How to cut marble tile?

Question

I have some 12x12 marble tile that I want to cut down to 4x4 pieces to use in a shower stall.

1) Can i use a nipper tool on marble.

2) Whats the best way to cut curves in marble tile? I guess I can do this somehow with a wet saw.

3) Can I use a normal hole saw to cut the few holes I will need?

4) I need to put a flat edge on these smaller cut pieces for the grout. And some pieces will need to be rounded at the edge of the shower stall. Can I use a rotary tool and diamond bits? If so which bits to use? Would I also need that attachment guide that is used for routing bits?

When I say flat edge, I mean I need to put an angle cut on the edges.

Answer 1

I'll give your questions a shot.

1) Not likely, Unless it is very soft and/or very thin. Nippers are for softer tile, like ceramic.

2) outside curves you can be whitled away on the wet saw. On inside curves you use a 4" or 4 1/4" grinder with diamond wheel. mark the curve and follow it with the grinder. take relief cuts as needed. Not too hard, just time consuming. http://johnbridge.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=17456

3) same as number 1). They make special bit for porcelain, stone, etc. $20 to $30 and up for each. http://www.constructioncomplete.com/TileEquipment/PorcelainTileDrillBits.html

4) you can use the 45 degree "sled" that comes with most wet saws. I made a 22 1/2 degree sled out of wood for a 45 degree corner I cut recently. If you wanted a "bullnose" edge they make cutters but they are pricey, $250 plus or minus.

Try some of these links:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=At_u3mq4X0s4.sCxDIG_RAQhBgx.?qid=20070401110133AA8zDlR&show=7#profile-info-9235fc807580c8fff7a6d74782c4d99daa
http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=11
http://www.constructioncomplete.com/TileEquipment/index.html

Answer 2

Most Home Depots will no longer cut tile. Do not use a nipper. Rent a wet saw or take it to a Mom and Pop tile shop to have it cut. This is the only way to do it right.

Answer 3

I agree that you are setting yourself up for a lot of work. Any tile saw will cut it down to 4"x4" pieces. The last time I had to cut curves in tile I used a diamond grinding jigsaw blade that I found at Lowes. There is also a small coping saw there that works on tile. The jigsaw blade worked pretty well but you are going to need a grinder to smooth out the curve. As for cutting holes, drills and hole saws are made for tile. I have also found them at lowes.

Answer 4

How To Cut Marble

Answer 5

After installing thousands of sq. ft. of various tile, your task will be daunting at least.

Certainly to get the small squares you can use a wet saw, but i can't imagine the same tool cutting any radius, Unless you create a "jig" that allows a consistent cut as you hold the piece to the side of the blade and turn it.

The "edge"/ depression you speak of is the usual finish allowing that grout will fill and be just below that smooth finished edge. To create that on your own with any consistency would also mean creating a "Tool"/Jig to do the job.

Yes there are diamond wheels, grinders, etc. that will do the job.

With all due respect might it not be easier to purchase the proper size finished tile? It sounds as if you have the tile already.

Steven Wolf

Answer 6

By use of marble cutting tools to cut easily marble tile. You can buy these tools online store such as Global sparenparts private limited.

Answer 7

A wet saw is your best bet

Answer 8

go to home depot explain this all to the tile sales person then rent the wet saw there

Answer 9

wet saw
spray them with vinegar for 3 days so you wont slip and fall on them.

Answer 10

diamond bit jig saw blade with water....