Rubi TS-40 Tile Cutter

When facing a new tile project, one of the first questions that you need to answer is what tools will I need to complete the job.  No matter how simple or complicated the job will be, you will definitely need to cut some of the tiles.  Therefore, one of the most important tools, if not the most important, will be the tile cutter you choose.  There are two basic options you can choose to use: a wet tile saw or a manual tile cutter.  If the only cuts you need to make are simple straight cuts, then you could easily get by with a manual tile cutter.   If you are cutting tiles on the diagonal, the cut is much easier to make on a wet tile saw, but we are here to discuss the Rubi TS-40 tile cutter so let's stick to the plan.

Being the guy that does the occasional tile job around my house, or helping family or friends, I only have a wet tile saw and do not personally own this or any manual tile cutter for that matter.  Thus, I sought out some of my builder buddies and acquired the names of some of the tile installers they use and sought their input.  Before we get into what their opinions are, let's cover some of the specifics of this product.

The TS-40 features a built in separator, maximum cutting length of 17 inches and a 9/16-inch maximum separating capacity. This set includes standard scoring wheel punching tool, 45 degree mitering tool, and a double-walled anti-shock plastic case. All of this in a package that weighs only 18.2 pounds.  Now, let's talk price.  This is not an inexpensive tool as it typically sells in the $230 to $250 price range.  However, if you choose to go the manual tile cutter route, you definitely will want a quality tool and this one certainly fits that bill.  I personally prefer the electric wet saw, but I understand that some folks are not that comfortable with power tools and would rather have a less scary item.

Okay, since you are still reading to this point I will assume you are still interested in a good quality manual tile cutter so let's get to what some of the pro tile setters had to say.  As I mentioned above, I ran down some folks that make their living setting tiles and doing other masonry work and, of course, not all of them had experience with this tool.  However, I was able to locate two that have and still use this particular tile cutter.  Below is what they had to say.

Both had owned and used this tool in excess of ten years and are extremely happy with its performance.  There only negative comment was that the cutter does not work with some of the larger tiles that are popular today.  Anything tiles over 16 inches require a different tool.  Outside of that, they highly recommend this as a top of the line cutter.  Even after years of use, the Rubi TS-40 tile cutter still cuts straight.  The cutter has a really strong breaker that works extremely well on porcelain tiles.  This is a superior product that is easy to use and they felt that even a novice will be happy with the quality of the end results.  One said that he still uses this manual tile cutter more that he uses his wet saw.  While you can find cheaper tile cutters, they both said that when the time comes to replace their cutter, they will purchase a Rubi once again.

There you have it folks.  Nothing persuades me to purchase a particular tool more than the opinion of the people that use it to make their living.  If you are facing an upcoming tile project and have decided that a manual tile cutter is the way to go, it sounds as if the Rubi TS-40 is easy to use and will last you for many years to come.  One thing I know for sure.  You will never go wrong using what the pros use.