How to choose a tile cutter for large tiles?

Finding a good tile cutter for large tiles or porcelain stoneware is not an easy task. Most household models are simply not designed for such loads. That is why it is important to study the market overview of manual and electric professional tile cutters, paying attention to their characteristics and other parameters for choosing such tools.

A suitable tile cutter for large tiles or porcelain stoneware must have the appropriate characteristics. Since we are talking about cutting materials with a panel length of up to 2-3 meters, the dimensions of the platform for work are of particular importance. It is important that it can accommodate large format ceramic modules. Modern hand models allow you to extend the length of the guides, making it easier to work with materials of different lengths and widths.

Other features of the specialized tool include:

• high cutting accuracy;
• neat creation of a chip;
• adjustable clamping force;
• cutting depth up to 16 mm.

All tile cutters suitable for cutting large tiles can be divided into 2 main categories: household and professional. Each option has its own characteristics. They are worth considering in more detail.

• Professional with high performance. This includes electric machines that resemble a grinder, but with a bed at the bottom. Such equipment works from the network, the tile is placed on a platform, fixed, and then a diamond-coated cutting disc is lowered onto it. Such a tool has a very high speed of work, gives a minimum of scrap, but requires complex settings. Water-cooled models are considered more preferable, as they eliminate overheating and cracking of the tiles.

• Professional hand-held. These models are equipped with 2 or 3 long guides, as well as a carriage with a cutting roller and special pliers to ensure accurate breaking. Special suction cups help to fix the device on the surface, in some models they are already integrated into the base. The average length of the guides for such models is at least 1.5 m.

• Household. This includes hand tools powered by the muscular force of the operator. It also has a bed and guides for determining the accuracy of the cut, and the contact element is presented in the form of a roller moving with a carriage. Such devices are cheap and do not have high performance. The tiles are split after cutting using a special foot and a lever, and the scrap percentage in this case increases significantly.

It affects the choice of the diameter of the circle, the speed of its rotation. In some models, the cutting angle can be changed in the range of 45 degrees. And also an optional cutter can be present to create round holes.

When choosing the right tile cutter for your large tiles, there are a number of basic parameters to consider.

1. Dimensions of the working platform. It should be larger than the dimensions of the tile in length and width.Otherwise, you will have to stop cutting, which will negatively affect the quality of the cut, and may lead to cracking.
2. Type of drive. An electric tile cutter is mainly needed by artisans who are regularly faced with the task of shortening or narrowing finishing materials. The cutting speed in this case will be up to 10 elements per minute. Manual models do not have such performance.
3. Mobility. The lightweight portable tool is convenient if you have to cut material on different objects. At home, you can choose a permanently fixed model by installing it in the workshop.
4. Cutting depth. For most manual models of the household class, it is not too large, it varies within 5-6 mm. For professional equipment, the cutter can be immersed up to 16 mm. With electric units, the saw blade is even suitable for cutting paving products of much greater thickness.
5. Power. It is relevant for electric models, the minimum is 1 kW. This technique is equipped with discs up to 200 mm fed from below. The universal category of tile cutters is represented by models from 1.1 to 2 kW. They are available in portable and stationary versions and have an upper disc feed.

Einhell, RUBY, Monolit, Raimondi are among the noteworthy brands on the market of tile cutters for large-format porcelain stoneware and other similar products.