A Guide to Buying the Right Tile Cutters

Dreaming of a flawless tile backsplash or a stunning floor with clean lines and uniform cuts? When it comes to tiling, it is all about precision cutting, and it can literally make or break the job.

This is where a tile cutter becomes an indispensable tool in your toolbox. Instead of getting frustrated with uneven scores and chipped edges, a tile cutter ensures clean breaks and accurate cuts for a polished look every time.

But with various types on the market, which tile cutter should you choose? This guide will hopefully help you navigate the options, and you may find what you are looking for.

Uses and Types of Tile Cutters

The primary function of a tile cutter is to score and then snap the tile along a predetermined line. This method ensures a clean, straight edge that is crucial for neat installation. Depending on the material and the precision required, the choice of tile cutter can greatly affect the result.

Tile cutters are predominantly used to:

• Cut tiles to fit corners, edges or around fixtures.
• Achieve clean lines for aesthetic purposes in tile laying.
• Ensure tiles fit within the specific design layout without excessive waste.

✅ Manual Tile Cutters

Manual tile cutters require physical force to score and snap the tile. They are generally used for thinner tiles and are favoured in tile cutting for convenience and portability.

• Advantages: They are lightweight, easy to operate and do not require electricity, making them ideal for simple projects or quick repairs.
• Limitations: Manual cutters might not be suitable for thick or extremely hard tiles such as some porcelain or natural stone tiles.

✅ Electric Tile Cutters

Electric tile cutters tend to use water-cooled diamond blades to cut through tiles. This method is similar to using a wet saw and is suitable for cutting a wide variety of tile materials, especially thicker 20mm or tougher large-format tiles.

• Advantages: These cutters offer maximum precision and can handle heavy-duty cutting tasks, including cutting denser materials and making complex cuts like curves or notches.
• Limitations: Electric tile cutters are generally heavier, more expensive than manual cutters and require access to power. They also need water for the wet saw functionality.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tile Cutter

Knowing what factors to consider is crucial for selecting the perfect cutter for your project. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Material: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are generally softer and can be handled by both manual and electric cutters. On the other hand, natural stone and glass tiles require more power due to their hardness. Electric saws are typically better suited for these materials.
• Thickness: Consider the maximum cutting depth of the cutter. Thicker tiles necessitate a more robust tool, potentially an electric saw.

• Frequency of Cuts: For a one-time project with few cuts, a manual cutter might suffice. Frequent DIY jobs or larger projects benefit from the efficiency of an electric saw.
• Cut Complexity: Straight cuts are achievable with both manual and electric cutters. Diagonal cuts and intricate designs require the greater control and precision that electric saws offer.

Key Features to Look For in a Tile Cutter

Here are some key features to consider:

• Blade Size and Quality: The size of the blade determines the maximum thickness of the tile that can be cut. Larger blades can handle thicker tiles, which is crucial for projects involving robust materials like porcelain or stone. Look for a cutter with a high-quality, durable blade to ensure clean and precise cuts without damaging the tiles.
• Cutting Capacity: This feature refers to the maximum size and thickness of the tile that the cutter can handle. A larger cutting capacity is essential for projects that use large or extra format tiles.
• Precision and Adjustability: Precision is crucial for fitting tiles perfectly, especially in intricate designs or tight spaces. High-quality cutters often feature precise measurement scales and adjustable guides that help ensure accurate cuts. Adjustable components, such as movable cutting heads or adaptable measuring bars, can improve the cutter’s versatility and precision.
• Build Quality and Stability: A well-constructed tile cutter made from high-grade materials can withstand the wear and tear of regular use, providing longevity and reliability. Look for models and brands with a solid base and non-slip rubber pads or feet, which help stabilise the cutter during operation.
• Ease of Use and Maintenance: Features that enhance usability, such as lightweight designs for manual cutters or simple interfaces for electric cutters, can make a significant difference, especially in lengthy projects. Low maintenance requirements are also a plus, particularly for electric models that may otherwise need regular mechanical and water management upkeep.

Here, we introduce some of our highest-quality professional tile cutters, exclusively sold at EMC Tiles.

1. SiriPro Manual Tile Cutters

We are proud to offer the SiriPro manual tile cutters range, tailor-made for both professional tilers and ambitious DIY enthusiasts. These cutters are exclusively sold and stocked at our stores, ensuring our customers receive only the best high-performance tools for their tiling projects. We stock the following models:

• SiriPro 160cm Manual Tile Cutter: Ideal for large format tiles, this model can handle tiles up to 160cm in length, making it a perfect choice for commercial and residential projects that feature extensive tiling areas.
• SiriPro 130cm Manual Tile Cutter: Slightly smaller than the 160cm model but still robust, the 130cm cutter offers great versatility and precision for medium to large tiles, commonly used in modern flooring and wall tiles applications.
• SiriPro 90cm Manual Tile Cutter: A mid-range option that provides a balance between the larger and smaller models, perfect for handling the most common tile sizes with efficiency and accuracy.
• SiriPro 68cm Manual Tile Cutter: Designed for smaller or more typical tile sizes, this cutter is ideal for projects that require frequent adjustments and cuts, offering ease of use without sacrificing precision.

Special Features of SiriPro Cutters:

✅ Precision and Control: The SiriPro cutters are designed with a focus on precision. They feature a unique cutting and scoring system that allows for clean, straight cuts, essential for achieving professional-level results.

✅ Manual Scribe and Snap: Each cutter includes a manual scribe tool, which is particularly useful for scoring the tiles before snapping. This feature is critical when working with delicate materials or when precise measurements are needed.

✅ Designed for Large Format Tiles: Particularly the larger models, such as the 160cm and 130cm cutters, are specifically engineered to handle large format tiles. These tiles, increasingly popular in contemporary design, require special equipment due to their size and the precision needed in cutting them.

✅ Standard Square Included: All SiriPro manual tile cutters come equipped with a standard square, which assists in making repetitive cuts and measurements faster and more accurately. This feature is invaluable for projects requiring consistent tile sizes and shapes.

✅ Square Extension (Optional Extra): For even greater functionality, a square extension can be added to the cutters. This extension is particularly useful for larger projects where extended reach and additional support are needed for the tiles during the cutting process.

You can purchase the SiriPro range now at a special offer price exclusively at EMC Tiles.

2. Rubi Tile Cutters

Rubi tile cutters are renowned for their robustness and precision, making them a favourite among tiling professionals. At EMC Tiles we proudly stock a selection of Rubi tile cutters, including the Rubi TX-710 MAX Manual Tile Cutter 71cm and the Rubi BL-ND-180 Smart Electric Tile Cutter. These models are designed for intensive cutting and feature advanced technology to handle all types of ceramic, porcelain and extruded tiles.

✅ Features of the 71cm Rubi TX-710 MAX Manual Tile Cutter:

• Intensive Cutting Design: The 71cm 17909 TX-MAX is engineered for heavy-duty cutting, making it ideal for professional environments where durability and reliability are critical. This model can handle the rigorous demands of cutting harder, thicker tiles frequently used in commercial projects.
• High Performance: This cutter is specifically designed to deliver high-performance results with minimal effort, allowing for precision cuts that maintain the integrity and appearance of the tiles.
• Versatility: Although it is robust, the manual 71cm model is also surprisingly agile, capable of making both straight and diagonal cuts with precision, fitting a variety of tiling needs.

✅ Overview of the Rubi BL-ND-180 Smart Electric Tile Cutter:

• Electric Power: The BL-ND-180 Smart Electric Tile Cutter represents the pinnacle of convenience and cutting power in Rubi’s lineup, equipped with a 180mm diamond blade that slices through porcelain, ceramic, stone tiles and other materials with ease.
• Wet Cutting Features: This model uses a water-cooled system to keep the diamond blade at optimal temperatures, reducing dust and prolonging blade life. The water system also enhances cutting precision by reducing friction and preventing tile breakage.
• Tip-Up Table for Mitring: One of the standout features of the BL-ND-180 is its tip-up table, which allows for easy adjustments when making mitre cuts. This capability is essential for projects requiring a high level of detail and fitting, such as intricate layouts and designs.
• Compact Design: Despite its powerful capabilities, the BL-ND-180 is designed to be compact and easy to handle, making it suitable for both shop settings and on-site jobs. It can cut tiles up to 35mm in height, providing ample flexibility for most tiling tasks.

✅ Special Features of Rubi Tile Cutters:

• Precision and Control: Both Rubi models are designed with precision in mind, featuring cutting guides and scales that enhance measurement accuracy and reduce waste.
• Durability and Build Quality: Constructed from high-quality materials, these cutters are built to last and withstand the demands of frequent use.
• Ease of Use: With their user-friendly designs, both the manual and electric cutters are easy to operate, making them accessible to professionals and amateurs alike.

When it comes to Rubi tile cutters, it is evident that traditional craftsmanship meets modern technology. Whether you are tackling a large commercial project or a small home renovation, these Rubi models provide the tools necessary to achieve professional-quality results.

3. Siri Briccolina Electric Tile Cutter

The Siri Briccolina Electric Tile Cutter is a versatile and efficient tool for cutting ceramic tiles, porcelain, marble and granite, available in both 110V and 230V versions. This portable wet saw is specifically designed to meet the needs of both professional tilers and DIY enthusiasts who require precision and reliability in their cutting tools.

✅ Features and Capabilities of the Briccolina Wet Saw:

• Dual Voltage Options: The Briccolina is available in 110V and 230V models, accommodating different power supply requirements and making it suitable for various job sites and home use.
• Portability: Despite its robust functionality, the Briccolina is designed for easy transport. Its compact size and case-shaped frame make it ideal for moving between different work locations or storing when not in use.
• Cutting Versatility: This wet saw excels in making linear and diagonal cuts with no limit in length, which is particularly beneficial for large tiling projects. It also supports 45-degree mitred cuts, allowing for detailed and angled cutting necessary for intricate designs.

✅ Unique Aspects of the Siri Briccolina Cutter:

• Motor Immersed in Cooling Water: One of the standout features of the Briccolina is its motor placement within the cooling water. This design helps maintain the motor at optimal operating temperatures, significantly reducing the risk of overheating and extending the life of the machine.
• Thermal Cut-Out Feature: Safety is a paramount concern with any power tool, and the Briccolina addresses this with a thermal cut-out mechanism. This feature automatically shuts off the power if the motor begins to overheat, preventing damage to the machine and enhancing user safety.
• High-Quality Blade: Equipped with a 150mm blade, the Briccolina can handle various types of tile materials, providing clean and precise cuts. The blade is specifically designed to work efficiently under wet conditions, further enhanced by the wet saw’s water tank system.
• Two Plastic Supports: For additional stability during cutting, the Briccolina includes two plastic supports. These supports aid in managing large or unwieldy tiles during the cutting process, ensuring accuracy and reducing the chance of errors.

Whether in a workshop or on a job site, the Siri Briccolina Electric Tile Cutter offers the precision and reliability needed to complete any tiling project with confidence.

Shop At EMC Tiles

At EMC Tiles, we are committed to providing our customers with only the highest quality wall and floor tiles, tile cutters and tiling materials all under one roof!

We understand the importance of having the right tool for the job, which is why we are excited to offer these high-quality tile cutters at a special price. Whether you are looking to handle large format tiles with a SiriPro manual tile cutter or need the precision of a Rubi electric tile cutter for intricate cuts, now is the perfect time to acquire these essential tools.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your hands on professional-grade equipment at unbeatable prices!