Red Seal Tilesetter Practice Exam

What tool is primarily used to cut ceramic tile?

1. A tile cutter or wet saw

2. A jigsaw

3. A hand saw

4. A rotary cutter

The correct answer is: A tile cutter or wet saw

The primary tool used to cut ceramic tile is a tile cutter or wet saw. These specialized tools are designed specifically for the material and thickness of ceramic tiles, making them ideal for achieving clean and precise cuts. A tile cutter typically uses a manual scoring and snapping mechanism, which is effective for straight cuts, while a wet saw uses water to cool the blade and minimize dust, allowing for intricate and varied cuts. The advantage of using a tile cutter or wet saw is the ability to handle larger tiles and make angled cuts, as well as to effectively deal with the hardness of ceramic materials. Other tools like a jigsaw, hand saw, or rotary cutter may not provide the same level of accuracy and might lead to uneven edges or breakage of the tile due to their construction and cutting mechanisms. Therefore, for anyone working with ceramic tiles, a tile cutter or wet saw is the best choice for ensuring quality results in tiling projects.