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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Painting, Decorating & Tiling Questions >> cutting large hole in hard porcelain https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1370502083 Message started by russellmre on Jun 6^th, 2013, 8:01am

Title: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by russellmre on Jun 6^th, 2013, 8:01am

I'm trying to cut a (40mm) large hole for the plughole in a ceramic baking tray in order to make a sink (why? because it's just the right size and shape for the confined space, and I couldn't find a ready made sink that would fit). Tried cutting it with a cylinder saw but the ceramic is just too hard, made hardly any progress in 10 minutes. Anybody got any ideas?

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by woodsmith on Jun 6^th, 2013, 8:49am

You could use a diamond core bit with plenty of water to lubricate and remove the swarf, but they are expensive and you would need to take great care with water and power tools. How about taking it to a local stonemason who fits granite worktops, he should be able to cut a hole for you.

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by big_all on Jun 6^th, 2013, 11:29am

i used one off these to cut a gradual radius in a stone floor tile it gave a smooth quick cut but may struggle on a tight curve
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Tungsten+Carbide+Grit+Jigsaw+Blades/p67688

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by Joiner on Jun 6^th, 2013, 7:27pm

Never used one, but it might do the job...

http://www.diy.com/nav/decor/tiles/tiling-tools-accessories/cutting_tools/-specificproducttype-tile_saws___blades/Mac-Allister-Adjustable-Tile-Hole-Saw-12258011?skuId=12788717

And the cost is hardly anything to concern yourself over if it doesn't work!

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on Jun 6^th, 2013, 9:34pm

Forget all the grit blades , TCT cutters etc, we always use the following, when putting holes in marble, ceramic or granite work tops/hand basins or baths...

Armeg PTC Diamond Grit Tile Bits...

you would need the 44mm cutter for 40mm pipework penetrations...

a very slow drill speed, and copious amounts of water...

great finish ...

perfect holes every time..

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by Joiner on Jun 8^th, 2013, 7:26am

Where would you get the 40mm bits, Matt?

They only go up to 35mm here...

http://www.axminster.co.uk/armeg-armeg-ptc-diamond-grit-tile-bits-prod836455/

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on Jun 8^th, 2013, 8:51pm

As good as Axminster are, a decent tile shop/online store are the professional suppliers in this case...

or better still direct..

http://armeg.co.uk/ptc-porcelain-tile-cutters.asp

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by Joiner on Jun 9^th, 2013, 4:18pm

Thanks Matt.

Still no 40mm shown in their list of bits in that link, AND YET...

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
•
Large body fixings and drop in anchors - 13
to 19mm
•
Copper pipes - 15 to 22mm
•
Waste pipes - 32, 40 and 52mm
•
Shower mixer valves up to 80mm
•
Vents and soil pipes up to 117mm

...mentioned in their brochure.

So what's going on?

Same here, but at least they give prices...

http://www.buybrandtools.com/acatalog/Diamond-Core-Drill-Bits-Armeg.html

And another source worth a punt...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIAMOND-COATED-GLASS-CERAMIC-MARBLE-DRILL-CORE-BIT-HOLE-SAW-CUTTER-/280810142549?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&var=&hash=item416196bb55
;D

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on Jun 9^th, 2013, 6:01pm

ARRRGHHH!!! i know there is no 40mm cutter, as you would not get a 40mm pipe through a 40mm hole, the pipes for waste etc are nominal.....

a 44mm cutter is for a 40mm pipe.... you have to allow for EXPANSION......etc....

hence the fact that most PCT cutters are 4mm "Over size"..

even if you managed to get a 40mm cutter and then progressed to wedge a 40mm pipe through, any expansion/contraction would compromise any joints in the vicinity.....

we have to get you away from thinking "Timber" dear Joiner ol' chap!!!

i have the "bathroom fitters pack " of Armeg cutters contain 19,26,36 and 44mm cutters , as has proved invaluable....

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by Joiner on Jun 9^th, 2013, 10:06pm

;D Calm down dear. The OP's question was:

"I'm trying to cut a (40mm) large hole for the plughole in a ceramic baking tray..."

Just tell him he can't get a cutter to do it and will have to be satisfied with 44mm. :o

There you go. Done. ;)

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by TIMBA-WOLF on Jun 10^th, 2013, 1:41am

Joiner wrote on Jun 9^th, 2013, 10:06pm:

I am calm dear chap, a standard steel sink outlet fitting , will again, require a 44mm hole, as most pressed steel sinks, the opening is 44-46mm.................. thats why the fitting has a large top flange....

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by CWatters on Jun 10^th, 2013, 8:03am

To save having to drill another hole for an overflow there are some wastes that use a pipe hidden in the wall or washstand...

http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk/product-details/overflow/n8326.html

Title: Re: cutting large hole in hard porcelain
Post by Joiner on Jun 10^th, 2013, 8:49am

:-* ;D
there you go, Russell. ;)