly be possible to get a cut close to ideal without the use of professional equipment, but if we are talking about 2-3 elements, then average quality may be acceptable. Over, an unsatisfactory result is corrected with a grinder or fine-grained abrasive. Even ordinary sandpaper will hide obvious defects and chips at the edges of the cut. With electric sander and polishers, you will get a better finish, but for this it is recommended to practice on the waste beforehand. In any case, in order to minimize the number of defects, you should initially adhere to a number of rules. How do I use a manual tile cutter to ensure straight and smooth edges? To do this, you need to do with one pass without creating duplicate lines. Therefore, the pressure must be sufficient, but with full control and endurance of the cut line. In addition, the fracture should also be performed with the utmost care and strictly at the created risk.

Organization of the workplace

It is advisable to process the tiles in a room where good lighting is provided, and there is also enough space for laying blanks with fixtures. Take care of a securely fixed workbench. It should have a metal base that is cut-proof. By the time of direct processing, all unnecessary consumables and blanks are removed from the table. Even a small part falling under the roller can cause injury or material damage. Another question is also important. How to use a manual tile cutter so that less dirt remains? This nuance is also thought out before the start of work activities. During the cutting process, after each operation, the fragments should be removed into a special pocket on the workbench. In some models, it is already present in the basic design. But this should be done carefully so as not to get hurt. It is impractical to carry out cleaning from dust during work, but it is advisable to get rid of large waste immediately so that they do not become an obstacle.

Preparing the tool for work

The most important thing at this stage is to check the integrity of the structure and the operability of the functional organs. All chips and irregularities during the work process can affect the quality of the result. Fasteners such as flange nut and rail retainers are checked separately. It is necessary to calculate the cutting parameters, which will depend on the dimensions of the workpiece and the characteristics of the tool itself. A model with a small grip will do well with small-format segments, but a version with a strong rail base will be required for thick and large elements. And in the second case, there will be some nuances of operation. For example, how do you use the Dexter 730mm manual tile cutter, which is considered one of the most productive in its class? It is very important for him to ensure reliable fastening of the workpiece, and it is better to cut large parts into small segments. So, when processing a porcelain stoneware slab with a thickness of about 14-16 mm, it is advisable to cut off a piece of 30 cm in two approaches in equal parts.

Features of the use of nippers for cutting tiles

This is a hinged-pliers version of the tile cutter, which is distinguished by its small size and the ability to make curly non-standard recesses. A typical example of this type of instrument is the STAYER 3352 with a 200mm plastic sponge. The design of the model allows you to create neat cutouts in tiles, ceramics and glass. How to use the STAYER 200mm manual tile cutter? The principle of operation is similar to that of conventional wire cutters. The workpiece is fixed in a vice or with a free hand is pressed against a stationary structure, after which it is necessary to grip the target area of ​​the tile with the other hand and perform a break.

Sequence of work steps

First of all, it is necessary to mark the mowing line of the cut, and then fix the workpiece on the working platform. In the future, the instruction prescribes the following operations:

• In accordance with the marked risk, the cutting roller is set on the edge from which the cutting will be made.
• The wheel and guide frame are pre-lubricated with technical oil or, in extreme cases, are moistened with water.
• Grasping the handle, you need to cut. And here it is worth paying attention to the following question: how to use a manual tile cutter. On your own or on yourself? That is, in which direction is it easier to direct the cutting line? As practice shows, it is more convenient to work “to oneself”, since in this case a higher pressure force is provided and the physical control of risks is improved.
• At the final stage, a break is performed along the cutting contour.