How to cut tiles with the help of Angle Grinder?

It is not uncommon to see someone use an angle grinder to sharpen the mower blades or the gardening shears, which is just one of the many uses. The same power tool will help smoothen some rough surface of the steel window frame or even cut away a small piece of metal that is dangerously jutting out from the barbecue grill. Going ahead, you can also learn how to cut tiles with an angle grinder like a pro.

It is indeed easy to use the angle grinder, but it requires some learning and training to acquire the skills for using the tool safely and do a satisfactory job.

Choose the right type of Angle Grinder

Although all angle grinders can perform the tasks of cutting, grinding, polishing, and sanding, the nature of work, whether light, medium, or heavy-duty influences the choice of the tool. Light and medium duty angle grinders are best for household and industrial applications. For heavy-duty applications, you need robust grinders powered by gas like the ones used in oil and gas plants and the construction industry. The type of surface determines the type of grinding wheel. This is especially true for cutting tiles that would require different types of cutting discs to cut tiles into different shapes. You can give different shapes to tiles to suit the design or pattern.

A diamond blade used with an angle grinder is most suitable for cutting tiles, although cutting it with a wet saw might seem most effective. But since it takes a longer time to cut tiles manually and it is also difficult to maintain accuracy, cutting tiles with the help of angle grinders is a better option. In this article, we will provide you a step by step guide for cutting tiles with angle grinder.

The preparation

Before you start the actual work, make sure that you know the job and what would be necessary to perform the task satisfactorily.  A smooth-edged, diamond-tipped blade is best for cutting ceramic tiles with an angle grinder, but for porcelain tiles, you must use notched blades, but for natural stone tiles, you must use serrated blades. Diamond tipped blades leave a smooth cut without damaging the tiles but tighten the disc or blade tightly to the grinder to prevent tile damage due to vibration. Use masking tape to cover the edge of ceramic tiles to protect it from chipping when cutting.  Since the diamond blade generates a lot of dust and noise when cutting, use earplugs, a dust mask, and safety goggles for complete protection. Now you are ready to start the cutting process.

Choose the right tool

Although you will find different types of angle grinders in the market from electric grinders to pneumatic grinders as well as gas-driven grinders, for use in standard settings, electrical grinders, corded or cordless are most preferred.  Electrical grinders are most convenient to use for large jobs by covering more area.

Get the right blade

Consider the type of tile- ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone that you want to cut to help in selecting the cutting disc or blade that can provide the kind of cut you want. For the smoothest cut on ceramic tiles, you must use a diamond cutting blade. To cut tiles made from natural stones that are thicker and harder than ceramic tiles and you do not mind having rough edges along with the cut, then a serrated blade is the best choice, which is also most suitable for cutting concrete and bricks.

Hold the tile securely

Having chosen the grinder and the blade, you are now ready to begin the process of cutting. Fix the piece of tile securely in place on the surface where you intend to work by using a clamp. Perform the task in a well-ventilated room to allow the dust generated during cutting move out from the room, which can otherwise cause suffocation. Before starting the process, take up the protective gear of safety goggles, mask, earplugs, and hand gloves and check the electrical connection of batteries while switching on the power to check that the grinder is working.

Complete marking the tile

Measure the tile and mark the portion you want to cut according to the size and shape you want. It can either be a straight cut or any other circular, semi-circular, or rectangular shape. Use masking tape when marking and cutting the tile to prevent chipping away from the edge.

Cut the tile

Now that you are ready to cut the tile, hold the grinder at the right place and the proper angle on the tile and apply the correct cutting pressure while pulling it along the cutting line. Depending on the thickness of the tile, keep increasing the pressure to complete the operation.