Water Jet vs. Manual Cutting: Where the Real Difference Lies
I’m writing this article because I often get asked why manual cutting is more expensive, when at first glance there seem to be “cheaper” options using water jet cutting. So I’ll explain the limits of both methods, the risks involved, and why I decided to stick with manual work.
Price and Reality
At first sight, water jet cutting looks tempting. Prices are usually around CZK 1,000 per hole or similar simple cut. The actual cut itself is cheaper (real costs are closer to CZK 250), but the rest is overhead, machine operation, amortization, and margin. That’s fine—everyone has to make a living.
The problem begins with everything that happens before and after the cut itself.
For example:
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A large-format tile 1200 × 1200 mm, 6 mm thick, often has microcracks from production that only fully show during cutting or drilling. Once a hole is cut, the slab is weakened, and the risk of breakage during transport rises significantly.
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If such a tile has to be transported for cutting and then back again, the real chance of damage can sometimes be 50/50.
Service Limitations
Companies that provide water jet cutting usually set limits to reduce risks:
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Maximum formats: often only up to 1200 × 600 mm, since these can be transported more safely.
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Extra charges: for larger sizes, the price increases quickly, sometimes even multiples.
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Logistics: to the cutting price you have to add transport there and back, handling, tiler’s time, and possibly installation.
Practical example:
If a customer has a large-format slab and needs 2–3 holes, the cutting price looks attractive. But once you add transport (say 150–200 km), time spent on the road and handling, the final price can exceed what manual processing on site would have cost.
Risks and Responsibility
Another key point is responsibility.
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If a tile cracks during transport or water jet cutting—who pays for the replacement?
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If the tiler has to drive 200 km for a new slab—who covers the costs?
With manual cutting it’s clear—the one who cuts is responsible. With water jet cutting, responsibility is often spread among multiple parties, and in the end it usually falls on the client.
Practical example:
A customer has a hole cut by water jet. During transport back to the site, the slab breaks. The cutter says: “The cut was fine, we’re not responsible for transport.” The carrier says: “The slab was weakened, not our fault.” And the tiler is left with a broken slab and an angry client.
Manual Cutting in Practice
Manual cutting will never achieve the absolute precision of a water jet. But its advantages are undeniable:
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No transport of weakened material – the work is done directly on site.
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Stable, predictable pricing – whether it’s 600 × 600 mm or 2780 × 1200 mm, the price remains similar (only tiler’s travel costs differ).
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Clear responsibility – the person cutting is fully accountable for the result.
Practical example:
On site, a hole is needed for a faucet. Manual cutting handles it in minutes—no transport, no waiting, no risk of breakage in transit. True, the edge isn’t “laser-perfect,” but once a cover plate is installed, no one will ever notice.
Summary of Options
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Water jet: luxury precision, clean cut, ideal for special and design elements. But more expensive, logistically complicated, and risky for large formats.
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Manual cutting: less perfect, but stable, reliable, and without unnecessary risks. Predictable pricing and clear responsibility.
Conclusion
Water jet cutting is a great technology, especially for smaller formats or detailed design cuts. But with large-format tiles, its downsides often outweigh its benefits: transport risks, size limits, and higher final costs.
Manual cutting may not be “perfect,” but in practice it pays off more for most clients. Plus, it allows the tiler to demonstrate craftsmanship—and that’s the charm of honest work no machine can ever replace.