Fine cuts in tile – 1″ diamond blade?

I’m finishing up a travertine tile backsplash, and would prefer to make my own electrical outlet and light switch covers out of tile. I can buy them at the local tile store, but they are $14 each. Ouch!
I can use my tile wet saw (Workforce) to cut the blanks, but need something smaller to cut out the openings. I’ve tried cut-off disks in my Dremel and that is impossibly slow. Diamond tip shaper equally ineffective. A tile bit for a roto-zip (used in my drill) didn’t “cut it” either. Seems that a 1″ to 2″ diameter diamond blade that I could put into a drill would fit the bill. But I can’t seem to locate anything like this. Any suggestions?
Replies
freestate looking for something like this at Harbor freight?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=31501
Wallyo
That's the ticket! Thanks for the link.
Never used them thought about buying them when in the store last. Let me know how they work out there is also a router / drill bit sort of on the same page the link connects to . Wallyo
Freestate
If you're tight with your friendly dentist, he uses diamond bits which can be chucked in a Dremel. They are too dull for his use, but have plenty of life in them for your use.
Stef
Please post back if that works for you. I am in the middle of tiling our backsplash (only the grouting left) and thought about doing the same thing with the leftover tiles.
I ordered two sets of 5 blades. That may turn out to be 9 more than I need, but since they are only $4 per set I decided to be a big spender. I probably won't get them for a week or two, but I'll let you guys know how they work out.
How much they get you for shipping? probably more then the blade! Yeah post back how they do.Wallyo
Cut the openings first by dropping the blade down carefully.
Dig as deep as you can and then turn the tile over to cut into the back.
If you do not have a rubberized table, such as with the Ridgid tile cutter, just spray off the table and put down a paper towel. This will protect the face of the tile while you are cutting the back.
I have found that once you cut through the glazed part of the tile, there will be less wear on whatever you use to finish the cut. Just be sure to flush the bit while you are cutting.
I suppose you could use a MM blade to finish the cut, but I haven't tried that yet and suspect it will not be cost-effective if the $14 bugs you.
Might want to have a look at this
http://www.rotozip.com/Shop/CategorySubBrowse.htm?IID=66587&BID=18&HID=188064
Locally I have never seen the diamond bits just the carbide, which on my last job lasted for one cut it was the hardest tile I never installed.Wallyo
Cutting porcelain tile seems a sure route to destroying anything carbide.