Question : How do the EZ Cutters work?
Answer : EZ Cutters make a shallow score into the surface of the material. This scoring makes a split in the surface which encourages the material to break cleanly along this score line.
Question : What materials will the EZ Cutters work on?
Answer : The Alpha® EZ Cutters (Slimline & T-Cutters) are designed to work on thin porcelain tile panel materials.
Question : If the porcelain tile or panel has a texturized surface, will the EZ Cutters still work on is material?
Answer : No, the EZ Cutters need to make a continuous score mark across the entire length of the material in order for the “Score & Snap” process to be successful. If the material has a texturized surface, the EZ Cutters will not be able to make the continuous score required.
Question : How do I cut the Thin Porcelain Tile/Panels with texturized surfaces?
Answer : We recommend using the Alpha® Spike Ruler with one of our power tools: Ecocutter (P# ECC-125), AWS Stone Cutter (P# AWS-110) or with our Ecoguard C (P# ECOGRDCT).
We also recommend the following blades to be used with the tools listed above: Alpha® Katana or Laminam blade for cutting the texturized surface material.
Question : Can I use the EZ Cutters on other material such as natu-ral stone?
Answer : No, the Alpha® EZ Cutters will only successfully score and snap porcelain material since the porcelain material has a solid continuous body.
Question : What is the correct method of using the EZ Cutters?
Answer : The correct method is as follows:
• Open the self-lubricating reservoir and fill with the Alpha® EZ Cutter Oil (P# KOC1000)
• Before making the score, test to make sure that the EZ Cutter is dispensing oil.
• If you are using the Slimline or Pistol Type Oil Cutters, align the Alpha® Spike Ruler to the line on the material that needs to be scored. If you are using the T-Cutter, you will not need the Spike Ruler.
• Place the EZ Cutter’s scoring wheel on the edge of the material, while applying consistent downward pressure, pull the EZ Cutter towards you in a continuous non-stopping motion until you reach the end of the material.
• Close the self-lubricating reservoir.
• Position the Alpha® Running Pliers (P# KOC512P) on the score mark and squeeze the handles to apply pressure on the scored material. The material will snap following the score mark across the material.
TIP: Teaming up and using two Alpha® EZ Glass Running Pliers at the same time with one on each side of the long panel is an option and recommended to keep the snapped panel from getting damaged.
• If the material has fiberglass on the back surface, you will need to use a razor blade to cut the fiber glass after the material has been snapped.
• It is recommended after the material has been scored and snapped, use the Alpha® Electroplated Hand Pads (#60 or #150 grit) to remove the sharp edges. (P# DHP0060 or DHP0150)
Question : What is the wheel made of that scores into the material on the EZ Cutters (Slim-line, Pistol Grip and T-Cutters)?
Answer : Tungsten Carbide
Question : What is the maximum thickness of material that the EZ Cut-ters will work effectively?
Answer : The Alpha® EZ Cutters are designed to work on material up to 3/8” (10mm) thick.
Question : Why are the Alpha® EZ Cutters able to be used on material up to 3/8” (10mm) thick?
Answer : The EZ Cutters can be used on thick materials due to the fact that the carbide wheel was ground down to a precise 138 degree allowing for a deeper score mark on the material which is very helpful for scoring thicker materials.
Question : What is the difference between the Slimline and Pistol Grip Type Oil Cutters?
Answer : The Slimline, “Pencil Style”, cutters are a standard shape and suit individuals whom have no issue with applying pressure with their wrists. Pistol type cutters are good for individuals whom have trouble applying pressure or like the feel of the Pistol Grip.
Question : Can I use the EZ Cutters without oil?
Answer : Yes, however; it’s highly recommended to use the Alpha® EZ Cutter Oil for lubrication to assure a smooth continuous scoring performance and long life. Lubricant is highly recommended at all times when the EZ Cutter (Slimline, Pistol or T-Cutter) are movin
Question : If I run out of the Alpha® EZ Cutter Oil, can I use another lubricate to get me by to complete my job?
Answer : Although we recommend using the Alpha® EZ Cutter Oil, this oil can be substituted by using kerosene, mineral oil and sewing machine oil to help you get by.
Question : If I need to score on an angle, what does Alpha® offer as a guide?
Answer : Alpha® recommends our Spike Ruler for the angle cut up to 39” (1m) long. http://www.alpha-tools.com/Product.aspx?PageCode=2000
Question : How can I cut internal corners?
Answer : Since you cannot snap the piece, you have to cut at least one edge. Alpha® recommends Katana blade along an Ecoguard and HEPA Vacuum for virtually dust-free cutting application on the thin porcelain panels.
Question : How can I make a shower knob cut-out?
Answer : Alpha® recommends using Contour Blade for Porcelain.
Question : What does Alpha® recommend for making an-chor holes on thin porcelain panel?
Answer : Alpha® recommends Electroplated Diamond Drill bits for anchor hole applications.
Question : Can I use Vacuum Brazed Trimmer Bits to cut a shower knob cut-out?
Answer : Yes, however; a 3mm thick porcelain panel is very delicate so that you need to pay extra attention not to break the material during the application.
Question : What is the maximum width the EZ Thin Panel T-Cutters can score on the material?
Answer : The maximum width that the KEC-600 will score is 25-1/2”
The maximum width that the KEC-1500 will score is 61-1/2”
Question : Can I purchase a replacement cutting head for my EZ Thin Panel T-Cutters 24” or 60”?
Answer : Yes, replacement cutting heads for both T-Cutters are available. (P# KEC1902)
Question : What is the thinnest material on which the rollers of the EZ Thin Panel T-Cutters will work?
Answer : 1/8” or 3mm is usually the thinnest thickness of manufactured porcelain panels.
Question : Can I use the EZ Thin Panel T-Cutter to make a miter cut?
Answer : No you cannot. Alpha® recommends our Silencer III for Porcelain/Crystallized Glass for the bridge saw application to create a precision miter cut. Alpha® also recommends the Alpha® Beveling Auxiliary Base to grind in a 45 degree as alternative method to p
Question : How do I assemble the EZ Thin Panel T-Cutter?
Answer : Refer to the owner’s manual for proper usage and assembly. The manual is located on the product page of our website.
Question : Can I use the Alpha® Running Plier for a long rip cut?
Answer : Yes you can; however, using two Running Pliers with the help of another person will help on these long scored pieces.
Question : How do I align the Running Plier to the score mark on the material?
Answer : The Running Plier has a red indicator line on the plier which you want to align with the score mark on the material to assure even pressure is being distributed during the snapping of the material.
Question : Do I need to squeeze hard when using the Alpha® Running Plier to snap the material?
Answer : No, a gentle squeeze is all that is necessary on the Running Plier for a clean break.
Remember that the line on the Running Plier should always line up with the score.
Question : What thickness material is the Alpha® Running Plier designed to work on?
Answer : Running Pliers can snap thickness of 5mm to 12mm.