How to choose your tile cutter, electric or manual

Electric tile cutter verses manual tile cutter, which one to choose?

The tile cutter is an indispensable tool for laying tiles. It allows you to cut tiles. There are two main types on the market: the manual tile cutter and the electric tile cutter. So which one to choose? Several criteria come into play. First of all the type of tiles you want to cut. Manual tile cutters are suitable for example, porcelain tiles that can be traced. Electric tile cutters are necessary for tiles with non-slip, slip-resistant surfaces or for large thicknesses such as marble, terracotta or firebricks.

The manual tile cutter:

It allows faster cutting than with an electric tile cutter. There are all sizes and they are all equipped with a wheel that can draw a line on the tile and a breaking system to break it. More or less accurate depending on the models, there are some very powerful cutters. The main advantage is the speed of cuts. Just draw, cut and it's done. But the manual tile cutter does not cut all types of tiles. Tiling that is not smooth, that cannot be traced with the wheel, or tiling that is too thick requires an electric tile cutter. Some models from the PRCI toolmaker have patented innovations. The ergonomic handle of the Carrelette tile cutter and its specially designed handle that allows you to see its layout while tracing or the special Carrelette® mosaic tile cutter.

The electric tile cutter:

The electric tile cutter can be essential depending on the type of tiles you want to cut. It is messy, noisy and slower than a manual tile cutter, but it allows for precise, straight, diagonal cuts and 45 ° for bevelled finishes.

The electric tile cutters come in several models:

The table top electric cutter:

This model consists of a metal tray that will house the blade. The cutting of the tile is done by abrasion. Most models are equipped with a water pan to cool the disc and retain dust during cutting, this is called dipping. The cutting thickness, although larger than that of a manual tile cutter, is still limited. For very thick tiles or large sizes, it is then necessary to turn to a Bridge Saw.

The Bridge Saw electric tile cutter:

This electric saw consists of a diamond blade mounted on the axis of the motor. The motor itself is equipped with a ball bearing assembly that ensures the fluidity of movement. It is thanks to its pivoting rail that the user can move this head towards the tile and proceed with the cut. Cooling is done by water dispersion. The Bridge Saw enables the cutting of thick, large dimension tiles and allows for cross section, diagonal or bevel cuts at 45 °.

The electric tile cutter with pendulum function:

Unlike the radial model, it is the cutting table that moves and not the disk. Its motor blade assembly moves up and down to adjust the cutting height and allow cuts on very thick tiles. Unlike the radial, it is a plate mounted on ball bearing that brings the tile in contact with the diamond blade. Cooling is also done by dispersing water. There are also models of radial with pendulum function.

In short :

The choice of your tile cutter will depend on the type of tile you want to cut. The size, the thickness, the material of the tiles and if there are finishes to be made or not (eg 45 ° cuts) are the criteria that must guide your choice. For each of these electric tiles cutters, equip yourself with protections: anti-noise headphones, goggles, gloves, dust mask and safety shoes.