Cutting, Tooling, and Equipment
Cutting, Tooling, and Equipment
Large format tile requires specialized cutting tools. A wet saw with a large table and a high-quality diamond blade is essential for straight cuts. For L-shaped or intricate cuts, a handheld grinder with a diamond blade or a tile hole saw is used. For porcelain, a high-quality diamond blade with continuous rim reduces chipping. Always use a coolant (water) when cutting to prevent overheating and dust. For drilling, use diamond core bits and a guide. Traps: using a snap cutter on porcelain LFT (it may not snap cleanly); cutting without water (creates dust and damages blade); and not dressing the blade. Worked example: To cut a 24x48 porcelain tile, use a wet saw with a 10-inch diamond blade and a sliding table. Mark the cut line, align the tile, and feed slowly. For a hole for a shower valve, use a diamond hole saw with a guide and water. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.