DIY Related: How do I .. cut a 400mm half circle?

[wrl-2]

IMAG0086.jpg

As you can see from picture, this is the bottom of my staircase.
The tiles (ceramic) are 300mm x 600mm x 10mm.
The bottom/base of the staircase is half circle rounded, 400mm.

How do I cut/shape the tile?

[whitebeam]

I'd use a paper template, use some linning paper, lay the tile on top and using a stanley knife cut round it and then template the curve..

I use a spare rubi cutting wheel in a handle and slowley score the tile after using a pencil or white marker from the template.

[Brinkley]

youwill never cut A U shape out of a tile around their put a wooden bead around and the tile in 2 pieces hiding the cut

[Bri]

youwill never cut A U shape out of a tile around their put a wooden bead around and the tile in 2 pieces hiding the cut

Is that full tile not touching the stairs? Need my eyes looking at!

[whitebeam]

It looked like it was touching, should've gone to specsavers.

[wrl-2]

Bri, Hi.

No the full tile is not touching the bottom of the stairs, it's actually about 20mm away. The stairs is actaually not square to the tiles, as a tiler you know all too well nothing is square. So not only do I need to make a 400mm half circle cut in the tile but it also needs an angled cut at the end of the half circle. Probably easy for you but for me .. this is why I'm here, for help .. lol

Thanks fella. :-)

[Brinkley]

20mm ok get a really good blade fo you wet cutter and take it very gently zip it up the lines and pincher out with tile nippers 20mm will break with an angle grinder if not caeful

[Bri]

Bri, Hi.

No the full tile is not touching the bottom of the stairs, it's actually about 20mm away. The stairs is actaually not square to the tiles, as a tiler you know all too well nothing is square. So not only do I need to make a 400mm half circle cut in the tile but it also needs an angled cut at the end of the half circle. Probably easy for you but for me .. this is why I'm here, for help .. lol

Thanks fella. :-)

Its quite a tricky one even for a pro. I would use a grinder to make the cut as I find them easier for cutting awkward shapes. As Whitebeam mentioned, try to template it first, then transfer it onto the tile. You might need a couple of goes at it, but even if your first attempt is wrong it'll give you an idea of what adjustments need to be made second time around.

[Scott]

I can see the masking tape on the bottom of the stairs and that makes it look like its touching. I dont think you will get that cut and down without breaking it. Too much stress on a small section from the curve to the edge of the tile for it to withstand cuting with a grinder or scoring and nipping.

If it was e id see if i could maybe get someone to water jet cut it, ir take it to a granite/stone company but i still think laying it will be tricky.

Have you thought about doing a small mosaic around it?

[Dave]

You want one of these..

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[Brinkley]

now that is a good idea

[whitebeam]

Never thought of that one.

[wrl-2]

Here's another view ...

IMAG0089.jpg

[Stewart]

I would make a template then use my Rotozip to cut it. If tile can't take the stress of the cut, I would use my Fein saw a cut the step at the curve to allow for a wider cut on the tile and slip it under.

[wrl-2]

Dave, wow! just what I need! but just as a way of a reminder, I am a novice, a DIY-er at tiling!

I think I'll go along with Whitebeam's idea .. Quote: "I'd use a paper template, use some linning paper, lay the tile on top and using a stanley knife cut round it and then template the curve"

lol

[Alan.P]

I'm with the template guys, make the template the same size as the tile, lay it along side the main tile allowing for joint size, then holding the paper still at one main point, trace around the shape of the stair, you'll get the hang of it. I also think your going to struggle, it might take a few attempts, it is doable, just take you time when nibbling and make the cuts and nibbles small pieces at a time, no point getting to near the end to break it.

Good luck.

EDIT: also score the shape with a scoring wheel, that will give your nibbled pieces a 'stop' of sorts.

[aph257]

I would make a template then use my Rotozip to cut it. If tile can't take the stress of the cut, I would use my Fein saw a cut the step at the curve to allow for a wider cut on the tile and slip it under.

I'm with Stewart's idea.

[wrl-2]

Yes Scott, the masking tape was put there just as a temporary protection for the wood incase of any adhesive splashes or adhesive that might of come off the trowel and stuck on the wood. I'll be taking that off in the morning.

A Granite company would probably be able to easily cut the tile but they'd need Laser acurate measurements from me.
Good thought the Mosaic idea.

[jonboythetiler]

I love it, me and my mates would always have a competition for "cut of day" looks like you may have won with this one!!
3 tries then accept defeat (if it broke nicely the customer may never know!!)

[Mike]

i'd go with the template to mark out but i'd use a grinder carefully to cut it. put it on a rubber mat on your workbench to stop the vibration of the grinder breaking the tile. you may be best to do the 2 straight cuts with the wet cutter first. cutting it right is only half of it, laying it without snapping it may be just as hard

[widler]

im with stewart with this,i would(if possible)cut the bottom of the step,wood is much easier that tile to cut. and were the original tiles not going under the step,can i make out one still under?
i think it would be nigh on impossible to cut,i think you could do it,eventually,but you would break a few in the prosess,the vibration alone from tooling it would break it,never mind trying to lift it in

[jay]

id go with the grinder it looks doable
another option would be run a header coarse around the step say 100mmx100mm more of a feature (on the floor if you get what i mean)