Tiling: how do I cut an L-shape?

[AdamW]

When cutting a tile to fit around an immovable object (in this case a pattress box for a fused outlet) is it possible to cut the tile into an l-shape? For example, take a 6 inch square tile and cut a 2 inch by 2 inch square out of one corner?

The only way I can think to do it is to run the tile cutter across the tile to make a 4 inch wide piece and a 2 inch wide piece, then run the cutter across the 2 inch piece to take the end off and glue the tiles in place together.

Now this doesn't sound like it would give a good finish! What tools and methods would I use to cut it leaving the tile in one piece?

 

[DAZB]

Use a tile saw like this
You may find it wise to practice on a spare tile first so you get used to how much pressure to apply with the saw but they are very useful tools to have.

 

[Goofyish]

As I'm tiling my whole bathroom I invested in an electric tile saw - it makes cutting tiles so easy and handles 'L' shape cuts with ease.
I go mine from Screwfix.

If you use a manual tile saw remember not to pick it up by the blade after using it

 

[AdamW]

If you use a manual tile saw remember not to pick it up by the blade after using it

But surely the blistering and scarring could be seen as a symbol of belonging by fellow DIYers, not to mention saving on the cost of "I tiled my own bathroom and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" t-shirts.

The amount of heat given off by even such things as wood screws being screwed into too small holes is impressive. When drilling timber I have hit resin pockets and with all the smoke that pours out, wondered "how often do people actually set a piece of 3x2 on fire when drilling it?"

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

The amount of heat given off by even such things as wood screws being screwed into too small holes is impressive. When drilling timber I have hit resin pockets and with all the smoke that pours out, wondered "how often do people actually set a piece of 3x2 on fire when drilling it?"

You could inform the producers of "I'm A Celebrity....."
On second thoughts don't, I couldn't stand another series

 

[AdamW]

Well, I have bought the water-cooled electric tile saw and can't wait to use it (2 or 3 weeks away, work permitting). Combining spinning diamond circular saws with 400 watts, water cooling and my DIY skills is bound to get me on the next "DIY disasters" program!

Seriously, I will be very VERY careful with this one as I saw the episode where a bloke accidentally cut his own arm off with a bench saw and this tool looks almost identical.

As my job hazard level has increased, so has my attention to safety. Definitely a good thing as when removing old tiles today I had glaze chips bouncing off my goggles and plaster dust on my respirator. If only I had been wearing my rigger gloves then I wouldn't have dropped the bolster on my toes. Luckily, I was wearing steelies. Can't wait for a job to try out my new hard hat, just better remove it before going out in case someone mistakes me for a member of the Village People!

 

[Goofyish]

A few tips on the tile saw -

I bolted mine the top of my B&D work mate - keeps it nice and secure and at a nice working height,
You will need to top up the cooling water quite often, this also helps to keep down the dust. Put some plastic sheeting and a bucket under the saw to catch the drips!

Have fun!

 

[AdamW]

Ah, thanks for the tips! Shall be using them.