The urgency for a well-done floor is something everyone wants. No one wants ugly and irregularly cut tiles on their floor or walls. Most tile installation experts use a tile cutter to make their work look amazing. The following is a beginner’s guide on how to use the cutter.
Since tile installation is a DIY task, it is recommended to have the skills to use a tile cutter. This is because you can get to a point where only a certain amount of tile is needed. You then have to make adjustments on a tile to fit this shape and measurements.
I am a self-proclaimed floor specialist. I believe I have the required skills and tips to guide you on how to use a tile cutter like a professional. If that is what you are looking for, you are in the right place. Let’s get started.
8 Steps To Using A Ceramic Tile Cutter Without Any Hazard
A manual cutter is a simple scoring tool to cut straight lines in porcelain and ceramic tiles. It contains a rail system for smooth operation, and a scoring wheel used to score the tile for easy, quick cuts. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to use a ceramic manual cutter without any hazards.
Step 1: Purchasing The Cutter
Purchasing a suitable cutter is an essential step. The manual blades come in different sizes and quality. It costs about $15 to $20. You will always use this tool, so it is pretty cost-effective.
The author, Jahidul Alam, of Tidy Floor says, “It is recommended to measure the size of the tile you want to cut. The direction of the cut also matters if you are looking to make a diagonal cut, measure from edge to edge. If you’re going to cut a straight line, measure from side to side.”
Once you get the size, it is recommended to get a cutter at least 1 inch bigger than the dimension of the tile. For maximum versatility, you can get the rotating guide manual cutter.
Step 2: Cut Practicing
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to use cheap tiles or scrap tiles for practice. Most manual cutters use a similar principle when cutting. If you master using one, then you can use almost any cutter.
Going straight to your project can be pretty costly if you are a beginner. Once you cut, it is hard to undo it. This can damage tiles, and you can incur huge losses. Always take your time to practice.
Step 3: Tile Marking
It is advised to make a mark on the tile for effortless precision using a pencil. Use a ruler to mark a straight line along the tile keeping the area you want to cut. This is the line in which the cut will follow.
The mark is determined by the size of the area you want to place the tile. Always double-check to see if the mark is of the correct measurement. Mark all the tiles you want to cut to save time. This makes scoring easy since all the tiles have the cut mark.
Step 4: Sliding The Lever
For proper cutting, always pull the lever towards you. This moves the cutting wheel to the correct start position. Always use the tool when it is vertically straight ahead of you.
This is essential because this is the proper way to use the tool for practical use and quality outcome. Take caution when pulling the lever so as not to move it off the rail rods.
Step 5: Placing The Tiles
Place the tile at the center under the cutting rails with the polished side facing up. Slide the tile forward and ensure it sits on the end stoppers snuggly. Make sure the marked line lies straight over the guideline.
For ease of movement, you can apply oil to the wheel. This makes the cutting easy and precise. You can make many tiles to have an easy time when it comes to scoring.
Step 6: Moving The Level
Make sure the carbide wheel is directly above the measurement line. Move the lever forward along the measurement line while applying minimal pressure. The carbide wheel will cut through the tile.
Always make one cut for precision. You don’t have to run the wheel back and forth; it might damage the tile. You may have to use minimal effort to keep the wheel moving steadily. Keep pushing the lever forward until it reaches a stop.
Step 7: Breaking Into Two
The manual cutter has a snipping tool on the underside of the lever. It presses on the opposite sides of the scoring line, which the blade weakens significantly. Apply enough pressure, and the tile will snap. The result is two tile sections with neat, linear edges.
Make sure the scoring wheel does not interfere with the snap. This can cause the tile to break unevenly. Ensure the wheel does not lie on the tile during the snapping process.
Step 8: Smoothening The Edges
Most cut tiles have rough edges. Use a smoothing stone to remove this textured feel. Run the rock over the edge once or twice. This removes the textured feel and helps guard from future injuries. It makes the sharp edges dull. Tiles are as sharp as a blade and should be handled with care.