Manual tile cutter: price, overview of models and nuances of use
Manual tile cutter: price, overview of popular models and nuances of use
Tile today is one of the most common finishing materials. For its proper laying, a number of tools are used, one of which is a tile cutter, without which tile laying is simply impossible. This article will discuss the main characteristics that a manual tile cutter has: price, design differences, as well as the rules for handling the tool.
The tile cutter allows you to cut ceramic tiles quickly and effortlessly
Which tile cutter to choose: the main characteristics of the tool
Manual type tile cutters are used not only for cutting tiles, but also for working with other materials (for example, glass or stone). The choice of one or another type of such device primarily depends on the purpose.
Some models of tile cutters allow you to cut tiles diagonally
The manual tile cutter functions as follows: first, the tile is fixed in a rail device, after which a roller is carried out along a pre-planned cutting line, which has a diamond coating. Thus, the tile is shortened to the required size.
In order to better understand the process of working with this device, it is recommended to read the instructions, which describe in detail how to use manual tile cutters. Videos on this topic can also be found on the Internet.
To date, there are many types of manual cutting devices, but they are all used for cutting the following materials:
- ceramics;
- stone;
- porcelain stoneware;
- glass;
- clinker brick.
The device of a manual tile cutter: 1 — base, 2 — racks, 3 — guides, 4 — carriage, 5 — swing axis, 6 — rocker arm, 7 — breaking node, 8 — control handle, 9 — substrate, 10 — measuring ruler
There are several ways to cut tiles or any other material. The cutting method is determined by the design features of the manual device. Let’s look at these methods in more detail:
- carrying out risks (lines) with subsequent fault;
- biting off the edges;
- full cut.
Often, when laying tile material on the work surface, you have to face various obstacles (for example, ledges or jambs). To bypass these obstacles, it is necessary to be able to trim the tile competently. And also often the masters are faced with such a problem as the presence of irregularities in the places where the work surfaces touch. In such cases, it is necessary to perform bevels on tiles.
Depending on the design, the tile cutter can make lines for breaking, bite off the edges or completely cut the tile
The main functions that manual cutting devices perform:
- trimming of the facing material;
- straight cuts;
- curly cuts;
- making various holes;
- organization of recesses;
- cut at an angle of 45°.
Useful information! In order to simplify the process of laying a particular material, experts advise to purchase multifunctional tile cutters equipped with various additional elements.
When choosing a device for one-time use, it is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of the tile, and professional models require more careful selection. In any case, when choosing, it is necessary to study the main varieties and characteristics of the devices.
For a more accurate cutting, the necessary markings are made on the tile
Advantages of using manual tile cutters
The length of the manual tile cutter can be different (from 30 to 60 cm), and experts recommend purchasing models of longer length, since they are more versatile. Using a tool with a length of 60 cm allows you to easily perform straight and angular tile cuts. Let’s consider the main advantages of manual devices used for cutting:
- the main advantage of a hand–held device is autonomy. Electric energy is not needed for the operation of such a tile cutter;
- a small mass that affects the mobility of the device and allows it to be used in conditions of limited space;
- the presence of auxiliary components, which include: a ruler, a square, as well as a “ballerina”. They are necessary to simplify the process of cutting tile material.
Pay attention! Devices equipped with a “ballerina” allow you to make round holes in the tile for pipes.
Manual tile cutters have many advantages, including autonomy and low weight
The price of a tile cutter can be different and depends on its design features, components, as well as the manufacturer’s company. For example, the cost of foreign devices, as a rule, exceeds domestic analogues.
Varieties of manual tile cutters: professional and amateur
Depending on the complexity of the execution, all manual cutting devices are classified as amateur or professional.
Amateur devices include wire cutters and roller cutters. These are very simple devices from a constructive point of view, the cost of which is much lower than that of professional models. The use of wire cutters allows you to make shaped holes in the lining material, but they are unsuitable for smooth cutting.
Roller cutters allow you to make an even cut, but you need to have special skills to use them. Working with such a cutter implies real manual work, which requires some effort. Their average cost does not exceed 100 rubles, which is very profitable from a financial point of view.
Semi-professional models of tile cutters allow you to make shaped holes in the tile
In turn , professional tools are divided into two main types:
- mechanical;
- electric.
There are two types of mechanical manual devices for working with tiles:
- roller;
- bearing.
The device, which is based on a roller mechanism, is the most common and in demand in the construction market. This is due to the ease of production of this device, as well as the fact that its operation does not require any special knowledge and skills.
The use of a roller version of a manual mechanical tile cutter allows you to get a fairly neat and even cut. This accuracy is achieved due to the presence of a rigid carriage in its design. Roller models are great for working not only with thin, but also thicker hard tiles.
A professional tool makes the cutting most accurately and accurately
Bearing devices for cutting tiles are equipped with special bushings, which allows for maximum softness of the stroke when performing the cut. Their use is recommended in the case when you have to work with non-standard tile material.
Pay attention! As a rule, manual cutting devices are used for processing material whose thickness does not exceed 15 mm. However, sometimes it is necessary to make a cut on a tile with a thickness of 16 mm. In such a situation, it is recommended to use a manual bearing model.
Electric manual models are more complex from a constructive point of view and are therefore used much less frequently.
With the help of a professional tile cutter, you can cut the material up to 16 mm thick
Manual electric tile cutters
The design of electronic devices for cutting differs from mechanical analogues and has some features. The composition of the manual electric model includes the following structural elements:
- handle (for ease of operation);
- a sole that performs the function of a support;
- special regulator of immersion depth and angle of inclination of the cutting element;
- cutting element.
An electronic device for working with tiles and other facing materials has one big plus – the possibility of attaching a dust collector. In the case when a “wet” type cut is made, a special water tank can be connected to such a device.
It is important to remember that the incisions made with such a device are not of high quality. The main function of the manual electric tile cutter is the replacement of the angle grinder.
Electric tile cutters can be equipped with dust collectors
Manual tile cutters for porcelain stoneware
With the help of an electronic model, it is possible to cut quite complex materials that mechanical tile cutters cannot fully cope with. The main such material is porcelain stoneware. The difficulty of working with it lies in its high strength characteristics, which largely determines its purpose – laying on the floor.
Related article:
How to lay tiles on the floor: laying methods and technology features
Nuances of preparation of various types of surfaces. How to rub the seams on the tile. Criteria for choosing a tile floor covering.
Electric tile cutters for porcelain stoneware operate on the principle of “wet” cutting. In turn, the “dry” cut is not suitable for working with this wear-resistant material. Of course, you can also use a mechanical manual instrument, but this is accompanied by some difficulties. For example, such models cannot cut off a piece of this material if its width is less than 3 cm. Because of this, the edges of the tile material will have to be processed by grinding.
There are other manual device problems that arise when working with granite:
- the problematic nature of the fault is clearly along the cutting line;
- the lack of the possibility of cutting diagonally;
- the lack of the possibility of application when crossing obstacles.
The cut of porcelain stoneware is carried out using a “wet” method
Electric models do much better when working with granite. They not only exclude dusting of the room, but also contribute to more accurate cuts of this material.
Manual tile cutter: price and overview of popular models
To date, there are several of the most popular devices that are characterized by high performance, convenience and reliability. Among them there are both manual mechanical and manual electronic models.
The best manual-type tile cutters that function at the expense of mechanics:
- STAYER 3310-48;
- BISON EXPERT 33195-60;
- RUBI STAR-60-N.
The most popular manual models operating from electric energy include:
- STANLEY STSP125-B9;
- STURM TC-9811.
The availability of additional functions directly affects the cost of the tile cutter
Pay attention! Mechanical hand-held devices are perfect for working with tiles under normal conditions (when repairing an apartment). Electronic, in turn, are less common and even rarely used by experienced specialists. However, in some situations, their use is the only possible option.
The tile cutter from each brand has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, to select the necessary product, it is recommended to carefully study the characteristics of each tile cutting device. The prices of manual professional tile cutters are quite high, but such devices are much more reliable and have a long service life.
Features of the STAYER manual tile cutter
Manual tile cutting devices STAYER 3310-48 are manufactured by a German company in China. The peculiarity of this model is that it is excellent for performing a curly cut. The size of such a device is 42 cm, which limits its capabilities. However, the tile cutters of this brand are distinguished by the best indicators of functionality and low cost. The cutting depth of the STAYER device is 16 mm, which is more than enough for normal finishing work.
With the Stayer tile cutter, you can cut tiles up to 420 mm long
This model has an additional element that allows you to make round holes in the tile – a “ballerina”. The diameter of the holes varies from 30 to 80 mm. Also, the STAYER 3310-48 is equipped with guide elements that are necessary to perform a diagonal cut.
There are often devices from this company on sale that do not meet the declared quality. Therefore, when buying the STAYER 3310-48 model, you need to pay attention not to purchase a defective device.
The advantage of buying this model is obvious if you find out how much the STAYER 3310-48 tile cutter costs. The average price of such devices is about 1,750 rubles, which is very profitable from a financial point of view.
Mechanical tile cutter of manual type BISON EXPERT
The tile cutters of this domestic manufacturer are highly popular, as they are the best price-quality ratio. In comparison with more famous brands that produce these products, the device ZUBR EXPERT 33195-60 is much cheaper.
The cutting depth of the Bison Expert device is 3 cm
The EXPERT BISON has a length of 60 cm, which allows it to be used for cutting long tiles. Also, its design takes into account the use of a built-in ruler, which eliminates the need to organize preliminary marking.
The cutting depth of such a device reaches up to 30 mm, which is a very high indicator. BISON EXPERT 33195-60 is equipped with a carriage on bearings and has a convenient handle. And also thanks to such a mechanical tile cutter, it is possible to cut tile material at an angle.
Of the disadvantages of this model, only one can be noted, namely: the presence of backlash (gap) in the roller. Such a minus can affect the accuracy of the cut. The cost of the domestic device ZUBR EXPERT is approximately 3350 rubles.
Manual tile cutter RUBI STAR: characteristics of the model
RUBI tile cutters are manufactured by a well-known Spanish company, and are famous for the best quality. The RUBI STAR-60-N model is one of the best samples of this manufacturer. In most cases, such tile cutters are used by professional tile makers.
The design of the Rubi Star tile cutter allows you to securely fix the tile
Useful information! The base of the RUBY manual tile cutter is characterized by good strength characteristics and high rigidity. And well-fixed guide elements exclude the possibility of free movement of the cutter during cutting. Thanks to this, the cut is almost always perfectly smooth.
The RUBI STAR-60-N model has a set of replaceable cutters for different types of tiles. Their thickness varies from 6 to 10 mm. It is also worth mentioning that this model is equipped with special plastic wings for additional fixing of tiles.
Of the disadvantages, only one can be noted – a rather small cutting depth, which is a maximum of 12 mm. The average cost of a RUBY tile cutter is 7,500 rubles.
STANLEY Electric Manual Tile Cutter
A company from the USA is engaged in the production of these devices. The main difference between the STANLEY STSP125-B9 tile cutter is its low weight. The engine of this device is a little more powerful than that of competitors, which is a small plus.
Stanley’s STSP125-B9 model is light in weight
Separately, it should be said that the STANLEY STSP125-B9 electronic model has a large cutting depth (41 mm). Thanks to this, it becomes possible to work not only with ordinary facing materials, but also with fairly massive slabs.
STANLEY STSP125-B9 can be used both in “dry” cutting mode and in “wet”. The average price for such professional electronic devices is 3,500 rubles.
Electronic tile cutter of manual type STURM
STURM models are manufactured by a Chinese company and are characterized by better functionality in comparison with competitors. The STURM TC-9811 model is a very compact device, which significantly increases its versatility and operational scope.
The main feature of the tool is that it is equipped with a system that cools the disc by supplying water. This eliminates the possibility of overheating of the tile and its damage. The cut made by such a tile cutter is almost perfect.
Electric tile cutter Sturm TC-9811 is equipped with a water cooling system
Among other advantages of the TC-9811, it can be noted that its device allows you to make cuts at an angle of 45 °. And also it can be found and non-standard application (as a strobing device). Additional equipment of this electronic tile cutter includes a second diamond disc and spare brushes. The average cost of the device is approximately 2,600 rubles.
Where to buy a manual tile cutter: tips for choosing
A tile cutting device can be purchased at a specialized store, a construction hypermarket or ordered on the Internet. In the latter case, there is a possibility of buying defective products, so it is recommended to be careful and not order tile cutters on questionable sites.
How to choose a manual tile cutter? There are a number of important factors that you should pay attention to when choosing a device for cutting facing materials. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.
Appearance. The visual component is important when choosing a tile cutter. Special attention should be paid to the base, which should be of high quality and durable. Its thickness should be sufficient for the convenience of working with the device.
The granite cutting tool has a longer handle
Useful information! When choosing a tile cutter, it is worth studying the lever and guide elements. For example, when cutting porcelain stoneware, great efforts are required, so the tile cutter in this case should have a long handle.
The length of the working area of the tile cutter. When choosing a tile cutter, it is necessary to take into account the length of the diagonal of the tile to be worked with. It is desirable that the length of the working area is not less than the diagonal of the facing unit.
Carriage movement along the guide elements. During the operation of the carriage, its course should be smooth. In no case should it get stuck when moving or sway due to backlash. Bearings can be included in its design, which is an undoubted plus.
The roller performing the cut. The roller should not have backlash, and its movements should be smooth. In case of failure, the replacement of this element should not be accompanied by difficulties.
How to choose a tile cutter depending on the purpose? If you need a reusable device for work, then you should think about purchasing a manual professional tile cutter. It will not be difficult to buy such a device, and it can last for more than one year. For one-time use, a less expensive Chinese-made model is suitable. And for trimming 1-2 tiles, you can take an amateur model in the form of a pencil or wire cutters.
The movement of the rollers and the carriage should be smooth, without jerks
There are many materials on the Internet that will help answer the question of which manual tile cutter is better to buy. Reviews on relevant websites will also help you decide on the choice of a tool.
How to use a manual tile cutter
In order to answer the question of how to work with a manual tile cutter, it is necessary to study in detail the algorithm of actions. Consider the process of cutting tiles in stages:
Cutting ceramic tiles with a manual tile cutter
Knowing how to cut a tile with a manual tile cutter and performing all of the above actions in the right sequence, cutting the material will happen without difficulty. Similarly, you can perform pruning up to 1 cm wide.
The tile cutter is a functional construction tool that can significantly simplify the work of laying ceramic tiles. To work more efficiently with the device, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with various instructions on how to work with manual tile cutters. Videos on this topic can also be easily found on the Internet.
