Rules for the selection of manual and electric tile cutter

Every man wants to be a real owner in the house, and the owner should be able to do everything, including making repairs. Very often during repair it is necessary to lay tiles. She can cover not only the floors in the house or apartment, but also tile the area around the house, create patterns on the walls and much more. Not always the finished tile has exactly the shape and size that is necessary for a specific area of ​​laying the tile or to perform the pattern.

The scheme of the manual tile cutter.

In this case, the tile must be cut so that it has a suitable shape and size. Sometimes a grinder is used for this, but it is quite difficult to make a qualitative cut with this tool, and it will take a lot of effort. It is best to use a device such as a tile cutter for this purpose. In order for a non-professional to make the right choice of a tile cutter - a device for cutting tiles, you need to know what types of tile cutters are and how to handle them.

What is a tile cutter and what is it made of?

To begin with, what is a tile cutter. This is a special tool that is used for cutting various types of tiles: tiles, porcelain stoneware and stone parts. They can work with floor tiles, and with facing or ceramic. The tile cutter allows you to cut the tile smoothly, without cracks and scratches. What is especially convenient, the angle of cut can vary, and this is important when the pattern is laid out of the tiles. This device consists of such parts: an easily moving tool base, an unusually sharp cutting part, a protractor for accurate calculation of the cutting angle, and a guide part that fixes the tile and prevents the tool from moving in the correct direction.

5 first steps when choosing a tool for cutting tiles

The scheme of automatic tile cutter.

As soon as you come to the tile cutting tool shop, you should immediately pay attention to the 5 main criteria for choosing this tool, regardless of type. The first thing to do is inspect the tile cutter and check for external defects and cracks. It is necessary to take it in hand to ensure the quality assembly of the tool and the proper condition of all its parts. It is necessary to check the tile cutter in operation: turn on the device to ensure that the motor and the cutting device work well, that there are no unnecessary vibrations. The second condition for the correct choice of the device for cutting tiles is the correct selection of motor power, which would be suitable for working with tiles of certain materials. On this issue it is better to consult the seller. The third thing you need to check in the device you are going to purchase is the work of the protractor. The cutting angle should be adjusted quickly and smoothly, there should be no errors in the measurement, otherwise it would hardly be possible to cut the tile smoothly.

The fourth aspect is the diamond disc. This part is the most important in terms of cutting, so you need to make sure of its originality, quality and integrity. Fifthly, it is desirable that removable and spare parts be included with the device. Since any tool wears out sooner or later, parts may need to be replaced. It is much easier and cheaper than buying a new tile cutter.

Advantages and disadvantages of a manual tile cutter

Diagram of a core tile cutter.

According to the principle of operation, there are 2 types of tile cutters: electric and manual. The second option is considered the most convenient and easy to use. Manual tile cutter has the following advantages over its fellow: independence from electricity, which means you can work away from home with power outlets; independence from weather conditions and air humidity; compact dimensions of the tool; the small weight of the manual tile cutter makes it very mobile, because it can be easily moved from place to place.

It has a solid and reliable construction that allows cutting tiles with precise, straight lines without cracks and irregularities. This type of tile cutter is best used for working with tiles no more than 1.5 cm wide. It is worth considering that for working with 8-mm finishing tiles, you need to use a special shortened tile cutter that is less than 40 cm long. Manual tile cutters can have various designs: roller , mechanical, device on bearings. In the first case, the cutting element is a special roller, which is made of extremely hard materials and is able to cut a fairly wide tile. This tile cutter is quite simple to use and has a clear design, so that the replacement of parts will not become a problem even for a layperson.

A distinctive part of the metal tile cutter is the rigidity of the tool. It allows especially accurate cutting even thicker tiles. Cutting such a device is easy and simple. Plitkorez on bearings serves for work with especially thick tiles which thickness can make up to 16 mm. Thanks to the bushings on the bearings, the tool has a soft and smooth stroke, which makes it easy to make accurate cuts.

The scheme of roller tile cutter.

The main criteria that should guide the buyer during the selection of the tool are the length of the manual tile cutter and the cutting part, the reliability of the frame and ease of manipulation. The handle of the tool must be strong, because the worker will press it while cutting the tile. The stronger the handle, the more pressure can be exerted during the cutting process. The design of the manual tile cutter must necessarily be durable and tough so that there is no shock absorption during work with the tile. The size of the tile cutter should preferably be medium, so that it can be used as a universal tool for working with all types of plates: from finishing to floor. Usually, all models of manual tile cutters are equipped with special bearings that ensure smooth running and ease of operation, but there are also models without bearings. In this case, before buying it is necessary to check the smoothness and ease of tool management.

Electric tile cutters: description and characteristics

Another type of tile cutter - electric - has its advantages in comparison with manual. For example, he can make cuts at a 45 degree angle, which is very important for patterned tiles. In addition, the incision is very accurate and even, without roughness, scratches and breaks. High speed is also the "trump card" of this type of tile cutter. It takes up to a minute to work with one tile. With the help of an electric tile cutter, you can easily cut both tile and stone. Electric tile cutter is the best choice in case you need to work with a large volume of tile. Thanks to the speed and accuracy of cutting, work will be done much faster than with a hand tool. At the same time, the worker practically does not spend his energy: he needs only to direct the tile cutter at the right angle.

The scheme of cutting tiles by electric tile cutter.

When working with electric tile cutters, it should be taken into account that due to the strong heating of the tool, the tile may burst. To avoid this, the tile cutter is equipped with a cooling system. It can be water and air. Water cooling system makes work with tiles safe thanks to its rapid cooling in the process. Therefore, we can not be afraid that some part will break away or crack. The air cooling system works on the fan principle, cooling the tile.

Electric tile cutters differ in the location of the engine. It can be below or above the tool. In the first case, the tool is compact and versatile in terms of tile size. In the same case, if you need filigree work, it is better to use an electric tile cutter, in which the engine is on top.

When choosing an electric tile cutter, the buyer should pay attention to aspects such as the depth of the cut that can be made a tool. It is desirable that it ranged from 3 to 4 cm. The notch length should be no more than 50 cm. An important detail is the diameter of the cutter. It is desirable that he was 18-20 cm. In addition, you need to consult with the seller regarding the power of the tools, because for different types of work different power of the motor will be optimal.

Safety first

When cutting tiles you need to take care of eye protection.

When working with a tile cutter, you must adhere to strict safety regulations. Before you start cutting, wear goggles and headphones to protect your eyes and ears from shards, crumbs, and excessive noise. It is worth making sure that the cutting part of the tile cutter is securely fastened and does not falter, because it can affect the quality of the cut and safety of work. If the cutting part is suspicious, then it is better to replace it. If the worker uses a hand tool, then a small layer of lubricating oil should be applied to the guide for smoother cutting.

Before you start to make a cut with the tool, you should draw a line on the tile, on which you will need to make a cut. After that, the tile must be firmly fixed on the base of the tile cutter. If it is fixed weakly, then vibrations may occur, which will affect the quality of the cut.

When the tile is securely fixed, it is necessary to direct the cutting part along the cut line with a quick movement. Cut the need from the front side of the tile. At a time when the cutting part of the tool is in contact with the tile, you should not press too hard on the surface of the tile, because of this it can be deformed. Do not rush to stretch your hands to the cutting part of the tool.

The order of the work using the tile cutter

Tips for cutting tiles.

It should also be taken into account that electric tools are very vulnerable to moisture, so working in a damp room or in rainy weather is not safe. The cord that connects the device to the power supply must be removed from under your feet so that it does not interfere with the work. You need to know the measure in terms of the load on the tool: if you work too long or press too hard, overheating or deformation of the tile may occur. As the notch increases, the pressure force needs to be increased in order to carry out work smoothly. After the tile was divided into 2 parts, they can be divided by special sponges with which each tile cutter is equipped. To separate the tiles, you just need to press on both sponges of the tool, after which it will split into 2 parts. In the event that irregularities are formed at the site of the incision, they should be removed using emery paper.

Most famous brands

When choosing an instrument for cutting tiles, knowledge of companies that have established themselves as manufacturers of quality products is very useful. It is worth mentioning the company RUBI, tile cutters from which are distinguished by excellent work with tiles, ceramic granite and finishing tiles. They are lightweight and durable due to the fact that they are made of aluminum.

Tools from the Matrix brand specialize in working with tiles that are up to one and a half centimeters thick and 30-60 cm in length. The tile cutter from this company is distinguished by its smooth movement on the tile, which is provided by the guide rail, which is fixed by the guide carriage. The rail and the ball-cutting mechanism have a strong grip due to the special coating of the rail and a very hard alloy that is used to manufacture the mechanism.

Tile cutters from the manufacturer "Corvette" are known for their excellent work with carved corners. Products from this company are perfect for the tiles from which the pattern will be cut.

So, the right choice of tile cutter is the key to successful and safe cutting of tiles.

With it, you can work with different types of tiles: from porcelain stoneware to stone. This is a very convenient and fast way to do this hard work. With a tile cutter, you can forget about the long and tedious hand sawing of tiles. The main thing you need to remember while working with this device is safety precautions. Properly performed work will help to make cuts quickly, efficiently and safely.