We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more >
When it comes to choosing a tile cutter for your next tiling project, you’ll find a lot of tools on the market. though wet tile saw There are an alternative, but they are not a practical choice for small tiling jobs. Manual tile saws are better suited for those smaller projects. With this in mind, I began looking for a manual tile saw that was easy to use and capable of making reliable cuts without damaging the tile.
After subjecting some of the top manual tile cutters to a battery of tests cutting thick porcelain outdoor tile, bathroom tile, and small backsplash tiles, I landed on this one. sigma 2g As a top model. This manual tile saw from an Italian manufacturer impressed me with its ability to reliably make both clean, straight cuts and miter cuts. Couple this with a compact size that makes it easy to take to the job site, and this is the perfect manual tile cutter for small tiling jobs.
Sigma 2G 37cm Pulling Incision Tile Cutter: at a glance
Our Rating: 4/5
Sigma Pulling Incision Tile Cutter Specifications | |
Compatible Tile Materials | porcelain, glass, ceramic, marble, and granite |
Type | manual |
pull vs push | pull |
bite size | 14.5 inches (rip cut), 10.2 inches (diagonal cut) |
Sigma metric tile cutter test
I tested Sigma’s tile cutter in my home, using it to cut four different types of tile, including porcelain, ceramic, and glass tiles. The tile I tested it on ranged from a small glass backsplash tile to a bathroom tile 24 inches long and 12 inches wide.
After assembling my set of test tiles, I used the Sigma 2G to make a variety of cuts, including both straight and angled cuts. For each cut, I considered how easy it was to score the tiles and how much pressure was required to make the cut. I made several cuts on tiles of different sizes and types, noting how clean each cut was and whether there was any damage to the tile after the cut.
Along with cutting performance, I also considered how easy the Sigma was to use, noting its stability when applying pressure to make a cut and how easy it was to establish a mitered cut.
what we like | what we don’t like |
Makes consistently clean cuts | Tile fragments can jam the spring-loaded tray |
compact and lightweight | Uses only metric measurements |
Adjustable Miter Fence with Multiple Stops | The paint wears off easily from the base |
Cutting Tile with Sigma 2G
The Sigma tile cutter, like all manual tile cutters, uses the same two-step process of cutting tile. It is equipped with a scoring wheel that moves along the surface of the tile to make a shallow groove in the surface. You then pull a handle to apply pressure to the tile over the metal spine on the base, causing the tile to break along the score line.
The Sigma’s ranking higher than any other manual tile cutter I’ve tested is primarily due to its reliability. I made over 20 different cuts with the Sigma on a variety of tiles. While other tile cutters I’ve tested will shatter a tile here and there (especially when attempting to miter cut), the Sigma reliably makes cut after cut with little or no damage to each tile. Does not happen. This is primarily due to its design, which consists of spring-loaded panels with raised spines. The panels provide support while scoring the tile, then retract when you apply pressure to the tile with the breaker.
Another area where the Sigma shined was with miter cuts. Most manual tile cutters either have small weak miter fences or no fence at all. The Sigma is equipped with a sturdy 20-inch long aluminum fence with a miter range of 0 to 45 degrees. The cast-iron base includes seven preset notches that make it easy to set the fence at commonly used miter angles.
This design made it easier to make angled cuts even on larger tiles. My only complaint is that there is no imperial measurement on Sigma’s miter fence, meaning you’ll need a tape measure with a metric measurement if you’re taking measurements on a floor or backsplash to make accurate cuts.
sigma features
Part of the appeal of a manual tile saw is that you can use it indoors, too. Since wet tile saws spray dangerous silica dust and a lot of water, it is not advisable to use a wet tile saw indoors.
The Sigma tile saw is well designed to take you where you need it. Since its total weight is less than 5 pounds, I had no problems carrying it up stairs or throwing it in the trunk of my car. It’s also so compact that you won’t mind using it in tight spaces like small bathrooms. This makes it especially ideal for indoor projects on the second floor and other areas where traveling back and forth to make cuts on a wet tile saw is not practical.
Although it is compact and lightweight, the base does not feel unstable. Because of its rubber feet and sturdy cast iron construction, it stayed in place while I applied pressure to the bar to make a cut.
Sigma performance and durability
Manual tile cutters are designed for cutting thick ceramic and porcelain tiles. They do this by using a scoring wheel to cut a shallow groove in the tile and using a metal bar that applies pressure to the tile to break it into two pieces.
This means that the appropriate amount of force is applied to the tile cutter with each cut. For this reason, a job that may require dozens or even hundreds of cuts can quickly overwhelm a manual cutter.
With its cast-iron base and a handle and miter gauge made from thick-gauge cast aluminum, the Sigma has a very sturdy feel. However, I was not impressed with its enamel paint coating, which quickly corroded the spine of the iron base used to break the tile, leaving bare metal visible. Although this may not be a big deal, it does mean that it is important to keep the tile cutter in a dry place when not in use to prevent rusting.
That concern aside, I have no doubt that the Sigma Tile Cutter will work for many Tiling ProjectsWhile the scoring wheel will eventually wear out, replacing it with a new one is a simple process that involves removing one screw.
Why I think the Sigma Tile Cutter is worth the money
As manual tile saws go, the Sigma Tile Cutter certainly isn’t cheap. At about $255, it costs twice as much or more than the other manual tile saws we tested. While this may seem like a big difference, it is important to note how well it performs compared to cheaper manual tile saws. While other manual tile saws we tested were very capable tile cutters for straight cuts, they were more prone to breaking tiles, especially when making miter cuts. Given that tile can cost $15 per square foot or more, it’s not hard to make a case for spending more on the Sigma 2G tile cutter. Still, if you’re only planning on using the tile cutter for a single project, it probably makes better financial sense to choose a more affordable option.
buy sigma tile cutter Amazon for $253.33,
product comparison
So, is the Sigma tile saw right for you?
The Sigma Tile Cutter is the best manual tile saw I’ve tested. With its well-designed cutting mechanism and miter fence, it is capable of making straight cuts and miter cuts without damaging the tile. It’s well-built with a sturdy cast iron base and heavy-gauge aluminum parts, yet it’s compact and light enough to use up a flight of stairs and in small spaces. This makes it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized indoor tiling projects. That said, if you’re working on a large tiling project that involves cutting large amounts of tile, you’ll want to go with an electric wet tile saw.
meet the tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. They’ve conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, their goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and whether it is worth its price.