Cutting tile?

[MartinW]

Hi All,

This is my first post to this site but I've been reading the posts here for the last few weeks and I must say that this is one of the most useful forums I've ever been on.  I'm new to the do-it-yourself/woodworking world so I have lots of questions, many of which have already been answered by this site.

Anyway, one of my first home projects is a bathroom remodel so naturally tile comes immediately into the equation, so I was wondering if anyone had used the jigsaw with the R54G blade to cut ceramic tile.  If so, what are your experiences with it.  I'm only doing a small counter top so I would rather not buy a tile cutter if I can use my new jigsaw. 

Just a note on why I went with Festool right out of the gate. 
1.  I live in a rainy climate so I wanted something that I could use indoors and not get dust
    all over the house.
2.  I wanted something that was pretty safe because I'm not getting any younger (forgetfulness will
    creep in eventually).
3.  I wanted to enjoy my new hobby and not be frustrated by the tools, the Festools have
    been a joy to use.

My wife has been very supportive of my Festool investments so far, but she wants to know if we can cut the tile.  What do you think guys?

Thanks,
Martin.

 

[mhoy]

Having just tiled a thousand sq ft or so of my house, I'd highly suggest renting a wet saw for the day (or two). Your cuts will be significantly better, your number of broken tile should be small (or none existent), the DUST will be absent (although a vacuum along with the jig saw may do OK).  If you only have a small number of straight cuts, you could also score and break the tiles with a simple scoring guide (name of this escapes me at this time).

It's hard to beat a wet diamond blade when doing ceramic/porcelain tile.

Mark

 

[w00dbutcheruk]

if you are using a natural stone it is unlikely a score and snap system will work, a jigsaw may work but i would highly recommend renting a wet diamond saw.

regards

 

[MartinW]

Thanks for your responses so far.  To narrow down the application, the tile is ceramic and I do have some curved cuts to make for the sink.  Probably only 10-12 cuts to make in total.

Martin.

 

[robtonya]

you could get a nibbler. I would think you would break alot of tiles with the jigsaw, but I have never done it that way either.

 

[Tinker]

I have commented on this subject in other discussions on the FOG.  I do NOT recommend using any type of dry cutting saw on any type of masonry in doors.  If you thing wood dust travels around inside, you are not even close to the problem from masonry dust.  I just don't think any type of precaution will capture and/or contain all of the dust from masonry cutting indoors.  I go along with rental of a wet cutter or knippers as suggested above.  Knippers are fine if you are yound and can maintain a good grip for many cuts.  Otherwise, get the wet saw. 

You could also mark out the pieces that need intricate cutting and take them to your tile supplier or another tile setter.  you might be able to get them to do the cutting on the few pieces you need cut.  That might be less expensive than the wet saw rental and you will stay on good terms with the wife. Believe me, that could be the biggest saving of all  : ;D
Tinker

 

[jaegerhund]

I don't know how intricate your cuts will be, but for a small, fairly simple job, a manual tile cutter and knippers are a good combo.  A wet saw is nice but might be overkill unless your task is considerable (and your time is limited).

Justin

 

[Frans]

The blade works well on softer ceramic tiles, i.e.. those used for walls. Floor tiles can be much harder, and some (if not most) will be near impossible to cut. I would recommend using a very old or very cheap jigsaw, you really don't want that dust in your expensive Festool. Put some tape on the bottom of the jigsaw to prevent it from scratching your tiles. Set the orbital setting (the forward/backward motion of the blade)  to zero. Cut slowly, and make sure the tile is well supported. I usually break no more than one in three  ;D

For best dust control, cut outside when it's raining. Really, a vac just won't do.

For straight cuts, get a diamond wet saw. For my bathrooom remodelling, I bought the cheapest I could find (about 50 euro) and sold it afterwards for 30 euro. I should have rented a proper one though, as while it worked fine on my wall tiles, it couldn't cut my floor tiles at all.

Frans

 

[MartinW]

Thanks everyone for sharing your experience.
I'll go with the advice of renting a tile cutter and saving my jigsaw.

Martin.

 

[petiegolfer]

For straight cuts buy a Ruby tile cutter...it is quicker than a wet saw....all the cut tilkes should be put in after the full tiles have been done. Use the wet saw for details...notches curves etc. If you havent tiled before read up about it. Prepare and lay out your tile pattern first so you know exactly what is going where make up a tile gauge for the size of tiles you are useing and the spacers. Use battens to square up the full tiles and then fill in with the cut tiles after. Good luck!

Piers

 

[Cannuck]

I've tried using a ceramic blade with a jigsaw to make an intricate cut, and frankly it doesn't work very well at all.  A wet saw is the best method for sure.  A scoring tile break is really only useful for ceramic tile. It doesn't work for full body porcelain or natural stone. 

If you have to make irregular cuts or cutouts from the middle of a tile, you should use a grinder or wet saw, and use proper diamond drill bits.