How to choose a good tile cutter: tips for choosing + the best models from Ichip

Manual or electric tile cutter: which is better?

Each device has advantages and disadvantages. A manual tile cutter does not require electricity, so it can be used on sites without a network. Also, such a device is quite compact and weighs a little (on average 5 - 7 kg), so it is easy to transport from place to place. Unlike electric ones, it costs much less.

However, the breaking quality of manual ones is somewhat lower than that of electric ones (much depends on professional skills). It is also difficult to use a manual tile cutter to work with thick large tiles, such as floor tiles. If you need a device for home repairs or infrequent paid work, a manual tile cutter will be quite enough. Which manual tile cutter should you choose? We can recommend MTX 87688 , which can work with tiles up to 600 mm long.

Electric models can be of two types: portable and stationary. Portable saws are essentially circular saws that can cut tiles and porcelain tiles. Unlike manual devices, they are more productive, they can cut thick tiles, and the cut itself is clean, without chips. Most portable devices can cut not only vertically, but also in an inclined plane at an angle. They, like manual ones, can be easily transported to the site. But they are naturally more expensive than manual ones.

If you plan to do cladding seriously, take a portable unit. Otherwise, for small one-time repairs, it is better to give preference to a manual device.

Stationary electric tile cutters are the most productive and heavy-duty devices. They represent a work table (base) on which the engine and saw blade are mounted. Depending on the design, the saw blade can be fed top or bottom. Stationary models have a large cutting depth and are capable of working with large floor and sidewalk tiles. It’s also easier to make the cut itself – its quality depends less on the builder’s qualifications.

These units are more expensive than the previous two types. If you still decide to choose a stationary electric tile cutter for your garage, we recommend purchasing the Caliber PLE-200/1000 - it is relatively inexpensive, but at the same time powerful and productive.

TOP 3 best tile cutters for porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are highly durable, so special tools are used to cut this material. Three models were recognized as the best in this category.

Battipav Basic Plus 60

A relatively inexpensive, but reliable and functional tile cutter, which is suitable for both home and professional use.

Since the device is a mechanical type, it does not require electricity to operate. This means that you can use the tool even outdoors or indoors without connecting to electricity. The case is made of metal, so it is not afraid of accidental impacts and other mechanical damage.

This makes the model ideal for cutting heavy porcelain tiles.

At the same time, the tool is also suitable for cutting ordinary ceramic tiles, because for this it has all the necessary functionality.

In particular, with the help of a tile cutter you can make straight and diagonal cuts, and the cutting roller is made of high-quality material, so it will last as long as possible.

To increase the accuracy of cuts, the manufacturer has additionally provided a special scale with markings.

Specifications:

type - roller;
operating principle: mechanical;
weight 4.7 kg;
cutting depth 12 mm.

pros

there is absolutely no backlash;
soft and smooth movement of the carriage;
suitable for cutting porcelain stoneware;
adequate price;
no noise.

Minuses

weak sole;
Sometimes it breaks thick porcelain tiles.

Rubi Speed-62 N (14975) 620 mm

A functional and relatively inexpensive tile cutter that can be used both at home and in industrial settings.

In terms of functionality, the product is suitable not only for cutting ordinary tiles, but also for cutting porcelain stoneware and natural stone. The body of the product is made of metal, and a special base ensures reliable fixation of the device on the work surface.

Additionally, the manufacturer has equipped the tool with a fixed ruler, which allows you to get the most even and accurate cut.

The guide posts are made of aluminum and have a reinforced structure. Due to this, the tool can be used for a long time without fear that any of its parts will fail.

The handle also has a reinforced design and ergonomic shape, so the user's hand will not get tired even after prolonged use.

The kit includes a roller cutter of fairly high quality, but the kit does not include a case for storage and transportation.

Specifications:

type - roller;
operating principle: mechanical;
weight 6.8 kg.

pros

stable base;
heavy-duty table;
ergonomic handle with reinforced design;
smooth cut without chips;
A high-quality cutter is included in the kit.

Minuses

some users find the price too high;
not always on sale.

BISON Expert 33193-60_z01

One of the highest quality tile cutters, which has sufficient functionality for domestic and professional use.

The tool is produced by a reliable and time-tested domestic brand that has long earned the trust of users.

The device is equipped with a built-in bearing system, which ensures smooth running of the carriage and guarantees the most accurate and even cut without chipping.

In addition, the design of the tile cutter allows you to make a break anywhere in the cut tile to obtain workpieces of the desired size.

Additionally, the manufacturer equipped the tile cutter with a reinforced monocutter and supports, as well as a platform made of a special aluminum alloy. Due to this, the tool successfully withstands heavy weight and is suitable for long-term use under increased operating loads.

Specifications:

type - roller;
operating principle: mechanical;
weight 6.2 kg.

pros

Suitable for cutting various materials;
there is a scale to improve cutting accuracy;
excellent build quality;
low price;
A storage bag is included.

Minuses

roller without bearing;
Without adjustment there is some play in the roller.

How to choose the optimal power of an electric tile cutter?

In such devices, power primarily affects torque (the force when the saw blade rotates). That is, the more powerful the motor in an electric tile cutter, the easier it will be for it to cope with dense, thick tiles, and the cutting depth will be greater. Essentially, the more powerful the motor, the larger the disk the device can handle. At the same time, excess power is not always good, as it affects the size and cost of the unit. Conventionally, all tile cutters can be divided according to power into three categories:

Up to 1000 W - mainly stationary type tile cutters with bottom disk feed. The maximum disc diameter for them is 200 mm.
From 1000 to 2000 W - portable and stationary with top disk feed. The maximum disk size here is 300 mm.
From 2000 W - mostly stationary with top disk feed. Moreover, most devices have a 400 mm disk.

Often, buyers give preference to devices of the first category, since in most cases they meet the needs of consumers, but are relatively inexpensive. For home renovations, a 1000 W tile cutter with a bottom blade feed may be sufficient. For example, many buyers speak favorably of the Zubr EP-200-1000N with a bottom disk feed and the ability to work with nozzles with a diameter of up to 200 mm.

Devices from the second category should be considered only if it is necessary to make oblique cuts at an angle. Naturally, only some portable and stationary tile cutters with top-fed discs can do this kind of work.

The third category is intended for professionals who lay large-sized marble and porcelain tiles. The price tag for such devices varies from 40,000 to 250,000 rubles. However, if your choice of tile cutter still falls on a device from the third category, then we recommend buying the Einhell RT-SC 920 L with a power of 2200 W with a disk with a diameter of 300 mm and effective water cooling.

Selecting the maximum cutting depth

How to choose an inexpensive tile cutter based on cutting depth? This indicator directly depends on the diameter of the saw blade. The larger the working disk, the greater the thickness of the tile it can cut through (much depends on the design features of the device). Simply put, you should first determine the maximum thickness you will need to cut the tiles and then buy the appropriate device.

Naturally, the depth of cut will be significantly less than the diameter of the disk. For example, consider a stationary tile cutter Elitech PE 800/62Р . It works with discs with a diameter of 200 mm, but its cutting depth at an angle of 90° is 36 mm, and at 45° it is 30 mm. This means that the device is suitable for laying ceramic facing tiles in an apartment, but it will no longer be able to cut paving stones 40 mm thick or more.

It is also worth remembering that the concept of “cut depth” is different for devices with bottom and top disk feed. If for units with a top feed of the disk, the “depth of cut” is really the amount by which the disk is lowered into the tile, then for a device with a bottom feed it is the distance at which the disk looks out of the table. Structurally, it so happens that with an equal saw blade diameter, top-feed devices will always have a greater cutting depth than bottom-feed devices. Also, tile cutters with a top-fed disk allow you to cut niches and holes in tiles, which is useful if you need to install a switch or square-type socket

Expert opinion

Anatoly

MTX 87688

First, the good stuff - it’s well made, the frame doesn’t seem to bend when breaking tiles, the roller itself was actually immediately replaced with a new one on a titanium-coated bearing - and with it, tiles and porcelain tiles (though I still have 8.5mm on hand) cut/break perfectly, The main thing is to do everything smoothly and confidently; if you are cutting granite, then make two passes and good notches at the beginning/end. There was nothing loose from the packaging anywhere (primarily about the carriage), the ruler where the tiles rested had to be leveled - with it the tiles were not cut evenly - the difference at the beginning/end of mm was 5-7, as it was leveled - one to one. Now for the weird stuff. I bought the tile cutter from one online store (write me - I’ll answer which one), and either someone else already took it, but returned it to the store, or the roofing felts at the manufacturer’s plant are such straight-armed engineers, but it’s clear that the bolts that secure the rail are not much licked off. At first I thought it was a return - but everything in the box is without a speck of dust, and the threads of the bolt are not broken, nevertheless, it was necessary to insert the key crookedly and lick off the edges. For use in home repairs, this is a suitable option, but for professional activities there are better options, although the price tag will be “slightly” different...

Vladimir

ELITECH PE 800/62Р

Thick metal, can be carried alone with more weight. Compact, price matches quality, ergonomic. I don't see any major shortcomings. A small pipe for draining water is needed. With screw cap. Simple, plastic. The power wire must also be laid in a flexible channel, along with the hose and the pump power wire. Modify the splash guard on the disc casing; water splashes onto the wall. UPD: the keys for changing the disk are very bad, it would be better if they used steel. I don’t understand how to use the ruler on the table. You can roughly estimate it with an error of a few mm, but otherwise it is useless. Overall not bad for this price range. For those who are dissatisfied with the cut and chips on the tiles, the tile cutter in the package does not come configured. It is necessary to change the disk to a better one and remove all cutting planes. Business for half an hour - an hour. 10mm wrench, screwdriver and 60cm square minimum. The disc was installed by Distar. Seems not bad. True, the second disk was unbalanced or was caught crooked, and a slight runout appeared. Water, of course, splashes. Needs to be topped up often.

Eugene

Makita CC301DWAE

Although it’s small, it cuts porcelain tiles with a thickness of 110 mm conveniently; you don’t need a big machine to get bored; I bought it for 800 by 800 mm tiles and the corners are neatly filed at 45 degrees; in addition, I bought clamps for an even cut. I thought it wouldn’t be able to pull large tiles, although it cuts slower than a machine, but it’s a plus for transportation and storage. A decent tile cutter without backlash or anything else. The mode is not hasty, but careful. For private use - an excellent option for reasonable money.

Alexei

BISON EP-180-600N

Unfortunately, there are no intermediate options on the market between similar Chinese tile cutters, which are almost the same from all manufacturers, and large machines with a top-mounted disc. Here I fell for the warranty (3-5 years). I cut 40x40 porcelain tiles for diagonal laying. Such a large size, of course, does not work well with the supplied guides, so I worked without them and without a protective cover, because... with it you cannot see the markings on the tiles. A lot of water is poured out, in my opinion, about 300 ml for one 30 cm cut. That is, add water after each cut, if it is not very short. Without a casing, it splashes far and high, so I worked against the wall, covering both the floor and the wall itself with film. I was lucky that the apartment was completely renovated, there was no finishing touches yet, and I wasn’t afraid of getting the wallpaper or laminate flooring wet. To summarize: you can work, but you need to somehow escape from the water.

Peter

BISON Expert 33193-80_z01

I’ve been using it for 3 years, the device is decent in capable hands. 12mm breaks well if it’s not overheated, it doesn’t bend like a Turkish saber when broken. The only drawback is that the comb is worn out. The ruler is not very marking and the working surface bends a little. There is a slight play in the cutting roller, but still, it can’t be compared with an angle grinder)

Yuri Stepanov

BISON EP-180-600N

I bought it for laying porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles in a private home. The tile cutter fully worked out its 4700 (bought in September 2020). Immediately from the minuses: I don’t understand why it was impossible to make both bearings with rubber-plastic. One bearing is completely metal, water and clay get into it and wash out the lubricant. It started making noise after a month of work and I had to replace it. I removed the guide immediately, because... it does not bring any benefit, except that it can be used to mark tiles. I left the splash guard in place; it really helps keep the upper half of the body and face clean; Anything lower will still splash, so wear work clothes. The table is galvanized, but gets scratched during operation. I recommend wiping it with a sponge after every second or third wash to avoid water accumulation at the edges and the formation of rust. It rusts very quickly, one evening I didn’t wipe it dry, but in the morning it was already rusty. Keep an eye on this if you plan to use it for your next renovation. There are no special comments about the disc included. Regular disk. Smooth. It cuts well and doesn't get hot. The main thing is to monitor the water level and move the tiles evenly, without distortions. The 45 degree cuts were not needed, but just for fun, I made a couple. He saws confidently, nothing out of the ordinary. Regarding the technology and quality of cuts: Cutting 9mm porcelain tiles 1200x200, 10mm porcelain tiles 400x400 and 6mm ceramic tiles 300x600. There were times when I started cutting too fast and the vibration caused the tile to chip in the middle of the cut. In the end it chips in 95% of cases, but I got used to it after several times and moved the cut a little to the side, pressing harder on the desired part. The rest was polished with the same disk, but in the opposite direction. The cut itself is 4/5, but this depends on the disc and your pickiness. At first it seemed like there were terrible chips, but in the end, even after grouting, everything turned out perfect. If you want a clean cut, then it makes sense to buy an expensive disc for half the price of a tile cutter.

Andrey Kremanov

MTX 87689

It cuts very easily, even a beginner can cut tiles of any thickness. Good tile cutter. 10 porcelain tiles, excellent quality, no backlash. I would say this, I was completely pleased with the price. The cutting accuracy is good. The cutting angle is clearly 90! Just great.

Eugene

DeWALT D24000

Powerful 1.6 kW motor, no disc slipping, weight, dimensions. Functioning collapsible trough elements (very convenient). Cable quality. The water supply pump is very confidence-inspiring. Individual adjustment of the water supply to the cutting area - the bomb! Precise manual tilt adjustment when cutting at a certain degree. There is no splash around the tile cutter, which allows you to work on the finishing surface indoors. It is convenient to wash both the carriage and each element of the desktop after a working day. Thanks to the clamp, there is a limiter on the water supply hose from the pump to the cutting area, thereby manually adjusting the amount of liquid supplied, which will help when cutting with porcelain stoneware. Protective dust shield on the engine, no direct contact with pieces of tiles. This device has many advantages. I looked at the Dewalt D24000 E0856 tile cutter for a long time, thought, looked for information about it and decided to buy it and did not regret it. Looking at the pictures, to be honest I had doubts. The tile cutter is assembled very well, as if every part is where it should be. Compared to Chinese analogues (there is something to compare with). I have been working with tools from this company for 4 years, there are a lot of different tools, and to be honest, they have never let me down and I hope that this device will last a long time... If you are thinking about buying, don’t think...

Elena Karmanich

VORTEX 700x16

Good quality. Even exceeded expectations. Made carefully. Good metal. Sole with powerful stiffening ribs. Visually high quality video. The weight of the tile cutter is about 9-10 kg. It’s probably inconvenient for tilers, but I bought it for tiling my own bathroom on my own. I believe that a good tile cutter should not be light. After using it in the near future I will update the review and write how it works. A nice bonus is the information on the box that the manufacturer is Germany (you can see it in the photo). Although, of course, it was made in China. But the curator country matters. When I ordered it, I thought it was pure Chinese. By the way, this information is nowhere to be found on the Internet (I went through everything before purchasing).

Artem

Battipav Basic Plus 60

The roller cuts without chipping. Easy. The carriage slides along the guides without jerking. The cut on ceramic tiles is quite good (although there may be an error of half a millimeter. The roller moves a little. This can be corrected by tightening it with a hex key. I would like the guides to be stiffer, but the Italians are no fools, they know that they don’t need to press hard on the tiles, and accordingly, at least when cutting they bend a little , this is enough to cut ceramics and porcelain stoneware. Sometimes porcelain stoneware breaks with a small wave with a small chip, but again you need to feel how you make the cut and with what pressure you press on the handle when cutting. This also affects the quality of the cut. And not always porcelain tile breaks evenly even when cutting with an expensive tile cutter. This is a feature of porcelain tile (depending on its quality, and not the quality of the tile cutter). The tile cutter leaves a good impression. You need to get used to it and, accordingly, you need to keep your hands from growing out of wits. You don’t just have to cut , but watch how you hold and move the handle when cutting.You need to move it smoothly and not wobble, so that the roller seems to hiss and not creak. Only under this condition will the cut be good. It’s not enough to use the tool. You also need to use your brains and hands.

Sergey

VORTEX 700x16

Advantages: rigid base, smooth cut, comfortable handle, additional stops for easy cutting of tiles. Bought for personal use, laying floor tiles. I'm not a professional, I laid 600*150 tiles for the first time. I really liked how the tile cutter works, it is not flimsy, unlike other models from other manufacturers. Cuts smoothly, both crosswise and lengthwise. For ease of cutting across or diagonally, there are additional stops for fixing the tiles. A little bulky but not critical. The kit includes an additional stop for fixing the tiles at different angles; I did not use it. I was very pleased with the purchase.

Alexey Titov

BISON Expert 33193-60_z01

Initially, it seemed to cut clearly... but the gaps appeared very quickly, although after the manipulations they managed to remove a little... but gentlemen, representatives, at least you read the reviews... people take the tool to work, and not to modify it. I bought a professional series angle grinder, it burned out very quickly, I took it apart and it already turned out there that air for cooling is sucked in around the disk and all the dust goes through the body. I wrote a review and attached a photo of the disassembled product and the unprotected bearing, but for some reason the photo was not attached to the review. The most surprising thing is that when it caught fire, I happened to buy a similar tool from a Japanese brand with a poisonous color on sale, the price is a third cheaper and a diamond disc as a gift... and I'm very pleased.

What length of tiles can be cut?

The tile cutting length parameter is relevant only for those tools whose stroke is limited, that is, for manual tile cutters and for models with top disk feed. Which tile cutter should I choose based on this parameter? As with cutting depth, it is important to know what size tiles you plan to cut. For example, if you need to cut 600*600mm floor tiles, then you need a tile cutter with a maximum cutting length of at least 600mm.

For manual tile cutters, the average cutting length is 450 – 800 mm, although there are models that can cut tiles up to 1200 mm. From practice, we will say that for a home, a device with a cutting length of 600 mm, for example, RedVerg RD-TS600 , is enough for the eyes. If you need a larger tile size, it is better to use a top-feed disk.

Devices with a bottom disk feed can, in theory, cut tiles of any size, but it is worth considering the table area: the smaller it is, the more difficult it will be to guide the tiles (some of them will need to be kept suspended).

Design, characteristics and principle of operation

A standard stationary tile cutter consists of a bed (frame) with two guide tubes or a rail made in the form of an I-beam.

A carriage moves along these horizontal structures on bearings, on which there is a certain cutting element, the type of which depends on the type of tool.

If we are talking about a manual tile cutter, then there is a special handle on its carriage, pressing which creates a load on the tile, and it breaks along the cut line.

On the work table of the frame, that is, at its base, where the material being processed is placed, there are shock-absorbing pads that prevent damage to the tiles while working with them.

Most electric tile cutters are capable of performing wet cuts.

They have a special water tank, from where liquid is automatically supplied to the cutting element, preventing it from overheating and eliminating the formation of dust during the cutting process.

Stationary versions of tile cutters are often equipped with various auxiliary tools and mechanisms that provide additional functionality.

Cutting element

Mechanical tile cutters use cutters as the cutting element, for example, diamond rings or rollers, which do not cut through the tiles, but make a cut along which the material breaks.

The following sizes are considered the most common:

External diameter - 22 mm, less often 13.5, 15, 16 and 20 mm.
Thickness – 1.5, 2, 3, 4.6 mm.
Internal (landing) diameter – 4, 6, 10.5 mm.

This cutting method is not suitable if the thickness of the tiles exceeds 16 mm, and does not guarantee high quality cuts.

In such cases, a power tool is used that cuts the material like a circular saw.

These tile cutters use diamond saw blades.

They differ from other power tools in the size of the seat for the cutting wheel - 25.4 mm and a thickness of 2.5 mm.

The diameter of the discs is 180, 200, 250, 300 mm.

There are also 150 mm products, and the most powerful professional models can install 600 - 700 mm circles.

The cutting depth of electric models essentially depends on the blade used.

So, for example, for a 300 mm cutting element it is about 65 mm.

Material

The bed and guides of the tile cutters are made of cast steel, they can be chrome-plated, and the entire structure is mounted on rubber feet.

The material used for the rollers is high-strength steel containing tungsten and cobalt.

Circles for cutting tiles with an electric tile cutter are made of metal, along the rim of which diamond chips are applied using silver solder.

NOTE:
When making more wear-resistant options, the chips are applied using the geometric locking method, when diamond sand is soldered into the electrically heated edge of the circle.

Dimensions and weight of tile cutters

All characteristics of tile cutters depend on the type of this tool.

This is especially true for their size.

Manual models in the form of tongs weigh on average 200 - 250 g, and reach a length of about 200 - 210 mm.

Rail versions weigh about 1.5 - 2 kg, have a cutting length of up to 300 - 400 mm.

For professional electric tile cutting machines, the cutting length starts from 600 mm, and the weight of such units is at least 25 kg, even closer to 30 – 40 kg.

The actual length of any models slightly exceeds the length of the possible cut.

Engine parameters

First of all, it should be noted that the motor of an electric tile cutter, depending on the design, is installed from below - on portable models, and also from above - on stationary versions.

Its power determines the material that the tool can effectively handle.

So, for example, to cut tiles, the engine requires about 0.7 - 1.5 kW of power, for porcelain stoneware - 1 - 1.2 kW, and for marble - 2 kW or more.

In general, the more powerful the engine, the more durable and better the work of the tool will be.

NOTE:
Engine idle speed is not decisive for choosing a tile cutter.

The reason is that the materials processed by tile cutting tools have very similar characteristics.

For cutting ceramics and stone, models with 2 - 3 thousand rpm are used, however, there are machines whose disk rotation speed reaches 4.2 thousand rpm.

Additional functions

The simplest tile cutters are used to cut tiles in a straight line, and due to the rapid heating of the cutting disc, they cannot be used for intensive work.

These problems can be solved by additional functionality, the presence and quantity of which affects the ease of use of the equipment, the list of tasks to be solved and, of course, the cost of the tile cutter.

Among the most common add-ons:

The ability to connect a vacuum cleaner - found in both stationary and portable models, ensures the removal of dust, which is formed in large quantities during dry cutting.

Here, in most cases, not a household vacuum cleaner, but a special construction vacuum cleaner is used, often from a very specific manufacturer, depending on the diameter of the connecting pipe (hole) and the type of locking mechanism.
The water supply system to the disc allows for wet cutting, which prevents overheating of the cutting element and increases the duration of continuous operation of the tool. If for tile cutters with a lower engine, part of the disk is constantly in the water, then for models with an upper engine, the liquid is pumped directly into the protective casing. In this case, waste water is drained through the work table chute by gravity.
The side platform is a useful addition when it is necessary to cut large width tiles, where placing them on the narrow work table of a stationary machine without additional side support would make it extremely unstable.
Angle stop - allows you to cut tiles at angles without first marking them. The stationary tool is equipped with a stop that can be adjusted in the range of 0 – 45 degrees. For the same purposes, use the metal square of mechanical tile cutters with transport markings.

As a rule, there is a special ruler on it, with which you can make a straight cut at a certain distance from the edge of the tile.
Devices for shaped cutting, or more precisely for forming round holes. For these purposes, they use an independent tool - a circle cutter, which is also called a ballerina. Also, to cut holes in the tile cutter design, a so-called circular cutter is installed, which cuts a circle along the contour by rotating the handle.

By the way, only mechanical tools are made with such a cutting compass.

Additionally, the tile cutter can be equipped with folding legs and transport rollers.

Portable options often come with a bag for easy transportation.

Additional functions and capabilities of tile cutters

The choice of tile cutter may be influenced by additional functions that the devices have:

Water cooling of the disk . This is a system that provides cooling of the saw blade by supplying it with water from a special tank. Water makes sawing tiles easier, improves the quality of the cut, reduces wear on the blade by cooling it, and reduces the amount of dust. Water cooling is extremely necessary for large volumes of work, when you need to cut material non-stop, and especially thick tiles. For the most part, such a system is organized in devices with vertical disk feed. An example of this is the good Fubag Masterline 6 Star 660 with a 900 W motor and an effective water cooling system.

Milling holes . Such devices are equipped with a drilling device similar to a hand brace, to which a diamond-coated crown is attached. Using this bit you can drill a hole for a socket or switch. Only manual tile cutters are equipped with such rotators, and even then not all models. Among the good inexpensive models with this function is Stayer Master 3310-48 .

Sawing at an angle . Devices with a top blade feed, as well as portable models, can cut at an angle of 45°. Corner cutting may be needed to join tiles into a joint in a corner. It is worth considering that when changing the angle of inclination, the depth of cut decreases.
Laser marker . The laser marker projects a direct beam along the line of the disc. This allows you to see exactly where the disc will go. This design element is especially convenient for beginners, but professionals can do without it.
Connecting a vacuum cleaner . Portable models can be equipped with a connection pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner. With it you can reduce the amount of dust and debris when sawing tiles. Such a device is worth buying if you need to work with the material in “clean conditions”. However, it is worth noting that only a few are equipped with a connection for connecting a vacuum cleaner or bag. For a professional tool with this function, we can recommend the Messer SCS7.

Items for transportation . Stationary models may have special design elements that simplify transportation, such as wheels and folding legs. They may come in handy if the device is heavy. But from personal experience we will say that if the tile cutter is less than 20 kg, wheels are not needed.
Corner stop . This part makes it easier to cut tiles along oblique lines, such as diagonals. It is enough to set the stop, press the tile against it and guide it. Stationary tile cutters with bottom blade feed are equipped with a parallel (angular) stop.
Side platform . The side platform is an element that increases the overall area of the table. It is convenient when cutting large tiles. Some models are equipped with typesetting platforms.

Purpose of the tile cutter

Tile cutters are a whole family of tools designed for straight and curved (curly) cutting of ceramic tiles.

Depending on the type of tile cutter, it is used primarily for cutting tiles, the most common type of tiles, porcelain tiles, and clinker.

Also, a tile cutter, and specifically its electric version, is capable of cutting quite thick and durable stones, such as marble.

Contrary to popular belief, the tool is not at all suitable for cutting glass.

There are exceptions, of course, but then special equipment is used, and even then in frankly rare cases, for example, when, due to the thickness of the glass, a glass cutter is not able to handle it.

Conclusion

For minor repairs in a house or apartment, a manual mechanical tile cutter is sufficient. If you need to install a switch or socket in the cladding areas, then take a model with the function of milling holes.

If you plan to lay a large number of large floor tiles, then it is better to take a stationary machine with a bottom disk feed. And for paving stones and porcelain stoneware, it’s worth buying a powerful unit with a top disc feed.

Home repair tool:

Doing repairs while at home: the best cordless screwdrivers 2020
We cut at any angle: rating of miter saws with broaching 2020

Water Tile Cutting Machine

If you often encounter the need to cut tiles, you can easily start using such a machine at home.

Such machines from trusted manufacturers guarantee the highest quality of work and a more durable cutting disc. A tile cutting machine makes it possible to work like a fairly spacious table.

The engine of such devices can be located either in the lower or in the upper part of the housing. Among the advantages, it should be noted, first of all, the possibility of cutting tiles at an angle by adjusting the saw blade.

As a feature, it should be noted that it has a very considerable weight, reaching up to 10 kg. This, of course, reduces the mobility of this equipment. This type of tile cutter is professional and has great power, and the water cooling that such tile cutting machines most often have prevents them from overheating.

How does a tile cutter work?

The device traditionally has quite large dimensions. It is a stationary device and operates by connecting to the mains. To ensure maximum convenience when cutting tiles, its platform is located at a height of about 1 m.

This allows the master to perform all the necessary manipulations while standing, maintaining a comfortable body position. The distance from the floor to the desktop can be adjusted depending on individual preferences.

From a design point of view, such devices have a certain similarity with circular saws. The device consists of several main elements, including: an electric motor, a cutting wheel, a working surface and a bed.

This type of tile cutter is also equipped with an adjustment system for the functional part and special locking devices.

Note! As a rule, a diamond disc is used as the main cutting element in such devices.

The cooling system functions quite simply and supplies liquid to the point of contact of the cutting device with the ceramic product. Thanks to the high quality of diamond blades for tile cutters, the devices can be used for processing various materials, such as porcelain stoneware, stone, concrete, glass, etc.

Types of water-cooled tile cutters

Today there are a huge variety of models of these devices. They are produced by different brands and differ from each other not only in appearance, but also in technical characteristics.

manual;
professional.

The first instruments have a simple and convenient design. They can operate both from the electrical network and from a rechargeable battery (AB). According to the principle of operation, they resemble angle grinders, with the only difference being that they use tiles as products for processing.

A manual electric tile cutter consists of a handle, a support element called a soleplate, and a fluid reservoir. As well as elements that allow you to adjust the position of the functional part.

It is advisable to operate such a device only in a horizontal plane. This is due to the fact that, being in a vertical position, the product does not prevent the formation of dust. For more complex work, there are manual professional tile cutters.

Today on the construction market you can find larger models that run on battery power. The main advantage of such devices is autonomy. They are a kind of transitional link located between manual and professional instruments.

In turn, professional devices are classified according to characteristics such as the location of the motor.

above the working plane;
below the working plane.

Devices with a motor at the bottom. The main characteristics of such models include high cutting quality, as well as good protection from dust during operation. The cutting element is represented by the same diamond-coated disk.

The design feature of this device is the location of the functional part. The upper half of the cutting wheel is located above the working plane, and the lower half is placed in a reservoir of water.

This motor position allows the production of compact equipment that is versatile. Such devices are highly popular in the construction market precisely due to their small dimensions. When renovating an apartment, it is always difficult to find enough space for a large model.

VORTEX EP-180

Power – 600 W.
Rotation speed – 2950 rpm.
Maximum cutting depth:
At an angle of 90º – 34 mm.
At an angle of 45º – 23 mm.
Disc diameter – 180 mm.
Desktop size – 360x330 mm.
Overall dimensions – 440x430x200 mm.
Weight – 10.8 kg.

VORTEX EP-180 is a universal electric tile cutter that can be used when working with any ceramic or stone-based facing materials, including marble, granite and glass. The drive is a reliable electric motor that requires no maintenance throughout its entire service life. It is designed for connection to a household AC network with a voltage of 220V.

The possibility of wet cutting allows you to improve the quality of cutting, as well as reduce the level of dust in the work area. Design features allow you to work with workpieces of any length, without restrictions. The cutting angle is adjusted by changing the position of the work table within 45º.

The maximum thickness of the workpiece is 34 mm. This is quite enough to work with the most popular facing materials. The protective casing reduces the likelihood of injury during work. A special coating on the desktop protects the metal surface from corrosion, which increases the service life of the device. Other elements of the body are coated with powder paint, which is characterized by resistance to mechanical stress and loss of color.

Tips for work

Proper use of the tool is the key to its long and high-quality operation. As for the tile cutter, it also means confidence that a lot of money will not be wasted.

Here are some tips that will improve and extend the life of your machine:

It is imperative to observe safety regulations when working (!), carry out work only with safety glasses, gloves, a helmet and headphones.
When cutting material, you should never move the cutting disc in the opposite direction - this will lead to chips at the cut.
Before you start working, you need to set all the necessary values, selecting a disk of the required diameter and determining the desired angle.
When moving the cutting disc, it is necessary to apply clamping forces proportional to the thickness of the surface being processed.
Before processing, it is better to secure the material on the table as securely as possible.
The cutting part must be moved confidently so that there is no vibration and the disk does not jam.
On machines with a regular water supply, constantly replace the trays as soon as waste has accumulated.
Monitor the condition of the disk - if it is severely worn, the engine may burn out due to increased loads.

BISON EP-180-600N

Power – 600 W.
Rotation speed – 2950 rpm.
Maximum cutting depth:
At an angle of 90º – 34 mm.
At an angle of 45º – 17 mm.
Disc diameter – 180 mm.
Desktop size – 330x360 mm.
Overall dimensions – 380x360x190 mm.
Weight – 7.5 kg.

BISON EP-180-600N is a compact model designed for cutting all types of natural and artificial tiles, with the exception of asbestos-containing tiles. Cutting discs with a diameter of 180 mm are used as working equipment. The spindle seat diameter is 22.23 mm, which allows the use of conventional cutting discs for an angle grinder.

The wet cutting function increases the service life of the consumable tool and also reduces the level of dust during the work process. The longitudinal guide guarantees cutting accuracy to size. If necessary, the operator can choose any tile cutting angle. Water cooling improves the quality of work operations.

The worker's dimensions are sufficient for sawing tiles of the most common sizes. The surface of the table has a protective zinc coating, which protects the metal from corrosion. A protective casing and an electromagnetic switch are responsible for the safe performance of work.

Which tile cutter is better and how to work with it?

A frequently used finishing material is ceramic tiles, which are considered an ideal solution for a bathroom or kitchen. It is available in numerous varieties, so you can choose the most suitable option for a particular room. Typically, in the process of laying tiles, it becomes necessary to cut elements in order to obtain parts that are suitable in size and shape. It is important to achieve perfect and even cuts.

Since ceramic tiles are considered a fairly fragile material, you need to work with them only with specialized tools that are ideal for these purposes. You also need to know the correct sequence of actions.

There are several of the most popular tools used for these purposes.

The first most common tool is a manual tile cutter.

The second most popular is the electric tile cutter.

It is best how to properly cut tiles with a manual electric tile cutter on the video channels of manufacturers or professional craftsmen. It is quite difficult to describe the process in words. But a visual demonstration can give you many important points in working with tile cutters. We will focus on the nuances.

All RUBI and BATTIPAV electric tile cutters are equipped with special diamond blades that allow you to create almost perfectly precise and even cuts on the cutting line. However, during operation, a lot of dust is created in any case, which is why all electric tile cutters are equipped with water cooling. This protects the tool itself from overheating and also prevents the formation of dust.

The work procedure itself consists of the following steps:

a mark is applied to the tile, according to which further work on its cutting will be carried out;
the tiles are laid on the table of an electric tile cutter;
the tool is turned on, after which the disk (if the table itself is stationary) must be moved along the straight line of the mowing line, cutting the element, i.e. just pull it along the special guide of the tile cutter.

The quality and positive results of working with RUBI and BATTIPAV electric tile cutters practically do not depend on the experience of the technician performing the process. The equipment is so easy to set up and use that even a non-professional can use it. It is important to consider only safety precautions when using cutting tools, so as not to injure yourself.

What other tools can be used? If you don’t have a tile cutter at your disposal or you can’t afford an electric tile cutter, then other available elements can be used to cut the tiles.

However, in this case you should not count on a perfect result, since the edges will probably not be very smooth and beautiful. Most often for these purposes, a glass cutter, grinder or other sharp tool is used, with which it will be possible to cut the upper part of the tile, namely the glaze.

Thus, the process of cutting ceramic tiles is actually considered quite complex and specific. Different tools can be used for this, but in any case you need to know how to work with them in order to get the perfect result.