Ceramic tile cutters are used to cut tiles to a required size or shape. The ceramic tile cutter works by first scratching a straight line across the surface of the tile with a hardened metal wheel and then applying pressure directly below the line and on each side of the line on top. The first tile cutter was designed to facilitate the work and solve the problems that masons had when cutting hydraulic mosaic or encaustic cement tiles.
All you need to do is determine the size of your job, the material and you could get a great tile cutter under $200. It has a handle which allows you to apply pressure on the tile you are cutting and that guides the tile cutter along the rails. The snap tile cutter also known as a rail tile cutter works like a glass cutter. There are usually two types of Tile cutters -manual tile cutter and electric tile cutter.
Homeowners wishing to do their own tile work have two tools at their disposal to cut the tiles: wet tile saw or tile snap cutter. A tile snap cutter is closer to a glass cutter than it is to the other tool for cutting tile, the wet tile saw. Wear Safety Glasses: Though tile snap cutters don’t produce the fast-moving shards of tile like wet tile saws do, they still can shoot pieces of tile in your direction.
Manual tile cutters and snap cutters are perfect for DIY projects and professional tile installers. A manual tile cutter is a slightly safer alternative to other tile tools. Be cautious using a manual tile cutter to cut anything thicker than 3/8 inch thick ceramic tiles and stone or porcelain tiles that are harder materials.
how a ceramic tile cutter works Related Question:
What kind of cutter do you use for ceramic tile?
A wet saw is a power tool that uses a water-cooled diamond blade to make quick work of cutting tile. The diamond blade does not have teeth, which makes it ideal for more delicate cutting needs. Wet saws can be used indoors, but are recommended for outdoor use.
Do you push or pull a tile cutter?
As you can see, both push and pull tile cutters have their advantages and disadvantages. Some professional tilers prefer the push cutter because it’s easier on the wrist and allows them to have more control, while others prefer the pull cutter because they can use their knee to stabilize the tile during a cut.