cutting mosaic tile

amakarevic · 06-04-2008, 10:51 AM

i know that the smaller a tile you use, the less chance you will have to cut it but there is always a chance.

my entire bathroom, both floor and walls, is going to be 1x1 mosaic.

i was wondering what the best tool would be to cut them ? will a 14 in snap cutter suffice ? i saw they had 14, 16, and 18 in snap cutters at lowes. perhaps something else ?

thanks,

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angus242 · 06-04-2008, 11:37 AM

I've always used my wet saw without issue. At times, you may have to pull an individual tile (or two) off the mesh backing and cut it that way. But wet saw has worked just fine for me!

amakarevic · 06-04-2008, 12:24 PM

which wet saw do you recommend ? will the el cheapo $80 one from HD/lowes suffice ?

angus242 · 06-04-2008, 12:54 PM

If you're buying the saw for just this project, sure. They do work well enough for a project or two. If you planned on doing more tile work around your house, I'd consider getting something better OR just renting a nice saw. If you go the route of the $70-$90 saws, maybe spend a few extra bucks and get a decent blade for it. The cheapos don't have enough power to cut thick tiles but if you get a decent blade, when you're cutting the mosaics or plain old ceramic, at least you shouldn't be chipping too much of the tile when cutting.

Bud Cline · 06-04-2008, 02:26 PM

Can't be done with a "snap cutter".

Use a wet saw.

amakarevic · 06-04-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angus242

...if you get a decent blade...

what would be a decent blade to get ?

thanks,

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angus242 · 06-04-2008, 05:02 PM

I suppose it depends on what saw you get and the type of tile you plan on cutting. Point being, those cheapo saws come with cheapo blades that will chip your tiles when cutting.
A good blade will run you $25-$60. MK, Felker are good. Green Hornet is a very good blade, don't remember quite off the top of my head where to get them from.