In this article, we will look at which RUBI handheld cutter models are best suited for certain types of tiling work. You will read more about the different features of the cutters that you need to consider before buying them.
Choosing the right handheld ceramic tile cutter is more complicated than you might think. It’s not enough to just focus on price or maximum cut length, as each cutter has more technical parameters and features that are worth thinking about before you buy it.
Basic rules for choosing a manual ceramic tile cutter
In addition to the price of the cutter and its maximum cutting length, there are three other considerations you need to take into account:
1. Determine the level of use of the cutter
- Occasional – sporadic use for domestic purposes such as tile and floor repairs or small, one-off renovations.
- Professional – everyday use and for commercial purposes, e.g. when you are carrying out professional tiling or cladding work in new builds or renovations. It is the entry level for all professional tilers.
- Intensive – As the name implies, this is a more intensive use at a professional level, such as in larger residential new construction or renovation of various commercial and residential buildings where continuous high performance is required.
2. Think about the hardest material you will be working with
Choose a cutter with sufficient breaking (separating) force to allow you to cut and separate tiles even from very hard materials without putting excessive stress on you or the cutter. Since in most cases porcelain tiles are cut, the thickness of the tiles will be the deciding factor.
- For porcelain tiles up to 15 mm thick, the cutter should have a breaking force of at least 800 kg.
- For porcelain tiles up to 20 mm thick, the cutting machine should have a breaking force of at least 1200 kg.
3. Consider what type of cut you will use most often
Think about what type of cut you will make most often.
- A straight (orthogonal, straight) cut that is parallel to one of the original edges of the tile.
- Diagonal cut along the diagonal of the tile (at a 45° angle).
- The angled (bevelled) cut can be at any angle with the original edge of the tile. Due to the existence of various deviations on the original walls, this cut is used more often than many people think.
Once you have considered the answers to the above considerations, you shouldn’t have much trouble choosing the right handheld cutter to suit your needs. In the following section, we will list 5 suitable candidates from our range.
5: RUBI TS-MAX
The TS-MAX range is probably the best modern evolution of the classic handheld ceramic tile cutters. Advances in ceramic tile manufacturing over the past years have forced the manufacturer to update their long-established handheld cutter.
The new TS-MAX cutters stay true to the original concept: simplicity, robustness and durability in one tool with cut lengths from 430 to 750 mm. The new reinforced single-point separator with a maximum breaking force of up to 800 kg for trouble-free cutting of any common type of ceramic tile and, of course, porcelain stoneware.
Their ruler, ideal for straight cuts, also has an adjustable side stop for diagonal cuts (45°). In short, they are cutters designed for professional use with all types of ceramic tiles, especially suitable for straight cuts.
Of the competing products, the Battipav handheld cutters from the SuperPro range are certainly worth mentioning, as they are known for their traditional construction and durability. From the Kaufmann brand, the TopLine Standard cutters are a suitable competitor.
4: RUBI SPEED-MAGNET
The SPEED-MAGNET range consists of three models with cutting lengths of 620, 720 and 920 mm.
These handheld cutters have a maximum separating force of 800 kg and are designed for professional level use when cutting porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles and glazed stoneware.
Their multi-point separator, equipped with the MAGNET system, allows you to cut and break tiles with one hand. This feature can be particularly useful when working with large format tiles. Their base made of die-cast aluminium and its sturdy brackets make the SPEED-MAGNET cutter a lightweight and robust machine. In addition, the ruler includes a side stop to facilitate cuts at 45° angles. They are ideal for the less intensive professional work of a pro tiler. You can buy them with or without a useful carrying case for storing and carrying the router.
Among competing products, Battipav Super Pro EVO cutters are a suitable alternative, combining a modern cutter design with a traditional cutting head.
3: RUBI TP-S
The TP-S series is characterised by a single guide rail and a “push” cutting method. They are designed for professional use. They are available in three models with a maximum cutting length of up to 125 cm. They are also suitable for large format tiles.
The ruler of the cutter is equipped with a rotary mechanism with locking, which allows you to perform any type of cut, thanks to the possibility of positioning at different angles. Its maximum breaking force is up to 1000 kg and, together with the 22 mm EXTREME cutting wheel, it also allows the cutter to cut porcelain stoneware tiles up to 20 mm thick*.
Battipav PROFI EVO and LEGGERA handheld cutters are suitable alternatives. Although they can cut tiles with a maximum thickness of only 15 mm, they provide high performance for professional work thanks to their modern design and the technology used.
2: RUBI TX-MAX
For more demanding tiling jobs, the TX-MAX handheld cutters are perfect. These cutters are ideal for intensive cutting of tiles up to 125 cm in size and up to 20 mm thick*. The TX-MAX has a multi-point breaker equipped with a patented breaking mechanism that can exert a force of up to 1200 kg.
Its dual 30mm diameter steel guide profile design with end brackets gives the TX-MAX range a robustness never seen before. Of course, the rotary ruler allows angled cuts from 0° to 45° as well as repetitive cuts thanks to the adjustable side stop.
All components of TX-MAX cutters have been designed to withstand very demanding working conditions and are therefore among the best tools for intensive cutting and tiling with any type of ceramic tile.
Competing products are Battipav’s most powerful handheld cutters, the SINTESI range and Kaufmann’s TopLine Rock and TopLine Pro ranges. All three ranges represent the best and most powerful for hand cutting from the above mentioned manufacturers.
1: TZ
At the top of RUBI’s range of handheld cutters is their most advanced TZ range, which consists of 5 models offering maximum cutting lengths from 85 cm to 180 cm and a maximum tile thickness of 21 mm*.
The TZ multipoint breaker has a unique and patented system that allows you to adjust the force used depending on the thickness of the tile being cut. You can choose to accurately cut tiles up to 16mm thick with minimal effort to the user or tool. And in case you need the highest cutting power of the cutter, you can choose the maximum power with a force of up to 1500 kg for cutting tiles up to 21 mm thick. Thanks to the swivel ruler and large-format side stop, you can make precise straight cuts, repetitive cuts and various angled cuts.
The TZ series embodies the new concept of handheld cutters. They are designed to withstand intensive use with all types of ceramic tiles. You might say they are too big and sturdy, but their clever foldable design with handle and transport wheels allow for exceptionally easy portability.
Since the manufacturers Battipav and Kaufmann do not offer more powerful models than SINTESI and TopLine Rock and Pro, the alternatives for the TZ series cutters are the same as in the previous case, although they do not quite match their overall performance.
In our shop tiler-market.sk you will find many other models of hand cutters from other manufacturers, but we have tried to show you the models of hand cutters that are definitely worth considering when buying, using RUBI products as an example. And don’t forget, if you need any advice on choosing any tool, you can always contact us by email or phone.
*The correct functioning of the cutter also depends on the physical properties of the tile to be cut, e.g. its thickness and hardness. Therefore, if you do not yet have practical experience with cutting tiles with a thickness of 15 mm or more, we recommend that you first test the correct functioning of the handheld cutter with the selected tiles.
Article in cooperation with profiobkladac.sk