Cutting Ceramic Tile?

Rugger

Hey all, I'm a newby here. It looks like a great site for trade specific info. Here's my ? I need to cut a hole for retrofic can in a ceramic tile shower. Has anyone done this? What is the best way to do this?

Thanks,

Rugger

Rich Turley

4" grinder with diamond blade.

Maybe a mod will move to tile area for more responses.

Richj

thom

Rich is correct. If you work carefully, you can undercut the hole then, using the side/edge of the blade, cut that to a perfect circle.

Caution, this is a really dusty process. You will have dust everywhere. Lots of cleanup. Don't forget your safety glasses and respirator.

acrwc10

I belive "Roto zip" makes a tile bit.

Speedy Petey

Grinder??? C'mon. That is so 70's.

For anything but floor tile (read: harder than diamonds) a Rotzip with the carbide bit. You'll wonder how you ever got along without one.

YES, VERY dusty!!

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Rich Turley

Well, guess I'm a 70's guy then. Love my grinder.

Rich

P.S. Touch a wet sponge to the wheel while grinding to keep the dust down or vacuume as you go.

RobertWilber

I have also used a jigsaw with an abrasive blade
[I am not that good with a rotozip ..]

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Philadelphia electrician

rhinoguy

What size hole and what shape? I have carbide grit hole saws in 1" and 2" that just go in a drill. They come from the tile shop. To drill a small hole use a hammer drill! Seriously, go VERY slowly. I have drilled many 5/8" holes for electric wires. Start with the bit going "tick, tick tick". Takes about three minutes per hole. A blob of toilet bowl wax keeps the bit from skidding.
For large square holes use a grit blade in a sawzall. Drills and sawzalls MUST be variable speed, and run them slowly. Use diamonds on marble.

Mike Finley

The grinder is a tile man's 3rd best friend, right behind his wet saw and his breaker board.

Speedy Petey

I didn't mean to poo-poo the grinder all together. I carry one on the truck full time with about 25 wheels.
It's just on soft tile I love the Roto.

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roofwiz74

rotozip.way faster than grinder,and much nicer.

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You have ONE advantage over me.....you can kiss my butt and I can't!!

Rugger

Thanks for the input. Just got back with my new Roto-zip. Can't wait to use it. Ain't it great to get new tools?

Rugger

Sparky Joe

I'd try it on a scrap piece first so you get a feel for it before attempting to 'ruin' someone's tile job.

I've used a roto zip while installing travertine, and am curious if it also works on ceramic tile? It's great for those cuts around the toilet.