Cutting curves in ceramic tiles - what's the secret?

[suzywong]

I'm tiling the bathroom
the straight bits are going well, however I now have to accomadate the taps and outlets and that's going to mean cutting curves. I am impatient and cack-handed. Help. What am I to do. Tiles are only 5mm thick and 200mmx200mm square


Any top tile trimming tips?

[jayzmummy]

What tile cutter are you using?
We have an electric tile cutter and you can cut curved egdes with that.
If your using the conventional hand held cutter DH said try putting a line of masking tape along the edge you want to cut and then nip away at the tile with some pliers.

[anorak]

Hi suzy

If you're using an electric cutter you mark out your curve and then cut a series of cuts perpendicular to the curve that just finish on it. Then when you nip the pieces off they should form the curve. You can sand any rough edges with a tile file. If you're using jayzmummy's method I wouldn't use pliers but get yourself a pair of tile nippers. Wear eye protectors as the little pieces can fly up into your eye.

The other option is to use a hand tile saw but this can be very hard work, depending on how hard or soft the tiles are.

[eefs]

I usually do it this way:

1. make a template out of cardboard to get the curve right
   
2. draw the curve onto the tile
   
3. nibble away with a tile pliers (called a nibbler in our house). Always do this by taking small bites with the pliers - it WILL crack if you try to take too much off in one go.
   
   once the curve is right shape it doesn't need to be too smooth - the grout will hide roughness.
   
   if you can use a angle-grinder it will give lovely smooth curves.
   
   For small curves I put masking tape on the tile and drill through a series of holes then use the nibbler to finish off - careful that you have don't put too much pressure on the tile or it could crack.

[suzywong]

thanks everyone
am using hand held cutter, is that the same as a "nibbler" or do I need to get myself a "nibbler" to put in my tool-belt?
Anyway, will definitely do the cardboard template and practice on old tiles first.

It's a bit scary.

[aloha]

Get a man in?

[suzywong]

if I had the money I would, but I don't have the money

[skinnycow]

what a defeatist attitude aloha!

[anorak]

A nibbler or nipper is the thing that looks like a pair of pliers but with cutting surfaces each side where the pliers grip.

[suzywong]

check, and my curve file and my scorer

I have discovered that the trick is not to do it quite late at night after a busy day as concerntration is key.
Great tip about the masking tape eefs