When cutting stone tile, you may have some concerns over what tools to use and how to do the process properly. If you know how to do it and use those tools properly, you will find that it does a great job for you.
The best tool to use for cutting stone tile is a wet saw. You should use a diamond-encrusted blade and cut through the stone slowly. Allow the saw to do the majority of the work and be especially cautious when pushing through the edge because it could crack.
If you have a wet saw available, you really don’t need any other type of tool for cutting stone tile. It will do the long cuts for you but sometimes, you also need to make some unusual cuts or cut out an area for a sink for another use.
Using the proper tools is always going to be the key to a successful job. Along with using a wet saw, you may find that you can use a type of hacksaw, a tile cutter, hammer and chisel, and even tile nippers!
What Can You Use To Cut Stone Tile? (How To)
One important thing to consider when choosing any one of these tools is the fact that they are not all going to make the quality cut that you may desire. For example, tile nippers are only typically used for rough cutting around edges when you have to put a pipe through the tile.
As long as you use the tool for the job it was intended for, however, you will find that it works quite well. You should also allow the tool to do the majority of the work or you may find that you are chipping the tile in the process.
When cutting stone tile, it is always important to protect yourself and your health. This would mean wearing the proper gear, including the following:
Eye Protection – At a minimum, you should be wearing a good pair of safety glasses. Regular prescription glasses will not protect your eyes. Since you may have a lot of flying chips of stone while you are cutting, a face shield can help.
Hand Protection – It is always good to get in the habit of wearing some all-purpose gloves when doing any type of DIY project. There are some exceptions, such as if you are doing something that could get caught in the glove and pull your hand in. Otherwise, you should wear them to protect your hands.
Ear Protection – At a minimum, you should be wearing some earplugs. You may find that it is more comfortable and more effective if you wear a headset.
Boots – It is important to wear boots or at least some high-quality footwear that will provide you with the stability you need. Keep in mind that you might be working on a wet surface and it could be slippery.
Finally, make sure that you are protecting your lungs. Stone tiles contain a high amount of silica and once you breathe it in, it doesn’t come out. It will stay in your lungs and cause scarring that could eventually lead to silicosis, which is deadly and incurable.
At a minimum, wear an N95 respirator.
Let’s consider some of the different tools that may be used for this type of project. We will also consider some that may not work very well in every instance.
Can You Use a Wet Saw To Cut Stone Tile?
A wet saw is the best tool to use when cutting stone tile. As long as you use a diamond-encrusted blade, it will cut through the tile quickly and cleanly. The water helps to lubricate the blade and the stone so that they don’t overheat. You will also find that it makes a clean cut as a result.
One of the benefits of using a wet saw is that you will not be throwing a lot of dust in the air. This can really be a protection to you since stone is mostly made of silica.
Can You Use a Grinder To Cut Stone Tile?
One of the types of grinders that are sometimes considered for cutting stone tile is a bench grinder. Is it a good choice?
A bench grinder can be used for cutting stone tile but it is not the most convenient option for doing so. Since you will have to bring the stone out to the bench to make the cuts, you may want to consider a more portable option.
Can You Use an Angle Grinder To Cut Stone Tile?
An angle grinder is a type of tool that many homeowners have available. Is it the appropriate tool for cutting stone tile?
If you have a stone cutting blade attached to an angle grinder it can be used for cutting stone tile. It is not typically used for more delicate cuts, such as those that are going to show but it can be used for cutting out areas around obstacles that do not require a lot of finesse.
Some people are very good with using an angle grinder and they can cut stone tile to make it look practically perfect. For the rest of us who are just weekend warriors, however, you are better off using a wet saw.
Can You Use a Tile Cutter To Cut Stone Tile?
A manual tile cutter equipped with a carbide blade can be used for cutting stone tiles. Most people do not have access to this tool but they can rent one at a local hardware store. It does a good job of cutting through stone tile, but you may be able to get the same results by using a wet saw.
Can You Use a Dremel Tool To Cut Stone Tile?
A Dremel tool is an excellent choice for cutting stone tile that is already in place. You wouldn’t want to use this tool for cutting the edge of the tile but if you need to plunge a hole through it or cut part of it after it is affixed to the wall or floor, a Dremel tool will get the job done.
Can You Use a Jigsaw To Cut Stone Tile?
A jigsaw is a popular tool that many homeowners have but is it the right tool for cutting stone tile?
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 11, 2022.
You can cut through thin stone tiles using a jigsaw equipped with a diamond grid blade. It will cut through the tile but it is not a better option than a wet saw for this purpose. If you can use some water to spray down the stone while you are cutting, it will keep dust to a minimum.
One beneficial way to use a jigsaw for cutting stone tile is if you drill the tile and insert the blade through the hole. You can cut accurate and unusual shapes for a variety of purposes.
Can You Use a Circular Saw To Cut Stone Tile?
A circular saw can be used for cutting stone tile if you have a diamond blade attached. It is not the best option because it will throw a lot of dust in the air. There are some attachments that can turn a circular saw into a wet saw, so it can be used in that way if it is the appropriate saw for the job.
Can You Use a Miter Saw To Cut Stone Tile?
A miter saw with a diamond blade can be used for cutting tile. It will produce a lot of dust and should only be used if you are cutting thin tile and have a lot to cut. If possible, use an attachment to turn the miter saw into a wet saw that is more appropriate for cutting stone.
How To Cut Stone Tile
Cutting stone tile does not need to be difficult. As long as you have a wet saw and a place to cut, you can get the job done.
Step 1: Prepare – The most important part of the process is to prepare everything for the job to move forward. This would include having an area that is large enough to move around in but far enough away from the home that you are not going to track a lot of water and dirt.
Step 2: Tool Choice – There are a number of different tools you can choose but as was discussed, a wet saw is the most appropriate choice. Use a diamond blade.
Step 3: Turn on the Saw – Although this may seem like a simple step, it is important to consider. You should always turn the saw on a few moments in advance so we can get up to speed before you begin making any cuts. This will also ensure that the water is flowing so it will lubricate” from the very start.
Step 4: Begin the Cut – Begin pushing the stone tile through the saw blade slowly and deliberately. Allow the saw to do the majority of the work rather than trying to force it to get done quickly. Pay particular attention to the end of the cut because that is where the problems typically happen.
Step 5: Clean up – After cutting the tile, make sure that you clean up the area and prepare it for the next job.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 11, 2022.
The best tool for cutting through stone tile is a wet saw. Use a diamond blade and allow the saw to do the majority of the work. Otherwise, you may be able to use tile nippers or a hammer and chisel if those are the tools you have available.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 11, 2022.