Re: ATM 2" hex ceramic tiles

["Bill T." <twentiethwave@hotmail.com>]

Chuck Hards wrote:
> Can anyone tell me why a hexagonal tile would be preferred to square, for
> grinding?  Is there a physical reason, or is this "personal prefferance"
> territory?
>
I theorize that the edge of a tile cuts most efficiently when it is at 90
degrees to the direction of motion.  The edge doesn't actually cut, it's
that the grits get forced under the tile more efficiently.  A six sided tile
will more often have an edge close to 90 degrees than a square tile.

 Also the sharp 90 degree corner on square tiles somehow looks more
scratch-threatening than the 60 degree angle on hex's, but I know I'm just
being a silly goose about this.

I'm pretty sure I've noticed a slight direction sensitivity with the
squares.  Anybody else ever notice this?

I usually use 1" hex's from either Willmann-Bell, or special ordered from
Tile World.  I never wax, file, debur, or anything other than wet brush
between grits.  Haven't had a grinding scratch in a long time.

Bill T.