How to choose a tile cutter: format and thickness to cut

For straight cuts on tiles up to medium format, a manual tile cutter is enough: choose a cutting length a little above the longest side you need to cut (the collection ranges from 41 cm to over 3 metres for large-format systems). For thick porcelain stoneware, natural stone, or diagonal and 45-degree cuts, you need a wet tile saw or a saw with a diamond blade. For holes and shapes, use cutters and hole saws from 6 to 35 mm in diameter.

The types

• Manual tile cutters: score with a wheel and snap with the breaker, with no dust. They are the classic choice of the tiler, such as the Rubi Prime-cut Magnet.
• Manual cutters for large formats: long guides and systems with slab kits, such as the Rubi TC-125 kit.
• Wet tile saws and portable electric cutters: use a diamond blade cooled with water. Examples: the DeWalt 1,600 W wet tile saw and the DeWalt 1,300 W portable cutter.
• Circular saws: electric machines such as the Rubi TC-180, for cutting with a diamond blade.
• Diamond blades: for grinders and machines; chosen according to the material (ceramic, porcelain stoneware, natural stone).
• Cutters, hole saws and cutter kits: for holes for pipes and sockets, also with a drill.
• Spares and accessories: replacement wheels (in tungsten carbide), side stops, fences, work tables, adapters.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Cutting length (cm): this is the maximum side that fits on the guide. In the collection: 41, 61, 63, 65, 85, 120 cm for manual cutters, up to 320-360 cm for large-format systems. If you pick a size that is only just enough, you will not be able to cut the next format up.
• Diagonal cutting length: from 22x22 to 85x85 cm. It indicates the largest square tile you can cut diagonally.
• Cutting height (mm): the maximum tile thickness, from about 3 mm up to 20-25 mm. Thick porcelain stoneware and outdoor flooring require higher cutting heights.
• Diameter (mm): for cutters and hole saws, from 6 to 35 mm. Take the diameter of the hole you need, not a larger one.
• Material: the tungsten carbide wheel lasts a long time on glazed and ceramic tiles. The diamond blade works on porcelain stoneware and stone.
• Weight: from 1.5 kg to 36 kg in the collection. It matters if you have to carry the equipment to a different site every day.

Common mistakes

• Buying a tile cutter that is too short for the format: you always work at the limit and the cut comes out crooked.
• Running the wheel over the tile more than once: the score line doubles up and the break is irregular. A single continuous pass is enough.
• Drilling with the hammer action on: the tile cracks. Hole saws and cutters are used in rotation only, with cooling where specified.
• Cutting dry with a wet-cutting blade: the blade wears out and you breathe in dust, whether or not you wear a mask.
• Underestimating the thickness: a manual cutter for ceramic will not score thick porcelain stoneware.

Frequently asked questions

Can a manual tile cutter cut porcelain stoneware?

Yes, if the stated cutting height covers the thickness and the wheel is suitable. For very thick or very hard porcelain stoneware, a wet saw with a diamond blade is better.

How do you make a hole in a tile?

With a diamond cutter or hole saw fitted to a drill or grinder, without hammer action and starting at low speed. Make one hole at a time, resting the tile on a stable base.

When is a large-format kit worth it?

When you are cutting slabs longer than a standard manual cutter can handle, or when you often lay large tiles and want clean, repeatable cuts.

How do you finish the edge after cutting?

With abrasives of progressively finer grit, wearing goggles and a dust mask.

All the tile cutting, finishing and shaping tools are in the collection: to choose the machine and blades, ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.