Cutting tiles around sockets without a table saw

daern · 13 Oct 2021

Hi all,

First-time tiler here! I'm using a few boxes of spare tiles to create a backing to my garage worktop and sink. Going well so far (IMHO!) but I can see trouble hoving into view in the form of the wall sockets...

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I've watched a few videos, and all seem to use an expensive, job-specific table saw to cut the tiles. While I'm sure this is the best way to do it, this isn't a tool I have access to.

Could anyone suggest any alternative ways that I can cut corners out of tiles in a manner that doesn't look a complete dog's dinner? I own an angle grinder...

Tigercubrider · 13 Oct 2021

I bought a cheap saw in B&Q for less than £50 when I needed to infill a hole left by replacing a cill on a patio door.
You may find lidl/aldi offers?

Prior to that I just used a traditional score/press/cut type cutter and made holes by drilling a first hole, then a handsaw looped through the hole to make a square hole inside a tile.
Quite a few breakages but it worked.

Lower · 13 Oct 2021

daern said:
Hi all,

First-time tiler here! I'm using a few boxes of spare tiles to create a backing to my garage worktop and sink. Going well so far (IMHO!) but I can see trouble hoving into view in the form of the wall sockets...

I've watched a few videos, and all seem to use an expensive, job-specific table saw to cut the tiles. While I'm sure this is the best way to do it, this isn't a tool I have access to.

Could anyone suggest any alternative ways that I can cut corners out of tiles in a manner that doesn't look a complete dog's dinner? I own an angle grinder...

you can buy a tile cutting blade for your angle grinder.

daern · 13 Oct 2021

Lower said:
you can buy a tile cutting blade for your angle grinder.

Thx. Reckon this will do the job? https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-tile-diamond-tile-blade-115-x-22-23mm/14120

Lower · 13 Oct 2021

daern said:
Thx. Reckon this will do the job? https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-tile-diamond-tile-blade-115-x-22-23mm/14120

yes

ETAF · 13 Oct 2021

i used this in my 125mm Dewalt Angle grinder for some straight cuts on porcilian tiles - worked fine
https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-masonry-tile-diamond-cutting-blade-125-x-22-23mm/3434v

And then later when i needed to cut ceramic tiles around a sink/toilet , i borrowed a tile cutter (a B&Q version which i think is now £40/50) and put a new blade into it, as it was 110mm
https://www.screwfix.com/p/marcrist-tile-ck650sf-diamond-tile-blade-110-x-22-2mm/16121

almost exactly the same as the tops tile version
https://www.toppstiles.co.uk/fixing...rs/electric-tile-cutters/electric-cutter-450w

screwfix and toolstation have a few under £50

I had to cut about 20 tiles , and it worked really well, but be prepared for water to go everywhere.
I used outside , and had a plastic apron on

daern · 13 Oct 2021

The tile cutter is actually surprisingly cheap. I'm still not going to get one as I've only got this bit to do, but would certainly invest if I had more to put down. Angle grinder it is and we'll see how it goes!

StephenStephen · 13 Oct 2021

I've been quite surprised at how well a tile cutting blade in a jigsaw works

oldbutnotdead · 14 Oct 2021

Grinder and diamond disc for straight cuts. One of these and a tile drill bit for more intricate cuts https://www.toolstation.com/vitrex-tct-tile-saw/p89399 - dunno about porcelain but the tiles I used cut very easily

opps · 14 Oct 2021

StephenStephen said:
I've been quite surprised at how well a tile cutting blade in a jigsaw works

They do indeed work with soft tiles. They are less dusty but much slower than an angle grinder.

daern · 14 Oct 2021

Thanks all - bought a diamond angle grinder blade from screwfix (it's my garage - speed over perfection!) and it worked a treat, with minimal chipping of the tile surface. Quite sure that a proper saw, or even a jigsaw, might give better results, but the angle grinder is doing the job for me. Will get on with the whittling in anger this weekend.

Thanks again for the hints and advice.

Tigercubrider · 14 Oct 2021

try some masking tape on the face?

mrrusty · 17 Oct 2021

Just buy a cheap diamond wet cutter. I have had a tiny plasplugs one that cost me £29 some 25 years ago and its done upmteen kitchens, bathrooms, fllors, shopfits and is still going strong.

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Cutting tiles around sockets without a table saw

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