How to Achieve a Perfect 45-Degree Cut? A Practical Guide for Tilers Using the Distar EDGE DRY 125 mm Blade

Cutting porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles without chipping is one of the most common challenges reported by professionals in the tiling industry. With the growing popularity of large-format, hard porcelain slabs and 45° finishes, the need for precise tools and proper cutting techniques is becoming essential for high-quality workmanship.

In this article—as a practitioner in the diamond tools industry—I explain:

• why chipping occurs,

• which cutting techniques minimize the risk of damage,

• the role of the right equipment,

• and how the Distar EDGE DRY 125 mm blade performs in real conditions when cutting porcelain and making 45° bevels.

The article is based on real B2B customer experiences and questions we encounter in the daily work of professional tilers.

Why does chipping occur when cutting porcelain tiles?

Chipping mainly results from the hardness of porcelain, improper cutting techniques, and using low-quality blades or angle grinders.

Technical porcelain and modern ceramic tiles have extremely high hardness and very low susceptibility to controlled cracking. In practice, this means:

• the blade must both cut and grind the material,

• every technical mistake instantly affects the edge,

• poor cooling or unstable tool handling causes “pops” and micro-chips.

The most common causes of chipping:

• using a blade of insufficient quality,

• cutting with a worn-out blade or one with an uneven diamond rim,

• runout (wobble) on the grinder spindle,

• cutting too quickly,

• unstable hand movement,

• incorrect entry angle into the material.

A professional result therefore requires the right combination of technique + blade + grinder.

How to cut porcelain without chipping? Key rules for tilers

To avoid chipping, you must use an appropriate blade, work with a stable grinder, and guide the cut with a calm, controlled movement.

1. Use a blade that grinds and cuts at the same time

The best results are achieved with blades that have a developed diamond surface, designed to grind the tile smoothly rather than tear through it.

2. Use an angle grinder in good technical condition

This is one of the most common problems.
If the grinder has runout, even the best blade will create chips and wear out faster.

What to check?

• spindle condition,

• quality of the flange nut,

• correct mounting of the blade,

• absence of looseness.

3. Guide the cut smoothly, without excessive pressure

Modern diamond blades are designed to work using their own dynamics. Too much pressure causes:

• vibration,

• overheating,

• micro-chipping.

4. Allow the diamonds to “settle” when changing the cutting angle

This is rarely discussed but crucial for clean edges.

While working, the diamonds form so-called diamond comets.

• at straight cuts (90°) — they distribute evenly around the rim,

• at 45° cuts — their orientation changes, and the “tails” point towards the mounting hole.

When switching from straight cutting to a 45° bevel, the blade needs a few moments of work to allow the diamonds to reposition correctly.
This significantly reduces the risk of chipping.

The Distar EDGE DRY 125 mm blade – a practical tool for chip-free cutting

EDGE DRY minimizes chipping thanks to its honeycomb structure, high diamond layer, and double-sided working surface.

In practice, tilers increasingly choose the EDGE DRY blade, which has become a bestseller in Distar’s product range—not because it is “trendy”, but because it genuinely solves problems encountered on construction sites.

What makes it so effective?

✓ Honeycomb diamond structure

Made of hexagonal segments arranged to:

• grind the surface precisely,

• reduce resistance when entering the porcelain,

• minimize edge chipping.

✓ High diamond layer: 25 mm

A parameter that sets EDGE DRY apart from typical market blades.

Thanks to this:

• the blade handles thick and hard porcelain,

• works stably along its entire depth,

• delivers extended lifespan in demanding projects.

✓ Gaps between segments = safe debris removal

Micro-spaces between the hexagons:

• remove dust efficiently,

• reduce overheating,

• protect the tile edge from scratching.

✓ Double-sided working surface

EDGE DRY has diamond surfaces on both sides, which improves:

• cushioning of the blade,

• cutting stability,

• overall cutting smoothness.

This is especially important for free-hand cutting.

✓ Available diameters: 115 and 125 mm

The most popular sizes among tilers — compatible with most grinders.

How to work with EDGE DRY to avoid chipping?

1. Use a high-quality grinder with minimal runout

If the tool has looseness, the blade will wobble, damaging the edge and shortening blade life.

2. Start with a light surface grind

Make the first contact with the material gently — this allows the diamonds to set properly.

3. Remember the difference between 90° and 45° cutting

When changing the angle, give the blade a few seconds to readjust the diamond orientation.

4. Do not rush

EDGE DRY handles very hard porcelain extremely well, but it requires calm, controlled guiding.

Most frequently asked questions from B2B customers

Is EDGE DRY suitable for free-hand cuts?
Yes — this is one of its biggest advantages. The honeycomb pattern stabilizes the blade even without guides.

Does the blade work on today’s highly sintered porcelain tiles?
Yes, thanks to its high (25 mm) diamond section and strong structure.

How long does the blade last?
It depends on:

• porcelain hardness,

• operator technique,

• grinder quality.

According to customer feedback, it is often one of the longest-lasting blades they have ever used.

Summary

A perfect 45° cut requires the right combination of cutting technique, stable equipment, and a professional blade such as the Distar EDGE DRY 125 mm.

Chip-free porcelain cutting is not a matter of luck — it’s the result of:

• correct technique,

• a stable grinder,

• a high-quality blade with advanced diamond structure.

The Distar EDGE DRY 125 mm was created specifically to make the daily work of tilers easier — especially when working with hard porcelain and precise 45° bevels. Its construction, diamond height, and smooth cutting performance significantly reduce the risk of chipping.

If you want to improve the quality of your services and streamline your on-site work, choosing the right tools is the first step toward achieving better results.