What kind of grinding wheel do I need to cut tile?

When it comes to cutting tile, having the right tools for the job is critical. One of the most important tools you’ll need is a grinding wheel that is designed specifically for cutting tile. The grinding wheel you choose needs to be able to cut through the tile without cracking or chipping it. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right grinding wheel for cutting tile.

Diamond vs. Abrasive Grinding Wheels

Grinding wheels for cutting tile generally come in two main types: diamond grinding wheels and abrasive grinding wheels. Here’s a breakdown of each:

• Diamond grinding wheels – These wheels have industrial grade diamond particles embedded throughout. The diamonds are what actually grind and cut through the tile. Diamond wheels tend to provide a cleaner, smoother cut than abrasive wheels.
• Abrasive grinding wheels – These wheels are made from abrasive particles like silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. They grind away the tile using the abrasive material. Abrasive wheels are generally more affordable than diamond wheels.

In general, a diamond grinding wheel is preferable for tile cutting since it will produce a very clean, smooth edge. However, abrasive wheels can still get the job done at a lower cost.

Wet vs. Dry Cutting

Grinding wheels are also available in wet and dry cutting variations. Here’s the difference:

• Wet cutting wheels – Designed to cut tile when water is applied. The water prevents overheating and keeps dust under control.
• Dry cutting wheels – Made to cut tile without any water. Allows making cuts away from any water source.

Wet cutting wheels are the most common for tile work, since the water prevents overheating and keeps tile dust manageable. However, dry cutting wheels give you more flexibility to make cuts anywhere.

Grinding Wheel Grit

The grit size of the grinding wheel is also very important for cutting tile effectively. Higher grits around 50-60 grit will remove material faster, while lower grits around 100-200 create a smoother finish.

For ceramic or porcelain tile, a grinding wheel with a grit in the range of 30 to 60 is generally ideal. This allows fast cutting while still giving a smooth edge finish.

For natural stone tile, a slightly lower grit in the 50 to 100 range helps prevent chips and cracks in the stone. The softer stone requires a wheel that doesn’t grind quite as aggressively.

Grinding Wheel Size

Choosing the right size grinding wheel is also critical. You want an adequately sized wheel to span the tile’s width or length that you are cutting. Here are some common grinding wheel sizes for tile cutting:

• 4-1/2 inches – Good all-purpose size for cutting floor tile and wall tile
• 7 inches – Allows full cuts on 12-inch floor tile with some clearance
• 4 inches – Compact size good for wall tile and tight spaces
• 3 inches – Smaller wheel good for detailed cuts

Make sure to match the wheel size to your tile dimensions and the tile saw or angle grinder you are using. The wheel must fit appropriately on the saw or grinder for safe cutting.

Grinding Wheel Speed Rating

The maximum safe speed that the grinding wheel can spin at is also very important. This speed rating must be matched to your tile saw or angle grinder speed to ensure safe usage. Grinding wheels have speed ratings like 4500 RPM or 6000 RPM. Higher numbers allow faster cutting.

Always make sure your saw or grinder does not exceed the maximum speed rating of the grinding wheel. This could cause the wheel to break and pieces to fly off, creating a hazardous situation.

Grinding Wheel Types

There are a few basic types of grinding wheel designs that are best for cutting tile:

• Turbo rim wheels – Shaped like a rim with a flat face. Allows fast cutting while keeping the edge finish smooth.
• Double row wheels – Have two layers of diamonds/abrasives. Provides a very smooth cut and long wheel life.
• Electroplated wheels – Have abrasive particles bonded to the surface. Good for general purpose tile cutting.
• Vitrified wheels – Have abrasive particles fused together with glass/ceramic bonds. Creates a very hard, durable wheel.

For best performance, look for a turbo rim, double row, or vitrified grinding wheel. The more durable constructions ensures a long-lasting, high-quality wheel.

Grinding Wheel Brand

When selecting a grinding wheel brand, some reputable manufacturers to look for include:

• Norton
• MK Diamond
• Dewalt
• Bosch
• Raptor
• Metabo
• Continental Diamond

Sticking with a well-known brand helps ensure you get a high-quality, long-lasting grinding wheel that cuts cleanly and accurately.

Cooling Systems

Using a tile saw or angle grinder with an integrated water cooling system is highly recommended when cutting tile. The water prevents the tile and grinding wheel from overheating as you cut. This helps minimize cracking, chipping, and burning of the tile edge.

Ideally, look for a tile saw or grinder that recirculates the water and has an adjustable nozzle to direct the water stream onto the grinding wheel rim. This ensures adequate cooling throughout the cut.

Cutting Tile with an Angle Grinder

While a tile saw is usually preferable, you can cut tile using an angle grinder and grinding wheel. Here are some tips:

• Use a grinder sized 4-1/2 inch or larger for good control and wheel surface area.
• Match the wheel diameter, arbor size, speed rating, and thickness correctly to the grinder.
• Pick a turbo rim or double row wheel with proper grit for the tile material.
• Use steady, even pressure – don’t force the grinder when cutting.
• Keep the work area ventilated and wear a N95 dust mask.
• Use a wet sponge or water dispenser to keep the cutting line cooled and suppress dust.

With care and the proper wheel, an angle grinder can cut tile effectively. But a tile saw is still the best choice for convenience and optimal cuts.

Cutting Recommendations by Tile Type

Here are the grinding wheel specifications recommended for some common tile materials:

Tile Material	Grinding Wheel Grit	Wet/Dry
Ceramic	30-60 grit	Wet
Porcelain	30-60 grit	Wet
Granite	100 grit	Wet
Marble	100-200 grit	Wet
Travertine	100-200 grit	Wet
Slate	100 grit	Dry or Wet
Limestone	100-200 grit	Wet
Terrazzo	30-60 grit	Wet
Glass	30-60 grit	Wet

Following these recommendations will help ensure clean, smooth cuts when working with different tile materials. Always adjust based on how the wheel performs with your specific tile.

Choosing a Tile Saw

For best results cutting tile, invest in a good quality tile saw. Here are some things to look for when choosing a tile saw:

• Adjustable water nozzle – Aims water right at the cutting point for cooling.
• Water pump and catch basin – Recirculates water to minimize waste and mess.
• Rugged table surface – Supports the tile while cutting to prevent cracks and chips.
• Blade guard – Keeps the grinding wheel safely contained while in use.
• Cutting alignment guides – Allows lining up cuts accurately.
• Cut depth control – Adjusts blade exposure for part-depth cuts.
• Sliding table – Makes miter cuts and angled cuts easier.

Higher-end tile saws from brands like Dewalt, MK Diamond, and Makita offer excellent performance and features. But less expensive models from Skil, Ryobi, and Craftsman can still do the job.

Using Grinding Wheels Safely

When using any power tools, safety should always be your top concern. Here are some key tips for safe use of grinding wheels to cut tile:

• Read and follow the tool’s owner’s manual thoroughly.
• Always wear safety goggles or a face shield.
• Use dust extraction and ventilation to minimize inhaling dust.
• Wear hearing protection – tile cutting can be very loud.
• Keep your hands safely away from the spinning wheel.
• Avoid awkward hand positions that reduce control.
• Never force the tool or apply excessive pressure.
• Pay constant attention to wheel condition. Replace excessively worn or damaged wheels immediately.
• Keep bystanders and animals away from the work area.

Staying alert and using common sense goes a long way towards staying safe while using grinding wheels and other power tools.

Conclusion

Choosing the right grinding wheel makes all the difference when cutting tile. Look for a diamond or abrasive wheel with the appropriate grit, size, speed rating, and design for optimal performance and smooth finishing of the tile edge. Wet cutting wheels are generally preferred to suppress dust and prevent tile damage. Matching the wheel specifications to your specific tile saw or angle grinder model allows fast, clean, and safe cuts. Investing in a quality tile saw and using proper safety precautions will also go a long way towards hassle-free tile cutting. With the right grinding wheel and saw, you can take on any tile cutting job with confidence.