Tool to cut tile question?

Halle L asked:


Hello all,
I am in the process of buying supplies to tile my kitchen and bathrooms, and I’m running into questions on what to use to cut the tile. Can I use a Compound Miter Saw? I’m already buying one of those and I don’t really want to shell out more money for a special tile saw if a Compound Miter will do the trick. Thank you in advance for you help!

How do you break slate to use in a mosaic? It keeps shattering?

Aston C asked:


I am making a random pattern mosaic on my front prorch (concrete surface). I have boxes of 12 x 12 tiles and I’m trying to break them so they won’t be a uniform shape and won’t have any straight edges.
Problem is…EVERYTHING I’ve used to cut or break these tiles causes it to shatter! It’s softer than most tiles and is made up of layers, so I can’t get a clean break. I can get maybe 1 good piece for my mosaic out of a 12 x 12 tile and I’d get 3-4 pieces from a different type of material/tile.
Here is what I’ve tried so far: tile nippers, score and crack device, hammering it, cracking it over the edge of a concrete stair, dropping it…
Anyone ever have success breaking or shaping this stuff? I have a tile saw, but that would give me a straight line/cut and I want uneven edges that look natural.
Thanks!
I have 70 sq feet of this tile and have used about 1/4 of that so far. The porch I’l mosaicing is 60 sq. ft.
The tiles do not have a finished side. Either side can be placed face up.
I wouldn’t have chosen this material if I’d known in advance how difficult it is to shape, but I’m on a mission now! There was a lot wasted since the tiles partially shattered, but I do have about 20 sq ft of good pieces that I can use. I still have 3/4 of the tile left to work with, but it looks like I’ll have to buy more at the rate this stuff crumbles.

How do you pollish cultured marble countertops?

Albert M asked:


I can cut it with a tile saw. After the cut, what do I use to polish it and what is teh process?

How can I cut a ceramic tile that is cemented to a floor?

buster asked:


I want to cut 3 inches off several ceramic tiles that extend too far from one room to another. I don’t want to take the tiles out completely. What kind of blade can I use in a circular saw. Someone suggested a diamond blade but I’m not sure this will work.

what is the best saw blade for mosaic/glass tiles?

Bart S asked:


I heard that Felker is good, is a good brand?