Engraver vs porcelain stoneware: how to cut holes without chipping

Modern renovations have made tiling far more than a simple, utilitarian task. Today, tiles and porcelain stoneware are not just functional coverings but full-fledged tools for creating style. Clients expect more than neat joints and even surfaces — they want true designer craftsmanship: perfectly cut openings for flush plates, hidden towel hooks, concealed installation systems, sockets and switches that seamlessly integrate into the interior. Such details define the overall quality of the finish and transform an ordinary space into a modern, elegant environment.

However, with this evolution, the demands on craftsmen have also grown. Where a standard tile cutter or angle grinder once sufficed, these tools are now often inadequate. Porcelain stoneware is an extremely strong and demanding material, and any mistake can result in chips or a ruined tile. Achieving fine, precise, truly “jewelry-grade” cuts requires a different approach.

This is where engravers with special diamond blades come to the forefront. Thanks to their high-precision operation, they allow for delicate cuts with a width of only about 0.7 mm. This is an impressive result that opens new possibilities for processing porcelain stoneware. Now, the craftsman can do more than simply “fit tiles” — they can create exclusive elements that emphasize the individuality and status of the interior.

What is an engraver and where is it used
An engraver (also known as a rotary tool, mini drill, or hand grinder) is a compact electric device with a rotating spindle to which various attachments can be fitted. The main feature of an engraver is its high rotation speed (up to 35,000 rpm) combined with relatively low power. This allows for precise, delicate work that larger tools cannot achieve.

Where engravers are used

• Tile and porcelain stoneware processing — cutting holes, shaping decorative elements, chamfering.

• Minor repairs — drilling, grinding, and adjusting parts.

• Jewelry making and hobbies — carving wood, bone, metal; engraving.

• Modeling — working with plastics and composites.

• Automotive and household use — removing rust, polishing small parts.

Types of engravers
By power supply:

• Corded models — powerful and stable, best suited for hard materials.

• Cordless models — mobile and convenient in hard-to-reach places, but less powerful and require recharging.

By design:

• Classic body — held like a drill; a versatile option.

• With flexible shaft — easier to handle, especially for fine or intricate work.

Main characteristics

• Power: from 130 to 400 W. For porcelain stoneware, at least 150–200 W is recommended.

• Speed: from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm. The harder the material, the more important high-speed capability becomes.

• Speed adjustment: allows adaptation to different materials.

• Cooling system: protects the motor during extended use.

• Attachment set: the wider the range, the greater the versatility. For porcelain stoneware, diamond burrs, cutters, and core bits are essential.

Popular brands and product lines

• Dremel – the most well-known brand, renowned for reliability, build quality, and a vast range of attachments. Suitable models: Dremel 3000, 4000, 4300.

• Proxxon – preferred by those who value precision. Often used with a flexible shaft, popular among craftsmen working with wood and stone.

• Bosch (GRO) – powerful and durable engravers, available in both corded and cordless versions, known for their long lifespan.

• Hammer, Einhell, Craft – more affordable options, suitable for household use and occasional tile work.

An engraver is a universal precision tool that has become a real breakthrough in working with porcelain stoneware. Thanks to its high-speed motor and diamond accessories, it enables clean, chip-free cutting — something impossible to achieve with a standard tile cutter or angle grinder.

What makes the ideal engraver blade?
The diamond blade directly affects the final result of tile processing and installation finishing. Therefore, it is important to understand which characteristics are most crucial for an engraver blade.

Blade type
For engravers, the best option is a solid, thin blade with uniform diamond coating and no segments. This type ensures the cleanest and most precise cuts without chipping and is ideal for delicate, detailed work.

Thickness
The required cut thickness depends on the specific task, but it’s always easier to start with a thinner cut and widen it if needed, rather than trying to make a thick and precise one immediately.
High-quality engraver blades have a kerf thickness of about 0.6–0.8 mm.
Thicker blades (1 mm or more) cause excessive heating and less accurate cuts.
For exclusive cuts — such as openings for switches or concealed fixtures — a thickness of 0.7 mm is considered ideal.

Diameter
The blade diameter determines the maximum cutting depth. A 45 mm blade easily handles 10 mm tiles, but as it wears down, it may lose that capability. The most common diamond blades for engravers are 45 and 50 mm, as they can handle nearly all standard tasks.

Type of diamond coating

• Electroplated – diamonds are applied in a single layer; very sharp and precise, but wear out faster.

• Sintered – diamonds are embedded into a bonded matrix; longer-lasting, but slightly rougher in operation.

Until recently, electroplated blades were much more common because the market offered few sintered alternatives for engravers, and the cost of electroplated ones was relatively low. However, their short lifespan discouraged many professionals, who began searching for sintered blades lasting many times longer. One such blade that has earned widespread recognition among craftsmen is the Butterfly from Distar — thin, clean-cutting, durable, and long-lasting, combining all the qualities an engraver user needs.

Additional considerations
It’s advantageous if the blade is marked Wet/Dry, meaning it can be used both dry and with water cooling. For longer life when cutting porcelain stoneware, water cooling is always preferable — for example, with a spray bottle or wet sponge.
Sintered blades suitable for dry operation on engravers are still quite rare. Most craftsmen use simple garden sprayers to cool the blade during work.

Tips and common mistakes
Working with an engraver and an angle grinder are entirely different tasks — engravers are not designed for long continuous cuts, as their power reserve is limited. Here are some practical recommendations:

• The engraver is intended for short but highly precise cuts. Do not attempt long continuous cuts — this may damage the tool.

• Always check the mounting diameter of both the blade and adapter.

• Avoid running at maximum speed continuously without breaks — this accelerates wear. Start at moderate speed and gradually increase.

• Cutting without cooling can cause overheating and material damage — always use a cooling method when possible.

• Do not try to cut through the full tile depth in one pass. For example, when working with 10 mm tile, make 3–4 mm passes — this reduces load and extends tool life.

• Excessive pressure is harmful. Since engravers have limited power, too much force can lead to failure.

• To minimize chipping, always keep the blade perpendicular to the tile surface.

Conclusion
An engraver with diamond blades is an indispensable tool for clean and precise porcelain stoneware processing. It enables the creation of fine, detailed cuts and holes impossible to achieve with standard tile cutters or grinders. Success depends on proper preparation, the right blade choice, speed control, adequate cooling, and attention to detail.

Using an engraver opens new creative possibilities — craftsmen can now execute complex decorative elements and turn ordinary tiles into design accents. With the right tool and technique, it is possible to achieve perfectly clean results, minimize chipping, and extend the lifespan of the attachments.

Ultimately, the engraver becomes not just a tool but an effective instrument of professional craftsmanship — allowing the master to realize any idea and meet the highest client expectations.