00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
How to cut large-format tiles and thick slabs: Kera-Cut, tile cutters and saws
In short: to cut thin large-format slabs, up to 7 mm thick and more than 3 m long, Sigma offers the Kera-Cut Ext (8AE2). It is a guide rail that attaches directly to the slab with suction cups and cuts up to 332 cm. For thicker slabs, from 12 to 25 mm, you move to a Sigma Series 4 Nex or Series XL tile cutter up to 19 mm, then to a Rubi wet saw beyond that. To handle and support these slabs, there are the Kera-Lift accessories and the 63F extendable workbench.
Why a standard tile cutter is no longer enough
The Sigma bench tile cutters we stock cut up to 155 cm (Series 4 Nex 4FN). Porcelain slabs of 120 × 240 cm, 120 × 260 cm or more exceed that length. The Kera-Cut Ext takes the opposite approach: instead of placing the slab on a machine, you attach the rail to the slab with suction cups.
Kera-Cut Ext (8AE2): scoring thin slabs
| Feature | Kera-Cut Ext 8AE2 |
|---|---|
| Cutting length | 332 cm (130.7 in) |
| With extension | 382 cm with the 50 cm 8AEP2 extension. Sigma's website also lists 447 cm with the 115 cm 8AEP3 extension. |
| Diagonal cut | 234 cm |
| Thickness cut by scoring | 0 to 7 mm |
| Scoring wheel | 14G, 13 mm |
| Weight | 14.2 kg (18.2 kg with the 8AEP2 extension) |
| Attachment | Non-marking suction cups that can be placed freely, also suited to rough surfaces |
The rail comes apart in sections joined by three high-precision steel joints, and stores in the cases supplied. Sigma gives a handling tip: spread the handles to gain leverage on hard materials, and bring them closer for better control on ultra-thin or fragile slabs.
The accessories that make the difference
- 41D universal separator: breaks pre-scored tiles from 0 to 30 mm, even diagonally. Above 7 mm, Sigma limits this method to soft porcelain stoneware.
- 38F5 swivel supports: fixed to the work surface for repetitive cuts. Turning them lifts the rail up to 21 mm to remove the tile.
12 to 25 mm slabs: Sigma tile cutter or Rubi saw
The Kera-Cut scores up to 7 mm. For thicker slabs, the right tool depends on the thickness and the cutting length.
| Thickness | Recommended tool | Capacity (manufacturer) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 19 mm | Sigma Series 4 Nex 4EN or 4FN; Series XL for cuts longer than 155 cm | Scoring from 0 to 19 mm. Series 4 Nex: 125 or 155 cm, 1,200 kg of breaking force. Series XL: 205 or 245 cm, 770 kg. |
| 20 mm (outdoor pavers) | Test cut on a Series 4 Nex, or the Rubi TZ | According to Sigma, some 20 mm tiles can only be cut if their hardness allows it. The Rubi TZ scores up to 21 mm, depending on density, with 1,500 kg of breaking force. |
| More than 20 mm, or for a guaranteed cut | Rubi DC-250 Python 1200 | Wet saw, 250 mm blade, cuts up to 90 mm deep (55 mm at 45°) and 121 cm long, or 134 cm with the chainsaw effect. |
A diamond-blade saw cut does not depend on the tile's hardness, which makes it the safest option for slabs 20 mm and thicker. Rubi describes the DC-250 Python as suitable for landscaping. For shorter cuts, the Rubi DT-10" MAX is the more affordable option: 254 mm blade, 91 cm cutting length and 89 mm cutting height.
Handling slabs: Kera-Lift
The Kera-Lift frame is used to carry and set large slabs. Ceramed stocks the main accessories (details from our product pages):
- 424 handle kit: the handles sit along the uprights, so the slab can be set without removing the frame.
- 421 trolley kit: non-marking swivel wheel, supports for back-buttering the slab and 2 rubber-covered anti-fall devices. Note: this kit is not compatible with the older Kera-Lift version.
- 51L double suction cup: 120 mm aluminium suction cups.
Supporting the slab: the 63F extendable workbench
The Sigma 63F workbench is collapsible and modular. According to Sigma's assembly instructions, it is 180 cm long, up to 151.5 cm wide and 82 cm high. It carries a maximum load of 200 kg and weighs 29 kg. Two benches join to form a 360 cm work surface. The 400 two-clamp kit slides into the shelf rails and adjusts to the tile thickness. The bench also takes the Kera-Cut supports and the Simple Bevel and Jolly Edge bases.
Frequently asked questions
How do you cut a 120 × 240 cm porcelain slab?
For a thin slab, up to 7 mm, the Kera-Cut Ext scores up to 332 cm, and up to 234 cm diagonally. The slab is then broken with the 41D separator. For a thicker slab, up to 19 mm, the Sigma Series XL scores up to 245 cm. Above 19 mm, a wet saw such as the Rubi DC-250 Python cuts up to 134 cm: for a longer cut on a thick slab, contact our team.
Can the Kera-Cut cut 12 mm porcelain?
The Kera-Cut scores slabs up to 7 mm. Above that, Sigma limits scoring to soft porcelain stoneware, broken with the 41D separator (up to 30 mm). For 12 mm porcelain, use a Sigma Series 4 Nex tile cutter (0 to 19 mm, up to 155 cm long) or, for a longer cut, the Series XL (up to 245 cm).
How do you cut a 20 mm outdoor paver?
With a manual tile cutter, make a test cut first: according to Sigma, some 20 mm tiles can only be cut if their hardness allows it. The Rubi TZ scores up to 21 mm depending on density. For a guaranteed cut, use a wet saw such as the Rubi DC-250 Python or the Rubi DT-10" MAX.
What load can the Sigma 63F workbench carry?
200 kg maximum, according to Sigma's assembly instructions.
Buy Sigma at Ceramed
Ceramed, a proudly Québec company based in Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, stocks Sigma's large-format products and Rubi saws. We ship across Canada and offer more than 90 free pickup locations. Professionals get special pricing with Ceramed Pro.
Sources: official Sigma catalogue, Sigma workbench assembly instructions, sigmaitalia.com and rubi.com.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
