About Glass Tile

saw blade · Guest

Hello,
I understand this is a new sitge, I hope someone can answer this. We have clear glass 2 x 2 tiles and we need to cut them. You recommend a diamond saw blade, but Id like to know where we can buy one.
thanks

kim · Guest

A blade for cutting glass tiles works much like a blade for cutting ceramic tiles. Tiny diamonds are exposed from the metal base and cut through the glass. The diamonds for cutting glass need to be much smaller than the ones used to cut ceramic tiles - a normal blade for cutting ceramic tiles will probably rip the glass and leave a ragged edge.

There are also less expensive electroplated blades, where tiny diamonds are encrusted on the outside edge of a very fine blade.

There are a number of manufacturers that make blades specifically for glass. You need to tell me what brand and size of saw, including the outside diameter and arbor size for the blade, then we can point you in the right direction.

You can try www.mktilesaws.com, www.plasplugs.com, www.makita.com and www.diamondsaws.com and www.geminisaw.com for some additional information.

Tom · Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 7 Location: Seattle

Hello,
If you have an average wet saw, here is a link to the blade that I use. It comes in 7, 8, 10, & 12" sizes. It's made for glass block I believe, but it does a great job on glass tile for me.
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Tom Hulse
www.hulsetile.com

lara · Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 2

Thanks, I had to check, we're planning on renting a 'target' 10 inch saw. Can you confirm that the 10 inch blade you mention would be good for the saw and cut the tile properly?
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Lara McInley

khauner · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Hi Lara:

That 10"Target saw sounds awfully big for cutting 2" tiles. I would be scared holding tiles under that huge blade (even with a jig). Also the 10"blade will cost you $70.00 plus the cost of the rental.

Plasplugs make a very good table saw that I have been using for years. I paid less than $100 and you can purchase it at Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009363N/qid=1086173973/br=1-2/ref=br_lf_hi_2//103-0700750-5111817?v=glance&s=hi&n=3116101.

An electroplated diamond blade for that saw costs under $15.00. I don't think that Amazon.com carries the blade, but if you are interested I will get you one from Plasplugs. At the end of the job you own the saw and blade for not that much more.

lara · Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 2

Many thanks for the good advice, I think we can rationalize the saw purchase as we will have to do other cutting later, not glass tiles, but similar size tiles.. If the saw purchase gos through OK we'll definitely be in touch with you about the $15 blade
thanks again

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Lara McInley

khauner · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Vancouver, Canada

You can always sell the saw after you complete the project. Ebay is very good for that.

khauner · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Guess what. There is a Plasplugs saw on Ebay right now. It is the larger model with a 7"diameter blade. There are also a number of other tile saws. Just search for wet saw. Some of them are priced at $50 and probably can do the job.

quantum · Guest

What if you don't want to buy a saw? I'd like to use some glass tiles in a stripe in my shower and I might have to cut 2-3 4x4 tiles; a saw would be overkill.

khauner · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Tile saws are easy to rent in most communities. I know that our local Home Depot allows people to bring in their tiles and cut them for a very nominal fee. Glass shops and tile shops also provide that service for a small fee. Be sure to use an appropriate blade (not made for cutting ceramic, granite or marble) otherwise the glass edges will get all chipped.

quantum · Guest

Thanks. I was going to use 1x1s as an accent and figured I could use regular tile nippers. I'll prolly talk to the guys at the tile store on how to get this done.

khauner · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Tile nippers on 1x1 tiles work just fine, and with a little practice you will be amazed at what you can accomplish even on larger tiles.

First I mark and then remove the tiles that need to be trimmed from the mosaic sheet. After I've installed the rest of the sheet, I can trim a fit the remainder of the tiles with ease.

The trick with nippers is not to grab too much at a time - I always say to myself "don't get greedy now!" as a reminder. Try to remember why this tool is called a nipper.

I normally draw a line on the glass, or better yet, score a line with a glass cutter - a very fine line will do. Then I grab a tiny little bit of the outside edge of the glass (no more than 1/8") with the nippers positioned right over the score line. Apply a little extra pressure on the nippers and the tile breaks cleanly right at the line. Any flares on the glass can be trimmed with the nippers in the same way.

Kim