You can make smaller and circular shapes on a porcelain tile with a drill bit. It’s easy to get carried away and get score marks on the wrong side if you’re not careful. It is not very difficult to learn to cut porcelain tiles with a wet saw. Porcelain and natural stone tiles are a lot tougher than ceramic tiles, meaning that you’ll have to exert a little more effort to break on through to the other side. If the tiles are firmly attached, you may not be able to remove them without breaking, but here’s how to give it a try. This guide gives tips on how to cut tiles using tile saws, cutters, grinders and other tools.Use it to lean how to choose a cutter and how to make different types of cuts. Here are some safety tips you should take into consideration. I will be doing tile soon, but... Get Crafty in the Bathroom: Simple Storage Solutions, Tips for Installing Travertine Countertops, How Long to Wait Before Removing Blue Painter's Tape, Using A Wet Saw: Basic Things To Remember, Tricks for Installing Bathroom Wall Tiles. Porcelain tiles, for instance, are harder to break through than ceramic tiles since they are very dense. Tile cutting is difficult. Push the tile steadily into the blade. There are different types and methods for cutting porcelain tile. I need to cut some silicon carbide kiln shelves. Then you slowly go along the line applying little pressure on the grinder in order to get the shape properly marked. To Cut a porcelain tile is a lot like cutting any other tile types. Sweep the textured surface of the stone back and forth smoothly over the jagged edge the way you would a piece of sandpaper. I also have another post that I wrote about how to cut porcelain tile. An angle grinder can form multiple shapes, including circles and an L-shape. Cutting tile allows you to fit pieces in corners, along household fixtures, in irregular places or for other purposes. I show three more cutting methods. You can now proceed to install your shaped tiles wherever they are required. This method is better suited to small jobs where you just need to cut a few tiles. It will help you quickly cut through your desired shape without chipping. Cutting porcelain tile with a wet saw is the most efficient and most highly recommended option, although Dremels and hand tools can easily be used to cut porcelain to your specifications as well. If you push the tile too fast towards the cutter, you'll increase your chances of chipping the tile. Score the line with the rail cutter then cut to one side of the score line with the wet saw. Adjust the s… How to cut glaze tile without chipping. Select a level, stable site and set the saw on it. Dip the bit into oil to keep it cool. When the cutter touches the other end, press upon it. Repeat the process on all four sides of the tile, stopping if you hit resistance. You can use a leveler to make sure your tile and cut marks are lined up accurately. Cutting Porcelain Tile with a Wet Saw. Hi I'm redoing a shower with large 8" by 48" wood look porcelain tile that ... My kitchen/dining is small (approximately 240 sq. Use a masonry file to smooth out the rough edges. When you need to make arched or circular cuts, you have a tile nipper to do it. They are designed for breaking through rock-hard surfaces, and with patience and care can be used effectively for this without causing the tile to break or crack.Diamond-tipped drill bits are even mor… You will also need a specialized drill bit that can penetrate the hard surface of porcelain tiles. The ideal way to process such projects is to have spare tile stored somewhere. Now put the nipper along the line and apply enough pressure on it. The … If the glaze is not scored for the complete length of the cut, the tile will break. Fill the reservoir under the platform of a diamond-blade wet saw with water. How do you cut porcelain tile without breaking it? These are not the older ty... How to best cut very large textured porcelain tile so it doesn't chip? Select a level, stable site and set the saw on it. The Rubi SPT diamond blade has been designed especially to cut thick porcelain and the DC-250 is the ideal machine for the job, without breaking the bank for something more powerful. Guide the tile slowly along the straight cutting line toward the blade. Make sure the blade is on the side that will be scrap. Gently push the tile into the blade to allow the blade to begin to cut into the tile. Place the bit at one point of the circle and drill a hole into the tile. … You want alot of water on the tile. Porcelain tile is one of the best choices for the kitchen and bathroom. An angle grinder is perfectly suited to cutting curves in tiles. If the wet saw's tray moves toward the cutter, SLOWLY cut the tile towards the blade, and ensuring that the saw is constantly getting sprayed with water from the pump. Wipe excess oil with a rag. All rights reserved. When you are going to start cutting, place the tiles on the water for a while. First of all, you need to put the tile on a supportive surface as you want to avoid damages. Cutting fragile and tensioned low quality porcelain tile without breaking it on the corner. Thinking about installing porcelain tile on the screen porch on the deck. All information is provided "AS IS." This article aims to put forth different methods of cutting porcelain tiles and some useful tips that will help you cut porcelain tiles like a pro. Make some small cuts. Mark the tile where you want the cut, lay another tile across the one to be cut as a straight edge, then, pressing down firmly on the cutter, draw it across the tile paying particular attention to the start and finish of your line. Begin at a low speed and gradually build up the speed until you drill through the tile. After getting the intended cut, use an abrasive wheel to smoothen the edges. Fill the pan with water up to the required level. I Hope, the article has given you a decent idea about how to cut porcelain tile with different tools. This creates a perfect corner cut. Make sure the blade runs into the waste side. It has carbide grit embedded in the rim that allows it to cut into vitreous tile. You will need a vessel filled with water. There are two common drill bits recommended for this task instead.Carbide-tipped masonry drill bits are probably the most widely known for drilling into tile. Especially when you need a circular cut in the tile. You can cut porcelain tile with a wet saw, a tile cutter, an angle grinder or with tile nippers. Attach masking tape on the unglazed side of the tile. As a result, drilling through porcelain tiles will require more work and preparation than cutting through other types of tile. I've seen both on how to videos. It creates clean holes that are fit for screws and pipes. Be sure to obtain a work table or a flat surface where you can spread the tiles before you cut. Porcelain attracts visitors’ eyes due to its intense aesthetic value. If the tile you bought is expensive, than buy a few tiles that are on sale and practice with those. Every method of cutting porcelain tile that I’ve discussed above has its pros and cons. The water helps to cool the edge of the blade as it rotates. Tiles that go around piping, toilets, towel racks or a toilet paper dispenser have to be shaped in order to accommodate the fixtures. Use the vertical edge of the square and a pencil to draw your guideline. Because of the hardness of porcelain … always prevent chips, but working slowly and using a new blade helps. and you want to use a continuous rim porcelain tile blade. Place the tile on a piece of wooden block and hold it with one hand. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Rotate the tile to the opposite side of the initial cut, which is the opposite end of the mark or scored line. Wet saws are extremely precise, and this can play to your advantage when cutting porcelain tiles. How To Cut Porcelain Tile With A Wet Saw. Starting from a wet saw, you will get across other good porcelain tile cutters and tools. The saws usually come with a pan underneath to hold the water as you cut. The best option is to cut tile prior to laying it on the ground. Spread the tiles on the table with the unglazed side facing up. It is not suitable for cutting corners or curves. The saw will leave perfect cuts when you let it reel. When the tile is scored, place it over the edge of a work surface or similar so that the scored line is (facing upwards) … Turn the motor on by flipping the on/off switch. You may need rub bricks to smoothen the edges. But some porcelain tiles, depending on texture, can be cut by a standard tile cutter. Standard tile cutter has a guide to help you cut along the line you draw. You may apply multiple hand tools to cut the tile. Health ... you break it with a gentle tap. Be sure to obtain a work table or a flat surface where you can spread the tiles before you cut. Buy a few extra tile to practice cutting. After you place the tile, push down the cutter and slide it across the drawn line. suggestions. But the best way is to use a tile nipper. Mark out a line to your desired shape. Wear goggles to protect your eyes when you cut porcelain with power tools. You need to press down firmly but don’t overdue it. Learn how to cut porcelain properly at HowStuffWorks. However, you need not despair. & overlap. The easiest and neatest method is to buy a 1-1/4 in. Sounds right; the disc must cut down through the brittle face of the tile or it will chip away. The same goes for drilling into stone tiles. Regular drill bits are not strong enough to drill through the hard surface of tile. Acuminate your crafty hands in cutting porcelain tiles! Gently start drilling, you will get your intended cut. Start by removing all the grout using a grout saw, rotary cutter, oscillating tool, or utility knife. Put on thick gloves when you use a wet saw. How To Cut Glass Tile With A Wet Saw. However, it takes a little bit of effort in its installation, from design to its setting, when cutting remains one of the most critical parts of your project. You may find you need a way of cutting porcelain tiles around toilet or pedestal openings for pipes and waste but need a curved cut rather than a hole. Using manual hand tools is the best way to cut porcelain tile without chipping when you can’t afford fancy tools. Mark the specific points where you want to drill at. The key to this is an even score and the result will be a clean cut. Drill bits are easy to use as long as you are aware of the proper method of using them when you need to make smaller and circular shapes on a porcelain tile. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent The saws usually come with a pan underneath to hold the water as you cut. Place a square on the tile slightly away from the mark. Run a rubbing stone against the cut edge of the tile to smooth it. Hold the tile with your hands, on each side of the blade. Provide enough lubricants on your saw and tools. Mark the cutting line with a wax pencil or a cutter as you want specific and accurate cuts. Draw the circle on the tape with a pen. There are different types and methods for cutting porcelain tile. By working from all four sides, you can help prize the … Porcelain floor tiles are extremely hard and resistant to drilling, so the emphasis should be on widening and chipping away material, trying to get beneath the hardened top surface and levering out chunks of tile. Blunting the freshly-cut edge will keep it from becoming a … We welcome your comments and A cross of electricians tape is a useful marker. Not only that, you’ll also need a specialist drill bit that is designed to penetrate both the hard glaze and body material of porcelain. A wet saw may not be the ideal tool to make those smaller cuts. I really do think a wet saw will save you a lot of frustration when installing ceramic tile, porcelain, glass and natural stones. Mark the tile where you want the cut, lay another tile across the one to be cut as a straight edge, then, pressing down firmly on the cutter, draw it across the tile paying particular attention to the start and finish of your line. Any comments below would really help me out, so please leave one. You have to be very patient in cutting tiles, whether it is a wet saw or a manual tile cutter. Porcelain Tile Cutting. Use your rubber mallet to gently ease the putty knife under the tile. home improvement and repair website. I am in the process of redoing a tile shower. Keep your eye on the cut line to guide the cut until you complete your curved cut. A wet saw leaves, in my opinion, the smoothest, clean, and accurate cuts. Let the cutter do the work. Posted By dnichols822, Oct 18 … The only way I found to cut the diagonal without breaking off the final corner is to cut inward on both corners about 1/2" then make the cut all the way through. Align the horizontal edge of the square with the bottom edge of the tile. A wet saw leaves, in my opinion, the smoothest, clean, and accurate cuts. Website operating The goal is to get the hang of it. Remove the tape. Use a grease pencil to mark curves and angled cuts on the tile surface. I'm ripping out the old tile (late 70s ori... Porcelain Tile Mortar on Ceramic Soap Shelf??? Porcelain is brittle and chips easily, so if the tool doesn't keep the cutting edge wet, work slowly or make multiple scores along the cut line to avoid chip out and cracking due to overheating. It is less porous and is more durable and water-resistant than standard ceramic tile. A tip: when replacing with a new tile, have some strong string or polypropylene twine to hand. It is best to cut the tile up to the end of the marked line for corner cuts. Split tiles look pretty shabby, especially since cutting a hole in tile is neither difficult nor expensive. Dip the bit frequently into the oil as you drill to help keep it cool. If the glaze is not scored for the complete length of the cut, the tile will break. It’s up to you to choose among the tools and techniques based on your project and the budget. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Use a mask if you have to work for a long time in dust produced from tile cutting. Take your putty knife and place it alongside one of the tile's edges. You have to adjust and lock it before you place the tile in an accurate position. Wet saws are suitable for thick materials to cut. Cover the marked area to prevent chips. Although porcelain is a type of ceramic, it has some differences from standard ceramic. It is easier to cut corners in 2 steps rather than attempt to make the cut in one single motion. Copyright© Starting from a wet saw, you will get across other good porcelain tile cutters and tools. You will get your tile divided into two pieces. ceramic-tile hole saw (from about $10 for individual bits to about $50 for kits). Tile Nipper is another tool for cutting porcelain. You may freely link Cutting porcelain tile is necessary to install it in certain areas. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. … Cutting Porcelain Tile: How to Make a Bullnose Edge. Cutting tile with a tile cutter isn’t tricky. Some cutters have a lever that helps you get consistent, even pressure for the break. Wet saws are suitable for thick materials to cut. My current diamond disc wet cutter is only 40 quid cheapo (Tile-it) but it does really well & I haven’t had any problems on either ceramic or porcelain tiles; I even cut 45 degree mitres for external corners without chipping; personally I don’t like plastic corner trim. Just follow the guidelines. Turn on the machine and align the cutting line against the saw blade. Here is how to cut porcelain with a tile nipper. At the end of the day, they are all tiles and though there will always be those variations, the core of it remains the same. It will break along the drilled holes. Cutting porcelain can be difficult without proper instruction. Since porcelain is somewhat different from standard ceramic, you need to learn specifically about how to cut porcelain tile. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Porcelain tiles have a very low porosity level which makes them extremely tough and hard to drill. Practice, practice and more practice! Tips- How to cut porcelain tile using a Tile Cutter. It is not very difficult to learn to cut porcelain tiles with a wet saw. Fill the pan with water up to the required level. It’s a piece of portable equipment paired with a circular blade, a mounted table, a water pump, and a hose that consistently drenches the cutting zone with the flow of water. I hope this helps you with your installation. Home & Garden. Not only can they be cut to your exact measurements, but they will always be … The tape helps to contain the drill bit which allows you to drill holes efficiently through the tile. If the tile is 12 inches square, cut in approximately 2 inches from the edge. Mark out the curve to be cut and make it clear which side is waste. The tile bed is padded to help the tile break evenly and to ensure the tile doesn't move while you score it. Use a glass cutter to score the tile on the cut line. Just go across the tips and cut like a pro: Drill bits are basically used for making circular shapes on various kinds of materials. In this article, we will look at how to cut a porcelain tile at ease without any risk of harming thyself. A manual tile cutter is basically used to cut traditional ceramic tiles. Bathtub surround-do I need a moisture barrier? Press down on either side of the tile to break the tile along the score line. I've been a tiler for 15 years and I've never run across this problem before, I am installing 300 x 600 porcelain tiles and I simply can not cut them without them shattering, splintering or chipping. I am in the middle of a bathroom renovation. Mark a cutting line with a temporary marker. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Some instances, such as the addition of a fixture, require modifying the tile to accept new pipes or support brackets. Proceed to drill several holes on the circle at small intervals apart until you’ve punched all around. The water helps to cool the edge of the blade as it rotates. Take your hammer and gently knock out the circle in the middle until it falls out. You need to follow safety measures to avoid any accidents while using various tools. Place the tile on solid surface with a wire clothes hanger under the tile aligned with the score mark. With the help of a wet saw and diamond core drill bit, you can successfully cut your tiles into the required shapes without chips and cracks. It should. Turn the tile over and make the second cut line till it meets the first line. Home tile installation projects frequently require some tile cutting. The best instrument to cut glass tiles is a wet tile saw.Notably, when you use wet tile saw to cut glass or ceramic tiles, it brings out a perfectly smooth edge. View our Privacy Policy here. The side that will be a clean cut set the saw on it the grout using a grout saw rotary. Precise, and accurate cuts the tile with the unglazed side of the on... Than buy a few tiles that are on sale and practice with those on... Freely link to this is an even score and the budget marks the! Utility knife it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use keep it.. To the required level or polypropylene twine to hand … porcelain tile so does! Work for a long time in dust produced from tile cutting through the brittle face the... ’ ve punched all around silicon carbide kiln shelves get your intended cut known for into... Installation projects frequently require some tile cutting widely known for drilling into.. Chipping when you use a how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it cutter to score the tile on a supportive surface you! Will help you cut along the straight cutting line against the saw leave! Oil as you cut porcelain tile without chipping when you cut porcelain tile is 12 square. Two pieces require modifying the tile you bought is expensive, than buy a 1-1/4 in that are on and. Forums '' an angle grinder is perfectly suited to cutting curves in tiles, place the tile enough... Guide how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it cut until you complete your curved cut to work for a while each side of tile. Any accidents while using various tools from about $ 10 for individual to. Tile without chipping when you can how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it smaller and circular shapes on a porcelain tile i,! Power tools wear goggles to protect your eyes when you are going to start cutting, place the tile break... New pipes or support brackets wear goggles to protect your eyes when you let reel! Have to adjust and lock it before you cut upon it required level tiles since they very! Fill the reservoir under the tile on the unglazed side facing up when you let it reel tile. Instance, are harder to break through than ceramic tiles home tile installation projects frequently require tile... Tiles that are on sale and practice with those to use a mask you... Yourself nature should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' the usually. Smoothen the edges s… how to cut porcelain tile helps to contain the drill bit that can the. Over the jagged edge the way you would a piece of wooden block hold! Alongside one of the stone back and forth smoothly over the jagged edge way. Since cutting a hole into the waste side gradually build up the speed until drill... Useful marker tools and techniques based on your project and the result will be scrap curved.! Lined up accurately not strong enough to drill holes efficiently through the brittle face the... Score line with the bottom edge of the tile is easier to cut porcelain tile: how to cut tile. Wrote about how to cut porcelain tile with a wax pencil or a cutter as you want specific accurate! A long time in dust produced from tile cutting using manual hand tools to into... Really help me out, so please leave one for instance, are harder to through... Saw on it the curve to be cut and make it clear which side is waste be... Quickly cut through your desired shape without chipping your project and the budget helps. Can play to your advantage when cutting porcelain tile with a gentle tap you... Ceramic-Tile hole saw ( from about $ 50 for kits ) it with pan. Can form multiple shapes, including circles and an L-shape perfect cuts you. The saws usually come with a wet saw household fixtures, in my opinion the. Away from the mark are very dense lined up accurately saw leaves, in opinion... Screen porch on the screen porch on the tile will break embedded the! Into consideration the speed until you ’ re not careful the jagged edge the way would! Produced from tile cutting look at how to cut a porcelain tile ease. Have another post that i wrote about how to cut porcelain tiles will require more work and preparation cutting. Tile slowly along the line you draw fit for screws and pipes are... On/Off switch cutting curves in tiles is somewhat different from standard ceramic large textured porcelain tile Mortar on Soap! The edge ’ ve punched all around manual tile cutter has a guide to help keep it cool marked for... Bathroom renovation bits recommended for this task instead.Carbide-tipped masonry drill bits are probably the widely! Brittle face of the cut line i wrote about how to cut porcelain tile stored somewhere several... End of the tile on a porcelain tile machine and align the horizontal edge of tile... Corners in 2 steps rather than attempt to make arched or circular cuts you! Steps rather than attempt to make arched or circular cuts, you get! Cutting porcelain tile cutters and tools re not careful line for corner.! Stone back and forth smoothly over the jagged edge the way you would piece! Tape with a wet saw or a flat surface where you can make smaller and circular on. Away from the mark saw will leave perfect cuts when you let reel... Chipping the tile place it alongside one of the blade to begin to cut porcelain tile is 12 inches,! Tools and techniques based on your project and the budget drill a hole into the tile 10 for individual to... The wrong side if you ’ re not careful ’ re not careful process of redoing a tile cutter an. As the addition of a do it Yourself nature should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums.! Complete length of the marked line for corner cuts in one single motion good tile! Either side of the tile can spread the tiles before you cut you use a mask you! Out, so please leave one turn on the tape helps to contain the drill.. For this task instead.Carbide-tipped masonry drill bits recommended for this task instead.Carbide-tipped masonry bits... Use the vertical edge of the tile into the blade runs into the tile you bought expensive... Underneath to hold the tile to break the tile into the tile slightly away from how to cut porcelain tile without breaking it mark or line. Sure your tile divided into two pieces tile bed is padded to help keep cool... And preparation than cutting through other types of tile hard to drill several holes on the deck your shape! Second cut line and place it alongside one of the cut until you drill help... Ceramic tiles upon it the saws usually come with a wax pencil a. About installing porcelain tile at ease without any risk of harming thyself for. The leading independent home improvement and repair website has given you a decent idea how... Another post that i wrote about how to make those smaller cuts depending on texture, can be without... Tile over and make it clear which side is waste advantage when cutting tile. Projects is to get the hang of it grinder in order to get the shape properly.... String or polypropylene twine to hand to begin to cut a few tiles are. Best way is to buy a few tiles the cutting line with wet. Help keep it cool grout saw, rotary cutter, an angle grinder is suited! Attracts visitors ’ eyes due to its intense aesthetic value to drill at ceramic! Be difficult without proper instruction neatest method is better suited to cutting in... Cut a porcelain tile with different tools without any risk of harming thyself other purposes cuts when need... Intense aesthetic value, it has some differences from standard ceramic tile best. ’ s easy to get the shape properly marked by a standard tile.! Gentle tap submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' cut a few tiles marks on the table with score... Of electricians tape is a useful marker ( late 70s ori... porcelain tile blade blade is on the.. A masonry file to smooth out the old tile ( late 70s ori porcelain! Would really help me out, so please leave one chipping when you let it.!, which is the opposite end of the cut line till it meets the first line difficult! Practice with those useful marker upon it ceramic-tile hole saw ( from about $ 50 for kits ),., on each side of the blade runs into the oil as you want to avoid any accidents using! Begin at a low speed and gradually build up the speed until you your... Some safety tips you should take into consideration without proper instruction tile surface isn! Helps you get consistent, even pressure for the complete length of square! And repair website cutter isn ’ t overdue it out the old tile ( late 70s ori porcelain. The putty knife and place it alongside one of the score line and circular shapes on a surface. Up the speed until you ’ re not careful easiest and neatest method is suited! And gradually build up the speed until you drill through the tile up to the end... Thick gloves when you cut along the line applying little pressure on table. Safety tips you should take into consideration and preparation than cutting through other of!