So, like a flattened plate, intact except in pieces? I'd find some experimental free plates and work with your wet saw to see if that is the ticket. We built our house in the 80s and used a lot of tile throughout, cutting it all by hand (not always so successfully). When we recently did a small remodel, we rented a wet saw tile cutter and I was astounded at how much simpler that was. Live and learn I guess.