help cutting tiles

wallbash

No one seems to like my idea of an angle grinder!!

I would not suggest it I had not done a number of times,The trouuble with using a
ceramic tile blade in a jigsaw is the vibrations,also getting a straight cut.

But as your 'faceplate' is larger than the back box , a perfect hole is not required, your mistakes ( within reason ) are hidden.If you use a worn stone cutting disc ( smaller diameter) its easy.Cut from the back side!!, much less problem of slipping.

Canucklehead

wallbash wrote: »

No one seems to like my idea of an angle grinder!!

I would not suggest it I had not done a number of times,The trouuble with using a
ceramic tile blade in a jigsaw is the vibrations,also getting a straight cut.

But as your 'faceplate' is larger than the back box , a perfect hole is not required, your mistakes ( within reason ) are hidden.If you use a worn stone cutting disc ( smaller diameter) its easy.Cut from the back side!!, much less problem of slipping.

I did but forgot to mention it. I also left it too long between typing and posting.:rolleyes:
weekendwarrior's wet cutter is less dusty but the OP might not have one.
OP seems to have moved on

Corgi Guy.

wallbash

:beer:

'weekendwarrior's wet cutter is less dusty' yes but looks a touch dangerous
to me ! also how do you position the blade to cut in the correct place???

longwalks1

sorry people am away for a month so will try the angle grinder route first upon my return

wallbash

:beer:

My method !

Transfer the pencil marks to the back of the tile. Check it by holding a backbox to the marks. If possible clamp tile to a piece of wood larger than tile. You WILL damage this wood!
I then clamp ( tile and wood ) to my work mate.
Seems a lot of work, but safety :rolleyes: is my middle name ( thats keeps the health and safety gestapo of my back)

Now using an angle grinder ( a well worn disc is best) cut well inside the marks.
Remember at the corners to take extra care. You can ( because its a fair size hole ...double box, ) remove a smaller rectangle, which allows easier access to the corner.

With elec back boxes you really only need a basic hole, the face plate covers all problems.You only need to make certain that you have got clearance for the two thin screws to attach face to back box.

Good luck .

plumb1_2

wallbash wrote: »

No one seems to like my idea of an angle grinder!!

I would not suggest it I had not done a number of times,The trouuble with using a
ceramic tile blade in a jigsaw is the vibrations,also getting a straight cut.

But as your 'faceplate' is larger than the back box , a perfect hole is not required, your mistakes ( within reason ) are hidden.If you use a worn stone cutting disc ( smaller diameter) its easy.Cut from the back side!!, much less problem of slipping.

I have used an angle grinder 100,s of times, always use a diamond wet cut blade.

wallbash

I have used an angle grinder 100,s of times, always use a diamond wet cut blade.

I also ALWAYS use a diamond wet cut blade.BUT NOT for holes
Would love to know how to cut a hole with the standard wet blade?

weekendwarrior

wallbash wrote: »

I also ALWAYS use a diamond wet cut blade.BUT NOT for holes
Would love to know how to cut a hole with the standard wet blade?

Here is the link again-

http://www.ultimatehandyman.org/videos/186/how-to-cut-a-square-hole-in-a-tile

wallbash

If you think I'm getting my fingers that close.... think again

weekendwarrior

I have a friend that is a tiler and apparently a diamond wet blade is not that good at cutting flesh, he said to me once that when he gets a new apprentice he starts the machine off and then squeezes the edge of the blade with his fore finger and thumb.

NOT THAT I RECOMMEND ANYONE TO TRY THIS!