Can I cut tile with a metal grinder?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can cut tile with a metal grinder. A metal grinder, also known as an angle grinder, is a power tool that can be used for cutting, grinding, polishing, and sanding a variety of materials including metal, concrete, masonry, and tile. An angle grinder is fitted with an abrasive cutting or grinding disc that rotates at high speeds to cut through tile and other rigid materials. With the proper cutting disc, an angle grinder is an effective tool for straight cuts and curvy cuts in ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles.

Can All Tile Types Be Cut with A Grinder?

Most types of tile can be cut with an angle grinder, including:

– Ceramic tile
– Porcelain tile
– Natural stone tile like marble, granite, slate etc.
– Glass tile
– Mosaic tile sheets

Tiles made of softer materials like limestone or sandstone would be more difficult to get clean cuts in and may require a wet saw instead. Very thick tiles may also be challenging for a grinder to cut through. But for most general home tile projects, a grinder can make the necessary straight or curved cuts in tile.

Advantages of Using a Grinder to Cut Tile

There are some advantages to using an angle grinder to cut tile as opposed to other tile cutting tools:

• Less expensive than a tile wet saw – Grinders can cut tile for much lower cost than buying a specialized wet saw.
• Make curved cuts – The freehand nature of a grinder makes it easier to follow curved lines or cut custom shapes in tile.
• No water source needed – Angle grinders are dry cutting tools so no water hookup or drainage is necessary.
• More portable – Grinders are lightweight and easy to move compared to a heavy wet saw.

For tile jobs requiring mainly straight cuts, a tile saw often provides the cleanest cut. But for DIYers doing small jobs or wanting to make shaped cuts, a grinder can be a very useful tile cutting tool.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to safely and effectively cut tile with an angle grinder:

1. Select the proper cutting disc – Use a diamond tile blade designed for dry cutting. A 4-1/2″ or 5″ tile blade is common. Ensure it is rated for the maximum RPM of your grinder.
2. Mark the tile – Measure and mark your cut line with a pencil. Use a square or straightedge to ensure straight cuts.
3. Secure tile – Clamp the tile firmly to a steady work surface, keeping the cut mark lined up near the edge.
4. Position grinder – Hold the grinder so the cutting disc lines up with the cut mark on the tile. The grinder should be at a 5-10 degree angle to the tile.
5. Make cut – Power on grinder and slowly lower it until disc contacts tile. Keep steady downward force as you move grinder along cut mark.
6. Cut any additional tiles – Repeat process to cut additional tiles. Periodically check that cut marks line up.
7. Smooth cut edge (optional) – Use a grinding stone bit to lightly smooth any rough edges on cut.

Always wear eye and ear protection when operating an angle grinder. Keep grinder moving steadily along the cut and let the tool do the work. Forcing it can cause choppy cuts or damage the disc. Cut tile over scrap wood to avoid damaging the work surface below.

Grinder Tile Cutting Tips

• Go slowly on the initial cut to score the glazed tile surface before cutting through entirely.
• For tiles over 12 inches, make several shallow scoring passes rather than one deep pass.
• Move grinder in straight lines or gentle curves. Sharp changes in direction can fracture tile.
• Cut tile face up when possible for better control and cleaner edge.
• Keep cutting disc centered on the mark to avoid edge chipping.
• Apply light, steady pressure – don’t force the grinder.
• Spray cutting line with water to reduce dust and friction.
• Have a shop vac nearby to control dust and debris while cutting.

Best Practices

Follow these practices when using an angle grinder to cut tile:

• Use the proper tile cutting blade – Don’t substitute a metal grinding disc.
• Wear safety goggles and hearing protection – debris can kick up while cutting.
• Work outdoors if possible – cutting tile indoors creates a lot of dust.
• Don’t force the tool – let the spinning disc do the work.
• Make gradual turns for curved cuts – sharp turns can fracture tile.
• Cut tile face up when possible for cleaner edge.
• Keep grinder moving at an even pace through the cut.
• Use a wet sponge or vacuum to control dust and debris.

Proper use of an angle grinder can make tile cutting much easier. With care and caution, DIYers can achieve professional-looking tile cuts.

Common Mistakes

It’s important to avoid these common mistakes when using an angle grinder to cut tile:

• Using the wrong disc – A metal cutting disc won’t provide clean tile cuts.
• No safety gear – Tile shards and dust can be dangerous without goggles/mask.
• Uneven hand pressure – This can chip tile edges or break the disc.
• Cutting too fast – Rushing through cuts leads to fractured tiles.
• Twisting disc – Grinder disc should slide straight, not twist.
• Trying to cut too thick – May exceed disc’s cutting depth.
• No dust control – Tile dust gets everywhere without containment.
• Poor supporting – Unsecured tiles lead to messy cuts.

Avoiding these mistakes takes a little care and experience. Few tile jobs are ruined by cutting too slowly and carefully controlling the grinder. Rushed cuts and improper technique are the main causes of tile cutting problems.

Safety Tips

Cutting tile with an angle grinder poses some safety concerns, including:

• Flying debris – Wear eye protection to guard against shards.
• Loud noise – Use ear plugs or muffs to prevent hearing damage.
• Dust hazard – Utilize a mask or respirator to avoid inhaling fine tile dust.
• Sharp grinder disc – Keep hands clear and don’t touch a spinning disc.
• Sparks – Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
• Electrocution – Avoid water exposure to reduce shock risk.

Other key angle grinder safety tips when cutting tile include:

• Unplug tool before changing discs
• Ensure disc is rated for maximum grinder RPM
• Allow grinder disc to reach full speed before cutting
• Use grinder handle for better control
• Don’t cut above chest height
• Don’t force the grinder – ease into cuts

Stay alert, work carefully, and position tile securely to maximize safety when using an angle grinder.

Cost Comparison

Here is a cost comparison of using an angle grinder vs a tile wet saw to cut tile:

Tool	Cost
4-1/2″ Angle Grinder	$50-$100
Diamond Tile Blade	$10-$30
Tile Wet Saw	$200-$800

As the table illustrates, a grinder is significantly cheaper than a tile saw, especially for DIYers who may only tackle the occasional tile job. Tile saws provide very clean cuts for frequent tiling work, but are a major investment.

An angle grinder can cut tile for a fraction of the cost of a wet saw. Grinder and blade cost $60-$130 total, while a decent quality saw ranges from $200 to $800 or more.

Limitations

While grinders can cut tile, they do have some limitations:

• Not as precise as tile saw – Small variations in hand cutting.
• Higher chance of chipping – No water cooling the blade.
• Not recommended for high volume – Tedious compared to tile saw.
• Creates more dust – No water to control debris.
• Curved cuts can be tricky – Practice helps.
• Thicker tile is harder to cut – Limit based on disc diameter.

For very precise cuts, perfectly smooth edges, or large tile jobs, a wet saw is still preferable. But for small jobs, straight or simple curved cuts, grinders work fine. Just account for potential chipping, slower pace, and higher dust levels.

Conclusion

While most pro tilers use wet saws, DIYers can cut ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile using an inexpensive angle grinder fitted with a diamond tile cutting blade.

A grinder allows straight or curved freehand cuts without need for water hookup or drainage. Cutting tile with a grinder takes a gentle touch and some experience, but can produce clean results. Safety gear like goggles, gloves, and a mask are a must.

Angle grinders offer a very low cost, portable way to cut tile for small jobs or infrequent tilers. Yet their dust production, potential for chipping edges, and lack of precision mean tile saws still reign for frequent or high volume tile cutting.