cutting tile or fiberglass with little or no dust - Plumbing Zone

trnplmb · 01-15-2009, 03:42 AM

For years I tried different methods to keep the dust down when cutting tile or fiberglass. I tried opening windows, fans, water using a spray bottle. One time I cut out a sink imbedded in tile and when the woman of the house came home, she was so upset at her now WHITE interior, walls floors, furniture..... she started BAWLING.

I finally figured out that if I took my filter off my shop vac, (filter gets plugged up too fast when cutting tile) set my vac up outside, run an extension cord inside so I could plug in or unplug when needed, and get about 5 or 6 extra hose extensions and bring the end of the hose in where Im working. Then I cut with my Makita grinder with a 5 inch diamond blade with one hand, and my shop vac hose in the other, sucking all those TEARS outside, making the neighborhood nice and white, just like Christmas.

Better than in the house. Good for cutting sheetrock too.

**ILPlumber** · 01-15-2009, 08:46 AM

Based on my clean room experience. Take 10 minutes to seal off your work area with 4 mil plastic. Leave a hole somewhere for air to get in and still use the shop vac outside.

Painters tape and plastic is my friend.

Wiser · 01-15-2009, 09:07 AM

I'm sure the neighbors love you . . . NOT!

Great idea for the home you are working in, but a next door neighbor with an open window may not be too happy. Drywall dust travels like pollen and coats everything. I guess its only a problem depending on how close the neighbors are.

uaplumber · 01-15-2009, 10:06 AM

Operating a grinder with one hand is a disaster waiting to happen. Best disaster - Grinder hops and cuts the material ruining your work.
Worst - Grinder hops and destroys flesh.

Marlin · 01-15-2009, 09:54 PM

I never tried it but what about using water to keep the dust down?

M5Plumb · 01-15-2009, 11:28 PM

I use the Dremel Multi-tool, it is designed after the Fein Tool, it is like a cast cutter and works really well, the dust just drops straight down not flying everywhere.

01-15-2009, 03:42 AM	#1
trnplmb Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Turlock, California Posts: 4 My Photos	cutting tile or fiberglass with little or no dust For years I tried different methods to keep the dust down when cutting tile or fiberglass. I tried opening windows, fans, water using a spray bottle. One time I cut out a sink imbedded in tile and when the woman of the house came home, she was so upset at her now WHITE interior, walls floors, furniture..... she started BAWLING. I finally figured out that if I took my filter off my shop vac, (filter gets plugged up too fast when cutting tile) set my vac up outside, run an extension cord inside so I could plug in or unplug when needed, and get about 5 or 6 extra hose extensions and bring the end of the hose in where Im working. Then I cut with my Makita grinder with a 5 inch diamond blade with one hand, and my shop vac hose in the other, sucking all those TEARS outside, making the neighborhood nice and white, just like Christmas. Better than in the house. Good for cutting sheetrock too.

01-15-2009, 10:06 AM	#4
uaplumber Plumbing Contractor Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Westlock, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,436 My Photos	Operating a grinder with one hand is a disaster waiting to happen. Best disaster - Grinder hops and cuts the material ruining your work. Worst - Grinder hops and destroys flesh. __________________ B&B Plumbing Inc http://www.westlockplumber.com Plumbing and Heating in Westlock, Alberta

01-15-2009, 11:28 PM	#6
M5Plumb Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SW Washington, PDX OR Posts: 534 My Photos	I use the Dremel Multi-tool, it is designed after the Fein Tool, it is like a cast cutter and works really well, the dust just drops straight down not flying everywhere. __________________ M5 Plumbing Services llc Serving the Portland Vancouver area 360 624 8376 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Oil burner flame cutting out, but motor keeps going	maginna2	Residential Plumbing	3	11-27-2008 07:42 PM

01-15-2009, 08:46 AM	#2
ILPlumber Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: IL Posts: 5,312 My Photos	Based on my clean room experience. Take 10 minutes to seal off your work area with 4 mil plastic. Leave a hole somewhere for air to get in and still use the shop vac outside. Painters tape and plastic is my friend.

01-15-2009, 09:07 AM	#3
Wiser Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 913 My Photos	I'm sure the neighbors love you . . . NOT! Great idea for the home you are working in, but a next door neighbor with an open window may not be too happy. Drywall dust travels like pollen and coats everything. I guess its only a problem depending on how close the neighbors are.

01-15-2009, 09:54 PM	#5
Marlin Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 523 My Photos	I never tried it but what about using water to keep the dust down?