How to cut tiles using a grinder at home

Tile cutting at home can seem like a difficult undertaking, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the necessary tools. But you don’t need to hire a contractor to get professional-looking results if you have the right tools and a little perseverance. A grinder is among the most useful tools for this task. This tool, which is frequently seen in home workshops, is capable of making accurate cuts in a variety of tile materials, such as stone, porcelain, and ceramic.

If you’ve never cut tiles with a grinder before, it could seem scary. But don’t worry, once you know the fundamentals, it’s an easy process. The secret is to make sure you get precise, clean cuts without breaking your tiles or hurting yourself by adhering to a few crucial procedures and safety precautions. Knowing how to use a grinder correctly will save you time and money when remodeling your bathroom or adding a new backsplash to your kitchen.

This post will guide you through the entire tile-cutting process using a grinder, from choosing the appropriate blade to completing the last cut. We’ll go through the equipment you’ll need, workspace organization ideas, and helpful hints and tips to make the task go more smoothly. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the self-assurance to handle your tiling project with accuracy and ease. Let’s get started on adding precisely cut tiles to your space transformation!

Is it possible to cut tiles with a grinder?

Any kind of ceramic tile can be cut with a grinder. The only issue is that this kind of work needs a certain skill set and can be highly traumatic. This process will take longer, though.

It is best to practice on rough pieces before making the main cuts.

Improving the grinder into a cutting machine

You should use a workbench to make using a grinder to cut ceramic tiles easier. A metal sheet must be screwed onto its end, and a hole must be drilled in the middle for a disk covered in diamonds.

Put in an angle grinder mount beneath the plate. Welding it and then mending the angle grinder would be a safer option.

Which disc to cut ceramic tiles with a grinder

Grinding wheels come in a variety of forms that are appropriate for cutting ceramic tiles. However, because inexpensive equipment has a short lifespan and can be dangerous to use, you should immediately decline to buy it.

Crucial! Choosing the right disk will determine how cleanly and smoothly the cut is made.

Stone discs

The least expensive choice, but it is not as reliable as the other options. It will produce a much thicker cut when in use, and there will be a lot of dust produced while it works.

You must keep an eye on the stone circle’s condition while it is in use. And replace it as soon as chips start to show on it.

Steel wheels

For an angle grinder, this is the most dependable and long-lasting kind of equipment. Diamond-coated steel wheels have sharp edges. And the intensity of it determines how long they can serve.

You can easily make straight, shaped cuts with an angle grinder by using a steel disc on tiles.

Segmented dry cutters

The surface of this kind of equipment is divided into identical segments, which sets it apart. The cutting edge is coated with diamond.

The disc can be partially cooled while in use because of the slots. As a result, the continuous operation time is extended to 1.5 minutes. The tool must then be allowed to cool by being moved to one side and left to idle for 30 seconds.

Solid dry cutters

This is a solid circle with an outer layer of diamond coating. Processing the tile edge is made convenient with this kind of equipment. After utilizing a solid disc on tiles for a grinder, the material’s edges are as smooth as possible.

It is advised to mist the tile with a spray bottle and to periodically moisten it in order to allow it to cool.

Combined disc models

Equipment of this kind can be used for both wet and dry cutting. However, it loses out on cooling compared to segmented ones, and it doesn’t offer as good of a cut as solid ones do.

Crucial! The drawback of combining different kinds of equipment is that tiny dust particles easily clog them, and the only ways to clean them are with concrete and sand-lime brick.

Diamond wheel

It is advised to carry out complex tasks with this kind of equipment. Its unique feature is an application of a special coating over a metal base made up of tiny technical diamond particles. As a result, the disk can handle higher loads.

How to choose the right disk

The intricacy of the task and the material’s thickness must be considered when selecting tools for working with ceramic tiles. It is advised to use steel circles with geometric locking and a diamond coating that has been laser-brazed. These kinds have a long service life and can sustain higher loads.

When cutting ceramic tiles, you should use discs with a maximum thickness of 2 mm and a cutting edge width that is greater than the material’s thickness to achieve a smooth edge.

How to cut tiles with a grinder without dust and chips

The primary drawback of cutting tiles with an angle grinder is the amount of dust it produces. The work is considerably harder as a result. For this reason, skilled builders advise using a grinder to first saw the glaze layer. There is essentially no dust emission in this instance. then proceed to crack the ceramic tile along the made incision.

Also, chips frequently appear when using an angle grinder. Therefore, it is advised to slow down when entering and leaving the material in order to saw off ceramic tiles with high quality. Furthermore, begin cutting slightly to the right of the marking trace. In this instance, a grinding wheel can be used to subsequently remove the chips.

Wet cutting

When performing wet cutting, scale and dust formation can be avoided. Using this method, the cutting edge comes into contact with liquid. This can be accomplished by spraying water on the equipment or submerging its working surface in water.

Types of cutting ceramic products

An angle grinder lets you do a variety of cutting tasks, unlike a flat cutter. However, every individual case has unique features that you must consider.

Straight cutting or straight cut

This is the conventional way of cutting ceramic tiles. It entails splitting the content into straight sections.

1. Initially, you need to mark the cutting line. To do this, use a ruler and marker.
2. Place the workpiece on a straight surface and remove all excess.
3. Secure the tiles with a vice.
4. Make the first cut to a depth of 1-5 mm, depending on the thickness of the material. When entering a tile, slow down and then increase.
5. The grinder must be driven away from you, at the same speed, evenly.
6. When exiting the material, you should also slow down to avoid chipping.
7. Break the workpiece along the cut line.
8. Clean edges with rig.

Crucial! You have to cut as closely as possible to the selected trajectory.

Curly cutting or curly cut

The hardest kind of work is this kind. As such, it needs a specific ability to be executed well.

Work guidelines:

1. Before cutting ceramic tiles with a grinder, you need to make markings with a marker.
2. Place the tile on a flat surface and secure it.
3. Next, make small vertical cuts, cutting off excess material.
4. At the end, there will be uneven areas that need to be processed with an abrasive wheel.

Cutting rectangular holes in tiles

In this instance, you must get ready to drill holes along the edge.

Method:

1. Apply the contours of the hole with a marker.
2. Fix the tile on a flat surface.
3. Use a drill to make holes in the corners of the marked rectangle.
4. Use a grinder to go along the contours of the marked rectangle.
5. Remove the inner part.
6. At the end, finish the edges with an abrasive.

Cutting circles (round holes)

Prior to using a grinder to cut the tile, you must drill a central hole. You will need to use a 3–4 mm carbide drill bit for this.

Method:

1. Put a marker on the tile at the center point of the circle.
2. Use a compass to outline the contour.
3. Use a drill to drill a hole at the center point.
4. Using a grinder, make vertical notches from the center to the outer edge of the circle crosswise.
5. Cut off excess material, clean the edges with abrasive.

45° cutting

In this instance, you must use a metal circle that has been coated in diamond in order to produce high-quality work.

1. Draw a cutting line at a 45 degree angle with a marker.
2. If possible, fix the material face down.
3. Make the first cut with a grinder.
4. Repeat if necessary to improve results.

Crucial! Cutting tiles at a 45-degree angle requires only cutting off the clay, not more than 1.5 to 2 mm of glaze.

Features of working with porcelain stoneware

Stoneware made of porcelain is especially dependable and long-lasting. It is composed of natural stone, after all. Using thin segmented discs with an intense continuous diamond coating up to 1.5 mm thick is necessary to cut porcelain tiles without them chipping when using a grinder. By doing this, the chance of overheating will decrease.

Safety precautions when working with an angle grinder

You need to use caution when using a grinder on tile material.

Fundamental safety guidelines:

• mandatory presence of a protective casing for the tool;
• cord length is at least 2 m;
• keep the grinder strictly vertical;
• use protective equipment;
• hold the tool with both hands and saw away from you;
• do not put pressure on the disc;
• Do not cut with a tool immersed in water.

Crucial! Because the dust produced when cutting tiles with an angle grinder is explosive, this task should only be done in a room with adequate ventilation.

Step	Description
1	Wear safety gear
2	Mark the cut line
3	Secure the tile
4	Choose the right blade
5	Start the grinder
6	Cut along the line
7	Smooth the edges

Using a grinder to cut tiles at home is a useful and effective technique that can be applied to both small-scale do-it-yourself tasks and larger renovations. Even on difficult materials like porcelain or ceramic, you can achieve clean, precise cuts with the right tools and safety measures. A grinder is an essential tool for any enthusiast who enjoys doing home improvements because of its versatility.

Make sure you have the required safety equipment, such as gloves, a dust mask, and safety glasses, before you begin. A successful cut will start with accurately marking your cut lines and securely fastening the tile. It’s crucial to select the proper kind of blade for your grinder, preferably one made for cutting tile.

Keep your hand steady and let the grinder do the work when cutting. Overpressurizing the tile may result in cracks or breaks. Instead, take your time to ensure accuracy and use a smooth, controlled motion. To preserve cutting effectiveness, always check the condition of the blade and replace it if it gets worn out.

After cutting, you might need to use sandpaper or a rubbing stone to smooth out any rough edges on the tile. This final detail will ensure that the tile fits precisely and improve the project’s appearance as a whole. These instructions will help you cut tiles confidently at home, saving money and time while producing expert-quality results.

Using a grinder to cut tiles at home is a practical and affordable way to achieve precise cuts for your do-it-yourself home improvement projects. Anyone can learn this technique if they have the proper equipment and take precautions. Mark your tiles precisely first, and then use a diamond-blade grinder to create precise, smooth cuts. To ensure safety, always wear protective gear and work in an area with good ventilation. You don’t need expensive equipment to accomplish professional-looking results when you follow these steps to tackle tiling tasks with confidence.

Video on the topic

How to cut tiles without a tile cutter?

HOW TO CUT TILES. 4 easy ways.

I washed down the tiles with a 45mm grinder. Angling tiles using an angle grinder. Very detailed.

Cutting porcelain tiles with a grinder without chipping. Which drive is better to use?

🔥 CUTTING TILES with a grinder EASY and SIMPLE. From A to Z

Cutting tiles with a grinder without CHIPS.

The secret of how to cut tiles with a grinder, BUT without chipping!