Shaping Ceramic Tile for Special Projects

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Sometimes it is necessary to make round cuts in tile to accommodate plumbing pipes or other items.

When you have the right tools it is easy to cut ceramic tile. The main tools used to cut ceramic floor tiles are nippers, carbide wheel cutters, and diamond saw cutters. Sometimes it is necessary to make round cuts in tile to accommodate plumbing pipes or other items. There are others tools that work great for making these specialized cuts. Tile is easily cut by scoring the hard glazed surface and then applying pressure to both sides of the tile around your scored line. Tile is often cut very similarly to glass, with a carbide wheel cutter. Tile cutters usually have a fence to keep the tile in place as it is being cut. You simply score the tile by pulling the handle across the tile while applying some pressure. Once the tile is scored you simply press down on the handle and the tile breaks.

Tile Cutters
The maximum capacity for a tile cutter is usually pieces no larger than 5/8 inches thick. Tiles thicker than this will need to be cut with a diamond wet saw, a hacksaw with a carbide blade, or an abrasive saw blade. The best tool for these thick tiles is the diamond wet saw. Unlike wood saw blades they do not have teeth, which makes them less dangerous to use. These saws offer you a clean and accurate cut quickly. It is best to rent these machines, as purchasing one can cost well over $1,000.

Cutting Circles
There are a couple of ways to make circular cuts in your tile. One method is to purchase a carbide circle whole saw. A less expensive, but still effective, option is to use a carbide rod saw. You can use a hacksaw frame with the carbide saw blade. To use this method you will need to make a hole in the tile that is large enough to insert the entire blade. You attach the rod saw blade to the hacksaw once it is in the hole. To prevent cracking the tile it will need to be firmly supported the entire time you are sawing. Near the end of your cuts you will want to slow down and use less force in order to protect the tile.
 

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