Large format porcelain tiles can be tricky to work with. Their large size and heaviness can make it a slow and careful process. However, choosing the right cutting tool is paramount to completing your project successfully, safely, and efficiently. There are several tools you can use to cut porcelain tiles, which we will discuss below, but large format manual tile cutters are the best tool for the job. Here’s how to properly cut large tiles and how to choose the best manual porcelain tile cutters at Centura Tools.

The Different Tools Used for Cutting Porcelain Tiles

There are several ways to cut porcelain tile, beginning from a handheld tile nipper to a more expensive electric tile saw. The method used for each tile cutting tool is different and needs to be done with expertise, skill, and experience. Some methods are more convenient and faster, while others are more affordable and mobile. Typically, the best tool to cut tiles is the wet tile saw, but it can be expensive and may not be the best option for a quick, minor project. The tool options you can choose from include the following:

• Tile nipper
• Angle grinder
• Tile cutter
• Wet tile saw
• Wet wheel (diamond blade)
• Drill bit

When to Use Manual Tile Cutters for Cutting Porcelain Tiles

Tile nippers and tile cutters are manual tools that work to cut tiles up to a certain size and shape. While they are fast cutting tools and can be adjusted to make various sizes and types of cuts, they are ideal for smaller projects or projects with soft tiles and straight borders. One of the biggest benefits of using manual tile cutters is that they offer the best value for your money. They work well for single or minor projects if you are working with ceramic or porcelain tiles; however, they do not work well with harder materials like glass.

Steps for Cutting Large Format Porcelain Tiles

Here are the basic steps for cutting large format porcelain tiles:

1. Measure the precise location where the tile will be set using measuring tape or a long ruler. Subtract the width of the spacers to find the size of the cut tile. Using a wax pencil, mark a line across the tile at that length.

2. Insert the tile into the tile cutter or saw and line up the mark with the centre cutting line. Ensure the excess tile sits level in the cutter. Hold the tile firmly in place and run the blade through the cutter. Slide the tile out from the cutter and bend it until the tile snaps along the cut line.

3. Insert the tile under the wet saw blade if you choose to cut with power tools. Line up the mark on the tile with the cutting blade and slowly guide the tile toward the blade until you have reached the other end of the tile. Lift the cutting blade so it stops completely before removing the tile.

4. When cutting curved lines, make relief cuts from one side of the tile toward the marked line. Stop at about 1/4 inch from the line. These cuts reduce stress on the blade and resemble fringes. You should make one cut for every inch of tile. Then, cut along the curved line and slowly turn the blade as it cuts. Each time you arrive at a relief cut, the piece of excess tile at that point will fall off.

5. To make shallow cuts, score along the line on the tile. Then, bend the tile to snap it in two. Or, you can nip away the excess tile with a tile nipper. This option works best if you need to shave a thin piece of tile off to fit the perimeter of the room or to remove small corners of the tile. Once these edges are cut, smooth the rough edges off with a double-sided sanding stone.

6. To support the weight and provide relief to the cutting tool, prop the tile up on scrap 2x4 boards. Drill a hole in a third 2x4 board of the same size or larger. Insert that board under the tile with the hole lined up with your cutting area.

7. To reduce slippage, place masking tape over the surface of the tile where you need to cut. Set the drill to the lowest possible drill speed and apply gentle pressure until the bit breaks through the tile completely.

6 of the Best Manual Tile Cutters for Large Format Porcelain Tiles

When it comes to choosing the right manual tile cutter for your large format tile project, here are some of the best options available at Centura Tools:

Montolit Masterpiuma P3 Multifunction Tile Cutter 49 inch

• Maximum cutting length: 49"
• Diagonal cutting length: 34.5" x 34.5"
• Maximum cutting thickness: 22 mm

Ishii 49-inch Super Premium Jet Turbo Cut

• Maximum cutting length: 48"
• Diagonal cutting length: 34.5" x 34.5"

Rubi TZ-1300 Manual Tile Cutter Includes Case

• Maximum cutting length: 51"
• Diagonal cutting length: 35" x 35"
• Maximum cutting thickness: 21 mm

Sigma 51-inch (129 cm) Tile Cutter Serie 3 Klick Klock

• Maximum cutting length: 51"
• Diagonal cutting length: 36" x 36"
• Maximum cutting thickness: 19 mm
• Weight: 24 kg

Sigma 61-inch (156 cm) Tile Cutter

• Maximum cutting length: 61"
• Diagonal cutting length: 43" x 43"
• Maximum cutting thickness: 19 mm
• Weight: 38 kg

Sigma 96-inch (245 cm) Large Format Tile Cutter XL Series

• Maximum cutting length: 96"
• Diagonal cutting length: 68" x 68"
• Maximum cutting thickness: 20 mm
• Weight: 39 kg

Visit Centura Tools for Manual Cutters and Professional Tiling Equipment

Choosing the right tools and equipment for your project may require some guidance, even if you are an experience tile installer. With new technology being developed each year, it’s important you know your options before choosing your tools. For an expert opinion on which tools are best for your tile project, visit us at Centura Tools. We supply tiling equipment from the best brands around the world, and our selection is unmatched. If you’re searching for an item you don’t see in our store, let us know and we can source the specific items you need. Contact us at (416) 785-3311 or visit our store to see our amazing products.