A Beginner's Tool Review

16 years ago

So yesterday I realized that the tile nipper doesn't make nice straight cuts like I want, and it's going to take some practice to do this well.

I'm cutting ceramic dishes.

And...the plate foot is a serious problem, as well as curves in the plate that make "border" designs a bit tedious to get off said plate cleanly. Foot must be ground down, and have to find something to fix these border curvies.

Today I learned that I really need some power tools. Ok, but the budget won't allow those for a little while. I go to the tile store where they are having a tent sale. I tell them I need a scoring tool, and a wet saw. Wet saw is evidently going to run me $150 at the tile store, and the scorer 1/2 that. Ouch. (Thanks for the info.)

Off to HD to see what I can procure. Wet saw (small model) will run me about $70 (I figured as much). Don't see a scoring tool...Wait! What's this thingy hanging on a row? "Scores & snaps..." Cool. I'll take it home.

It's a Qep Tile Plier (Model 10004 for those of you keeping score at home- bwahahahahahah!!!! Hey, I just made a funny!!!!!)

Set me back a whopping $7.95. I can handle that. Got it home...it's my new favorite tool. I'm in love with this little gadget! Little wheelie thing makes the score, you pop it into the plier, and SNAP! Nice clean cuts! Not sure how long that wheelie thing will last, or what it'll take to find replacements if need be, but for today, it's working great.

Hmmm...now what am I going to use to get these feet off and sharpen up these UGLY edges that I made last night with the nipper? Let's try this BRUTUS Ceramic & Marble File. Just a little hand-held thing for $11 or $12. Again, in the budget. It does the job, but will definitely need a power-grinder for this task. My forearms don't need to look like Popeye.

So there's today's review. I'm sure I'll be back with other reviews, but maybe some other newbies will find this somewhat useful. "Small Budget" tools work, but I want POWER!!!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (15)

bamasusanna
16 years ago
I can just hear you doing your "Tim the toolman" grunt!!
Thats one reason why I admire the plate people (shabby chic included). I'm not very good at nipping either. I use the Lipponette's that a lot of others use, but alas, I am not a talented nipper..(sigh)
nicethyme
16 years ago
hey those pliers look COOL! I may have to check those out! Thanks
Related Discussions
Beginner questions
Q
Comments (1)
rdy, At the Link below is the construction video as well as a .pdf Guide for the 31 gallon EarthTainers. Be sure to follow the instructions in the Rev 1.6 Guide, as that has the latest construction design (the Video was made some time ago and is just for reference). The wicking basket needs to be a 5" diameter by 4" high "net pot". Try Hydro Shops and they will know exactly what it is. If you can't find any, contact me and I can hook you up. First, if you are growing tomatoes and want a self-contained rigid cage system, you need to bite the bullet and use 2 containers in assembly. If you are going to use an external trellis system, or you are going to grow corn, etc. then you can fashion the aeration bench out of the top, with adequate base supports to keep it from caving in under the weight of the moist potting mix (50# plus). Frankly, I have seen where others try to use just a top cutout with a lot of additional support components, and extra time making customized parts, but for the cost of the additional container at $15.00, you really need to ask yourself if it is really worth all the hassle. That is an individual question you alone must answer as everyone's mechanical skill-set is different and their access to tools is different. Anyway, holler if you need any assistance in your construction project. My direct email address is above. Raybo Here is a link that might be useful: EarthTainer II WaterMizer Edition Guide Rev 1.6
...See More
Advice For the beginner?
Q
Comments (3)
Welcome! You're going to have a fun time :) Without getting too complicated (there are plenty of books for that) here's what I would do: Full sun spot, close to water source. If grass grows well there, veggies should too. Raised bed is a good idea. Even if you screw a few pieces of lumber together that should do the trick, but a kit is also a good start if you don't mind spending the money. Soil is important. A raised bed will need to be filled and this could be costly if you buy bags of soil. You might want to ask more questions on this depending on what you're thinking. Topsoil from elsewhere in the yard, topsoil delivered, potting soil bought in bags..... Don't overdo it the first year. Once frosts are past buy some tomato transplants (4 or less), pepper transplants and plant them. But a packet of zucchini seeds and cucumber seeds and try them, they're so easy! Get a pack of bean seeds (get a bush type, not pole beans) they're also easy. Then pick something else to experiment with..... There's a start and a couple of things to think about, I'm sure others will add on! Enjoy
...See More
Corn Cutter Tool Review
Q
Comments (1)
Also look for a corn variety that has a long kernel. We really like peaches and cream which is a shorter kernel. It's hard to cut it off as kernel corn. I think Shoe Peg has a real long kernel and a smaller cob. It might make a better kernel corn for you.
...See More
Tools for the beginner: a guide
Q
Comments (8)
I used it for the rough framing, it worked well enough. I also found that if you go across the grain it really chews it up. It's been handy to get my joists level-ish. For the decking boards I want a nicer finish so I've been just doing multiple miter saw cuts and orbital sander to get a good fit.
...See More
sunshine_funshine
16 years ago
Boy, you are learning fast!! I am enjoying your daily tutorials and finds. Keep 'em coming. This is gonna be great!

:adds HD to list of tomorrow's errands:
shrty411
16 years ago
I've been seeing those tile plier/cutter thingys popping up on eBay and the online stores. Been going back and forth about trying one. For the price at HD, might be worth it.
Saving for the mega saw blade for my ring saw and and accesory kit that Nicethyme talked about a while back.

Maria
rosemarythyme
16 years ago
Well don't you know that is THE VERY TOOL Rianna uses for her mosaics. Nothing fancy but very efficient!
joannegreco
16 years ago
Thanks so much for posting this. I just asked about tile nippers on another thread. :-)
crackpotannie
16 years ago
Joanne the wet saw I bought at home depot was 89.00 it was a workforce...yellow,also the yellow nippers I bought there are about 19.00 I nip my platew with them .I don't like the leponitts for plates at all ,I get a curve with them..and yes it just takes practice.
texaswild
16 years ago
Yep - I was gonna tell y'all that Rianna didn't even know what Leponitts were when we asked her didn't she have any. That tool is all she had, and she cuts vitreous tiles w/it too.
mmqchdygg
Original Author
16 years ago
Back with a 2-month report from this newbie:

1. Still like the score-tool, but I bet there's a better-quality one out there somewhere. This one isn't spring-loaded, and sticks somewhat, but gives a nice snip.
2. Filing off plate feet? FORGET THAT! What a stupid idea THAT was. Feet go in the trash.
3. Wet-saw- VRRRRROOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!! Likeitlikeitlikeit!!!
4. Leponitts- Yep, definitely "the Cadillac of all nippers." Sweet.

Question: I know I can cut glass with the Leps, but wondering "how-to" of it all. Do I score with something else first? Do I just "nip" like I do with plates & china? I gotta get me some glass scrappies to play with. Is the Morton System (or other systems) specifically designed for cutting "uniform" geometric shapes? I mean, if I were NOT doing Geo-shapes yet, will the Leps work for abstracts?

Thanks!
wackyweeder
16 years ago
I got some of those scorer breakers at the flea mkt for a buck! I got 4 pair in case the scorer wears out fast. I used it to cut 3/8 inch thick tile. and it was easy!
bamasusanna
16 years ago
Someone here posted a really neat piece done with "plate butts". Man, I wish I could find it again. You'd be diggin' those puppies back outta the trash!!
texaswild
16 years ago
I made three flowers w/them on concrete blocks, but I've seen them used very successfully in another mosaic site - can't remember. They are VERY useful for added texture - makes great flower petals, stems, and combined they can make leaves.
stjohnsgypsy
16 years ago
Wow....you're way ahead of me M&M...thanks for the info!!
chickeemama
16 years ago
MM the morton does cut geometric shapes but you will need a glass cutter to go with it. I use the toyo pistol grip to cut my glass. The leps work great if you just want abstract shapes.

Donna
diytrying
16 years ago
Have to sets of nippers and two grinding wheels. Use my leps for glass abstract shapes and am ruining my cheaper wheels on china. Also use a heavier grit grinder wheel on china. Don't even try to get the footers off. If I think they are in the middle of the china pattern too much, usually pass on the china. Slow, love those flowers - don't think I've ever seen that work before. Had some seconds of Fiesta - you inspire me to wish I had those footers back now!

A Beginner's Tool Review

Comments (15)

bamasusanna

nicethyme

Related Discussions

sunshine_funshine

shrty411

rosemarythyme

joannegreco

crackpotannie

texaswild

mmqchdygg
Original Author

wackyweeder

bamasusanna

texaswild

stjohnsgypsy

chickeemama

diytrying

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

A Beginner's Tool Review

Comments (15)

Related Discussions

mmqchdyggOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

mmqchdygg
Original Author