How to work with a manual tile cutter?

Repair work involves the use of many tools. But not everyone knows how to use them correctly. We propose to study one of these devices. Everyone who is engaged in construction and repair work should know how to work with a tile cutter. Without this knowledge, it is not possible to achieve a high-quality masonry result. This is a very convenient device that greatly facilitates and speeds up the cladding process. But for this you need to carefully study how to work properly with a tile cutter.

First of all, you should understand the order and method of functioning of the tool for an accurate and beautiful finish. Today, there are many varieties of tile cutters that give a high-quality result of work and at the same time easy to use.

A handheld device is capable of cutting an element up to 12 millimeters thick, which is enough for working at home. If you need to use materials (porcelain, natural stone, thick tiles), then you may need to use an electric tile cutter.

Varieties

There are two types of tools:

1. Manual. It functions like a glass cutter. Cuts tiles using a diamond roller in a movable carriage. It consists of a bed (fixed base), a handle, a roller carriage. The diamond roller makes a scratch on the glaze, then with the help of the handle, the force is distributed into two parts of the tile, and the element is divided into identical components.
2. Electric. It includes a diamond-coated disk, which is in a mobile state. It acts like a saw (circular). Under the action of the guide elements, the tile adapts to the disk, after which it is divided in half, leaves no bumps and does not make fragments. Perfectly even halves are obtained. An electric tile cutter is able to do jewelry work (cut a product a few millimeters wide).
   

Both options work from different angles. This provides ease in working with curly patterns.

How to work with a hand tool?

There are a number of rules on how to make the cut line smooth and beautiful, while not wasting material on marriage. How to work with a manual tile cutter:

1. At the very beginning, you should inspect the device for serviceability of all parts. The diamond roller should spin without obstacles, the carriage rotate without jerks and smooth movements.
2. Be sure to see the serviceability of the video. If there are fragments and irregularities on it, this element should be exchanged for a new part. An item purchased at any specialty store will do.
3. A little oil (a few drops) should be applied to the roller for free and easy movement of the part.
4. The bed must be kept clean. It must be kept clean from all foreign elements (dirt, dust, etc.).
5. Tiles need to be labeled so that it is easier to make an incision on it. This is done with a special pencil for construction or a marker (to be easily washed off).
6. The product must be placed on the bed so that the drawn line coincides with the movement of the carriage.
7. The handle should be lowered until the diamond roller touches the surface of the tile.
8. Then you need to pull the carriage towards you with a light push. This must be done the first time, otherwise the cut will turn out with bumps.
9. As soon as an incision is made on the product, the carriage should be positioned so that it is in the 1/3 of the tile closest to the person.
10. It is necessary to pull the handle down, during which a special part (“wings”) will divide the tile into perfectly even parts by squeezing both parts.

In this article, you can also watch a video on how to work with a manual tile cutter. Porcelain tile is cut very easily.

Features and Features

Using the tool, you can cut elements with a width of 5.6 mm. How to work with a tile cutter and break off the excess part of the product? For example, if there is a need to cut a thinner strip, then you need to make an incision with the roller of the device. And then carefully break off the unnecessary part of the product with pliers.

On the surface of the product, during operation, metal “wings” can leave scratches. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that small sections of electrical tape be glued to the bottom of the device.

Manual tile cutters for professionals are equipped with a special part that has an adjustable guide function with integrated marking. It can be fixed in the desired state. Due to this feature, there is no need to make special marks. The work process is accelerated and greatly facilitated. Also, this part moves in different directions (at all angles), it becomes possible to produce decorative cuts.

Tile cutters for professionals are expensive. It depends on the availability of additional features, as well as on the brand. Some instruments are equipped with a “ballerina”, with the help of which round holes are made on the product. They are needed for switches and sockets. In most cases, the “ballerina” does not do her job exactly, and rarely does anyone use this option. Builders prefer to make a circle with a crown on the tile.

Limitations of the manual tile cutter

There are a couple of limitations:

1. The device cannot cut tiles exceeding a thickness greater than 12 millimeters.
2. This appliance is not designed to work with hard surfaces.

In such situations, use an electric tool. Thus, having studied all the information about the manual form of this device, you can understand how to work with the tile cutter. Experts advise the following. If there is no experience in working with this tool, then you need to buy a larger amount of source material, since not everyone succeeds on the first attempt, and there may not be enough material.

Description of electric tile cutter

This type of tool is also called professional because of its high functionality and accuracy. In addition, the device is much more expensive than the manual version. Therefore, deciding to buy this unit, you need to weigh everything well. It is usually bought for permanent and voluminous work.

How does it work?

An electric tile cutter functions like a stone cutter. The main detail is the disk, which has a small diameter and spins at the speed of an electric motor. Also this product has the property of water cooling of the disc. It contributes to a quality and accurate cut and increases the performance of the product. This tool (like the manual one) can do the job from all angles. But the difference is high speed and accuracy.

How to work with electric tile cutter?

Sequencing:

1. First you need to carefully inspect the tool and prepare it for use.
2. It is necessary to check all the parts individually (especially the diamond blade and protective parts).
3. The surface of the disc must not be damaged (without scratches and foreign bodies).
4. A vessel for washing the part (disk) should be filled with water. There should not be any foreign objects (fragments, dust) at the bottom of the container.
5. Next, you need to label the tile, as described above.
6. If it is necessary to make many identical cuts, then in this case only the first tile is marked. On the first tile, the movable guide part is set up. And in the subsequent case, the tile is installed according to this scheme.
7. The unit must be turned on while observing the serviceability of the water supply.
8. The product should be pressed to the bed with both hands and slowly displaced in the direction of the disk.
9. Press the tile with great force, otherwise the product will vibrate.
10. The cutting process should begin gradually (very slowly and smoothly).
11. The speed can be increased when the disc penetrates the product by 1-2 centimeters.
12. When 3-4 centimeters are left to the end of the tile, on the contrary, it should be slowed down to avoid the formation of fragments.

Having studied in detail all these stages of work, you can easily learn how to work with tile cutting.

Features of the electrical device

The uniqueness of this device is that it cuts strips even a few millimeters. And the place of the cut is obtained as smooth and smooth as possible.

In order to prevent breaking of the disc, the washing liquid should be periodically monitored. There should not be a lot of dirt and large objects. If these deficiencies are found, it is necessary to pour new water. And be sure to monitor the cleanliness of the surface (between the tile and the bed).

Overview of the Dexter Tile Cutter

This is one of the compact and convenient tools in the modern market, reviews say. The Dexter tile cutter has a manual use case and a cut thickness of 12 millimeters. The tool can perform work with all types of ceramic tiles up to 600 millimeters in length. Has a removable cutting wheel and cushion so as not to scratch the product. Intended use for domestic and professional purposes. Upon purchase, a 2 year warranty is given. How does the Dechter tile cutter work? The principle of operation of the device of this brand is the same as that of other products. Having studied the description above, you can easily master it.

The principle of operation of these tools, regardless of variety, is very similar to each other. The most important thing in this case is to follow all the rules and act carefully. Then it will be easy to figure out how to work with the tile cutter.