Comparison of three systems for cutting and handling large format tiles from RUBI, Battipav and Kaufmann.
Nowadays, the modern trend of installing large-format tiles is becoming more and more popular. It is not uncommon for a large format tile to be more than 2 metres long on one side. For the installation of such large and heavy tiles, conventional tools will not be sufficient. That is why several manufacturers offer tools and systems for working with large format tiles. In this article we would like to introduce you to the products of 3 manufacturers – RUBI, BATTIPAV and KAUFMANN, which you can also find in our shop. In order to make your choice easier, we will compare their features and technical parameters.
We start by introducing the systems
The RUBI brand has multiple models available for working with large format tiles:
- RUBI SLIM System
- Circular saws RUBI TC with accessories
- RUBI SLAB System
RUBI SLIM System is a group of products designed for cutting and handling large format tiles. The system consists of:
- SLIM CUTTER PLUS – the cutting system includes rails, vacuum suction cups, cutting trolley and breaking tool
- SLIM EASY TRANS – a handling system designed to facilitate the transfer and installation of tiles
- Cross bar set for SLIM EASY TRANS – the cross bars increase the load capacity and usability of the SLIM EASY TRANS handling system
The RUBI TC series circular saws in combination with guide rails and other accessories allow cutting large format tiles. The manufacturer offers the following models:
- Circular saw RUBI TC-125 – saw for dry and wet cutting of tiles, vacuum suction cups and cutting wheel included
- Set of rails and clamps for RUBI TC-125 saw – accessories that extend the possibilities of using the saw also for large format tiles
- Circular saw RUBI TC-180 – saw for dry and wet cutting with support for cutting blades up to 180 mm diameter, guide rail and cutting wheel in the package
- Accessories for the RUBI TC-180 saw – these include an extension guide rail, coupling and clamps, which increase the usability of the saw when cutting large-format tiles
The RUBI SLAB System is a range of products designed for the most demanding large format tile jobs. It consists of:
- Handling system RUBI SLAB TRANS HEAVY DUTY – system for easier handling of large format tiles with a load capacity of up to 140 kg
- RUBI SLAB System work table – the table is designed for cutting and handling tiles
- RUBI SLAB System work trolley – for easier transport of large and heavy tiles
- Vacuum suction cup RUBI SLAB System – additional vacuum suction cup increases comfort and safety when handling tiles
- RUBI SLAB HEAVY DUTY bag – durable bag for easier carrying and protection of the RUBI SLAB TRANS HEAVY DUTY handling system
The Italian manufacturer BATTIPAV has a narrower range of tools for working with large format tiles. The offer consists of:
- BATTIPAV LAMPOCut – manual cutting machine consisting of guide rails, cutting trolley, vacuum suction cups and 2 breaking tools
- BATTIPAV AGILE System – handling system for large format tiles
- BATTIPAV AGILE System Light – a simpler version of the AGILE handling system for large format tiles
- BATTIPAV MULTI Bench – workbench with large work surface and high load capacity for large format tiles
- BATTIPAV SUPREME 320S INFINITY portal saw – electric construction saw with cutting length up to 320 cm
The Austrian manufacturer KAUFMANN offers 1 product for working with large format tiles:
- KAUFMANN TopLine Pro Rail – handheld tile cutter for large format tiles, includes rails with suction cups, cutting trolley, breaking pliers, bag
Comparison of cutting tools
The table clearly shows the characteristics of the individual cutting tools, including electric cutters suitable for large formats.
| RUBI SLIM CUTTER PLUS | BATTIPAV LAMPO Cut | KAUFMANN TopLine Pro Rail | RUBI TC-125 saw with set of bars and clamps | BATTIPAV SUPREME 320S INFINITY saw | |
| Max. Cutting length (cm) | 310 | 320 | 335 | 320 | 320 |
| Max. Material thickness (mm) | 10 (15 with additional breaker) | 25 | 8 | 25 | 85 |
| Length of bar/table (cm) | 110 | 165 | 172,5 | 110 | 320 |
| Number of rails | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | – |
| Breaking tool | Yes | Yes, 2x | Yes | No | No |
| Suction Cup | 3x | 3x | 6x | 2x | No |
| Cutting wheel/disc | EXTREME ø22 mm | ø15 mm, ø22 mm | Ø16 mm | Ø125 mm | No |
| Bag | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (briefcase + bag) | No |
| Power | – | – | – | 230 V | 400 V |
All tools use cutting trolleys that move along the rails using quality wheels with bearings. All allow cutting of tiles with a minimum length of 310 cm. Kaufmann’s TopLine Pro Rail excels in this parameter, with a maximum length of 335 cm.
The bigger differences are in the maximum thickness of the material to be cut. This is where the Battipav Lampo Cut system excels, which allows tile thicknesses of up to 25 mm to be cut. It can handle this thickness thanks to two breaking tools, one of which is specifically designed for thicker tiles. With the RUBI tool you can cut tiles with a thickness of 10 mm or 15 mm by purchasing the RUBI breaking tool (Ref: 18917). The TopLine Pro with a maximum material thickness of 8 mm is the tool that lags behind the most in this parameter. Electric saws also make it possible to saw thicker materials. Their thickness depends on the blade size, 25 mm for the RUBI TC and 85 mm in 1 stroke for the Battipav Supreme.
All 3 handheld cutting tools and the RUBI TC saw use the principle of joining several strips into one piece and fixing it to the tile using the supplied vacuum suction cups or even clamps. The cutting trolley or saw then moves along the joined rails.
The three manual cutting systems have breaking tools and cutting wheels in the package. Battipav is supplied with both two breaking tools and two wheels. The RUBI TC-125 electric saw is supplied with a RUBI TCR-125 SUPERPRO diamond cutting wheel.
In terms of portability and storage, only Battipav does not supply their tools with a bag. For the Supreme saw this is understandable, for the Lampo Cut cutting tool a bag will need to be purchased separately.
The advantage of manual cutting systems over electric cutters will certainly be cleaner work, less noise and work without the need for electrical power. The advantage of the TC and Supreme electric cutters is their more versatile use and the convenience of cutting thicker materials with the option of water cooling. The disadvantage of the Battipav Supreme electric saw is also its higher price.
Comparison of handling systems
Handling systems are only offered by RUBI and Battipav. Both manufacturers offer quality design of profiled rails, options for adjusting the length of the rails, ergonomic handles, quality vacuum suction cups for safer and easier carrying and installation of large and heavy tiles. A simpler system from RUBI is the SLIM EASY TRANS, which is rivalled by the AGILE System Light from Battipav. Although Battipav has a slightly higher load capacity, you can increase the load capacity of the RUBI system up to 110 kg by purchasing vacuum suction cups and cross bars.
Manufacturers also offer more robust handling systems, such as RUBI SLAB TRANS HEAVY DUTY and BATTIPAV AGILE System. The SLAB TRANS stands out for its better support of tile dimensions, while the AGILE System features a load capacity of up to 240 kg and a mobile trolley that makes it easier to carry. The RUBI SLAB TROLLEY mobile trolley can be purchased separately for both RUBI systems.
Accessories
Both RUBI and Battipav also offer other accessories for cutting tools and handling systems. Workbenches with superior dimensions are offered by both manufacturers:
- RUBI SLAB workbench – working dimensions. 180 x 104 cm
- BATTIPAV MULTI Bench – working dimensions. 150 x 152 cm
Both tables have a folding construction, the possibility of combining several tables into one, but only the Battipav offers the possibility of connecting to an electric saw, thus you can expand the working area of the saw. The advantage of the RUBI SLAB table is the higher load capacity of up to 250 kg compared to 200 kg for the Battipav MULTI Bench.
RUBI also offers other accessories for its systems, such as cross bars (Ref: 18819) for the SLIM EASY TRANS, additional vacuum suction cups (Ref: 18827) for the RUBI SLAB TRANS HEAVY DUTY, the RUBI SLAB mobile trolley, vacuum suction cups (Ref: 18957) for the TC-125 saw or the breaking tool (Ref: 18917).
A new and improved SLIM EASY TRANS PLUS handling system will soon be available in our shop.
Vacuum suction cups (Ref: SP11032) can be added to the Battipav AGILE System to increase its load capacity.
In our shop you will also find complete sets for cutting and handling large format tiles at better prices than when buying individual products.
We hope that this article has helped you to get a better understanding of the range of tools available for working with large format tiles. You can find a wide range of tools and accessories for large tile formats in the separate shop category. If you still need advice, we are at your disposal.
This article was written in cooperation with profiobkladac.sk