Installing tile can transform the look of any room, but perfectly cutting those tiles is key for a professional finish. While power saws work for large jobs, the Anvil 14-inch tile cutter provides an affordable and easy cutting solution for DIYers. With the right techniques, this compact manual tile cutter can deliver clean, accurate cuts on ceramic, porcelain, and glass mosaic tiles.
We’ll also compare the Anvil to other cutting methods and review key factors to consider when selecting the right tile cutting tool.
Anville 14-Inch Tile Cutter Key Features
The Anville 14-inch tile cutter stands out for its well-balanced combination of cutting power, ease of use, and affordability. Here are some of its notable features:
Cutting Capacity
This compact manual tile cutter can handle tiles up to 14 inches long, making it suitable for most standard 12 inch tiles. It can cut tile thicknesses ranging from 1/4 to 3/8 inches, covering most ceramic, porcelain, and glass mosaic tiles.
Cutting Mechanism
Scoring tiles involves pressing the angled tungsten carbide cutting wheel onto the tile surface as you push the levered handle down. The chrome-plated steel rail underneath provides a smooth guide for clean straight scoring.
Once scored, the tile snaps cleanly along the line by levering it up. This produces precise cuts without requiring electric power.
Ergonomic Design
The handle on the Anville tile cutter has a patented ergonomic design. Its angled soft grip helps reduce hand and wrist strain during repeated scoring motions.
Affordability
Priced around $30, this tile cutter delivers robust cutting functionality at an inexpensive price point. This makes it a great value option for occasional DIY tile cutting needs.
Step-by-Step Cutting Instructions
Follow these tips to start cutting tiles successfully with the Anville tile cutter:
Tools and Materials
- Anville tile cutter
- Tile to be cut
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Straight edge/ruler
- Eye protection
Measuring and Marking
Measure and mark your required cuts on the tile surface with a pencil and ruler. Remember to account for the spacing width if installing multiple tiles.
Scoring Technique
Position the tile squarely on the rail and hold it firmly in place. Then press the scoring wheel onto the tile surface while pushing the handle straight down. Apply firm even pressure as you slide the tile through the cutter along the rail to create the score line.
Snapping the Tile
After scoring, place the tile with its scored line just over the edge of a table or workbench. Press down on the section of tile you want to remove. It should then snap cleanly along the scored cut line.
Cutting Shapes
For L-shaped, U-shaped and notch cuts, score your lines then make several small straight scores emanating outward from the corner or curve area. The tile can then be tapped out neatly along these radiating scores using a hammer and chisel.
Safety Tips
- Always wear eye protection when scoring tiles
- Use a wet sponge to reduce tile dust
- Ensure your hands are clear of the cutting path
- Make smooth constant scoring motions
- Ensure the rail is free of debris before scoring
Comparison to Other Tile Cutters
Here’s how the Anville 14-inch tile cutter compares to some other tile cutting tools:
Manual Tile Cutters
Other manual tile cutters like the Sigma and Montolit models work similarly but may have slightly less cutting capacity. The Anville stands out for its comfortable grip.
Power Cutters
Motorized cutters like those made by Imer provide more cutting force and speed but cost over 5 times more. They’re best for frequent use or very hard tiles.
Wet Tile Saws
Wet saws use water to cool diamond blades allowing smoother cuts in stone or porcelain. But they’re less portable and suitable for high volume cutting.
User Reviews and Ratings
Looking at customer feedback provides useful insight into real world performance. The Anville scores an average 4.5 stars across major retailers. Positive reviews praise its smooth scoring ability and value. Some users warn that it may require a delicate touch on brittle mosaic tiles to avoid cracking.
Alternative Cutting Methods
While the Anville tile cutter excels for most small jobs, here are two other options that work better in certain situations:
Wet Saws
For frequent tile cutting or very thick porcelain, a wet saw provides the smoothest most precise cuts. The water prevents overheating and chipping.
Handheld Tile Scriber
Super cheap and portable, a simple handheld tile scriber can be handy for quick jobs requiring straight cuts in very few tiles.
Maintenance and Safety Tips
Keep your Anville tile cutter performing smoothly and safely with these handy tips:
- Regularly wipe the rail clean of debris and lubricate it with oil.
- Inspect the cutting wheel for damage after intensive use.
- Always firmly secure the tile when scoring to prevent slips.
- Take extra care when scoring brittle tile like mosaics, using lighter pressure.
With its clever levered design and guided scoring action, the affordable Anville 14-inch tile cutter enables DIYers to achieve professional-looking tile installations. Following the proper measuring, scoring, and snapping techniques helps ensure clean, accurate cuts.
While manual tile cutters have limitations on thickness and cutting speed, they provide an inexpensive and user-friendly option for most ceramic and porcelain tile projects. Just take care to work steadily and safely, and your finished tiled surfaces will have crisp flawless edges.
