When tackling a tile cutting or removal project, having the right angle grinder blade is essential for making clean and precise cuts without damaging the surrounding tiles. Angle grinders are versatile power tools that can be fitted with different types of abrasive blades and discs to grind, cut, polish, sand, and sharpen a variety of materials. For tile work, you need a continuous rim diamond blade specifically designed for cutting ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles. Choosing the right type of tile cutting blade for your angle grinder will ensure efficient cutting and minimize hazards like blade breakage, tile chipping, and airborne dust.
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What is an angle grinder?
An angle grinder, also known as a side or disc grinder, is a handheld power tool that drives an abrasive disc or blade at high speeds to cut or grind materials. The motor spins the gear case at up to 10000-15000 RPM, providing significant cutting force through the disc’s circumference. Angle grinders typically range from 4-9 inches in disc diameter. Common brands include Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, and Milwaukee.
The key components of an angle grinder are:
- Motor – Provides power to spin the gear case and disc.
- Gear case – Houses gears to transfer rotational force from the motor to the spindle.
- Spindle – Attaches to the center bore of discs and blades for rotation.
- Paddle switch – Turns the grinder on and off.
- Wheel guard – Protective cover that surrounds the blade.
- Side handle – Adjustable front grip for controlling the grinder.
- Abrasive disc/blade – Interchangeable cutting accessory mounted on the spindle.
Angle grinders are extremely useful for cutting tile because their compact size allows you to make precise cuts and get into tight spaces. They also generate enough power to cut even hard porcelain tiles smoothly.
Choosing the right tile cutting blade
The most important factor in selecting an angle grinder blade for cutting tile is the material the tiles are made of. Common types of tile include:
- Ceramic – Made of clay that is fired at high temperatures. Tend to be softer and more porous.
- Porcelain – Denser and harder type of ceramic tile made from refined clay. Less porous.
- Natural stone – Tiles cut from granite, marble, slate, travertine, etc. Hardness varies.
- Glass tiles – Coated glass fused and cooled to form a tile. Very hard but brittle.
Harder tiles like porcelain and natural stone require diamond blades, while softer tiles like wall ceramic can be cut with an abrasive masonry blade.
The general types of angle grinder blades for tile cutting are:
- Diamond blade – Features industrial grade diamond segments permanently bonded around the core. Designed for smooth, cool cuts in hard tile. Lasts the longest.
- Abrasive blade – Has abrasive grits like aluminum oxide or silicon carbide embedded in the blade. Best for soft ceramic wall tiles. Wears faster than diamond.
- Dry-cut blade – Special diamond blade for making clean cuts without water cooling. Cuts slower than wet diamond blades.
Diamond segmented blades are ideal for most tile cutting projects because they withstand the heat and abrasion from hard tiles and provide the cleanest cut.
Factors to consider when selecting a tile cutting blade:
- Material of tiles – porcelain, ceramic, natural stone?
- Hardness of tiles – soft or very dense?
- Tile thickness – thin wall tiles vs. thick paver tiles
- Type of cuts – straight line rips or contour shaping?
- Dry or wet cutting? Diamond blades cut faster when cooled.
- RPM rating of blade must match grinder RPM
- Arbor size – match to your grinder’s spindle
- Safety – get a blade with proper guard and markings
Considering these factors will lead you to the right blade style, diameter, and specifications.
Tile Cutting Blade Types
Let’s take a detailed look at the types of angle grinder blades designed for cutting tile.
1. Continuous Rim Diamond Blade
The continuous rim diamond blade is the top choice for cutting all grades of ceramic and porcelain tiles. This professional quality blade has industrial diamonds continuously welded around its perimeter to grind through the hardest tiles with ease. The steel core lends stiffness while the diamond rim makes all the cuts.
Benefits:
- Cuts smooth and fast with diamond grit
- Long blade life – can cut over 100 linear feet before re-sharpening
- Wet or dry cutting
- Thin kerf for less tile chipping
- Available in sizes from 4” to 7” diameter
Continuous rim diamond blades will provide the highest performance and smoothest cuts in both wall and floor tiles. Their longevity also makes them the most cost effective per cut. Go with a blade diameter sized for your specific angle grinder.
2. Turbo Rim Diamond Blade
The turbo rim diamond blade is an enhanced continuous rim blade designed to cut 50% faster than standard diamond wheels. It features strategically spaced gullets along the rim to effectively channel away grinding swarf. The open segments also run cooler for a faster cutting speed.
Benefits:
- Up to 50% faster cutting than standard diamond blades
- Specialized rough-cut blade for rapid stock removal
- Gullets keep the blade from overheating and binding
- Great for cutting very hard porcelain or natural stone
- Available in 4″, 4.5” and 7” diameters
Choose a turbo rim blade when you need to make long cuts or cut especially dense tiles. The extra cutting speed reduces grinding time for greater efficiency on big jobs. They do wear out faster than continuous blades but the time savings are worth it.
3. Abrasive Masonry Cutting Blade
Abrasive masonry tile blades use aluminum oxide or silicon carbide grits instead of diamond segments. The abrasive grains are bonded to the steel blade to grind quickly through ceramic and masonry materials. They lack the durability of diamond but are most cost effective for only occasional tile cutting.
Key features:
- Cuts with abrasive grits like aluminum oxide or silicon carbide
- Designed for wall tiles and masonry
- Most economical option
- Cuts faster when water cooled
- Wears down faster – good for only occasional use
- 4” to 7” diameter sizes
Abrasive tile cutting blades work best on softer wall tiles up to 1/4” thick. Their fast cutting action lets you make quick work of simple ceramic tile jobs. Replace the blade after it starts cutting slower from use.
4. Dry-Cut Diamond Blade
As the name describes, dry-cut diamond blades allow you to cut tile without water cooling. This specialized blade has wider diamond segments and gullets engineered to slice smoothly while running at hotter temperatures. Using no water means no mess, especially helpful for indoor tile demolition.
Key advantages:
- Cuts tile with no water required
- Wider segments resist overheating
- Gullet design removes dust while cutting
- Up to 30% slower than wet cutting diamond blades
- Best for indoor tile removal
- 4.5” and 7” sizes common
Dry-cut blades make tile demolition cleaner and more convenient by cutting dry. They still provide the durability of diamond for hard tile materials. Just expect noticeably slower cut speeds than a standard wet diamond blade.
Cutting Tile with an Angle Grinder Safely
Cutting tile with an angle grinder and diamond blade is an efficient process but also comes with safety hazards. Follow these tips for safe tile cutting:
- Wear eye protection to shield your eyes from flying shards and debris.
- Use an N95 respirator mask to prevent inhaling dangerous silica dust.
- Diamond blades must be used with water to limit abrasive dust and keep the blade cool.
- Never cut tile without the proper wheel guard installed.
- Avoid cutting near power cords and plumbing lines.
- Work carefully to prevent tile chips – let the blade do the cutting.
- Keep your body positioned to avoid contact with the spinning blade.
With the right precautions, you can safely take on tiling projects using an angle grinder and diamond blade designed for the tiles you need to cut.
Selecting the Best Angle Grinder for Tile Cutting
In addition to the blade, choosing an angle grinder designed for tile cutting is also important:
- Opt for a 4.5” to 7” angle grinder – sufficient power with easier control.
- Look for a model with a paddle switch for quickly turning on and off.
- Side handle should adjust for maximum comfort and control.
- Higher RPM ranges like 10000-11000 provide optimal cutting speeds.
- Match the arbor size to your selected blade – usually 5/8″ or 7/8″.
- Ensure the grinder is rated for tile use – at least 15 amps of power.
- Consider a vacuum attachment to control dust.
Top brands like Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee make angle grinders well-suited to tile work. Investing in a quality grinder ensures durability, safety, and best performance when paired with the right tile cutting blade.
Conclusion
Cutting tile with an angle grinder requires selecting the proper blade designed for the tile material you need to cut. Continuous rim diamond blades are the top choice for their durability, smooth cutting ability, and versatility in most tile materials. Assess the hardness, thickness, and composition of your tiles to determine whether you need a standard diamond blade, turbo diamond blade, abrasive blade, or dry-cut diamond blade. With the right tile cutting blade installed, an angle grinder provides fast, efficient cuts for tiling and remodeling projects. Observe key safety precautions, choose a blade sized for your grinder, and you will achieve clean and accurate tile cuts.