Templates for large format tiles

[Phil Hobson]

I know this has been covered in the past, but this may help new people get over a tricky cut. The tile is 900mm x 315mm (quite heavy) so here are some tips on getting a perfect cut, using a template. pic 1 shape needed, step 1 using cardboard make a template ( same size as tile) step two transfare template shape onto tile, step 3 cut tile, step 4 fix the tile. Simples

[peckers]

nicely done sir!

[TheWrightTiler]

couldnt have said it better mate

[Wingn]

Handy enough. Never used a template before, but looks like it could save a lot of time and messing about.

[Scott]

Lovely job What did you cut it with?

[Pebbs]

Phil you rock! lovely work.

Pebbs

[Phil Hobson]

Lovely job What did you cut it with?

Hi Scott, the cardboard template (scissors) sorry Scott couldn't resist. The tile, my DeWALT 24000 and some help from the Vitrex

[Scott]

Somehow i knew you were going to say the DeWalt, what part did the lowley vitrex play then?

[Ken Bruty]

I do it this way too Phil, it's far quicker than mucking about measuring it all three times on the angled bit, I find it keeps in profile better with the object you are cutting round also.

[Phil Hobson]

Phil you rock! lovely work.

Pebbs

Thanks Pebbs, from you, with the work I have seen you turn out, is praise indeed. Much appreciated

[Phil Hobson]

Somehow i knew you were going to say the DeWalt, what part did the lowley vitrex play then?

Hi Scott, the DeWALT can't get into the corners of a check out ( L shaped cut) the Vitrex is a top machine imo. ( sorry about the scissors gag)

[365drills]

Great step by step Phil ! for large format tiles

Yes recently we were sent some 800x400 porcelain to cut. Or rather to DRILL

And the one above at 800 x 400 is SMALL compared to your 900's !!

The customer was so nervous about drilling them he asked us to collect them
and to drill them under guarantee at our factory.

Just about fitted into our limo.


Marked out ready for cutting.. Then on to the movable boom drill press.


Holes taken out for the customer.


Two holes required on a Large Format Porcelain Tile.

These days its much harder to handle these new bigger sizes (hey I thought 600's were large) now they seem to be the norm!

So Phil is absolutely right that the tools and techniques must adapt with the bigger size and weight of these stones.

One example is the equipment we now have on site. We had to throw away our fixed Pillar Drill.


And re invest into a radial arm drill (above) with a movable boom

If you look closely at the head you can see that instead of it being fixed to the post that it has the adjustable boom.

That means we can move the diamond cores right out into the middle of a 900mm tile.

Will this industry please stand still !! Actually no... So its great to read / see that forward thinking career tilers are adapting to these materials and the challenges they throw up in "real life" situations.

Great post !