Any recommendations for a diamond wheel tile cutter which must be capable of
handling floor tiles. I bought a 'Challenge' cutter at Argos for £29.99 but
the wheel is catching on the base of the water trough and the stick-on
rulers are peeling off, therefore I haven't even attempted to use it. The
device is made in China, which doesn't really instil confidence, and is
marketed by Hilka. It's going back to Argos ASAP. Argos have a more
expensive machine - the Pro Tiler Plus @ £39.99 - has anyone any experience
of this model? Although the cutting wheel is smaller (110mm compared
180mm), it has a transparent blade guard and will handle 45 & 22.5 degree
cuts and it's claimed to handle tiles up to 25mm thick. The Plasplugs
models at this sort of price seem underpowered and flimsy and I would prefer
all metal construction.

I realise that I would probably have to pay over £150 for a
semi-professional machine, but I only want one for my kitchen floor and
bathroom walls. Any advice would be appreciated as I'm now under a deadline
to finish the kitchen. I would also like some advice on suitable adhesives
and grout for my kitchen floor, which is now concrete as I've removed the
old vinyl tiles, although some of the old black adhesive still remains (it's
impossible to remove). I would prefer to use self-mix powder types.

Terry D.

Terry D wrote:
The Plasplugs
models at this sort of price seem underpowered and flimsy and I would prefer
all metal construction.

But they have very good quality motors, which is what really counts
here. I have a 4" PlasPlugs one, which I've used for a range of tiles
and stone, including some incredibly hard ceramic tiles. It has so far
performed flawlessly.

There's little point in a larger blade if the sufficient torque isn't
available to drive it.

As for it being flimsy, I'm not really sure what you mean.


--
Grunff

Grunff wrote:
Terry D wrote:
The Plasplugs
models at this sort of price seem underpowered and flimsy and I
would prefer all metal construction.

But they have very good quality motors, which is what really counts
here. I have a 4" PlasPlugs one, which I've used for a range of tiles
and stone, including some incredibly hard ceramic tiles. It has so far
performed flawlessly.

There's little point in a larger blade if the sufficient torque isn't
available to drive it.

As for it being flimsy, I'm not really sure what you mean.

Flimsy was perhaps a bad choice of word. On further investigation, the Pro
Tiler Plus at Argos is actually a PlasPlugs model, which is not stated on
the website, only in their catalogue. However, the Argos catalogue states a
wheel diameter of 110mm, whereas the same machine on the Tooled-Up web-site
specifies 180mm. I appreciate that this is not really important, but 70mm
is quite a difference. The problem with Argos is that you can't see before
buying. I guess it's back to good old B&Q if I get a refund from Argos.

Terry D.

In article , Terry D wrote:
is quite a difference. The problem with Argos is that you can't see before
buying. I guess it's back to good old B&Q if I get a refund from Argos.


I've been able to look at things before buying in Argos. Just explain
what you want to do and they'll oblige.

--
simon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk
Simon Barr.
'97 110 300Tdi.

"Terry D" wrote in message
...
Any recommendations for a diamond wheel tile cutter which must be capable
of
handling floor tiles. I bought a 'Challenge' cutter at Argos for £29.99
but
the wheel is catching on the base of the water trough and the stick-on
rulers are peeling off, therefore I haven't even attempted to use it. The
device is made in China, which doesn't really instil confidence, and is
marketed by Hilka. It's going back to Argos ASAP. Argos have a more
expensive machine - the Pro Tiler Plus @ £39.99 - has anyone any
experience
of this model? Although the cutting wheel is smaller (110mm compared
180mm), it has a transparent blade guard and will handle 45 & 22.5 degree
cuts and it's claimed to handle tiles up to 25mm thick. The Plasplugs
models at this sort of price seem underpowered and flimsy and I would
prefer
all metal construction.

I have only positive things to say about the plasplugs model, although I did
take the first one back as bracket holding the water gaurd was bent. It has
now been used to tile the porch and bathroom, with tiles from 12-15mm
thickness with no problems at all.

Personally I would imagine that the overall quality of a cheap plastic
version is better than a cheap metal one. At this level you need the money
to have been spent in the right places, and my first priority would be the
motor rather than the casing.

I don't rate the stick on rulers of the plasplugs or the tile guide, but
with careful set up and use there is no problem repeatably cuting square
edges, or cutting small angles where required.

cheers

David

David wrote:
"Terry D" wrote in message
...
Any recommendations for a diamond wheel tile cutter which must be
capable of handling floor tiles. I bought a 'Challenge' cutter at
Argos for £29.99 but the wheel is catching on the base of the water
trough and the stick-on rulers are peeling off, therefore I haven't
even attempted to use it. The device is made in China, which
doesn't really instil confidence, and is marketed by Hilka. It's
going back to Argos ASAP. Argos have a more expensive machine - the
Pro Tiler Plus @ £39.99 - has anyone any experience of this model?
Although the cutting wheel is smaller (110mm compared 180mm), it has
a transparent blade guard and will handle 45 & 22.5 degree cuts and
it's claimed to handle tiles up to 25mm thick. The Plasplugs models
at this sort of price seem underpowered and flimsy and I would
prefer all metal construction.

I have only positive things to say about the plasplugs model,
although I did take the first one back as bracket holding the water
gaurd was bent. It has now been used to tile the porch and bathroom,
with tiles from 12-15mm thickness with no problems at all.

Personally I would imagine that the overall quality of a cheap plastic
version is better than a cheap metal one. At this level you need the
money to have been spent in the right places, and my first priority
would be the motor rather than the casing.

I don't rate the stick on rulers of the plasplugs or the tile guide,
but with careful set up and use there is no problem repeatably cuting
square edges, or cutting small angles where required.

cheers

David

Thanks to everybody for all the useful advice - I think I'll go with the
PlasPlugs Pro Tiler Plus. I would still appreciate any advice on ahesives &
grout.

Terry D.

Terry D wrote:

I would still appreciate any advice on ahesives & grout.

This is not a particularly demanding application - so I wouldn't worry
about it too much. I usually use BAL adhesive and grout, and have had
good results with their products. Having said that, I've heard a few
horror stories about BAL products.

--
Grunff

Any recommendations for a diamond wheel tile cutter which must be capable
of
handling floor tiles.

I lost my tile cutter (since found it again in the garden shed).

I ended up cutting my floor tiles (riven slate) freehand with a 6.99
screwfix 115mm angle grinder with a diamond disc (which cost slightly more
than the grinder). It worked perfectly and was no problem getting a straight
cut if you mark the lines out before hand. Excellent for cutting difficult
bits, too. I don't know how it would work on ceramic tiles, but suspect it
might work OK.

I would also like some advice on suitable adhesives and grout for my
kitchen floor, which is now concrete as I've removed the old vinyl
tiles,

I've always used the best I could find. In my case that was Arduflex 7001 TS
(as I was laying onto wood), although there is almost certainly several more
suitable Arduflex adhesives in the range. They do grout, too.

http://www.ardex.co.uk/tileadhesives_grouts.asp

Christian.

In article ,
Christian McArdle wrote:
I ended up cutting my floor tiles (riven slate) freehand with a 6.99
screwfix 115mm angle grinder with a diamond disc (which cost slightly
more than the grinder). It worked perfectly and was no problem getting a
straight cut if you mark the lines out before hand. Excellent for
cutting difficult bits, too. I don't know how it would work on ceramic
tiles, but suspect it might work OK.

Personally, I only use an angle grinder where I haven't got a safer tool.
So hardly ever, as I'm terrified of the things. A proper wet bath diamond
wheel tile cutter is near safe enough to let a child use.

--
*I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don't care.

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

Christian McArdle wrote:

I've always used the best I could find. In my case that was Arduflex 7001 TS
(as I was laying onto wood), although there is almost certainly several more
suitable Arduflex adhesives in the range. They do grout, too.

How do you know/decide what is "the best I could find"?

--
Chris Green

How do you know/decide what is "the best I could find"?

I read the technical notes and see who sounds more convincing. Most
manufacturers didn't even have a specialist product for timber floors.

Christian.

I have only positive things to say about the plasplugs model,
although I did take the first one back as bracket holding the water
gaurd was bent. It has now been used to tile the porch and bathroom,
with tiles from 12-15mm thickness with no problems at all.

Personally I would imagine that the overall quality of a cheap plastic
version is better than a cheap metal one. At this level you need the
money to have been spent in the right places, and my first priority
would be the motor rather than the casing.

I don't rate the stick on rulers of the plasplugs or the tile guide,
but with careful set up and use there is no problem repeatably cuting
square edges, or cutting small angles where required.

cheers

David

I returned the Challenge tile cutter to Argos and bought the PlasPlugs Pro
Tiler Plus for £10 more (£39.99). I now stand by my original comment of
'flimsy'. The whole thing appears just a piece of cheap, mostly plastic
junk and weighs less than half of the Challenge sturdy all-metal
constuction. The adjustments for mitre cutting are just a joke - just thin
flexible lugs which are supposed to fit into moulded guides. I can see
these breaking off in no time, although fortunately I won't be cutting many
mitres. The ruler guides are also showing signs of unsticking themselves,
as with the Challenge. The integral water reservoir however seems better
than the Challenge cutter. I'll give it a go but at the first sign of
trouble, it's back to Argos again. I suppose at these prices I shouldn't
really complain too much, but if I paid any more I may as well employ a
professional tiler. On reflection, I now wish I'd gone for vinyl flooring
as I now still have to buy the adhesive & grout and also suffer the kitchen
out of action for at least 24 hours :-(

Terry D.

In article ,
Terry D wrote:
I returned the Challenge tile cutter to Argos and bought the PlasPlugs
Pro Tiler Plus for £10 more (£39.99). I now stand by my original
comment of 'flimsy'. The whole thing appears just a piece of cheap,
mostly plastic junk and weighs less than half of the Challenge sturdy
all-metal constuction. The adjustments for mitre cutting are just a
joke - just thin flexible lugs which are supposed to fit into moulded
guides. I can see these breaking off in no time, although fortunately I
won't be cutting many mitres. The ruler guides are also showing signs
of unsticking themselves, as with the Challenge.

A word of advice. It's not a hammer and chisel way of splitting tiles, but
a saw. Use it gently - let the saw do the work - and it'll be fine. Of
course it's not a pro tool, but it's not a pro price. And also as
something which will be used infrequently, you might appreciate the light
weight for storing on a top shelf, etc.

I'm normally all in favour of the best quality tools even at the price,
but in this case I think you'll find the Plasplugs ok once you're used to
it.

--
*Why do the two "sanction"s (noun and verb) mean opposites?*

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

In article ,
Terry D wrote:
The Plasplugs models at this sort of price seem underpowered and flimsy
and I would prefer all metal construction.

Well, I've cut most sorts of tiles - including 1" thick marble with mine,
and it didn't seem lacking in power. Of course you must let the saw do the
work.

As regards all metal construction, fine if it was ally. But at the cheaper
end, steel rusts.

--
*Gravity is a myth, the earth sucks *

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

Having just done another floor with a score and snap cutter, I feel obliged
to sing the praises of this method for straight cuts. The Rubi uses a
forward stroke and snaps from the far end of the score, which gives you a
time of
around 10 seconds per tile (no, I didn't break any and, no, I'm not a pro).
I know time isn't everything but, faced with lopping an inch off 24 tiles,
I'm glad I wasn't having to saw them.

Having just done another floor with a score and snap cutter, I feel
obliged
to sing the praises of this method for straight cuts. The Rubi uses a
forward stroke and snaps from the far end of the score, which gives you a
time of around 10 seconds per tile

I'd certainly agree, assuming you have ceramic tiles capable of being
snapped. It's a bit more difficult for diagonal cuts, as the snapping part
won't work and the tool may not be long enough. And I wouldn't even attempt
it with riven slate!

Christian.

Christian McArdle wrote in message 40d2af8d$0$284

I'd certainly agree, assuming you have ceramic tiles capable of being
snapped. It's a bit more difficult for diagonal cuts, as the snapping part
won't work and the tool may not be long enough.
I don't think this presents a problem on the Rubi, which takes a 12" tile
diagonally and the snapper works fine at that angle.
The offcut limit Dave refers to is more like half an inch, which I suppose
is splitting hairs. Under that it is still good for doing the score but you
have to nibble the offcut. Now there's a technique I haven't really
mastered. I've watched tilers using those nibblers to cut shapes, but it
never works for me.
Overall I'd say a *good* snapper comes into its own on floors because a 12"
tile is as quick to cut as a 6", plus the tool is right next to you the
whole time. Bad enough being on your knees but getting up and down for each
cut is a pain.

In article ,
stuart noble wrote:
Having just done another floor with a score and snap cutter, I feel
obliged to sing the praises of this method for straight cuts. The Rubi
uses a forward stroke and snaps from the far end of the score, which
gives you a time of around 10 seconds per tile (no, I didn't break any
and, no, I'm not a pro). I know time isn't everything but, faced with
lopping an inch off 24 tiles, I'm glad I wasn't having to saw them.

The snag starts when it's less than perhaps an inch, and the score and
snap method fails. Especially where it's the inch part that's needed.

Personally, I enjoy using my diamond wheel cutter, even although it takes
more time. Different if you're a pro and time is money, I suppose.

--
*Aim Low, Reach Your Goals, Avoid Disappointment *

Dave Plowman London SW 12
RIP Acorn

"Dave Plowman" wrote in message
...
In article ,
stuart noble wrote:
Having just done another floor with a score and snap cutter, I feel
obliged to sing the praises of this method for straight cuts. The Rubi
uses a forward stroke and snaps from the far end of the score, which
gives you a time of around 10 seconds per tile (no, I didn't break any
and, no, I'm not a pro). I know time isn't everything but, faced with
lopping an inch off 24 tiles, I'm glad I wasn't having to saw them.

The snag starts when it's less than perhaps an inch, and the score and
snap method fails. Especially where it's the inch part that's needed.

Personally, I enjoy using my diamond wheel cutter, even although it takes
more time. Different if you're a pro and time is money, I suppose.

I'd second the recommendation for the score-and-snap cutters, in particular
(in the DIY range and B&Q shelf availability) the Plasplug (bah!) Contractor
version, with the single action score-and-snap (rather than the cheaper
version where you score, then reposition the tile to snap). I use this for
95% of all cuts, a lot quicker and cleaner that the diamon-disc cutters, but
for that last 5% of "awkward" cuts (e.g. concave angles or nibbling arcs
etc.) then the diamond cutters come into their own. For £20 for the
Contracter cutter, I'd suggest it's not a case of which of the tools is
better, rather, both of the tools will help in their own way.

Regards

Mike Dodd wrote:

"Dave Plowman" wrote in message
...

In article ,
stuart noble wrote:

Having just done another floor with a score and snap cutter, I feel
obliged to sing the praises of this method for straight cuts. The Rubi
uses a forward stroke and snaps from the far end of the score, which
gives you a time of around 10 seconds per tile (no, I didn't break any
and, no, I'm not a pro). I know time isn't everything but, faced with
lopping an inch off 24 tiles, I'm glad I wasn't having to saw them.

The snag starts when it's less than perhaps an inch, and the score and
snap method fails. Especially where it's the inch part that's needed.

Personally, I enjoy using my diamond wheel cutter, even although it takes
more time. Different if you're a pro and time is money, I suppose.


I'd second the recommendation for the score-and-snap cutters, in particular
(in the DIY range and B&Q shelf availability) the Plasplug (bah!) Contractor
version, with the single action score-and-snap (rather than the cheaper
version where you score, then reposition the tile to snap). I use this for
95% of all cuts, a lot quicker and cleaner that the diamon-disc cutters, but
for that last 5% of "awkward" cuts (e.g. concave angles or nibbling arcs
etc.) then the diamond cutters come into their own. For £20 for the
Contracter cutter, I'd suggest it's not a case of which of the tools is
better, rather, both of the tools will help in their own way.


Ive got both. I tend to use teh diamind wheel excelusively, because it
can shave thous off a tile edge, and do the awkward stuf, and it is
really no bother. With te guard down it doesn't spalch much: I wear
glasses anyway these days, and a quick wipe is necessary doing alomost
any work.

Yes, your get wet. So what?

Regards