How to cut porcelain tiles?

Question

I need to cut a square out of the edge of a porcelain tile to fit it around the casing at the bottom of a door. I have a Plasplug wet-saw, so cut 2 diagonal lines and assumed I'd be able to score and snap the square out like other tiles.
The problem is I can barely even scratch the surface of these tiles, let alone snap them!
I then tried cutting out bits little by little to remove the square but this is just making a mess and have already wasted a tile trying it.
I cant "plunge" the tile on the blade either as there is a guard which - though poseable - is non-removable, and even if totally vertical, does not allow enough room to cut it.
HELP!!.....

Answer 1

=== what you need to cut tile is a small grinder [[ Sears or Harbor Freight Stores ]] and the proper saw blade that is made to cut tiles ... remove the grinder wheel protector and TEACH yourself to protect hands and fingers to stay away from the saw blade [[ wear goggles and mask ]] this then is an open saw blade and it is dangerous === but this is the most cost effective way to have a tool that you can use other ways .... wood and tile and pvc === just be sure that you respect the 5000RPM's of that open saw blade ... cutting tile is a slow process and it works if you just take the time to allow the saw to work and not push the saw but rather let it ""sand cut"" the tiles...... that grinder that I am suggesting to you is like four inches [[ a four inch grinder will do this job using the proper blades for the job........... XTX

Answer 2

XTX gave you a very good suggestion. You need a diamond blade for the grinder and you should do the cut from the back side of the tile. Remember that a round blade will make the cut larger than you want so if you cut from the back side, you can plunge cut to get the correct size on the front without having the excess cut lines visible.



Good luck

Answer 3

always spend the money and just get the right tool for the job. i tried cutting porcelain tiles before with the wrong tool and just taking my time moving slowly... i got the cut made, but it was so chipped i had to discard it. spend the money now and save time AND money later.

Answer 4

Mmmmmm you can get a saw blade to fit a jig saw it has a carborundum

edge like the tile files you buy or you can buy a tile saw blades ( round) to fit small hand saw or (flat blade carborundum edge) for larger metal saw....the blades do wear fast. Most Good DIY stores have them...



Not a good idea to remove guide on saw.....but I have done that too!!

it also breaks tiles more easily.... I know how you feel..I got on Ok with the small round saw blades but a bit slow going....the jig saw blade was great but hard to get.

Answer 5

you did not say how big the square was ...but you have only cut two lines ..try cutting 4 ..even 6 ..they will snap out easier

Answer 6

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