All about tile cutters

Today, tiles are considered one of the most demanded cladding materials. However, in order to properly lay it, a specialized tool is required - a tile cutter, it is simply impossible to perform tile work without it.

There are many models of tile cutters with different motor power, cutting depth, tool size and, accordingly, cost. Let's dwell on the main characteristics of this device.

The term "tile cutter" unites a group of techniques designed for cutting ceramic tiles, as well as glass and stone of all sizes. In this case, the cut can be performed directly by three methods:

• making an incision, along which the tile is broken in the future;
• full cutting or sawing of the workpiece;
• biting off individual fragments from the edge.

Let us explain with a simple example. Imagine that you are tiling the walls in the bathroom. Sooner or later you will come across ventilation holes, sockets and switches, pipes and wall joints. In such cases, you will have to adjust the dimensions of the tiles, or even cut out holes (round, square or prismatic). In some situations, it is required to deepen and cut tiles, make corner joints. In all of the above works, you will need a tile cutter.

This equipment is not only suitable for ceramics. It is suitable for porcelain stoneware as well as glass and stone. In any case, the following types of manipulations will be available to the wizard:

• undercutting;
• carrying out straight or curly cuts;
• creating holes;
• the design of the recesses;
• incision at an angle of 45 degrees.

Not all tools are capable of performing all of the listed types of work. The features of each specific device entirely depend on its technical parameters. Tile cutting machines are battery-powered and automatic, small- and large-format, they have different cutters and look different. Consider what types of tile cutters exist, and what are their differences.

Mechanical hand models are designed for cutting workpieces up to 1.5 m thick and up to 40 cm long. It is a practical and ergonomic tool. There are three basic modifications.

• Roller - in this case, the notch is made by means of a built-in roller, cast from a hard metal alloy. This is the simplest design.
• Mechanical - here the rigid carriage acts as a cutting tool. This tile cutter can handle even the toughest workpieces.
• Bearing - the most powerful of all hand tools presented in this segment. It can cut tiles up to 1.6 cm thick. Made of extra strong material.

The advantages of manual mechanical tile cutters include their independence from the supply of electricity and, as a result, the ability to operate in any conditions, including high humidity up to 95%. The devices are compact and lightweight within 9 kg.This makes them mobile, since each master can independently deliver the tool to the place of work without much effort.

When choosing a mechanical tile cutter, you need to focus on its characteristics.

• Frame strength - it is important that the cutting arm can withstand the weight pressure.
• Platform size - give preference to universal models, the platform length of which is 40 cm. In this case, you can process both typical floor tiles and larger wall tiles.
• Base rigidity - if the structure provides for additional cushioning, then at the time of cutting, this may cause the tile to shift.
• Smooth running - the lever with bearings, as a rule, runs smoothly. If the design is not bearing, then when choosing it is necessary to check the sliding of the lever.

With a significant amount of work, it is better to give preference to electric tile cutters. Such a tool provides high-quality and efficient cutting of a large volume of tiles. It should be borne in mind that in the course of work, the material tends to heat up. To prevent overheating of the engine and damage to the material, the working area is forced to cool by means of air or water flow.

Depending on the design features, all electric cutters are divided into two groups.

• Motor bottom - such a device can work with tiles of various types and sizes, and takes up little space during storage.
• Motor on top - the most ergonomic and easy-to-use models. In addition, they give a higher cut quality.

There are many tile cutters on the market today from a wide variety of manufacturers - American, Italian, German, Chinese and Japanese. The most popular manufacturers are Diam, Gigant, MTX, Remocolor Vira.

The best electrical mechanism, according to user reviews, is supplied by enterprises Ryobi, Fubag, Elitech, Helmut, and Diam. From domestic firms, the production of tile cutters has been established "Stavr", "Special", "Caliber" and "Enkor"... We offer a rating of the most popular models.

Bench-type tool with bottom motor placement. Suitable for cutting various types of ceramic tiles. Working surface diameter 385x380 mm. Electric induction motor, power parameters correspond to 720 kW. This provides increased productivity and exceptional cutting accuracy. These characteristics are sufficient for the movement of a 180 mm disc at a significant speed.

Recommended for cutting tiles with an area of ​​no more than 300x300 mm. The maximum depth of cut, made at right angles, corresponds to 20 mm. The design includes a water pump that supplies cold water to the work area to neutralize dust particles and cool the cutting wheel.

800 W electric tile cutter. The motor is placed underneath. The working surface area corresponds to 340x380 mm. The model provides for cutting at an angle, while the angle of inclination can be changed. To cool the engine and eliminate dust in the working area, there is a cold water supply. The weight of the device is 15 kg - this makes it mobile and convenient for transportation. This model has a good cutting depth and high power.

Cheap Outdoor Power Tool, Motor Bottom Placement... Engine power 600 W, at idle speed gives rotation at a speed of 2850 rpm. For cutting, a 180 mm disc is required, the bore corresponds to 22.2 mm. Forms a cut with a depth of 35 mm.

The area of ​​the working base is 380x360 mm. The possibility of changing the parameters of the tilt angle is provided.There is water cooling of the functional area, while the water consumption is minimal - this leads to the maintenance of cleanliness in the workspace. Weight 11.5 kg. Like previous models, it is a good choice for home renovations.

Top-mounted electrical package... Moves at a speed of 2950 rpm. The motor is asynchronous, its power corresponds to 800 W. The diameter of the diamond disc is 200 mm, the size of the bore corresponds to 25.4 mm. These data lead to an improved cut quality of workpieces with a thickness of up to 35 mm and a length of up to 700 mm.

There is an option to protect the motor from overheating. The structure is designed with foldable legs, so the tile cutter can be placed on the floor if required. Weight 30 kg. Among the products with an overhead motor placement, this is one of the most popular due to its functionality combined with an affordable price.

A sought-after model of electric tile cutters. The location of the engine is lower. The motor power is 600 kW, at idle speed it provides an operating speed of 2860 rpm. A 180 mm diamond disc with a 22.3 mm bore is used as a cutting base.

The right angle cut is 23 mm. Functional surface 385x395 mm. The angle of inclination is variable, which makes it possible to cut at right angles.

Professional electric tool. Is different top placement of the engine. Motor power 1600 kW, idling moves at a speed of 4200 rpm. The size of the diamond disc is 250 mm - these parameters are sufficient for making cuts up to 90 mm deep.

Acute or obtuse angle cutting function provided... Water intake keeps the motor cool. The design does not provide for supports, so the device does not take up too much space.

Double-rail mechanical model of tile cutters. Relevant for household cutting of ceramic tiles... The cutting structure provides a 1.5 mm thick roller. Its diameter is 15 mm, bore diameter is 6 mm. This tile cutter cuts tiles up to a depth of 6 mm.

Popular hand tool, made in the form of a pencil with a breaker... Made of high quality steel. It is in demand when carrying out minor undercuts of the material. Suitable for tiles as well as glass.

Monorail mechanical tile cutter. The design provides for corner supports. Cutting roller diameter 20 mm, bore 6 mm. Cuts the workpiece to a depth of 15 mm.

In all the abundance of tile cutter tools on the market, it is difficult not to get confused. That is why first you need to decide whether you are going to use the tool at home from time to time or on a production scale. Household work involves the short-term operation of equipment, which, upon completion of finishing work, will be sent to the home workshop for storage. In this case, a household tile cutter is suitable, since all other options will be economically unprofitable.

For the design of straight cuts on tiles and glass with a thickness of no more than 10 mm with a tile area of ​​up to 600x600 mm, experienced craftsmen make a choice in favor of mechanical rail products. They are understandable in operation, and besides, they perform the most accurate faults.

The frequency of domestic use of such a tool is low. Therefore, here it is better to choose a typical cutting element and not necessarily the highest quality. Since it loses its operational properties rather quickly, it is better to give preference to models that provide for the replacement of the cutting roller.

If, in addition to a straight cut, you are going to make shapes of varying degrees of complexity from tiles, then you will need an extended tool option. In this case, you should pay attention to the version with "ballerinas". Depending on the features of a particular model, they are capable of forming holes of 40-80 mm.

In cases where the work requires the formation of grooves and depressions, a mini-tile cutter in the form of pincers is optimal. It easily handles workpieces up to 8 mm thick and can be used to traverse corners. However, before starting work with it, it is advisable to practice on the remnants of building materials, since if improperly used, there is a high risk of making the workpiece completely unusable.

Even with domestic use, sometimes situations arise when the use of a mechanical tool is difficult. This is due to cases when it is necessary to make a cut with a depth of more than 10 mm. In everyday life, an electric tool of the budget segment will cope with this task. When choosing such products, it is better to stay on models with a lower type of saw blade feed. They are in demand when making even cuts along the entire length of the tile and making straight cuts from the end side. For everyday life, models with a motor power of 600 W with a diamond disc size of 180 mm are suitable. This gives a cutting depth of 34 mm. These tools are water cooled.

Other requirements apply to the equipment of a professional tiler. In the arsenal of this master there should be several tile cutters of different types at once, designed for everyday work. Taken together, they must be able to perform well with tiles in a wider range of thicknesses. For workpieces with a thickness of up to 15 mm, there will be current mechanical rail cutters.

To facilitate cutting, solutions with additional functionality, in addition to the ballerina, are suitable, for example, designs with a square ruler. For a professional tool, a critical factor is its reliability and long service life. That's why it is better for tilers to pay attention to mechanisms with a reinforced frame, it provides resistance to increased loads.

However, despite the ease of use of mechanical models, versatility is highly valued in the professional industry. Craftsmen often have to deal not only with tiles, but also with stone and glass. Only an electric tile cutter can cope with such blanks. It can be a hand tool such as a grinder. It is chosen in cases where tiles are cut periodically. These are compact devices, they do not take up much space, so they can be easily carried with all other tools.

If the master specializes only in tiles, and is constantly faced with large volumes of work, a machine with an overhead motor is preferable for him. Particular attention should be paid to products in which the legs and bed are folded.

To process tiles and stones, you will need a tile cutter, the motor power of which is 2-2.5 kW. This figure is enough to cut material up to 50 mm thick without overloading the household power supply. Such equipment provides a high quality cut.Such devices, in comparison with household appliances, have a longer service life of continuous operation.

The most stringent requirements apply to the models used in production. For example, for sawing tiles and stone on an industrial scale. Here you need a stationary tool that can quickly and easily handle tough material. By their design, they represent the same professional tile cutters, but with higher power characteristics - from 2.2 kW. For the most intense production loads, machines with a capacity of 3-4 kW are suitable. If the tile cutter is more powerful, it is not connected to a household network, but to an alternating current of 380 V.

When using tile cutters, it is important to follow the safety rules. The master must protect the eyes from debris, and the ears from noise. Therefore, he must definitely wear glasses and headphones. Before starting work, carefully inspect the wheel, it should not show signs of wear and tear. Check the tightness of the wheel fixation. If the element dangles, the cut will turn out to be uneven. Manual tile cutters require special preparation. Prepare the tile for cutting. To do this, use a marker to draw a cutting line, then put the tile on the base of the tile cutter and fix it as tightly as possible.

If you are dealing with a hand tool, then you need to hold the tile with one hand, and with the other, with a quick, confident movement, guide the cutting base along the entire length of the tile. Then you need to click on the edges of the tile - and separate the halves. If you are using an electric tool, you must tune it. And then, firmly holding the tile with both hands, move the blade with smooth movements. When it touches the tile, it’s not worth the effort. Continue the movement slowly and gently, progressively increasing the strength of the stop.