Introduction
A tile cutter is convenient for those who start do-it-yourself projects or those who may require cutting of pottery tiles for other tiling operations. If you have never tiled before or have never had the opportunity to use a tile cutter before, do not worry. This guide will cover everything about tile cutters, including how to buy the best tools and how to operate them. In this article, we will focus on tile cutters, their strengths and weaknesses. And the cutting methods you can use for cutting ceramic tiles. When you have this information you must have equipped yourself with all that you need to know about tiling hence making you a professional in the field.
Types of Tile Cutter
Based on their designs and lightness, there are numerous kinds of tile cutters, and one has to ensure that he selects the right tile cutters for a particular type of tile and the recommended cutting accuracy. The most common types of tile cutters include:
1. Manual tile cutter
Among the many tile cutters, the manual tile cutters is the most common type of tile cutters and it is preferred mostly among those people who like doing things on their own, DIY masters. This cutter operates by applying pressure on a straight edge; the straight edge is linked with a rotating wheel to cut the tile. After such a process as scoring the surface of the tile, it separates very easily along the scored line. Manual tile cutters are suitable for small and medium-sized tiles, and they cost less than other types of cutting tools.
2. Electric tile cutter
The electric tile cutter or the wet saw is the best option for any tiling professional and special large projects. This type of cutter works with a fast-rotating blade that is responsible for cutting ceramic tiles. An electric tile cutter can cut through large and thick tiles and it is suitable for both straight cutting and cutting curves. Yet, they may be pricey and their usage requires more effort than in the case of manual tile cutters.
3. China tile cutter
Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are harder to cut because they are hard, unlike ceramic tiles when cutting. In general, the china tile cutters specialize in cutting china tile only. Users operate this cutter in the same way as a physical tile cutters, but it features a more powerful and thicker blade for better cutting and longer periods of use. You cannot use porcelain tile cutters to cut other types of tiles. Different types of tiles cannot be cut using porcelain tile cutters.
Types of Tile cutting tools pro and con
When making some selections of the best tile cutter, you ought to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each of them. Here’s a brief overview:
1. Manual tile cutter:
Advantages: More advantages of this product include being cheap, NOT heavy, easily manageable, and easily transportable.
Disadvantages: Not suitable to use when cutting thick and large tiles as well as it lacks precision.
2. Electric tile cutters:
Advantages: Effectively able to penetrate through thick or large-sized tiles, fine cuts, and shaped cuts.
Disadvantages: Heavier, costly, consumes more power,r and is also a little noisier when compared to the cheaper and lightweight counterparts.
3. Porcelain tile cutters:
Advantages: Meant for cutting especially porcelain tiles, long-lasting.
Disadvantages: It is not recommended to cut other types of tiles using it and a low level of accuracy.
How to Use a Tile Cutter
It’s time to give you more details about the usage of the manual tile cutter having learned about the models available in the market. Follow these steps to achieve precise cuts on your ceramic tiles:
1. Mark the tile
Decide on the place at which one is likely to have to make the cut and draw a line with either a marker or a tile pencil.
2. Align the tile
Bring the tile into the tile cutter table and position the side of the tile against the guide of the cutter correctly. Shift the tile so that the mark is eye-level with the locked edge of the cutter.
3. Score the tile
Put your thumbs on the tile and lightly push the tile in the forward direction until you hear a click or the tile is fully under the straight edge of the cutter. The scoring wheel will impress its mark on the surface of the tile.
4. Snap the tile
Using some force you press on the scored line and the tile will split down the middle, breaking into two halves. Some of the tiles may give small pieces or dust when being cut, therefore eagerly on your safety.
5. Clean up
Remove any dirt you can see on the work surface and the tile cutters; wipe up the tiles. Throw away the shears and sweep off the floor and tile cutters as required by the builder.
Conclusion
The choice of the right tile cutter will greatly depend on a few factors, such as the kind of tiles you need to cut the project you are working on, and the amount of money you can spend on the correct tool. Manual tile cutters are good for beginners while electric tile cutters are better for the experts in the case of large jobs matter what kind of tile cutter you will be using there are some guidelines you should follow when it comes to cutting tiles to get quality and accuracy in your work. By the end of this article, you have all the necessary information you need to approach any tiling job like a professional.
