Angle Grinder or wet cutter - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

bluevin123 · 24-02-2008

Hi,
After working with a couple of lads over Xmas in Devon, they introduced us to using a angle grinder other than a wet cutter.
We since got one and must admit they are really good.It saves lugging round the wet cutter and cleaning the damn thing out. Mind you the angle grinders are really dangerous,like anything if misused,just nicked my finger yesterday,but was lucky.
Wondered What your views are in working with an angle grinder over a wet cutter?

faithhealer · 24-02-2008

Wet cutter myself but as an angle grinder only costs 30quid (including wheel) I thought it was worth a try. Still use wet cutter 99% of the time!

**whitebeam** · 24-02-2008

I prefer a wet cutter, I seen guy's working with dry cutter's and they have got caught in the tile and jumped back cutting their themselve's, I've even done it with my makita with the water bottle it's snapped back, Naaaa I'll just stick with what I know.

**brian c** · 24-02-2008

angle grinder is excellent for cutting awkward shapes out of middle of tiles especially porcelain,you do get kick back though.

**sWe** · 25-02-2008

Angle grinder, pro:

Good mobility
Good for cutting difficult shapes (though I prefer a combo of hand scoring tools, drills, and nippers)

Angle grinder, con:

Lots of noise
Lots of dust
Unsafe
The edges tend to get chipped
Can easily damage/crack tiles

Wet saw, pro:

Fast once set up
Good at straigt cuts
Good at mitering/jolly cuts
Some can do reversed plunge cuts
Fairly clean edge

Wet saw, con:

Low mobility
Can get messy
Needs refilling of water
Needs cleaning at the end of the day, or more frequently if used alot

Both have their uses.

floydyboy · 25-02-2008

I LIKE TO USE BOTH I GOT A 4in HITACHI GRINDER WITH DIAMOND WHEEL CAN USE WITH 1 HAND SAFELY. A MUST ON HARD FLOOR TILES

**Raja** · 25-02-2008

hello mate everything u have said is bang on the 1 thing i will tell u is please try and get into the habit of using wet cutter angle grinders are very dangerous things a friend of mine seriously scared for life when he lost control for 1 split second 2 years ago. I have 2 grinders but rarely use them. But if u do i know this wil sound daft but clamp the tile to a bench then use grinder with both hands. All the best

GazTech · 25-02-2008

Dont want to seem old..but using an angle grinder to cut tiles...we have moved on from those days surely...dirty dusty messy...no control and dangerous..I still bear a scar on my thumb from angle grinder kick back,.....we now have the wet saw technology..lets use it..for our own sake if no one elses....Gaz

alex1963 · 25-02-2008

i use both ,an angle grinder requires respect and lots of practice but indispensible for cutting circular holes

bluevin123 · 25-02-2008

Thanx Don Valley, good words,I must admit it can be quite scary using one of these,especially when you get kickback,sorry th hear about your mate.
Cheers.
Vinnie.
----
Thanks Gaz, I will try to use the wet cutter more,but will switch between the two, to master the use of both should prove to be quite invaluable.
Cheers.
Vinnie.

**Sir Ramic** · 25-02-2008

I use both and wonder how i managed before without my angle grinder. A good wheel is a must and dont try and force it through the tile. It also helps if you get one of the smaller diameter body grinders such as the bosch blue range. That helps you grip the grinder better.
Most tools have hazards, i know a guy who broke the tip of his finger when he crushed it in a rubi snapper.

**IvegotsTILE** · 25-02-2008

I have a small grinder but its only there if its not worth the hassle of setting up the wet cutter.
Used to be an industrial roofer and I'll never forget my boss using a big grinder to cut some metal cladding,he slipped and went straight through his thigh,me and my mate had to get the forklift driver to put a pallet on his forks,boom it up and get him off the 40 foot roof onto the pallet as he couldn't get down the ladder.
He was alright but he still doesn't take enough care when using it,lets hope it doesn't happen again.