An electric tile cutter is the tool used to cut tiles in different shapes and sizes when laying flooring or creating tiled designs. There are both manual and power-driven tools that can be used to cut tile to the desired dimensions. The expertise and budget of the individual will determine which product is the best for the job. Either one of these items can be purchased online or in hardware stores.

Manual Tile Cutter

A manual cutter often leaves some portions of the tile uncut and may create cracks in the material. If a person is not a skilled professional when it comes to cutting this material, using this device may result in wasted tiles. Therefore, most novices opt to purchase the electric version because it provides a higher level of accuracy and will complete the job quickly. Electric saws can be found for as little as $100 online and in home improvement centers.

While the manual cutter requires that the individual provide a compartment for storing water, the electric version does not. The electric model also does not blow dust all over the room like the manual variety does. It collects the dust into the bottom of the machine for disposal when the job is complete. These features, combined with the ability to cut a clean, straight edge each time, make it the preferred device, especially when working with thick tiles.

To use this product, first place it on a flat, reinforced surface to keep it from wobbling and causing uneven cutting. Put on protective eye wear and use work gloves in order to protect the hands. Fill the included reservoir with water, making sure to keep the water at an adequate level throughout the cutting process. If the water level becomes too low, the device may overheat, possibly causing it to catch on fire.

Place marks on the back of the tile indicating where the cuts should be made, then turn on the device. To protect the hands, put a wood block between the body and the nearest end of the tile. Feed the tile into the device by pushing the wood forward. It is important to proceed slowly in order to get a precise cut and prevent cracking in the material.

Electric Tile Cutter

Once the cut has been made, turn off the device and remove the material. If additional cuts are required on the same piece, reposition it and begin the process again. Otherwise, move on to the next square and once finished with the project, empty the water reservoir and dust collection compartment. When the device is not in use, keep it unplugged and safely stored away from children.

An electric tile cutter will provide a more precise, complete cut than its manual counterpart. The product is relatively inexpensive and can be found online or in home improvement stores. Using this device requires protective equipment and proceeding carefully in order to avoid injury and to get a precise cut. The result will be a tile of the perfect shape or size for the job at hand, without the cost of paying a professional to do the cutting and installation.