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When cutting tile, there are many variables that need to be considered before you go anywhere near it with a circular saw.
These tools are great for the task, but you’ll have some prep to do first.
How To Cut Tile With a Circular Saw
Tile is a brittle material that requires careful planning and handling at all times. This can be tedious, but it definitely pays off.
Always Go For A Wet Cut
Wet cuts will always be the better option when cutting tougher materials. One reason is that you won’t create as much dust when using a wet cut; this is because it turns to sludge.
The downside to a wet cut is that if you don’t have a specialized saw, you’ll need someone else to hold a hose or spray bottle; you could do some DIY and connect a hose to your saw. Another advantage of a wet cut is that the water decreases the friction and heat created.
You’ll never do any damage by opting for a wet cut, you can only ever gain benefits from using a wet cut, the only issue is that it’s tedious if you don’t have a specialized wet cut circular saw.
Understand Which Type Of Tile You’re Using
There are a handful of tile variations that are commonly used; this includes; glass, ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, stone, and marble. Ceramic and mosaic tiles can be cut using either a diamond or tungsten-tipped blade. Stone is a tougher material, so this will require a diamond blade using the wet method.
Marble may require a worm drive circular saw as the material is thicker; this material chips easily, so it might be worth using a continuous rim blade. Porcelain will also chip easily but won’t require a worm drive, just a typical diamond blade with a wet cut. The same goes for glass; it’s probably the most delicate and brittle of all the tile variations.
Clamp The Tile To Keep It Secure
Clamping down your workpiece should always be done to keep you and others safe from kickback. It also protects the tile from being damaged due to the high levels of vibration caused; it’ll violently shake the tile, which could lead to chipping. It’s best to use up to four clamps to secure each side from moving or vibrating.
Wear The Required Safety Gear At All Times
The most important part of cutting tile is to ensure you’re safe at all times; this can be done by wearing safety glasses to protect yourself from flying shards. You should also protect yourself from dust/particle inhalation by using a mask or full-face respirator.
Another safety consideration that often goes unthought of would be protecting your hearing; any noise over 80db being heard for longer than 10 minutes can damage your hearing, so ear protection should also be necessary.
Conclusion
The most important research you should conduct is what blade will suit your tile and if it requires a dry or wet cut. If you follow everything that we’ve mentioned above, you’ll be on your way to mastering tile cutting in no time.