Cutting tiles can be a fun project while renovating your space. However, tiles are notorious for chipping and breaking ― especially when you use the wrong tools. Usually, you should use a tile cutter, but you can also use an angle grinder to cut and polish your tiles.
In fact, cutting tiles using an angle grinder also gives you the chance to polish the edges of your cut, making it a multi-purpose tool. It manages these two tasks through its rotating disc, which can cut, grind, or polish.
Let us explore how you can use these tools to cut your ceramic and porcelain tiles.
What Tools Do You Need to Cut a Tile?
When cutting tiles using an angle grinder, you need to prepare your tools and materials ahead of time. This will ensure that you stay safe while you operate the angle grinder and that your work is as accurate as possible.
Here are some essential tools that you require for your cutting project:
- Angle grinder: You should use an angle grinder that has no defects such as a ripped cord or damaged guard.
- Diamond blade: The rotating disc you will use in the angle grinder should be a sharp, diamond masonry blade. In particular, you should find the diamond blades whose size matches the tile's dimensions.
- Gloves: You will need to wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Goggles: You should wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying chips of tiles and ceramic or porcelain dust. According to reports, your eyes can absorb this dust, causing damage.
- Dust mask: To protect your lungs, you should wear a mask. Otherwise, reports indicate that you could get chronic bronchitis, asthma, cancer, or other diseases and conditions.
- Ear protection: You should wear noise-cancelling ear protection to minimize the effect of being near an angle grinder that is in operation.
- Tile marker: You will use this tile to help guide your cuts.
- Sandpaper or rubbing stone: You can use these materials to smooth out your tiles and give them a professional appearance.
How to Cut Large Ceramic Tiles
Once you have all the materials and tools you need, you should check to ensure they are all in good condition. When you are sure your tools and materials are ready, you should put on your protective gear and go through the following steps:
Mark the Tile
To start cutting through ceramic, you will need to mark your tile. You will need to outline where you want to cut the tile on both sides.
Lay the Tile
After you have marked your tile, you should lay it out so it is level. If it is not level, your cut will be at an angle.
Clamp the Tile
Now that you have leveled your tile, you should clamp it down. Preferably, you should clamp it to a workbench. If you fail to secure your tile, there is a risk it could move, causing your grinder to go off course and injuring you or others nearby.
Cut the Tile
After you have clamped the tile, you should make sure the blade guard is in place and then cut your tile. You will start cutting the marks on the glazed side while using gentle pressure and a slow speed.
Cut the Underside of Tile
Now that you have made your initial cuts, you should flip the tile over and cut the underside. Once again, you should cut slowly and gently.
Pro tip: Before you polish the tile, check whether it fits where you want to put it.
Polish the Tile
Finally, you should polish the edges of your tile. If you do not have sandpaper or a rubbing stone, you can use the side of your blade.
Steps to Cut Porcelain Tiles with an Angle Grinder
If you are cutting porcelain tiles, you will need to take a different approach than with ceramic. An important detail to keep in mind is that porcelain is more dense than ceramic. Therefore, it will break and chip more easily.
You will need to use the following steps to cut porcelain carefully.
Mark the Tile
To begin cutting porcelain, you will need to mark your tile on both sides. You should remember to keep your design simple to make it easier to cut and less likely to break.
Lay the Tile
When your tile has its cutting mark, you will need to lay out your tile so it is level.
Clamp the Tile
Now that you have laid out your tile, you should clamp it to your workstation.
Make Shallow Cuts
Once you have clamped your tile, you will need to make scoring lines in the tile's glazed surface. When it comes to porcelain, cutting tiles with a grinder requires multiple shallow cuts. In fact, you should even practice on a scrap tile to learn how to correctly make shallow cuts.
Turn and Cut the Tile
After making a few shallow cuts, you will need to flip the tile over and make more shallow cuts.
Pro tip: If the blade hats up, you may turn off the grinder and cool the blade.
Polish the Tile
In the end, you will need to polish your tile with an abrasive material such as sandpaper.
Alternative Tools for Cutting Tiles without a Tile Cutter
Just as the angle grinder is an alternative to the tile cutter, there are also other tools you can use to cut tiles. Interestingly, you can use:
- Tile saw: This tool is especially good for accurate cuts.
- Tile scribe: With this tool, you will make professional cuts.
- Tile nipper: This tool is best for curved cuts.
Recap
Now you know that cutting tiles using angle grinder always starts with good preparation. Before working on the cutting process, you need to gather all your tools ― a diamond masonry blade in particular. After wearing protective gear, you only need to cut along the mark gently. Moreover, porcelain tiles require more patience and skill, so you will cut them, as well as ceramic tiles if you use the steps above.
It is also essential that your tools are in good condition to ensure your project goes smoothly. If you are looking for high-quality cutting tools, accessories, and parts, visit our online store, KOR-IT, to ensure the success of your construction projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent tile from cracking when cutting?
To prevent tiles from cracking while you cut them, ensure you move the grinder slowly throughout the process. In addition, you should lubricate the blade with water. This will help the blade and tile stay cool.
Can you cut roof tiles with an angle grinder?
Yes, you can cut roof tiles with an angle grinder. This is because this tool is suitable for clay tiles when you use the right blade. Plus, this tool is especially useful for thicker roof tiles.
Should you use water when cutting tiles?
Yes, you should use water when cutting tiles since it helps the blade stay cool. Therefore, you should use a sponge to dab the blade and cool it. This is critical when you cut thicker tiles since this type of cutting considerably heats up blades.
