Thread: Cutting help

I'm trying to cut 30mm from the short end of 300mm x 600mm tiles using a SIGMA 3B cutter. I'm finding it hard to position/support the tile and have snapped a couple in the process. I could use a grinder but have found it chips the surface. Apart from the lesson learnt in the layout any recommendations how to do this?

Btw this is the last wall time onto the tiled floor.


thanks

Yeh, this has to be one of the most annoying things about tiling. Wait. Most of the things about tiling are annoying, no wonder I'm quickly hanging up the tools. I should have picked a "glamour" trade like being a sparkie.

But enough of my whining, the major reason is usually the weight imbalance. This results in massively too much pressure being sent upwards to one little bit of the tile under the pressure plate.

I usually use my big sponges to support the big end of the tile (i.e. place underneath), so there is no massive drop off when the tile splits.

Other tips are:

Make sure your wheel is sharp;
One deep firm score is better than several little ones;
Move a little higher up the tile (try 20 - 40 mm);
One sharp but not deep press (similar to Dim Mak strike for Bruce Lee fans);
Hold the big end very gently and provide gentle support but do not hold it tightly. (Keep it clean, that's the best way to describe it).

The sponges (or rags) and your supporting hand should ensure the tile sits flat before the snap, but still has the potential to move a few mm's downward (and no further) after the snap. You don't want it locked in too tight, or it will just crack again. Of if it's too loose, well...you've already seen those results.

It might take a couple of practice cuts to get the "feel" for the padding and the pressure to put on the bar, so if you already have big offcuts (or chipped waste tiles), then practice on them.

It's much easier to show than explain, but hope that helps.

P.S. 30mm is very dooable. 10mm should be doable with that size tile.

Thanks with a bit of extra support and adjustment to the cutter handle so its 5mm of play I've had success..

thanks for you help appreciated.. happy Easter