Anytime you have the opportunity to work with stone, it is important to ensure that you are handling it in the proper way. That is especially true when you are dealing with marble tile. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also expensive and that is why you need to ensure that you are cutting it properly.
The best way to cut marble tile is using a diamond blade. Those blades are commonly used for a wide variety of stone and you can use a diamond blade in many different tools. As long as you use the proper blade and cut through the tile completely, you will have a nice, clean cut when it is finished.
One important thing to consider is the hardness of marble. Many people tend to overlook the fact that marble may be stone, but it is not the hardest type of stone that is out there.
For example, granite is a lot harder, and you have some other types of harder tile that could easily be scored and snapped. That is not the case with marble. It needs to be cut in a particular way.
In this article, we will identify some of the different options that are available for cutting marble tile. When cut properly and installed, it will make a beautiful addition to your home.
Disambiguation: Cutting Marble vs Cutting Marble Tile (this post)
What Can You Use To Cut Marble Tile?
As we discussed, it is imperative that you use a diamond blade when cutting marble. This type of blade is made with tiny, man-made diamonds on the edge that make it the best choice for cutting through hard materials.
When you start to look for a diamond blade to cut your marble tiles, you will likely recognize that there are many different options available. Not every diamond blade is going to be appropriate for every type of hard material.
That is why it is important to choose a blade that is rated for cutting marble. Since it is a soft material, the type of blade that is well-suited for a harder type of stone may not cut it as cleanly.
You also need to consider the fact that, unlike many other types of hard material, it is not appropriate to score and snap marble tile. More than likely, you will end up with chipped edges and it could even break at the end of the score mark.
The only appropriate way to cut marble tile is to use a diamond blade and to ensure that you are cutting cleanly, the entire way through the tile. Stopping short of the end of the tile or trying to push it through to the end will likely cause the cut to break free and ruin the tile.
There are also certain tools that may be better suited for cutting marble tiles than others. For example, if you are cutting smaller tiles, you may be able to use a wet saw. Why is that important?
The water that is used in a wet saw serves a variety of purposes. Most importantly, however, it helps to keep the material and the saw blade cool while you are cutting it. This prevents overheating and problems, such as premature failure of the saw blade.
Another purpose of the water is to lubricate the material and blade as you are cutting. As you can imagine, trying to force a blade to cut a hard tile without lubrication is going to cause a lot of difficulties. Water works wonders when it is used for that purpose.
Finally, you need to consider the safety involved when it comes to using water with a wet saw. If you were to cut the marble tile dry, which certainly is possible, you would be creating a tremendous amount of dust.
The dust that you are creating is going to be unwelcome in any environment, but especially if you’re working indoors close to the area where the tile is being installed. It would be a constant battle of trying to keep the area clean while you are cutting the tile.
Finally, the dust that is created when cutting marble tiles is toxic. Included among the toxins that may be released in the marble tile dust is silica, and once silica gets in your lungs, it does not come out.
Of course, even if you are cutting marble tile with a wet saw, you would still want to wear respiratory protection as well as other PPE, including safety glasses. Doing so will help to protect you and your health.
Before we look at some of the different tools that may (or may not) be used for cutting marble tile, it’s a good idea to review some tips that will help you to cut the tile in the best way possible.
Choose the Proper Blade – Regardless of the type of power tool you are using to cut marble tile, you must choose a diamond blade that is appropriate for the task.
Use a Pencil – When cutting tile with a wet saw, the mark tends to disappear very quickly. If you use a pencil, it won’t fade as you are cutting the tile and you can easily wipe it away when the cut is complete.
The Right Tool for the Right Job – Obviously, there are going to be options available that will help you to make the most out of your project. Although a wet saw is good in many cases, there may be times when another tool is more appropriate.
That is why we are looking at some of the different tools available for cutting marble tile in this article. Always refer to it before you get started.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With A Tile Cutter?
A tile cutter is a very common tool for installing a variety of types of tile. It is often used for ceramic tile but can also be used for marble?
Because of the softness of marble tile and the cost, you should not use a tile cutter for snapping the tile. It is always appropriate to use a wet saw with a diamond blade but if you try to snap the tile, you will ruin it.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With A Wet Saw?
A wet saw is one of the tools that is often used for cutting hard materials, including ceramic, granite, and porcelain. You can use such a tool if you have it available and it is easy to rent at most hardware stores. Is this the appropriate tool for cutting marble tiles?
The best tool available for cutting marble tile is a wet saw. It allows you to cut straight lines through the tile easily and when you work slowly, it will make a clean cut. The water from the wet saw will also help to keep dust to a minimum.
When using a wet saw, it is important to use one that is right for the job. For smaller tiles, almost any wet saw will do but if you are cutting larger tiles, you might need to consider renting a larger saw.
Keep in mind that the size of the wet saw is not only to accommodate the width of the tile as you’re pushing it through, it is also going to make a difference with the length of the cut. You need to have enough room to push the tile through and let the saw do its work.
One of the biggest mistakes that most people make when using a wet saw is trying to force a marble tile through it. It is always best to allow the saw to do the work for you, especially when you’re getting to the end of the cut.
Trying to force the tile through the saw too quickly will likely chip the end of the tile and ruin it.
Finally, make sure that you are using a diamond blade. The synthetic diamonds on the blade are best for cutting hard materials, including a variety of tiles, such as ceramic and marble.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With A Miter Saw?
A miter saw is a very convenient tool to have around the home. It cuts material at a 90° angle and you can set it to cut at almost any angle cleanly and easily. This would make an awesome tool for cutting marble tile but is it the right tool for the job?
Even though miter saws are often used for cutting wood, it is also possible to cut tile with them. As long as you use the proper diamond blade, any type of tile can be cut with a miter saw, including marble tile.
A miter saw is a tool to consider when you are cutting smaller tiles and doing so at very precise angles. If you have tile that is larger than the miter saw can cut, it is better if you use another saw, such as a wet saw.
In addition, there are miter saws that are used for cutting tile because they use water. This would be a better choice than a regular miter saw, which would cut the material dry.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With A Grinder?
Are you thinking about using your grinder to cut marble tile? Is it even possible to do so?
You can use a grinder to cut marble tiles to very precise angles. If you are accustomed to using a grinder, you could actually make a very professional-looking job by simply taking your time and allowing the tool to do the work for you.
As is the case with any type of tool used for cutting marble tile, you will have to get a diamond blade to equip your angle grinder. Otherwise, you will wear out a blade very quickly and end up with a lot of headaches.
As is the case with any other type of tool, allow the grinder to do the work for you. Don’t try to force the cut or you will ruin the tile.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With A Tile Saw?
If you have a tile saw, you have likely used it for cutting material such as granite or ceramic. Could it also be used for cutting marble tiles?
A tile saw is the best choice for cutting marble tile. Many tile saws use water, making them a ‘wet saw’ that can cut through the material quickly and cleanly. As long as you use a saw that is the proper size and ensure it is equipped with the proper diamond blade, it will make short order of the work.
If you have a tile saw that does not use water, make sure that you are using the appropriate respiratory protection. Marble dust contains silica should not be inhaled.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With An Angle Grinder?
An angle grinder is a convenient tool that is used for delicate cutting in a tight location. Is it the proper choice for cutting marble tiles?
Since an angle grinder can make very precise cuts, it is a good choice for cutting marble tile. You need to equip the angle grinder with a diamond blade that is suitable for the task. It is also beneficial to spray some water on the surface as you are cutting to help reduce dust and extend the life of the saw blade.
In many cases, you can use the same blade on your angle grinder that is used for other types of hard material, such as ceramic and porcelain.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With A Dremel?
Dremel tools are used for a variety of jobs around the home, including small DIY projects. Can you use them for cutting marble?
A Dremel tool equipped with the proper diamond blade can cut through marble tile easily. Since you are using a small handheld tool, it is able to cut through the marble accurately. You can also use it for precise cuts, particularly when they are unusual in nature.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With A Jigsaw?
We often trust our handy jigsaw for making cuts that are both precise and unusual in shape. Is this a tool that can be used for cutting marble tiles?
You can easily cut through a marble tile with a diamond blade installed in your jigsaw. It makes for a very clean cut and you can follow an unusual shape, which is perfect for cutting around receptacles or at the end of a row.
Like any type of saw, it is better to use water when you are cutting marble tiles. You can spray some water at the front of the blade to keep dust at a minimum. It will also help your blade last a lot longer.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With A Circular Saw?
One of the tools that we find ourselves using more often than others is our circular saw. It is handy for cutting wood but can it also be used for cutting marble?
You can use your circular saw with a diamond blade to cut marble. When doing so, ensure that you have an attachment that sprays water in front of the saw blade. Water spray will help to keep the dust down so that you are not inhaling dangerous silica. It also will keep the blade cool so it will last longer.
A circular saw is an excellent choice, especially when you don’t have a wet saw available. It is not necessary to cut larger tiles on a table but you should be cautious when cutting smaller tiles with a handheld tool.
Can You Cut Marble Tile With An Oscillating Tool?
Oscillating tools are certainly a handy option for many jobs. Sometimes, we may want to use them for marble but is it the right tool to do so?
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on June 22, 2022.
You can cut tile with an oscillating tool but it is not the best choice. Since marble tile tends to chip and break easily, trying to nip the edge of it with an oscillating tool could sometimes ruin it.
Oscillating tools may be an appropriate choice when you don’t have any other option available. Since it fits into a tight spot, it may be best for those times when you can’t have full access to the tile that needs to be cut.
How To Properly Cut A Marble Tile
At times, some of the easiest jobs may not be the easiest to understand. This includes cutting marble tile, which requires very specific steps to be taken.
The most important factor for a successful cut in a marble tile is choosing the appropriate tool. The best option is a wet saw equipped with a diamond blade but you can use any power saw with a diamond blade, provided you use water.
Consider the following steps when cutting marble tile:
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1. Inspect – Make sure that everything is prepared properly and in working order before you begin cutting. This includes the saw, tile, and the measurements that have already been taken.
2. Mark – The best choice for marking marble tiles is a pencil. You can also use painter’s tape with a pencil line, but that is often reserved for large pieces of marble and not for smaller marble tiles.
3. Prepare – Turn on the saw and allow it to come up to speed. Check to see that the water system is working and then begin pushing the tile through the saw.
It is important not to force the tile, especially when dealing with marble. Allowing the saw to do the majority of the work will save the blade and make for a much cleaner cut.
4. Slow Down – Finally, ensure that you slow down and allow the saw to do all of the work as you approach the end of the cut. Trying to force the last bit of the cut will often cause the marble tile to chip and it will ruin the entire job.
Any power saw equipped with a diamond blade is appropriate for cutting marble tile. It is also best if you use water to help cool down the tile and blade as well as to keep dust to a minimum. The best option is a standard wet saw, but you can use almost any power saw if the right blade is used.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on June 22, 2022.