When you're cutting ceramic or porcelain tile in tight spaces — around outlets, inside corners, small notches, or detail work near walls — a standard 4.5" angle grinder blade is often too large and too aggressive for the job.
The DiStar Butterfly is built specifically for that scenario. At 45–50mm, it's one of the smallest diamond blades in the DiStar lineup, designed to pair with compact long-neck angle grinders for precision tile cutting where larger blades can't reach or can't control.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the DiStar Butterfly — what it is, what it's best for, how to use it, and how it compares to other DiStar blades.
What Is the DiStar Butterfly Diamond Blade?
The DiStar Butterfly is a 45–50mm diamond cutting blade engineered for ultra-precise cutting of ceramic and porcelain tile. It's designed for use with compact long-neck angle grinders — particularly the Proxxon LHW series — that use 50mm disc platforms.
The Butterfly's small diameter gives it a significant advantage in detail and finish work:
- Tighter turning radius for curved and notch cuts
- Better visibility of the cut line
- More control in confined spaces
- Less material removal per pass — cleaner, more precise results
- Reduced chipping on delicate porcelain edges
It's not a replacement for a full-size tile saw or bridge saw. It's a precision instrument for the detail cuts that those tools can't make.
DiStar Butterfly Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 45–50mm (approx. 2") |
| Center Bore | 10mm |
| Compatible Tools | Proxxon LHW/E, LHW/A, and other long-neck grinders with 50mm disc platform |
| Material | Ceramic, porcelain, ceramic gres |
| Cut Type | Dry cutting |
| Best For | Detail cuts, notches, inside corners, outlet openings, tight spaces |
What the DiStar Butterfly Is Best For
The Butterfly excels in situations where precision matters more than speed. Common applications include:
Inside Corner Cuts
Standard blades can't reach fully into inside corners without overcutting. The Butterfly's small diameter lets you cut cleanly into corners with minimal overrun.
Outlet and Fixture Openings
Cutting openings for electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, or floor drains in installed tile requires tight control. The Butterfly gives you the visibility and precision to make clean rectangular or circular openings.
Notch Cuts
Small notches around door frames, thresholds, or obstacles are difficult with larger blades. The Butterfly handles these with minimal risk of chipping or overcutting.
Shower Niche Modifications
Trimming installed tile in shower niches or alcoves — where space is extremely limited — is a natural fit for the Butterfly's compact profile.
Detail Work on Installed Tile
Any situation where you're cutting tile that's already on the wall or floor, and you need to avoid damaging surrounding tiles, benefits from the Butterfly's controlled cut radius.
Curved Cuts in Porcelain
The small blade diameter allows tighter radius curves than any standard angle grinder blade — useful for decorative cuts, medallion work, or fitting tile around curved obstacles.
Compatible Tools
The DiStar Butterfly is designed for compact long-neck angle grinders with a 50mm disc platform and 10mm center bore. The primary compatible tools are:
Proxxon LHW/E (Corded)
The corded long-neck grinder — ideal for shop and bench work where continuous runtime matters. Pairs perfectly with the Butterfly for extended detail cutting sessions.
Proxxon LHW/A (Cordless)
The 10.8V cordless version — the better choice for installed tile work on active jobsites where cord management is a problem. The Butterfly + LHW/A combination is one of the most effective setups for field tile detail work.
Not sure which Proxxon LHW grinder is right for you? Read our comparison: Proxxon LHW/E vs LHW/A — Corded vs Cordless for Tile Cutting →
How to Use the DiStar Butterfly
Step 1 — Mount the Blade
Install the Butterfly blade onto your Proxxon LHW grinder using the 10mm center bore. Ensure it's seated securely and the locking nut is tightened before use.
Step 2 — Mark Your Cut Line
Use a pencil or tile marker to mark the cut line clearly. The Butterfly's small diameter gives you excellent sightline visibility — take advantage of it by marking precisely.
Step 3 — Start the Cut Slowly
Begin at low speed and let the blade establish the cut line before increasing speed. This is especially important on polished porcelain where chipping is most likely at the entry point.
Step 4 — Use Light, Consistent Pressure
Don't force the blade. Let the diamond segments do the work. Consistent, light pressure produces cleaner cuts and extends blade life significantly.
Step 5 — Keep the Blade Moving
Avoid dwelling in one spot — keep the blade moving along the cut line at a steady pace. Stopping mid-cut can cause heat buildup and chipping.
Step 6 — Finish Cuts Carefully
As you approach the end of a cut, reduce pressure and speed slightly to avoid blowout on the exit edge — particularly important on large-format porcelain.
DiStar Butterfly vs Other DiStar Blades
| Blade | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DiStar Butterfly | 45–50mm | Detail cuts, notches, tight spaces, installed tile |
| DiStar Ceramic | 4.5"–5" | General ceramic and porcelain cutting on angle grinder |
| DiStar Ceramic Silent | 8"–10" | Wet saw cutting, large format tile, reduced noise |
The Butterfly fills a gap that no standard-size blade can fill — it's not competing with the 4.5" or larger blades, it's complementing them. Most professional tile installers who use the Butterfly also carry a standard 4.5" blade for field cuts and reach for the Butterfly only for detail and finish work.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Use the right tool — the Butterfly is designed for long-neck grinders, not standard angle grinders. Using it on the wrong tool will produce poor results and may be unsafe.
- Score before cutting — on very hard porcelain, a light scoring pass before the full cut reduces chipping at the entry point.
- Keep it dry — the Butterfly is a dry-cutting blade. Avoid submerging or running water directly on the blade during cutting.
- Inspect the blade regularly — small blades wear faster than large ones. Check the diamond segments periodically and replace when worn.
- Let the tool cool — in extended cutting sessions, allow the grinder and blade to cool periodically to prevent heat damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grinder does the DiStar Butterfly fit?
The DiStar Butterfly is designed for compact long-neck angle grinders with a 50mm disc platform and 10mm center bore — primarily the Proxxon LHW/E and LHW/A series.
Can the DiStar Butterfly cut porcelain?
Yes. The Butterfly is specifically engineered for ceramic and porcelain tile, including high-density porcelain gres.
Is the DiStar Butterfly a wet or dry cutting blade?
The Butterfly is a dry-cutting blade, designed for use without water cooling.
How does the DiStar Butterfly compare to a standard 4.5" blade?
The Butterfly is much smaller (45–50mm vs 115mm) and is designed for precision detail work in tight spaces — not for field cuts or straight runs. A standard 4.5" blade is faster for general cutting; the Butterfly is more precise for detail and finish work.
Where can I buy the DiStar Butterfly?
The DiStar Butterfly is available at Pro Tool Haus — an authorized DiStar USA distributor.
Shop DiStar Butterfly & Compatible Tools
- DiStar Butterfly 45–50mm Diamond Blade →
- DiStar Ceramic Diamond Blade 4.5"–5" →
- DiStar Ceramic Silent Diamond Blade 8"–10" →
Pro Tool Haus is an authorized distributor of DiStar USA diamond blades and cutting tools.