Blade for ceramic and porcelain stoneware: continuous rim or turbo?

To cut tiles, porcelain stoneware and ceramic you need a thin diamond blade: continuous-rim if you want a clean, chip-free edge, turbo if you care more about cutting faster. In the collection the thicknesses run from 1.2 to 2.4 mm depending on the diameter, and the bore is 22.2 mm for the small sizes and 25.4 mm for the large ones. The maximum rotation speed is marked on the blade and must not be exceeded.

The types

• Continuous-rim blade: the edge is solid, with no notches, and gives a very clean cut. It is the blade for ceramic and porcelain stoneware when the edge stays visible. One example is the Vigor 180x22 mm continuous-rim diamond blade.
• Sea Technology Cer line: it includes several numbered versions, such as Cer Due and Cer Tre. Read the data sheet for the type of rim and the sizes available.
• Turbo blade: the edge has serrations that clear dust better and cut faster, with a slightly less fine finish. It is available as Cer Cinque Turbo and Cer Sette Turbo.
• Laser diamond blade: the name indicates that the segments are fixed to the body with a laser weld. One example is the Cer Cinque Laser by Sea Technology; the collection includes blades designed for wet cutting of ceramic, so check the intended use.
• Ceramic cutting wheel: a wheel for angle grinders, like the Unifix TOP ceramic cutting wheel, for those who cut a few tiles and do not lay tiles every day.

How to choose by job

• Tiler with an electric tile cutter: continuous-rim or laser blade, used wet. Cooling prolongs the life of the blade and cuts down the dust.
• Cuts with the angle grinder on site: 115-125 mm blade, turbo if you have many quick cuts to make, continuous-rim if the edge stays visible.
• Vitrified porcelain stoneware and hard tiles: thin continuous-rim blade, fed slowly. Forcing the blade chips the glaze.
• Occasional work at home: a ceramic wheel may be enough for a few cuts.

The features to look at

• Thickness: from 1.2 to 2.4 mm depending on the diameter. In one of the data sheets it is 1.6 mm from 115 to 230 mm and 2 mm from 250 to 350 mm. The thinner the blade, the cleaner the cut, but you need a lighter hand: large blades are thicker because they have to stay rigid.
• Segment height: 6, 7.5 or 12 mm in the models available. A taller segment has more diamond and lasts longer.
• Bore: 22.2 mm or 25.4 mm, depending on the diameter. Check that it matches the machine.
• Maximum speed: a peripheral speed of 80 m/s is stated and, on one model, 8,400 rpm. The angle grinder must run no faster than the blade allows.
• Wet cutting: some blades are designed for use with water; without cooling they overheat and lose their bite. If you work in enclosed rooms, water also reduces the dust you breathe in.

Common mistakes

• Using a concrete blade on porcelain stoneware: the cut chips the glaze.
• Pushing the blade to go faster. The feed must be slow and steady.
• Cutting wet with a blade intended for dry use only, or dry with a wet-cutting blade.
• Not dressing the blade when it loses its bite: you run it through an abrasive material.
• Ignoring the maximum diameter allowed by the machine or the guard: the blade must be the one specified.
• Cutting without securing the tile properly: a piece that moves chips the edge and makes the blade bend.

Frequently asked questions

Continuous-rim or turbo for vitrified porcelain stoneware?

Continuous-rim, because it gives the cleanest edge. Turbo is faster but leaves a less fine finish.

Can I cut tiles dry?

Only with blades rated for dry use, and taking breaks to let them cool. For a long job, water is better.

Why does the tile chip along the cut?

Almost always because of an unsuitable blade (a concrete, thick, segmented one), a feed that is too fast or a blade that no longer cuts. Switch to a thin continuous-rim blade and reduce the pressure.

What diameter should I choose?

The one specified for your machine: 115-125 mm for the angle grinder, larger sizes for electric tile cutters.

You can find all the models in the discs for ceramics collection: ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians, stating the type of tile and the machine.