How do you cut thic...
 

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How do you cut thick tiles?

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Need to cut a few tiles for the floor of my front porch - 12 mm thick. Can you do this with a hand-cutting tool like this one, or is that going to be a struggle?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/magnusson-tile-cutter-430mm/797pt

Tiles are ruabon quarry style - only need to do a few so it's a small job. Thks for any advice.

https://www.ruaboncommercial.co.uk/product/heather-brown-15x15cm-per-tile?gclid=CjwKCAjw4JWZBhApEiwAtJUN0LfTTOjyYqF1j9gO4rZ_bm3naLcFOmHc0zbqy1bNJDKtCGHkkkDe8xoCB5kQAvD_BwE


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 12:02 pm
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Where's that thread on the Aldi cordless grinder...


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 12:05 pm
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Ideally a proper powered wet tile cutter but for a few tiles not worth the cost. I'd go angle grinder all day long in that case, B&Q do one for about £25 I think. The hand-cutting tools are okay as long as it's thin-ish ceramic you're cutting, I had less success/more attempts when using a manual tool on porcelain tiles.


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 12:11 pm
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Ask if you know anyone with a tile cutting saw. We've got one in the garage that has now done 3 bathrooms, a toilet a kitchen and 2 untility areas in our current and previous houses plus about 3 times that in friends places and a ceramic artist friend did several school projects with it. I think the original cost was less than 20 quid on a screwfix offer.
If you're near East Cleveland you're welcome to borrow it.
Angle grinder also should do. Whichever you use do the cutting outside in a space you can hose down. It's messy.
Bit like this one but in blue:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/performance-power-ptc450e-450w-brushless-electric-tile-cutter-230-240v/469gt


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 12:48 pm
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As above. Angle grinder with diamond blade
Sorted


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 1:38 pm
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Depends how big the cuts are. You can actually cut them by scoring the surface with a normal tile cutter or scribe and then tapping the back along the cut line with a small hammer but it’s a bit hit and miss. I’d just pick up a diamond blade for a grinder (dusty option) or hire a wet cutter, won’t cost much


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 2:09 pm
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One of the many reasons tool rental places exist.


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 2:25 pm
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Thanks all - I'll try the angle grinder.


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 3:01 pm
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Tile scorer and angle grinder.
Measure cut and mark with a pencil.
Then use a decent straight edge, something like a spirit level.
Score the line 3 or 4 times then flip the tile over
Pencil line then segmented diamond blade. Go deeper at each end then cut maybe 3/4 of the way through along the middle
Cleanly snap the tile over a raised edge, something like a long drill bit or metal rod

That is what i have done with ceramic tiles before to good consistent results


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 3:41 pm
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@garry_lager I've got one of these (Tile Cutter)you can borrow if there's no rush? I can bring to the next CX race. Used it for cutting some 12mm floor tiles, worked quite well! I've also got an electric tile cutter you can borrow if you like.


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 5:05 pm
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I've an ancient Aldi wet diamond cutting table. £30iirc, and has / is brilliant. If you're in central Scotland you can borrow it.


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 5:24 pm
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Thanks all – I’ll try the angle grinder.

Noooo.... One of these instead (if you can't borrow one):

https://www.toolstation.com/qep-diamond-wheel-wet-tile-cutter/p10565

(Scratching and snapping doesn't really work with un-glazed tiles IME)


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 7:33 pm
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^ that's identical to mine.


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 7:42 pm
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As above. Angle grinder with diamond blade

Used the above to cut patio slabs with no problem so tiles should be ok. Had a trickle of water on the cut line to reduce dust.


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 7:47 pm
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^ that’s identical to mine.

And mine 😉


 
Posted : 17/09/2022 8:32 pm
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The best way for straight cuts is a single score on the face side...then pencil mark the back and use a trowel and firmly tap up and down the pencil line...you won't get a better cut edge and save a load of time.
For angled cuts you need to use a diamond blade...get the thinnest blade you can find and use on a 4" or similar size grinder...no water needed
Wet saws are ok but I never get on with them and I find they take too long and with some you get wet.


 
Posted : 18/09/2022 7:27 am
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Ive cut quarry tiles with an angle grinder and diamond blade. Clamp a piece of straight timber as a guide then you can cut through it. The 150mm ones are too small / thick to score and snap. Do it outside aswell - lots of dust!


 
Posted : 18/09/2022 6:53 pm

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