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cutting square hole

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 5:27 pm
by dunaird
What is the best ( and easiest) way to make cut outs in existing tiling for electrical boxes?
I could use an angle grinder but it would be v. messy!

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 5:38 pm
by royaloakcarpentry
4.5 inch angle grinder, shut the door and open the window.

Wet cutter

Special scoring bit for manual tile cutter which will gradually gouge out the back of the tile, depending on what sort of tile it is. Very time consuming.

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 7:15 pm
by big-all
if your not used to using an angle grinder
drill 3 or 4 8mm holes in each corner and cut to a strait edge held on with sticky tape
make sure the cut out is 2-3mm bigger than the back box

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 7:31 pm
by royaloakcarpentry
Doesn't a Roto Zip do cuts out of tiles?

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 7:38 pm
by Joeman
Dremel multi or one of those "Excact saws" seen on QVC maybe? (ive got one but never ever used it!)

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 8:21 pm
by ultimatehandyman
The Bosch PMF 180E will cut a square out of a tile as long as you use the tile cutting blade, but it won't be as easy as the angle grinder method.

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 10:41 pm
by DIY_Johnny
I have done what UHM suggested with the grit blade on the PMF but its very slow, You get there in the end

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 12:54 am
by Colour Republic
royaloakcarpentry wrote:4.5 inch angle grinder, shut the door and open the window.
I disagree, close the window, open the door, go outside :lol: :lol: :lol:

but yeah, angle grinder, rotozip, plunge cut

what type of tile by the way?

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 9:25 am
by dunaird
Thanks all for response, I think I'll go with grinder and get wife to do it!

Re: cutting square hole

Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 9:43 pm
by bodgitandscarper
Wet cutter, remove the guard, glazed side up, plunge cut, quite easy, have a practice on a couple of old tiles, you'll soon get the hang of it..........