Need to Buy a Best Tile Saw? [2022 REVIEWS]

Masons have been finding more efficient and accurate ways to cut tile and stone for centuries. It is no different today but how to choose the best tile saw for your needs? There are manual tile cutters, devices that can be attached to power tools, and specifically designed electrically operated tile cutting equipment. The size of your project, the type of material (ceramic tile, stone, porcelain, glass, etc.), and the end result (curved, straight-line, etc.) determine the tool you choose to use. The most efficient and easiest method for most projects is a tile saw.

Tile saws are singular-use tools. They are specifically made to cut tile, stone, metal, or other hardened material, natural and manmade. They are a time and cost-saving tool, regardless of the initial cost. Tile saws are designed to be “wet saws,” whose blades are water cooled during operation, although many can be used “dry.” Best tile saw blades do not have teeth. Their edge is smooth and diamond-coated. The saw blade deliberately grinds through the tile rather than rips.

Tile saws are available in various sizes. They typically have adjustable fences that allow you to make angled- or square cuts. Fence stops help you conveniently make series of uniform cuts.

Choosing the Tile Saw

A smaller saw that is portable and easy to set up and operate can also be taken directly to the work site or location, whether it is inside a building, a specific room, kitchen, or bath, for a pool or patio, or other work site. Smaller tiles saws are more desirable to DIY-ers. They are less expensive and convenient. Most models are durable for many projects over a long time.

Having a smaller tile saw easily accessible helps ensure all tiles will be cut or trimmed to the proper fit. It is convenient, efficient, and practical. If the saw is a wet type saw, a re-circulating water reservoir model may be more efficient than one with a hose attached to a water source. Alternatively, a dry tile saw may be needed at more remote sites or when a water source isn’t readily available.

A larger tool will be more powerful and more productive since it can cut through harder materials faster and cleaner. Larger tile saws, however, are typically transported, delivered, and set up in a fixed space. The cost of the bigger unit, as well as to deliver and install it, may be offset by the speed and quality of production.

The larger saw may be set up on a job site or installed (and connected, if a wet) in a shop. When size and portability are not issues, choose the most powerful model your budget can afford. The features, warranties, and quality of the unit will offset initial cost.

Water supply availability must be considered. You may select a tool that has a water reservoir that recycles water, rather than a less expensive model that includes a hose that must be connected to a water source. A tile saw used in a shop or for an indoor project may need special placement near the water source (faucet, tap, etc.) or near a window or door that affords access to an exterior faucet or tap.

Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II 14-inch Gas Cut-Off Saw

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The Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II is a sturdy and powerful, high-end large-project, free-hand, professional-grade wet/dry tile cut-off saw. Husqarvana has been making professional-grade saws since the 1600s. This Husky model is a more expensive tile saw but it delivers features such as vibration reduction, dura starter, and active air filtration upgrade that other wet/dry tile/cut-off saws typically do not. It is a professional contractors and professional tile workers tile cutting tool. No complicated assembly is required. It is ready to use right out of the box. Its 27 lbs. makes it easily transportable, usable, storable, and a versatile tool. The dura starter ensures first-pull starts.

The Husky 967181002 K760 II’s 14” diam. diamond blade is run by a mixed gas-powered 5.5 HP motor, which is an air-cooled, 2-stroke engine with 73.5cc cylinder displacement. This saw blade easily and accurately cuts through the toughest of materials, including porcelain, granite, stone, concrete, and steel (with the proper blade). It has dual bushings that can accommodate a 25/32″ or 1″ arbor blade. The new cylinder optimizes performance. The 967181002 K760 II has a substantially large maximum cut depth of 6 inches making it suitable for V-cap, paver, and masonry projects.

PROS

Wet/dry tile saw

No assembly required

Reduced vibration

Solid construction

User Manual

1-Yr. Manufacturer Warranty (Parts & Labor)

CONS

Price

Saw blade not included

Expensive Husqvarna blades

Lackmond Beast Wet Tile Saw – 10″ Portable Jobsite Cutting Tool

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The Lackmond BEAST 10 stainless steel, next-generation wet tile saw is a powerful and durable, large-project, professional-grade wet tile saw designed for contractors. It boasts the most accurate and largest cutting capacity in its class (1/32” over a 24” cut). It is built with tight tolerances from superior materials. This BEAST 10 is a beefy 117.5 lbs. A super-duty folding stand w/integrated locking wheels and a carry handle allows easier transport and quick storage.

The BEAST 10’s 10” diamond blade is run by a 110v., high-torque 2.5 HP, 15 amp, motor at a no-low speed of 4200 rpm that can easily and accurately cut through the toughest of materials, including porcelain, granite, marble, and stone. It has a 5/8” arbor and provides a maximum 24-inch ripping capacity (39” rip with plunge). This model also accurately cuts up to 18” diagonally. The motor and blade tilt and lock at 22.5 deg. and 45 deg. to help make precisely accurate inside/outside corner and miter cuts. It has a substantially large maximum cut depth of 3-3/4 inches making it suitable for V-cap, paver, and masonry projects. The plunge cut feature allows you to effectively cut square, oval, or free-form holes to shape tile pieces to fit around outlets, pipes, and more.

The large die-cast aluminum, rubber-topped table has a (removable) table extension that allows unlimited tile size ripping and diagonal cutting. A laser guide and LED work light help ensure precise cutting. A steel pipe frame stabilizes the table. The BEAST 10 has an innovative snake-pipe water nozzle that allows precise water direction directly onto the blade, which is intended to minimize any misting or overspray. It has a submersible pump to provide a water recovery feature. (Optional) side plastic water trays are intended to collect and divert water back to the water pan in an effort to minimize cleanup.

PROS

Durability

Powerful

Celestron motor drive, which allows you to capture photos of space, is compatible with this telescope.

User Manual and 3-Yr. Limited Warranty

It comes at an affordable price.

CONS

Heavy

Laser guide can be inaccurate

Sizzor stand or gravity rise stand w/wheels are optional (sold separately)

SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw

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The Skil 3550-02 is a lightweight, portable, budget-friendly, wet tile saw that is ideal for the DIY-er. It is a compact design with extensions that accommodate larger tiles. This Skil 3550-02 model is easy to set-up and use. Its 24 lbs. makes it a one-person, transportable, and easily storable, versatile tool. It is ideal for projects on upper-level floors and allows tiles to be cut near where they will be installed. It has a built-in cord wrap that makes it doubly easy to transport and store.

The Skil 3550-02’s 7” diam. diamond blade is run by a 120v., 3/4 HP, 7 amp, motor. At 3600 rpm the saw blade easily and accurately cuts through the toughest of materials, including porcelain, granite, and stone. The tile saw has a maximum ¾” cut depth. This wet type model has a maximum 18-inch ripping capacity. This tile saw also accurately cuts up to 12” diagonally. The adjustable rip fence has a miter gauge for more accurate straight and miter cuts. The blade bevel range is from 0 deg. to 45 deg. The head adjusts and cuts at 22.5 deg. and 45 deg., providing precisely accurate inside and outside corner and miter cuts.

FEATURES:Type: Wet tileWeight: 24 lbs.Blade: 7”Horsepower: 3/4 HP

The large die-cast aluminum, rubber-topped table has a (removable) table extension that allows unlimited tile size ripping and diagonal cutting. A laser guide and LED work light help ensure precise cutting. A steel pipe frame stabilizes the table. The BEAST 10 has an innovative snake-pipe water nozzle that allows precise water direction directly onto the blade, which is intended to minimize any misting or overspray. It has a submersible pump to provide a water recovery feature. (Optional) side plastic water trays are intended to collect and divert water back to the water pan in an effort to minimize cleanup.

PROS

cULus Certification

Portable

Rust-resistant table

Diamond and glass blade included

3-year Benchtop Warranty when registered within 30 days of purchase

CONS

Not professional-grade; durable plastic body

Slow feed

Flimsy fence

MK Diamond 157222 MK-170 Bench Wet Tile Saw

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The MK Diamond 157222 MK-170 is a portable, budget-friendly, bench wet tile saw that is ideal for the weekend DIY-er. The MK brand is the top choice for dependability and high-quality blades. The Diamond 157222 MK-170 model is an exceptionally lightweight and compact wet tile saw that is easy to set-up and use. Its 15 lbs. makes it a one-person, transportable, and easily storable, versatile tool. It is ideal for projects on upper-level floors and allows tiles to be cut near where they will be installed

The Diamond 157222 MK-170’s 7” diam. mk-100 wet cutting diamond blade is run by a 115v., 50/60 hz universal motor. The high torque (5500 rpm) 1/3 HP engine powerfully, easily, and accurately cuts through porcelain, granite, glass, and counter materials. The tile saw has a maximum ⅝” cut depth. This wet tile saw has a maximum 12-inch ripping capacity. This model also accurately cuts up to 12” diagonally. It has a rigid chrome plated guide bar and adjustable rip fence miter gauge for more accurate straight and miter cuts. The blade bevel range is from 0 deg. to 45 deg. providing precisely accurate inside and outside corner and miter cuts. The plunge cut feature allows you to effectively cut holes to shape tile pieces to fit around outlets, pipes, and more.

This wet tile saw is a durable 15-½” x 14-½” x 12-½” tool. The sliding table is well-designed for straight and bevel cuts. A hinged blade guard makes changing or inspecting saw blades easier. The high-impact thermoplastic water reservoir is rust- and peel-resistant and able to be removed for easy cleaning. The Diamond 157222 MK-170 has a submersible pump to provide a water recovery recirculating feature. Trays are intended to minimize cleanup.

The safety switch prevents the tile saw from operating when the locking key is removed.

PROS

Good value

Lightweight and portable

Diamond blade included

Submersible water pump

Rust-resistant water reservoir

CONS

Not powerful enough for contractors

No stand

DEWALT D24000 1.5-Horsepower 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw

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The DEWALT D24000 is a powerful, sturdy, and portable, large-project, professional-grade wet tile saw. The DEWALT brand is the top choice for performance, reliability, and safety. Although DEWALT is a more expensive tool, it is considered the best wet tile saw line available for contractors and professional tile workers, as well as serious DIY-ers. This DEWALT D24000 is also easy to set-up and use. Its 69 lbs. makes it a one-person, transportable, and easily storable, versatile tool. This wet tool may also be broken down into separate components after it is detached from its cart. Removing the sliding water tray makes it even easier to carry in several trips.

The D24000’s 10” diam. diamond blade is run by a high-torque 1.5 HP, 15 amp, motor. At 4200 rpm the saw blade easily and accurately cuts through the toughest of materials, including porcelain, granite, and stone. The integrated stainless steel cantilevering rail/cart system provides a maximum 24-inch ripping capacity. This model also accurately cuts up to 18” diagonally. The blade bevel range is from 0 deg. to 45 deg. The motor and blade tilt and lock at 22.5 deg. and 45 deg. to help make precisely accurate inside/outside corner and miter cuts. It has a substantially large maximum cut depth of 3-1/8 inches making it suitable for V-cap, paver, and masonry projects. The plunge cut feature allows you to effectively cut square, oval, or free-form holes to shape tile pieces to fit around outlets, pipes, and more. Six-inch wheels may be used to create smooth contours. Continuous rim blades that are smaller than 10” diam. may be used on this tile saw.

The rolling table is topped with thick rubber that prevents tile from shifting or slipping while being cut. The D24000 has adjustable dual water nozzles. They are designed to provide maximum water wash directly onto the blade, which is intended to minimize any misting or overspray. Rear and side water attachment features may be placed on the wet tile saw to collect water runoff, as well as contain blade overspray when large tiles are cut. Water recovery and return trays minimize cleanup. The removable cutting cart is also designed to allow easy cleaning and maintenance.

PROS

Portable

Powerful

Quality and durability

Water recovery and return trays

3-Yr. Limited Warranty; 1-Yr. free Service Contract; 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

CONS

Higher priced; best for larger, or many, projects

Heavy

Wobbly cart

Chicago Electric Industrial Tile/Brick Saw

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This Chicago Electric Power Tools brand industrial tile and brick wet saw is powerful, professional tile cutting equipment that is equally suitable for the DIY-er. This model is easy to set-up and use. Its 90 lbs. makes it a substantially, durable, professional tool.

This wet tile saw’s 10” diam. diamond blade is run by a 120v., dual capacitor, 2.5 HP, 15 amp, motor that has sealed bearings and thermal overload protection. The system provides a maximum 24-inch ripping capacity. This tile saw also accurately cuts up to 18” diagonally. The head pivots to allow a blade bevel range is from 0 deg. to 45 deg. The blade tilts and locks at 22.5 deg. and 45 deg. to help make precisely accurate inside/outside corner and miter cuts. It has a substantially large maximum cut depth of 3-1/2 inches making it suitable for V-cap, paver, bricks, and masonry projects. The plunge cut feature allows you to effectively cut holes to shape tile pieces to fit around outlets, pipes, and more. Six-inch wheels may be used to create smooth contours.

FEATURES:

  • Type: Wet tile
  • Weight: 90 lbs.
  • Blade: 10”
  • Horsepower: 2.5 HP

This wet tile saw has a durable 17” x 19-3/4” table top. It has a two-position adjustable cutting head that allows you to adjust the blade to accommodate a variety of tiles or bricks. The sliding table is well-designed for straight and bevel cuts. It includes a built-in 3 gal./min., replaceable water pump. The high-impact ABS water tub is able to be removed for easy cleaning. The rubber hose connection provides a fresh water connection designed to provide maximum water wash directly onto the blade to minimize misting or overspray and reduce clean-up time. The water recovery recirculating feature and trays are intended to minimize cleanup.

QEP 22650Q 650XT Tile Saw

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The QEP 60020SQ is a lightweight, portable, budget-friendly, wet tile saw that is ideal for the DIY-er. It is a compact design with extensions that accommodate larger rips and tiles. This QEP 60020SQ model is easy to set-up and use. Its 24 lbs. makes it a one-person, transportable, and easily storable, versatile tool. It is ideal for projects on upper-level floors and allows tiles to be cut near where they will be installed.

The QEP 60020SQ’s 7” diam. continuous rim diamond blade is run by a 120v., 3/4 HP, 7 amp, motor. At 3600 rpm the saw blade easily and accurately cuts through the toughest of materials, including marble, porcelain, granite, ceramic tile, and stone. The tile saw has a maximum 1¼” cut depth. The table adjusts and cuts at 22.5 deg. and 45 deg., providing precisely accurate inside and outside corner and miter cuts.

The QEP 60020SQ wet tile saw has a durable steel table and frame. A stable rubber-foot folding stand is included for operation comfort and convenience. The flat table top allows unlimited tile size ripping and diagonal cutting. It is a compact tile saw with an 8” sliding side extension that can be attached on the left or right side of the table. The water system includes a high-volume water pump and reservoir that collect and contain the water in an effort to keep the work area dry. It is designed to provide maximum water wash directly onto the blade and minimize any misting or overspray and reduce clean-up time.

PRODUCT

QEP 22650Q 650XT 3/4 HP 120-volt Tile Saw for Wet Cutting of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

VIEW ON AMAZON

SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw – The Best Value

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The Skil 3540-02 is a lightweight, portable, budget-friendly, wet tile saw that is well-suited for the novice DIY-er. It is a compact design that is ideal for installing tile floors. This Skil 3540-02 model is easy to set-up and use. It has many of the same guides and guards the higher-end models have. Its approximately 18 lbs. makes it a one-person, transportable, and easily storable, versatile tool. It is ideal for projects on upper-level floors and allows tiles to be cut near where they will be installed. It has a built-in cord wrap that makes it doubly easy to transport and store.

The Skil 3540-02’s 7” diam. diamond blade is run by a 120v., 5/8 HP, 4.2 amp, motor at a no-low speed of 3600 rpm that can easily and accurately cut through the toughest of materials, including tile, marble, stone, and masonry. The tile saw has a ⅝” arbor. This wet tile saw has a maximum 7¾” ripping capacity. This tile saw also accurately cuts up to 7¼” diagonally. The adjustable rip fence has a miter gauge for more accurate straight and miter cuts. The blade miter angle and bevel cut range from 0 deg. to 45 deg. The bevel positive stop cuts at 0 deg. and 45 deg.

FEATURES:Type: Wet tileWeight: 18 lbs.Blade: 7”Horsepower: 5/8 HP

This Skil wet tile saw has a corrosive-resistant steel top that supports tile up to 12” x 12”. The Skil 3540-02 is filled from a water reservoir that keeps the blade cool. It is designed to provide maximum water wash directly onto the blade, which is intended to minimize dust, debris, misting or overspray, and reduce clean-up time. A blade wrench is also included.

PRODUCT

SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw

VIEW ON AMAZON

Alpha AWS-125 5″ Stone Cutter

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The Alpha AWS-125 wet/dry stone cutter saw is a quality, hand-held, straight-cut fabrication and installation cutting tool. It makes precise straight cuts, and can also accommodate a curved or contour cutting blade. The Alpha AWS-125 is well-suited for DIY-ers as well as professional fabricators and installers. No complicated assembly is required. It is ready to use right out of the box. Its 7.2 lbs. makes it easily transportable and used where installations are to be performed.

The Alpha AWS-125’s 5” diam. blade is run by a 110/220v., 10 amp motor. At 12,000 rpm the saw blade easily and accurately cuts through the toughest of materials, including marble, porcelain, granite, ceramic tile, and stone. The tile saw has a maximum 1⅝” cut depth. It has a 7/8” arbor depth.

FEATURES:Type: Wet / Dry tileWeight: 7.2 lbs.Blade: 5”Horsepower: 10 amp

This free-hand wet/dry stone cutter tool has a high-quality water-feed system designed to reduce dust particles that commonly accompany dry cutting. It also has a built-in GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) and side handle for more operator control and saw stability. The Alpha AWS-125 comes with rip fence, water attachment, and storage case accessories.

PRODUCT

Alpha AWS-125 5″ Stone Cutter

VIEW ON AMAZON

MK-370EXP 1-1/4 HP 7-Inch Wet Cutting Tile Saw

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The MK-370EXP is a lightweight, portable, budget-friendly, wet tile saw that is made to the highest professional specifications and ideal for the weekend DIY-er. The MK brand is the top choice for dependability and high-quality tile saw blades. The MK-370EXP model is an exceptionally lightweight and compact wet tile saw that is easy to set-up and use. Its 33 lbs. makes it a one-person, transportable, and easily storable, versatile tool. It is ideal for projects on upper-level floors and allows tiles to be cut near where they will be installed.

The MK-370EXP’s 7” diam. wet cutting diamond blade is run by a 120v., maintenance-free, self-lubricating 1¼ HP motor. At 6,000 rpm, it easily, and accurately cuts through porcelain, slate, granite, glass, and stone. The tile saw has a maximum 2” cut depth. This wet tile saw has a maximum 18-inch ripping capacity. This tile saw also accurately cuts up to 13” diagonally. It has a ⅝” arbor and ¾” diam. rigid chrome plated linear guide bar that helps ensure proper tracking and alignment is maintained.

FEATURES:Type: Wet tileWeight: 33 lbs.Blade: 7”Horsepower: 1¼ HP

The MK-370EXP also has a built-in 45 deg. miter system. The plunge cut feature allows you to effectively cut holes to shape tile pieces to fit around outlets, pipes, and more. A hinged blade guard makes changing or inspecting saw blades easier. The wet tile saw has a built-in submersible water pump and receptacle to provide water recovery, as well as a removable thermoplastic water reservoir.

The MK-Safeswitch™ prevents the MK-370EXP wet tile saw from being operated when the locking key is removed.

PRODUCT

MK-370EXP 1-1/4 HP 7-Inch Wet Cutting Tile Saw

VIEW ON AMAZON

What to Consider Before Buying a Best Tile Saw

Wet Tile Saws

Wet tile saws use water to cool the tile and blade. Water minimizes the potential the tile may crack or break. Water also cools the blade to minimize friction or blade binding.

Wet tile saws may have re-circulating pumps or no pump at all. Saws with re-circulating pumps have a water reservoir that supplies the water for the process. This eliminates the need to hook up to a faucet. The water is used, filtered, and reused.

Wet tile saws have no pump or reservoir. They directly attach to a faucet, which provides a steady supply of clean water. Wet hand held saws use water for every cut and typically come with a 10’ – 12’ hose that must be attached to a water source.

Wet tile saws range from basic models to those having lasers for precision cutting. There are portable models for smaller jobs as well as larger ones that have stands.

Dry Tile Saws

Dry tile saws do not use water. They make dry cuts. They are commonly called masonry saws. They are portable, smaller hand held tools that are best-suited for cutting thinner materials. Dry tile saws are ideal for small and medium sized projects, such as cutting countertop tile/stone. They make odd-shaped or curved cuts easy. Overall, dry tile saws are easy to carry and require no set up (just plug it in).

There are drawbacks of using a dry tile saw. There is the potential for the tile glaze to melt off (due to an overheated blade) or the blade binding and unable to cut, which results in tile and blade damage.

Hand-Held Saws

Hand-held saws are smaller, compact, very portable, and less expensive than wet saws. Dry tile hand-held saws are not cooled by water and can overheat with overuse or after many hours of deep cuts.

Hand-held saw accuracy relies on the sill and/or ability of the operator. Tiles must typically be clamped in place for cutting. Because no water is used, these saws should be used outside or in very well-ventilated areas.

Tile Grinder Saws

Tile grinder saws are the smallest, least expensive saws. They are commonly called angle grinders. They are ideal DIY tile saws. They require no set up – just plug them in. Rechargeable cordless models are also available. They add convenience and mobility.

Tile grinders are typically used for cutting angles, curves, or odd shapes around pipes, electrical outlets, shower drains, etc. Accuracy relies on the sill and/or ability of the operator.

Blade

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Tile saws use diamond blades to grind and cut the tile, including granite, marble, glass, stone, and other types. These blades are designed to accurately function wet or dry.

The edge of a wet tile saw blade has diamond crystals (embedded in a metal matrix) bonded to it. The tile is aligned with the blade. The diamond blade cuts the tile as it is fed through the rotating saw at constant speed. Little pressure is needed. The friction of the diamond particles on the edge of the blade grind a smooth and even cut through the tile material. The wet tile saw diamond blade is kept from overheating by water streaming over the spinning blade.

Periodically allow the blade to cool off when dry cutting tile. Letting the blade spin freely without cutting a tile allows it to cool. This extends the life of the blade, which is important due to the high cost of diamond blades.

Water Source

Water sources may be obtained by connecting a hose from the wet tile saw to the faucet, or by filling the wet tile saw water reservoir that is attached to the tile saw unit. Water is pulled from the reservoir over the blade and recycled back to the reservoir for reuse. A hose connection provides continual fresh water.

Adjacent walls and materials should be protected by plastic or a tarp if the wet tile saw is operated indoors, however. You should expect significant overspray behind the saw even though most of the dust is consumed by the water.

Water also prevents the blade from overheating. Diligently remove the slurry build-up from the cut that also increases the temperatures created by abrasive materials. Keeping the blade cool extends its life and reduces blade failure. Always wait until the water begins flowing over the blade before cutting. Increased friction can cause heat build-up quickly, which could break or crack your tile.

Cut, Cutting, and Feed Rate

Tile is typically a brittle material. It can break, crack, or shatter when it is improperly handled or cut. Due to the expense, it is suggested to practice cutting damaged or excess tile pieces prior to cutting the tiles you intend to use for your project.

A consistent feed rate is important for gaining accurate, smooth, and even tile cuts. Stabilize the tile being cut with one hand. Ensure it does not slip, shift, or move while it is going through the blade.

The more solid and harder the material is, the slower the feed rate should be. Softer materials (i.e.: soft stone, slate, etc.) may be fed and cut with relative ease. Harder materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, etc. should be fed slower. A slower feed reduces the potential for cracking, breaking, or chipping. A constant slow and steady feed helps ensure the straightest and cleanest tile cut.

Patiently feed the tile piece into the blade at a constant speed. Let the blade pull the tile in to be cut, and then slowly cut and move it through to the other side. Do not force the tile past the blade. Guide it with little effort. The result will be a smooth cut and minimal damaged or ruined tile.

First, make numerous angled cuts. When you have enough cut pieces, gently break each of them off by hand. Use the diamond blade to grind and smooth any rough edges, or remove excess material, after all of the angled pieces have been removed.

Cost: Rent or Buy?

DIY-ers that have a fairly large project may decide to rent a tool. Depending on how large your project is may determine if renting is cost effective. If you anticipate completing your project within a day – or two – renting a wet tile saw or hand held saw from a home improvement or rental store may be the answer. Wet tile saws typically rent for about $50 a day. Tool rental companies usually have several different types of tile saws on hand.

Sturdy, lightweight, portable, DIY-type wet tile saws start at approximately $300. There are brands that have utilitarian tile saws in the $100 range. These are typically simple table-top types.

Small / Repair Projects

If you have a small job, are on a tight budget, and have the skill and patience, quick, hand-operated tile nippers might be sufficient. Nippers are carbide-tipped pliers that allow you to first score the tile surface and then snap the tile along the scored edge using the tool’s breaker bar. With skill, you can trim or cut curves or U- or L-shaped pieces. Snap-and-cut tile cutters may also work well for small or replacement tile projects.

Medium to Larger Projects

A tile saw is a necessity for larger projects. It reduces your labor and frustration due to broken or roughly cut or uneven edges. The tile saw’s diamond blade cuts though hard materials easily, quickly, and smoothly.

Tile saws may be dry- or wet-cut. Dry tile saws require no water, but do emit a certain amount of cutting dust. A dust mask should be worn as a safety precaution.

Wet tile saws use water to cool the mechanized grinding process. The water reduces heat caused by friction that tends to crack or break the tile. The water also reduces the dust emitted during the cutting process.

Wet/dry saws make cuts with or without water. The operator determines to use or not to use water.

Before you buy, become familiar with the various types of tools available.

Tile Saw Safely

Include appropriate safety clothing and eye, ear, and head protection on your list when choosing the right tile saw, features, and equipment.

OSHA strictly regulates silica dust output from wet and dry tile saw units. The requirements include the provision of N95 NIOSH-approved respirators, which should be available and worn at work sites where dangerous silica dust amounts are present. It is equally important that the home DIY-er should wear a protective dust mask and eye and ear protection when cutting tile for their particular project.

Each type of tile saw possesses its own set of safety hazards. Protective gloves, safety goggles or glasses and protective clothing should be minimally worn during power tile saw operation. In addition to gloves and eye protection, protective clothing includes long-sleeved garments, thick aprons or coveralls, and safety (steel-toed) shoes. Tile saws generate loud noise that necessitates adequate ear protection (i.e.: ear plugs, ear muffs, etc.).


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