Thread: How to use the Dremel tile cutter bit?

I have this 1'x1' granite tile that I use for lapping my hones. If I cut off a 3" strip, I will be able to use it as a STIFF backing for my bench hone AND have enough left to place an 8x11 sheet of 1000grit sand paper, with an inch to spare.
How do I go about cutting it with the Dremel?

I am assuming that I'd mark my spot, place a straight edge and just gently create a groove by going up and down the line before breaking it off. Any tips/suggestions/corrections?

Know anyone with a wet tile saw? I'd say that's your easiest bet by a long run.

I'm not sure if the dremel tile cutter is used to score the tile, like a glass cutter, or if it's used to cut right through it.

Good luck and be careful.

Gotta agree with Matt here. Wet tile saw by far would be the easiest and best. Too bad you didn't ask a few weeks ago while our contractor was here doing our bathrooms; coulda just have had him cut a slice

I didn't have my granite tile a few weeks ago, so it all evens out I'll ask my next door neighbor. He's a contractor so his assortment of tools is pretty good.

A tile store or warehouse might be able to help you out. They might even just have a scrap the size you need.

Actually that's a great idea. I know a place near by that should be perfect. I'll check it out this week and let you guys know. Great idea, Matt

I don't know the stores in your area but here stores like Home Depot (maybe Lowes, too... I can't remember) will cut tile... up to some number of cuts (6?) free and then a nominal charge for additional cuts. They have a wet saw right in the tile isle. Maybe where you bought it will cut it? Or maybe you're analogy to Home Depot will cut it for a small charge.

Thanks Joe. That's another great idea, as I bought this tile in my local analogy of the Home Depot -- the Home Depot Jason had some leftover tiles cut to size lying around (thanks for the offer Jason ) so I'll pick one or two up at his place, as I was planning on swinging by anyways. However, I WOULD like to have my bench hone made of the same black granite as my lapping plate so I might just do both.
Worst case scenario, I'll experiment with Jason's tile and those magnets and if successful, give the finished product to Dave.

Here's another way to skin that cat (assuming you have a table or contractors saw). Get an abrasive masonary cuttoff blade (maybe $3-5 at home depot). A couple of suggestions: 1) protect the table top as sliding granite (or any tile) across it will scratch it; 2) make sure you clean up any wood residue such as sawdust or fine wood chips before cutting the granite as the abrasive blade will heat things up and you don't want to ignite old dry sawdust under your saw; 3) go slow!!! you are not cutting wood, nor are you using a water cooled diamond blade. You are grinding off an approximately 1/8 inch slice of stone. Let the blade do its work, don't force it.

Ed

Unfortunately, I'm not THAT well equipped, so the HD option seems to be the most viable one other than swinging by Jason's place on the way to the airport tonight.