Which manual tile cutter is better to choose. Manual tile cutter: an overview of models and subtleties of use

A tile cutter is a tool used to cut such types of tiles as: tile, stone, porcelain stoneware.

The main feature of the tile cutter is a high-quality cut of the tile at a right and forty-degree angle, so it is indispensable for repairing tiled masonry and laying a new one.

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There are two types of tools according to the principle of operation:
. Manual.
. Electric.

Manual tile cutter

With small amounts of work (home repairs), it will be more than enough. They are easy to handle, small in size and, therefore, light. They can cut tiles for floors and walls with a thickness of no more than one and a half centimeters. Manual tile cutters have the following types of construction:

. roller. In such tools, it is the roller that cuts the material. It is made of hard metal alloy, so the service life is very long.

. bearing. The tool with a bearing design is designed to cut hard tiles no more than one and a half centimeters. Attached bushings on bearings ensure a smooth ride of the entire structure.

. mechanical. A manual tile cutter with a mechanical type of work cuts the material very accurately thanks to a durable carriage. Can work with hard and soft tiles.

How to choose a tile cutter video:

Electric tile cutter

Such a tool is used for large volumes of work, for example, building cladding. It is as accurate as possible when cutting and faster.

Note!

When cutting tiles, unpleasant moments can occur: chipping, breaking, etc.

This is due to elevated temperature during the friction of the material on the cutter. To avoid this, we have developed new models that are equipped with two types of cooling systems:
. water. The water-cooled electric tile cutter has a water tank with a motor, from which liquid is supplied to the cut area.
. air. The system is based on the fan principle. Air is directed into the cut area and cools the tile.

Choosing a manual tile cutter

The main selection criteria are:
. the strength of all mechanisms. In order to avoid depreciation, it is necessary to make a choice in the direction of a strong platform (base). The strong handle of the tool will provide a strong pressure on the lever.
. tool length. It is recommended to purchase a universal model with medium dimensions, then he will be able to cut tiles for both floor and wall cladding.
. Smooth running. Tile cutters with bearings have the maximum smoothness of sliding. If such models are not suitable, then it is better to check the smoothness of the unit on the spot.
The question “how to choose a manual tile cutter” has already been answered, but the main advantage was not mentioned - complete independence, mobility and not attachment to the workplace.

Choosing an electric tile cutter

It is clear that a tile cutter that works from the network is not very expensive, but still the price is a decisive factor when choosing, so you need to consider all the points that affect pricing policy manufacturer:
. Power. This indicator is different for all models and depends on which tile the tool will work with. Of course, it is better to choose a more powerful tool so that its working time and speed are up to par.
. Corner cutting. Many models of tile cutters only cut tiles in a straight line, but to save material and labor time, it is better to find an angle cut so that you can set the desired angle during construction work.
. Spare parts. Few manufacturers provide a set of spare parts when buying a unit, but you can get them separately, then you don’t have to worry about a breakdown at all.
. Disk. Electric tile cutter for cutting tiles is equipped with diamond discs. They are different sizes, thickness and are selected taking into account the volume and type of work.
. Frame. Must have structural integrity and not contain any malfunctions in the mechanism.

Manual tile cutter

Choosing a professional tile cutter

All models of tile cutters are of two types according to the location of the engine:
. With bottom.
. With top.
In professional tile cutters, the engine is mounted at the top and must have more power so that the unit can withstand heavy and prolonged loads.
Diamond blades are used for cutting.
When choosing professional design you can pay attention to the function of fixing the material: a tile is fixed to the base (desktop), and cutting is carried out by a moving electric unit with a disk along the guide.

Note!

Models in which the lower part is fixed and the base moves during operation are considered good.

At the same time, the electric block for cutting the material tilts and makes it possible to cut the tiles at an angle.
The professional tile cutter has a large size and is used on construction sites and in production.

Professional tile cutter

Before using a manual tile cutter, it is necessary to conduct a visual audit of the integrity of the entire structure, while the rotation of the roller, which must have an ideal surface and shape, must be carried out without any jamming. The carriage must also move without jerks, and the bed must be free of dust particles.
Cutting tiles is carried out in the following steps:
. Markup. It is carried out with a pencil or marker on the desired dimensions.
. The location of the tiles on the unit. The marked line should coincide with the cutting disc, which is mounted on the carriage.
It is necessary to observe the condition for accuracy: the indent from the edge of the tile is at least 1 cm.
. A cut of a tile where a carriage with a circle is drawn along the marking line with little effort. Here you need to guess with the force of pressure on the carriage, since the roller can be drawn along the intended line only once, otherwise the edge will be uneven.
. Break off tiles along the intended line. This stage occurs after turning the handle to the working state and is released.

How to use an electric tool?

This unit will help to get more accurate cut lines than a manual one. The edges will have a slightly rounded appearance and will be smooth, and, most importantly, it will be possible to cut off small pieces (up to 5 mm).
Steps for cutting tiles:
. Laying on the base table along the guide.
. Turn on the tile cutter. In models with water or air cooling, this system must also be enabled.
. Move the tile to the rotating disk.
. After the circle enters the tile, apply some force to push it along the guide, but at the end loosen it so that the vibrating tile does not crack and unevenness does not form on it.
. After the cut facing material turn off disk rotation and cooling system.

A manual tile cutter is a special tool that is designed for straight, curly cutting and breaking tiles. Below we will take a closer look at what needs to be considered when choosing a high-quality tile cutter, as well as its main features.

What is a tile cutter

The manual tile cutter is one of the most necessary devices during tiling. It is equipped with a measuring ruler that allows you to process the workpiece without marking. Some models also have a so-called "ballerina", through which holes are cut out.

In general, a tile cutter is a very useful device, but it should be borne in mind that with cheap tools, a ballerina cannot cope with its task normally. According to builders with experience, you should purchase only professional models from popular manufacturers.

Absolutely all tile cutters have a small minus, which is that they do not cut off from the edges of the material, for example, four to five millimeters. In such a situation, as a rule, a grinder or wire cutters are used.

Manual tile cutter: choice

When buying this device, be sure to take into account its main parameters.

frame strength

A manual tile cutter with a weak frame has a low operational resource and is not able to perform a large amount of work. Consider the thickness of the metal of the frame. The fact that the tool is of high quality is indicated, first of all, by the rigidity of the base. Bad and cheap appliances often begin to vibrate when cutting tiles, which will lead to damage. If the tile cutter has a strong handle, then the lever will be powerful, which is especially useful when working with porcelain stoneware material.

Length

The longer the tool, the higher its functionality. The small one will allow you to work only with tiles of certain dimensions, and the long device is suitable for processing absolutely any floor and wall tiles. It should be noted that the price of a tile cutter strictly depends on its length. But save cash and you should not buy a short device. It’s better to pay more right away, but take a universal tile cutter, with which you can easily lay tiles diagonally. Otherwise, you will have to use a grinder, but it leaves a lot of dust in the room.

Smooth running

Tile cutters equipped with bearings are distinguished by the greatest smoothness of movement. You can check this parameter only in practice if you cut several tiles. The tool should provide a smooth cut and slide smoothly. The tile should break along the line that has been marked.

How a tile cutter works

The main element of the presented tool is a steel cutting roller. Over time, it becomes dull, which negatively affects its productivity. You cannot sharpen the roller, so you will need to install a new one. Some models have a rotary ruler, which makes it possible to cut the material at an angle.

High-quality devices provide for additional settings necessary to change the thickness of the tile. Due to this, it is possible to significantly reduce the stroke of the chipping legs, thereby preventing the edge from crumbling during the cutting process.

Really good tool sold at a fairly high price. Its price depends on the characteristics, as well as on the manufacturer.

Manual tile cutter from popular brands

In addition to quality, the brand also affects the cost of the device. Let's get acquainted with the manufacturers of tile cutters, which have gained the greatest popularity.

From RUBI

Tools from this company are in great demand in many countries of the world. They are quite expensive, but they are characterized by excellent quality, long operational period and excellent build. Due to the rigid base and firmly fixed guide, the devices cut tiles perfectly evenly.

Separately, it is worth noting the RUBI TM-70 model, with an adjustable high power splitter. Such tools can process porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles. The fixation of the separator is carried out in the range from six to twenty-one millimeters. The device is equipped with a chrome-plated guide, and its roller cutters reach twenty-two mm.

The Rubi company produces both inexpensive devices for 2-3 thousand rubles, and professional tile cutters worth from 12 to 30 thousand rubles.

From Matrix

The most popular models of this manufacturer are manual tile cutters Matrix 600 and 500 mm. The length of the frame of the first of them, as the name implies, reaches six hundred millimeters, which is quite enough to perform any work. At the same time, the manual tile cutter has only one guide rail. The package includes a ballerina for cutting curly holes. The steel roller is capable of processing material up to sixteen millimeters thick. The tool has a high-strength frame, which guarantees its durability.

From Sigma

This company was born in the mid-90s of the last century, and over a long period has established itself quite well as a manufacturer of high quality tools. Sigma tile cutters are in demand both in the European and domestic markets.

It is recommended to pay attention to the 3CM model (MAX series - 72 cm). This is an excellent tool with a separating power that exceeds a thousand kilograms. With it, it is possible to work even with the most difficult and thick materials. The device has a steel base, and the ruler is located close to the tiler, which is very convenient.

From Montolit

The presented company produces professional tools that allow you to carry out a large amount of work on processing materials of various sizes and strengths. It features a rigid construction that provides excellent cutting without any defects. Such a device can easily cope even with high-strength ceramic tiles.

From Stayer

It is worth paying attention to the Stayer 3310-60 model with a circular cutter, which is necessary for working with ceramics, no more than fifteen millimeters thick. The tool makes circular cuts with a diameter of up to eighty millimeters. The maximum rotational speed reaches 1400 rpm, which is quite enough for high-quality cutting of thick and thin tiles.

Basic Plus 60

This is a high quality device for finishing works. Often it is necessary to adjust the material to certain conditions, in such a situation this model will help. The tool is ergonomic and comfortable to use. It is small in size, but at the same time powerful and does not spoil the tile during processing.

The bed is made of aluminum, which makes cutting material easier and faster. The two nickel guides are highly rigid, giving an oval profile. The tool carriage is made of polymer. The extended handle significantly reduces cutting effort. The device is capable of long term without breakage.

How much does a tile cutter cost:

The average market price is 1500 - 4000 rubles. As already noted, you should not choose the most expensive models because in addition to not durability and not ease of use, it is possible to spoil ceramic tiles, which are also not cheap.

Such material as ceramic tile is very popular in construction. This material has many advantages, but a significant disadvantage is the need for special tools for cutting tiles. One of the effective building tools to work with tiles is a manual tile cutter. Before buying such a tool, you need to find out the features of the choice.

The basis of the design of a manual tile cutter is the following elements:

• Platform, base or bed.
• Cutting roller, which is equipped with a foot for breaking tiles.
• Guide rail.
• The handle, which is combined with the roller.

A good manual tile cutter is usually made from high quality steels. Not only the efficiency of the tool, but also its reliability and durability depend on the quality of the material.

The bed is the basis of the tool, so this element is made of solid stamped metal. To ensure the immobility of the tile that is being cut, the platform is provided with stiffeners, and is also pasted over with rubber strips. The platform can be equipped with an additional ruler and protractor. The length of the tool base starts from 300 mm. This tile cutter is suitable for cutting small ceramic tiles. There are products and longer lengths, intended for large-sized building materials.

The cutting roller complete with the carriage moves along the guides. The design of the carriage may vary, depending on the cost of the tool. The roller is made of high-strength steel, the quality of which may vary depending on the price of the tile cutter. Usually the rollers can be replaced when the cutting part becomes dull.

Guides are often presented in the form of tubes. They are used to move the carriage. The stability of the tool depends on the strength of the guides. The handle with the cutter is connected in one unit, the movement of which is ensured by the guides. Manual tile cutters are divided into three main types:

• Roller. The cutting element is the roller.
• Mechanical. Equipped with a rigid carriage with a handle.
• Bearing. Used for cutting thick and durable ceramic tiles.

Characteristics of manual tile cutters

The principle of operation of a tile cutter is similar to that of an ordinary glass cutter.

The tile cutter has a special diamond coating, which allows you to scratch the cut line, after which the tile breaks easily. The bed allows you to securely fix ceramic tiles of different thicknesses. A cutting wheel or roller runs along the entire length of the bed. Depending on the size of the tile, the roller moves along the guides, thereby cutting the tile.

The advantages of manual tile cutters are due to the following factors:

1. Device mobility. The tool is quite compact, so it is not only easy to transport, but also store.
2. Compactness.
3. Light weight. The weight of the tool depends on the length of the bed, but usually it does not exceed 2-3 kg.
4. Independence from electricity. The tool does not require a network connection, as it works manually.
5. Safety.

If you previously had to resort to using a grinder for cutting tiles, which as a result led to material damage, now you can purchase a manual tile cutter and forget about the problems.

We will learn more about how a manual tile cutter is selected below.

What to look for when choosing

To purchase the best manual tile cutter, you need to pay attention to the following important factors:

1. Appearance. When choosing, you should pay attention to the base of the tool, which should be thick, rigid and durable. The possibility of applying great effort to cut the material and the accuracy of the cut depend on this.
2. Length working area. In order not to have to buy another tile cutter later, you should first determine the size of the tile that you plan to cut. The optimal length of a manual tile cutter is 600 mm, but more can be taken.
3. Handle length. The longer the handle, the less effort the master will have to apply to cut the tile. This is especially true when it is planned to work with porcelain stoneware tiles.
4. Smooth running of the carriage. The movement of the carriage along the guides should be smooth and there should be no jamming or jamming. If the tool has bearings, then this is good, but such a tile cutter will be many times more expensive than an analogue without them.
5. Cutting roller. The roller should not have play, and it should also be possible to replace it. If the roller becomes dull, it can be replaced. If the tool does not have the ability to replace the roller, then after its blunting, the entire unit will need to be disposed of.
6. The presence of a ballerina. It is a device that allows you to cut holes in the tile. Products with a ballerina should be purchased only if such an option is necessary. The quality of ballerinas on tile cutters is low, so you should not count on a long period of operation of this device.

How to choose a manual tile cutter? This question is asked by every master who has to work with tiles. Experienced professionals know how to choose a good and reliable tile cutter. Which tile cutter is better to choose also depends on the manufacturer. Tile cutters of popular brands will cost more, but you can be sure of their quality and reliability. Popular models include such tools: RUBI, Sigma, Stayer, Matrix and others.

Manual tile cutters, although they are one of the safest tools, it is important to observe safety precautions when working with them. The presence of a cutting roller can lead to injury, but since the tool is manual, this probability is very low.

So that during the cutting of tiles the fragments do not fly into the eyes, work should be carried out in special glasses. Work gloves must be worn during operation to prevent serious injury.

In conclusion, it should be noted that it is recommended to store the tool in places with low humidity in order to avoid corrosion. The tool is quite reliable and practical, which will always be a faithful assistant when working with tiles.

Most right tool in the work of a tiler - a tile cutter. If you could just buy tiles and lay them evenly and without trimming, the life of a tiler would be much easier. But, alas, the standard tile is far from always suitable and not everywhere - which means you have to cut it to the right size. And for this you should not suffer with "improvised means": a specialized tool, manual or electric, will be much more convenient and accurate. And, if you can buy a manual tile cutter for a separately conceived repair, then an electric one with constant use and large amounts of work will definitely pay off and be more convenient. We present you a rating of the best tile cutters, short review their advantages, disadvantages and assessment of professionals on a 10-point scale.

How to choose a tile cutter?

Before proceeding with the surface cladding, you need to decide on the choice of the type of tile cutter. Tile cutters are:

• electrical;
• manual (mechanical) desktop;
• manual compact.

Manual table cutters

Mechanical tile cutters are simple in design and easy to use. The mechanism consists of the following elements:

• Base (bed)
• Carriage with handle
• Guides
• foot
• cutting roller

Sometimes for smooth running of the carriage it is equipped with bearings. The main disadvantage of a manual tile cutter is the limitation on the size of the tile. You can't cut a piece longer than the bed, it just won't fit on it. There are also restrictions on the thickness of the tiles - it will be very problematic to cut more than 20 mm. As for the benefits, there are many:

• Compactness.
• Light weight.
• There is no need for electricity.
• Safety at work for the master.

Compact manual tile cutters

There are 2 types of manual compact tile cutters: nippers and roller cutters. With the help of nippers, you can form figured holes in the tile. Of course, they cannot make an even cut. As for the roller cutter, for domestic use it will fit perfectly: it takes up no more space than a felt-tip pen, it is safe to use, it costs “3 kopecks”.

Electric tile cutters

Electric tile cutters are designed, as a rule, for professional work with tiles and porcelain stoneware. With their help, you can cut a strip of any width, which cannot be said about mechanical tools (their capabilities are usually limited to 30 - 40 mm). Electric machine any configurations are cut (except for curved ones), so the accuracy in work will be maximum.

The principle of operation of the tool is similar to the grinder. But there are a number of advantages:

• Perfect cut line.
• Virtually unlimited cutting depth (but not over size the disk itself, of course).

The designs of tile cutters are seriously different, each has its own characteristics and application. In one case, manual "nippers" will come down, and in the other, a powerful electric tile cutter on the bench. A mechanical desktop will be interesting in the absence of access to a power outlet - but here you should not forget about battery models, as long as there is enough energy in pre-stocked batteries. And in any case, not all models are successful and worth their money - so we will traditionally begin to separate the wheat from the chaff.

When laying tiles, you need to cut them. There are many ways to do this - from scratching the furrow with a pobedit drill or glass cutter, to using a stationary industrial equipment.

The choice of the type of tile cutter depends on the scope of work, material (tile, ceramics, marble, porcelain stoneware). The tile cutter can be manual or electric, compact or stationary.

For the speed and convenience of work you pay your money. We will help you make the right choice, and tell you what options it makes sense to spend money on.

How to choose a manual tile cutter?

The tool involves the use of muscular strength. The performance is not so high, but you can save money when buying.

Consider the basic device:

1. Base. The bed must be strong, not bent diagonally and not sag along the length. The main parameter is the length of the desktop. For wall tiles, 40 cm is enough.
2. Brackets for fixing guides. They must withstand the main load when the carriage moves.
3. Guides. A carriage slides over them. Made in the form steel pipes. The wall thickness of the pipe must be sufficient so as not to bend when the carriage moves.
4. Carriage. It is made in the form of two bushings and a hinged mechanism. It is advisable to purchase a design with bearings in bushings that provide smooth movement. This is the main indicator of the quality of work. If the carriage wedges, you will ruin the tile.
5. Hinge mechanism. There shouldn't be any loopholes. It is desirable that the axis be collapsible, in the form of a bolt. At the same time adjustment of a tightening, and dismantle for service is possible. A cutting roller is located on the movable part of the carriage (thrust bar).

Personal experience work with various types tile cutters - video


6. Resistant rod. A cutting roller is rigidly fixed on it and a separator foot is pivotally suspended. The roller can be installed permanently (on a fixed axle) or on a movable guide. The second option is preferable, since it involves changing the roller when cutting. various materials.
7. Reference angle. It is located on the roller movement axis. The tile rests on it during the cutting of the furrow. When separating the halves, the angle is the axis of the tile break.
8. Separator foot. Designed to create a symmetrical pressure on the halves of the tile when breaking along the reference angle. Hinged suspended on a thrust rod. When cutting, it does not exert pressure on the tile. Then the bar rises, the foot is brought to working position. When pressed sharply, the foot gently breaks the tile along the line of the reference angle.
9. Lever arm. With its help, pressure is applied when cutting the furrow, and breaking the tile with a foot.
10. Microporous rubber backing. When the groove is applied, the underlay keeps the tile in a horizontal position. During the break along the tip of the reference angle, the substrate is crushed.
11. Working focus. With its help, the tile is held strictly along the axis of the cut.

The choice of a manual tile cutter comes down to checking the quality of the tool, and the availability of additional options.

Let's take a closer look at the options:

If the roller bar can be dismantled, this gives additional features.


Having a set of rollers of different hardness and diameter, it will be easier for you to cut tiles from various materials. The replacement roller is easier to replace when worn.