There are many material options for pre-cut mosaic pieces. This includes all different shapes, colors and sizes of glass or tile. Some times I am looking for a specific shape and size that requires me to cut it out for myself. In this post I am going to go over different ways to cut glass and tile. I will also specify which one I use in my mosaic ideas.
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES WHEN CUTTING GLASS OR TILE!
Tile
My way:
When it comes to tile I prefer to just shatter it. I do this by first putting it inside of a thick plastic bag. Then I tap it with a hammer until it breaks. The tile usually shatters into different shapes and sizes. This allows me to pick which ones I need.
Tile Nipper:
When looking for a more controlled outcome you have a few choices. One is a tile nipper. A tile nipper is a handheld tool for breaking and snipping mosaic materials such as ceramic tiles or crockery. They look like pliers and are used to cut away little pieces of ceramic tile to create small, irregular cuts.
Tile Scribe:
To get more precision lines you can use a tile scribe. When you use the tile scribe you want to start by marking the tile for cutting. Then place it face up on a solid surface. Place a suitable straight edged guide (like a steel ruler) on the tile and line the ends up with your cut marks. Once you are positioned, use the tile scribe to firmly score the tile from top to bottom. Some thicker tiles may need extra attention paid to the edges. You should score these independently. Next you will need a firm flat piece of wood like a cutting board. Place a piece of wire onto the board in a perfectly straight line, it is better to attach the wire to the board if you are making a lot of cuts. Position the tile with scored side facing up onto the board. Do this while lining up the wire with the score mark at the top and bottom of the tile. When it is positioned correctly, apply pressure on both sides of the tile at the same time. The tile should break along the score mark leaving a clean cut.
Tile Cutter:
If you plan on cutting many tiles in one day then it might be worth it to purchase a tile cutter. To use a tile cutter you simply line up the tile by moving the carriage towards you and checking the position of the blade on your marks at both edges of the tile. When you are ready to cut, move the carriage to the mark nearest you. Place the blade on the edge of the tile, then using a forwards motion score the tile all the way across. To be comfortable cutting, take a few practice cuts with some scrap or old tiles first. If you have a decent blade you should only need to score the tile once, but you may find you need to score it again. You will find some tiles score easier than others depending on the finish. Before you snap the tile, ensure it is still in position on the tile cutter. To snap the tile, bring the handle down towards you firmly, and the tile should snap cleanly.
Wet Saw:
When a contractor is going to tile a bathroom or kitchen they use a wet saw. If you are doing a large mosaic project it is definitely worth it to rent one of these. Wet saws have a water-filled trough that throw water over the tile as it’s being cut. This prevents the tile and the tool from overheating. Wet saws are expensive but they can be rented for about $50 a day. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying chips of tile when using a wet saw. Before using a wet saw, pour water into the trough. The water level must be above the pump. Set the tile on the tray with the line to be cut aligned with the center slot on the tray. Push the tile and tray through the blade. Attachments to the wet saw’s table allow it to make bevels and other angled cuts. To cut a bevel, rest the tile on a bevel guide as it’s sent through the saw blade. To cut tile at an angle, attach the angle guide to the table and adjust it as desired. Align the tile with the angle guide before sending it through the blade. The wet saw can also cut curves on tile, such as an opening for a pipe. The process is easy but dangerous as the user’s hands are close to the blade. This technique should be attempted only by those skilled in the use of a wet saw.
Glass
My Way:
Much of the cutting I do is limited to glass. This is usually done with wheeled glass nippers. Some people would use the tile nippers for this but they crush the glass. Wheeled glass nippers quickly cut glass pieces in various shapes . Glass nippers are a good tool to have in your tool kit. With wheeled glass nippers glass rods can be nipped to length and glass strips can be quickly cut into pieces. Varying shapes can be cut from glass edges. Nippers are great for repetitive cutting jobs. Many pieces can be cut in a very short time and are great for making tesserae for mosaic ideas. Using the nippers is very simple. Place the glass between the wheels, squeeze the handles and the glass will be cut. Point the glass toward your work surface as the cut piece may fly away. Where possible cup your hand around the wheels and glass to catch the cut pieces. If you are cutting along the edge and removing small pieces of glass the wheels will tend to cut scalloped pieces with needle sharp ends. If you have safety gloves it is a good idea to wear one on the hand catching the glass. Handle the glass with tweezers when placing into position.
Pencil Grip Cutters:
This cutter is used kind of like the tile scribe. One difference is it is best used with oil. Another difference is you want to use plastic pliers break the scored glass. I own a Studio Pro Brass Pencil Grip Glass Cutter. I am still practicing with it. This self-lubricating carbide pencil grip glass cutter is made from quality brass. Its substantial weight gives me a feeling of control over the score. Textured barrel provides an improved grip while scoring. Oil is needed to lubricate the wheel of any glass cutter. It keeps the wheel of your glass cutter turning smoothly. It also keeps them free of tiny glass chips that can get stuck between the wheel and the shaft. It is needed to keep the score clean and cool. It can help avoid small chips of glass from flying out. The oil helps to preserve the life of the wheel. To fill your glass cutter with oil, unscrew the brass cap on the end of the cutter and remove it. Fill the barrel with oil to about 1/3 to 2/3 full. Replace the brass cap. To regulate the flow of oil, open the brass cap about 1/2 to 1 full turn. Totally unscrewed will make the oil run fairly fast (not a good thing), and full closed will give you very little or no oil at all. It took a little playing around with the cutter to figure out the right flow of oil. Always close it when you are done as to not lose the oil. You can use sewing machine oil, 3-in-1 oil, lamp oil or kerosene. Christine, my teacher fills mine for me so i am not sure which oil is used. As I said, I am still practicing with this technique.
References:
freepatternsforstainedglass.com
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES WHEN CUTTING GLASS OR TILE!
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