One of the important characteristics that distinguishes wet tile saws from other, similar types of saws like masonry saws, is its ability to make a variety of complicated or precision cuts that are often needed when cutting tile to fit into unusually shaped areas. However, there is a certain amount of technique in making these complex tile cuts, and in some cases the trick needed to get a complicated tile cut right is not immediately apparent. In this article, you will find tricks for making L-shaped tile cuts, curved tile cuts, and 45° angle or miter cuts for corners using your wet tile saw with an appropriate diamond blade.
Contents
How to make L-shaped tile cuts with a tile saw
L-shaped cuts in tile are often needed to accommodate electrical outlets, protruding wall or cabinet corners, and other obstacles in both wall tile and floor tile. To make your L-shaped tile cut with your wet tile saw, carefully measure and mark your cutting line on the tile, taking into account any grout space you want to leave between the tile and the obstacle you need to cut around. Begin cutting on one of your two marked lines by slowly feeding the tile into the saw blade; pay close attention, because you will have to stop pushing the tile into the diamond blade when you reach the second mark that crosses it. When you reach the second mark, pull the tile back and rotate it so that you can cut on the second perpendicular line until you intersect with your first cut.
How to make curved tile cuts with a tile saw
Curved cuts are quite tricky and fortunately not as common as L-shaped cuts, but are sometimes needed to work around curved structures, like pillars or water heaters. To cut an interior curve with your wet tile saw, carefully measure and mark the curve that you need to cut on the tile. Inside the curve, make an L-shaped cut to cut away as much excess tile as possible without cutting beyond your curve line. Then, carefully feed the tile into the saw to cut multiple straight lines from the edge of the tile to the curve line, rotating the tile slightly between each cut. If you do this correctly, it should look like you’re cutting wheel spokes into the interior of the curve. Next, use tile nippers to cut the spokes off near the curved line, which will result in a very rough curve. Finally, to smooth the curved tile cut, carefully freehand the curve into the saw blade to smooth the curved edge. You will have to make multiple passes as you don’t want to put too much sideways pressure on the blade; don’t try to skim off more than 1/16” in one pass.
How to make 45° miter tile cuts with a tile saw
45° angle corners or miter cuts are sometimes used with tile trim to make a professional looking corner. Rather than having two blunt edges overlapping at the corner, two 45° angle cuts meet to form a perfect right angle for your corner trim. Use a wooden block cut at exactly 45° as a guide for your miter cut. Brace your tile trim on the angled edge so that it is at a 45° angle to the tile saw blade, and feed the trim into the blade.
Loading...