How to cut circle hole in middle of tile???

[bcurtis]

Hello folks.

Can anyone tell me the easiest way to cut a circle hole in the middle of a tile for my shower pipes???

I've been trying to drill then chip away but always end up cracking the tile. :mad2:

My mate said that there is a cutting attachment that you can buy but it's awful expensive for using for two pipes.

So can anyone on here give me their secret tips??

Cheers

 

[grumpygrouter]

Contact 365drills.com our sponsors and buy an appropriate sized diamond core drill. Makes life sooooo much easier.

 

[bcurtis]

Cheers will have a look into that!!!

 

[Alan.P]

What size hole ?

 

[beanz]

Or, if they are ceramic tiles, put masking tape over the area you want to drill. You can use a Masonry bit, but make sure the drill isn't set to hammer.

If this isn't a one-off, and you're going to be doing more tiling, definitely go down the 365 Drills route.

 

[bcurtis]

The hole is 30mm in diamater.

How is it you work the masking tape idea??? Trying to get it in my head

 

[Alan.P]

Mask over the centre of the hole, stops the masonry bit from slipping

 

[Martyn Leeds]

If you've got a grinder, mark the tile and grind it from behind

 

[davy583]

masking tape and drill bit for the easy way mate

 

[brian c]

could also use the old LOCK BOY.But 365 is your best bet.

 

[faithhealer]

365 for me now, my carbides are redundant

 

[cornish_crofter]

Suggest you ask Richard about his £50 set, IIRC there may be a forum discount, ask him nicely.

The set will include loads of other bits that you'll find useful.

 

[doug boardley]

diamond hole bits always for me, from 6mm upto 115mm

 

[Wylie]

I had the same to do 30mm for shower pipes,with the grinder take a small portion out from the front and the rest from the back of the tile,your square will find the exact centres from both sides

 

[rook53]

We use Lochboy for ceramic, no power required and only about £37 from
Trade Tiler. They last years

 

[Aztectiler]

Always use a diamond bit for a hole of this size as you will nearly always break the tile with a normal drill bit if the hole you require is 30mm. These can be obrained from 365 drills and they also stock a plethora of other usefuk equipment. Check out there site I guarantee it will be worth it.

 

[kmstiling]

If you want a perfect finish then there is only one way to do it and thats with a diamond drill bit. Shop around and you will find one really cheap if its a one off

 

[redlee]

I had the same to do 30mm for shower pipes,with the grinder take a small portion out from the front and the rest from the back of the tile,your square will find the exact centres from both sides

Thats how i'd normally do it as well.

 

[d noulton]

please explain cutting a30mm hole with a angle grinder

 

[Deleted member 1779]

Its easier to cut a perfect 30mm circle into the tile with a diamond tile drill

Guaranteed not to break tiles because they grind porcelain rather than drill.

Also the resulting hole sizes are stronger. This is because they are barrel shaped. With an angle grinder you get a cone shape. A cone shape is prone to chipping when the fittings are pushed through.

A solid barrel makes for a stronger hole compared to a cone. Cones are formed when angle grinders take material from the back of the tile.

In expensive porcelain tiles which can cost from £80psm it is better not to break tiles or risk imperfections during installation. A modest investment of £49.99 will ensure you have the 30mm socket PLUS you will have all the other sizes you need. These sizes will come later when you want fixtures and fittings.

At £49.99 the kit is value for money... And at a later stage you will want the smaller size 6mm and 8mm anyway for your fixtures and fittings.

30mm socket included !

 

[Dan]

Don't mind me while I bump up some of the old threads. I wont be doing this much more. Just the last few in the Tile Drilling forum - How to Drill Porcelain Tiles. Just one of the many tiling advice forums.