Plasplugs tile cutters - any views?

I've got one of these (an older model I think) and it doesn't have any of the problems you mention. I'd take it back if I were you. B&Q are usually pretty reasonable in this regard.

David

I concur. My model had none of these issues.

Christian.

I have one which I bought about 18 months ago. Overall I think it's been very good. Specific points addressed below.

All the screws on mine are countersunk.

No ridges on mine.

Definitely not the case on the one I have. I've done a bathroom, a shower room, a downstairs toilet, and a kitchen (including porcelain floor) with it, and the blade has remained true.

That sounds bad. I haven't looked closely, but I didn't notice mine rocking at any point.

I think you have a duff. What I don't know is whether it's just one unit, or a whole batch. I would definitely take it back. Examine the potential replacement machine carefully, and only take it home if you are satisfied that it doesn't have the same faults. I wonder if they have two different factories?

I got the basic version (i.e. plastic bodied, about 32 quid from machine mart), and found none of the problems you describe. One caveat: I was only cutting ceramic tiles with it though. Sounds like someone had a game of football using your one before you got it!

It's a piece of crap.

For some odd reason, the older and (rather cheap looking) Plasplugs tile cutters have gained a good reputation for reliability, whilst the visually more robust shiny metal-tabled versions from the sheds have soon been found wanting for accuracy and longevity. Unfortunately this new Plasplugs one seems to have gone with the "shiny-but-rubbish" school, rather than the "very reliable for an Airfix kit" past.

Yes, I missed the reference to the metal shiny bit. Mine is the "Airfix" type.

Christian.

I've had one for about three years, and this was an upgrade from the basic model which a friend borrowed then wanted to keep. (And paid me the original price for ;-))

It has none of the issues you mention. If the blade has run out, take it back. The screw hole and ridge things should like they could easily be fixed, but of course shouldn't need to.

It should sit square on a level surface. Sounds like it's been subjected to some enormous outside influence - perhaps a container fire? Could be that would account for the other faults too.

The only thing on mine I dislike are the quick release fence clamps. They need to be kept clean to work. But IIRC later models were improved.

I always use mine clamped to my Workmate. It sits over the jaws, and you open them to grip the feet. A solid fixing makes it so much easier to use. And if possible, use the whole lot outdoors. Good light makes accurate cutting so much easier.

I'm confused. Mine is plastic bodied, made of a one piece black plastic moulding. The table is surfaced with ribbed stainless sheet. Is that the one we're talking about?

Think mine as ribbed ally of some sort. ;-)

Ok, could be aluminium - I thought it was ss on account of it not scratching too much.

There seems to be a number of them:

Yes, mine is the first, too. Only the second is described as a "Pro Tiler Plus", though, which is what the OP called it.

Christian.

I have the one from Screwfix, is that any good as I have a slate floor to cut, its not thick slate but all the same will these cutters handle it or am I being too optimistic

Mine is the second. It doesn't show on that photo, but the table plates have fine ribbing on them.

Slate is very easy to cut - much softer than porcelain. I used mine to cut slates for the kitchen splashback, and had no problems.

Mine is the DWW150, so the third. And appears to cost rather more than I paid for it. Still, that's machine mart for you.

Hmmmm! :-)

(Yes, I know what you mean, it just struck me as funny when I first read it)

Ah. Sorry to use a technical term. ;-)