Sigma 3B/3BM v Rubi TX 700

[KL Tiling]

Morning all,

I guess this is something which is continually going to be discussed but I'd like your opinions if possible please.

I install mostly natural stone and therefore use my trusty wet cutter most of the time (2KW Montolit which cuts anything!).

I also from time to time do ceramic and porcelain however.
My Rubi TS60 is fine for ceramics but just cannot handle harder porcelains and I nearly always end up having to resort to the Monty!
The Monty will handle anything thrown at it but porcelain does some damage to the rather expensive blades.
I'm therefore looking at a more capable manual cutter.
Montolit do a good range but I don't know much about their manual cutters.
I've been looking at the Rubi TX700 and the Sigma 3B (or 3BM, but not sure about losing the extra 30mm!).

I guess my question is basically which of these machines is better at handling Grade 5 porcelain?
I've only ever used Rubi for manual cuts and my current machine just cannot cope so do I upgrade the Rubi or switch to Sigma?
Also does anybody know the performance difference between the 3B and the 3BM (apart from the 30mm cutting size).

The cost isn't such a massive issue as I'm more concerned with the performance and the difference between the machines isn't massive anyway.

Many thanks,

Karl

 

[tfs]

I have the tx 700 mate. I have come across a few porc tiles which it has not not been too great with (the correct scorring wheel plays a part in this to an extent though). I think this may be the case with any cutter though. 9 times out of 10 the tx 700 works a treat. I also use the big clinker from Screwfix.

 

[DHTiling]

If you do fancy a Monty hand cutter.. i have a Montolit 63P2 MasterPiuma Evolution 2 .. forsale..

PM me for details if required..

 

[KL Tiling]

Thanks Dave.
How effective do you find the Monty (or is that why you're selling it :smilewinkgrin?

 

[DHTiling]

I prefer my tx700 .

 

[DHTiling]

Monty is a good cutter but hard to adjust
from being a life long rubi user.

 

[Sigma UK]

Hello, The 3B 63cm has the standard handle (score backwards) traditional style Sigma. The 3BM 60cm has the new MAX handle score forwards.

Key features of the MAX range are

1200kg sliding breaker
cut's up to 20mm porcelain
carbide wheel on bearings for textured tiles
Sprung loaded breaking feet and wheel
Height adjustable centre bar
clear acrylic feet to provent marke on high polished porcelain
5 year warranty
wheels last a 900sqm or more
also cheaper than most pro cutters on the market.

I would say go for the Sigma

 

[demi34]

Go for Sigma the best cutters I have been using Sigma for 20 years and not problem at all

 

[ishi69]

Just got the monty 93p2. After using Rubi for years it takes a bit of getting used to as its more difficult to see the scoring wheel but It cuts porcelain with ease. I've just started a job with four wetrooms all 450x900 porcelain and 70sq metres 800x800 floor and its making light work of the tiles.

 

[AliGage]

I was down my local CTD today and they have an offer on the TX 700. £249.99 inc VAT!

Offer expires end of May and then it's back up to £399.99.

 

[KL Tiling]

Thanks for all the advice chaps.
Ive ordered a Sigma 3CM

 

[Stef]

I was down my local CTD today and they have an offer on the TX 700. £249.99 inc VAT!

Offer expires end of May and then it's back up to £399.99.

I think this is the older TX, don't think it's the 700 N?? I looked at it & ended up buying a tomechanic supercoup 75.

 

[Sigma UK]

You wont regret getting the Sigma 3CM.

 

[florin66]

Hi all, i have a rubi TX 700 N and a Sigma... for porcelain up to 60x60 rubi is ok but for the bigger tiles i laid ( 80x80,90x45 ) i found Sigma more reliable.
Actually i have started a bloc of 55 flats where walls and floors are travertin,and of course i am usind the wet cutter for the visible cuts but i am also using the Sigma for the cuts that are not visible. Sigma gives me a good clean cut ( of course i have to check the tile for consistency,hidden cracks). i only waisted 3-4 tiles in about 100 sqm.
So, Sigma for me!

 

[Plumbing Tiler]

Hi All, just out of curiousity could anyone tell me the difference between a TX700 and a TX700N please???, reading all these threads with interest as thinking of getting something a bit more up to the job for porcelain than my TS60 Plus, cheers, considering a TX or a Sigma?

 

[Gazzer]

I believe the marking gauge system is slightly different. Also if I am correct, most people say the standard version is better ?

 

[Lodger]

Hi, I bought the sigma 900 cutter from eBay last year. The seller started his tiling business in Stoke then found it hard finding work. He gave me 2 handles for the cutter, which looked like he had just used once to me. In fact the whole kit looked as gud as new, so I was happy with the purchase.
Lately I have been getting large format tiling jobs, so after reading reviews on here, and one turning up on eBay, it was time to part with some cash.
I must admit, the cutter is very very good. Porcelain tiles are as easy as cutting ceramic tiles on my rubi ts-50 plus. I can cut 20mm slithers of tile in porcelain, which is amazing.
You can't go wrong with a Sigma!!!

 

[Sigma UK]

The TX700 Has a fixed guide rail where as the TX700N has guide bar that can be moved in either direction. It will always stay at 0 degrees but the 700N version is better. But if you want the best cut on porcelain then go for the Sigma 3CM. it has more power than a Rubi and will last you a life time. Also a little more affordable. That's just what I think.

 

[Sigma UK]

Also the 3CM is a MAX model for the Sigma. 1200kg breaker. Anything with M at the end means Max. the 3C means it has a standard handle "score backwards" the MAX is a push score. They also have a Klick Klock handle which is reversable. Means it flips over. backwards or forwards. The bases are the same its just the handle type you can choose. I would go the MAX range easy to use and lot's of power.

 

[mattle40]

^^ couldn't agree more, top cutter ^^

 

[2010]

just ordered a montolit 75p2 last night from tradetiler, do you think it will cut these ok?

 

[Sigma UK]

You might not get a really clean cut with that surface but until you give it a go you don't know?. If you don't like the first cut stop and get your wet saw out. They probably cost a few pounds.

 

[Peter]

Not sure if the Monty would cut them right but if you bought a Sigma I'm sure it would manage. Only thing mine can't cut is slate. :lol:

 

[mattle40]

Lol amazin ain't it, iv cut trav and marble
This just shouldn't happen

 

[KL Tiling]

My shiny new Sigma 3CM arrived today and I gave it a maiden voyage cutting some nice polished porcelain. I can confirm it is a beast