DIY Guide: How to Build Your Own Homemade Tile Cutter
If you're planning to start a tiling project in your home, you'll need a tile cutter to make precise cuts. While there are many tile cutters available on the market, making your own at home can save you some money and give you a sense of accomplishment. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of building your own homemade tile cutter using affordable materials you can easily find at any hardware store.
Materials You Need
Before starting to build your homemade tile cutter, you need to gather the following materials:
- A 24-inch long metal saw blade
- A 48-inch long metal or PVC pipe, 3/4 inches in diameter
- 2 pieces of metal or wooden boards, each 24 inches long and 6 inches wide
- 2 screws
- A nut and a bolt set
- A drill with a metal bit (size 11/64 inches)
- A saw or a pair of tin snips
- A measuring tape and a pencil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let's get started with the instructions for building your homemade tile cutter:
Step 1: Prepare the Blade
Take the metal saw blade and wrap one end using duct tape. This will prevent it from being damaged during the cutting process.
Step 2: Cut the Pipe
Using a saw or a pair of tin snips, cut the 48-inch long pipe in half to create two 24-inch long pipes.
Step 3: Position the Boards
Take the two boards and place them parallel to each other, leaving a gap of about 6 inches between them. The boards should be positioned in a way that the 24-inch side of each board is touching the other. This will make the base of your tile cutter.
Step 4: Drill the Holes
Using a metal bit, drill two holes through each board, making sure that the holes on one board align with the holes on the other board. This will allow you to attach the pipe to the boards.
Step 5: Attach the Pipe
Insert the nut and the bolt set through each of the drilled holes and tighten them with a wrench. This will secure the pipe to the boards.
Step 6: Install the Saw Blade
Slide the sandwiched metal saw blade onto the pipe, making sure that the supported end is at the gap between the two boards, and the wrapped end is protruding beyond the other end.
Step 7: Secure the Saw Blade
Use the two screws to secure the protruding end of the saw blade to the pipe. This will keep the saw blade in place while you're using the tile cutter.
Using the Homemade Tile Cutter
Now that you've built your own tile cutter, you're ready to start cutting your tiles. Place the tile on the base of the cutter and slide the blade to the edge of the tile. Apply even pressure to the blade and push it down to score the tile. Then, lift the handle and the tile should break cleanly.
Conclusion
Building your own homemade tile cutter is a simple project that can save you some money and give you a sense of accomplishment. With this DIY guide, you can easily build your own tile cutter using affordable materials that you can easily find at any hardware store. Now you're ready to tackle your next tiling project with confidence.
