[starshine1]

... and not ruin it?

I have an old ceramic tile-top table from the 70's. It's an oak table, and the tiles are fairly small.
I want to cut it in half, and the cut side will be against the wall,unseen.

It doesn't have to be a beautiful cut,as that end won't show. As long as it's straight.
Total depth of wood and tile is about 1 1/2 inches.

THANKS!

[hkstroud]

What size are the tiles, 1x1 or 4x4? Does the table have to be a specific length or can you pick a length that corresponds to a grout line of the tile? Can the wood be cut from the underside with a circular saw?

[starshine1]

The tiles are mostly 1x1, some have been nipped a bit smaller.
The grout line is not continuous all the way across (at or near the width I'd like for the cut), but I see one line that covers about 75% of the distance.

I think it could be cut from below with a circular saw. What type blade would you suggest?

[hkstroud]

Carbide tooth blade. Turn table upside down on flat surface. Draw line over grout line, set saw depth to cut to 1/16 to 1/8 greater then thickness of table and tile. Use straight edge clamped to table for straight cut. Try to set cut line just beyond grout line so that you cut grout line and the tile on the waste side. This would minimise chances of chipping a tile. If you wish you could make a test cut out in the waste area to see if chipping of tiles is a problem. Then make a final cut.

[KISS]

I think you have a very complex cut. There is likely wood on the sides and a wood bottom for the ceramic tile, so I have only one suggestion. A router with two different blades:

Diamond to cut the ceramic: http://www.technologylk.com/product_...product_ID=153
Multiple passes will probably be required.

And carbide to cut the wood.

Depending on the table, you may even need a jig or hand saw to cut the sides.

The table will require support and have a very steady fence.

I'd cut starting from the ceramic surface and then change the bit to cut the wood. Then cut the edges.

When using a saw, wood generally splinters on the opposite surface and that's why when cutting thin materials such as laminate, the blade is usually turned around. When the blade comes up from the bottom, it splinters. I think with your idea, the tile would end up being chipped and you may loose some because of the force of the blade.

I think the router is your best bet.

You'll have to keep the cutting tools cool.