The tile saw is the perfect example of the type of saw created for a very specific purpose. Tile saws are made to cut tile, and that's basically it.
You're probably wondering why you would need a saw exclusively for tile?
Quick Look: Top Tile Saws
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The truth is, you can't cut tile with any other type of saw unless it is a very small cut. The reason is, you're not really cutting the tile as much as you are grinding the tile. A tile saw blade edge isn't sharp like blades used to cut metal or wood. The edge of a tile saw blade is actually coated in diamonds in order to grind the tile away.
Ok, so now you're probably wondering why you cant just put a tile saw blade on your miter saw or circular saw.
The unique feature of a tile saw is that it utilizes water to cool the grinding action. The water prevents the tile from breaking or cracking under the extreme heat caused by friction. This is the reason you will most often hear a tile saw also called a wet saw.
The other great advantage of using a wet saw (or tile saw) is that much of the dust that cutting tile would normally generate is captured by the water itself.
Now that you're relatively educated, it's time to decide whether or not your project is worth the investment of purchasing a tile saw. The truth is, if you plan on doing the work yourself, and the project isn't something really really small, you really don't have a choice.
Let's look at some of the best tile saw options for you.
The Art of Cutting Tile
Dealing With Overspray
If there is one true fact about using a tile saw (or wet saw) it is that they can be a mess to deal with. Although most of the dust is knocked down by the water, you still get a fair amount of overspray behind the saw. If you can, place a tarp or a piece plastic behind the saw to capture the overspray.
Let The Water Flow
Another tip is to wait until the water begins moving over the blade before starting your cut. Otherwise, you could end up breaking or cracking the tile, as the friction will cause extreme heat very quickly.
Feed Rate
Always keep a hand on the tile to keep it from moving, and remember that the harder the material, the slower the feed rate should be. Basically, if you're cutting soft stone like slate, the blade will cut with relative ease, but if you're cutting porcelain, you have to feed the tile into the blade much slower or the tile will crack.
How To Make Difficult Cuts
If you have to cut a rounded edge or have an awkward corner to navigate, use the angled cut method. Essentially, you want to make multiple cuts at angles until you have enough pieces that can be broken off by hand. Once all of the angled pieces are broken off, use the diamond blade to grind away the excess material.
Watch the video below courtesy of The Tile Shop for the best tile saw tips and cutting methods.
DEWALT D24000 1.5-Horsepower 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw
Last update on 2022-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Powerful Design and Quick Cuts
You're probably already familiar with the quality of Dewalt tools, so I will spare you the sales pitch on Dewalt. However, I should mention, this Dewalt D24000 is one of the best tile saw options available. Not always does Dewalt live up to its reputation, but with the Dewalt D24000 wet saw, they certainly do.
The Dewalt D24000 Wet Tile Saw is the best tile saw available for contractors or serious DIY'ers with an addiction to tile remodeling projects.
Cutting tiles can be hard work, but this 15 amp Dewalt saw is definitely up to the task. The powerful 1.5-horsepower motor allows the 10-inch diamond blade to cut cleanly and accurately through hard materials like porcelain and stone.
The Dewalt D24000 sports a generous 3-1/8-inch cut depth allowing you to use this saw when cutting most V-cap tiles and pavers. The versatile plunge feature allows you to make plunge cuts when shaping pieces to accommodate electrical outlets, plumbing lines, and more.
Accurate Integrated Rail System
Tile saws are always an investment, and you rely on all the vital components to stay true over time. This Dewalt tile saw's sturdy, stainless steel rail system is integrated right into the saw's frame, ensuring accurate cuts and excellent durability.
The cantilevering design of the Dewalt D24000 tile saw's rail and cart system allows for 24-inch ripping capacity. It also ensures accurate diagonal cuts when working with tiles up to 18 inches making it ideal for both small and large tiling projects.
The integrated miter feature is built right into the saw frame and offers stops at both 45 degrees and 22.5 degrees. Also, unique to the Dewalt D24000, the edge guide makes it incredibly easy to line up corner cuts.
Compact, Convenient, and Durable
Being portable is essential for working with tile saws, and the Dewalt D24000 fits the bill. Weighing 69 pounds, and with a compact frame measuring 34 by 26 inches, you can easily transport, store, and set up this saw at home or on the jobsite.
And when it's time to clean up, the removable cutting cart makes cleaning this tile saw quick and easy.
The Dewalt D24000 10-inch wet tile saw comes with a Dewalt warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
The price point for this saw is a little expensive. However, you're certainly purchasing a saw for life.
The best idea is to gauge the amount of projects you plan on tackling in the future. For instance, if you have a kitchen and bathroom remodel, this saw is a must. If you have a few small jobs and don't want to invest a lot of money into a singular use tool, keep reading below for more economic options.
Like what you see?
DEWALT D24000 1.5-Horsepower 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw
Chicago Electric 2.5 Horsepower 10" Industrial Tile/Brick Saw
Last update on 2022-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Chicago Electric Power Tools?
If you haven't heard of Harbor Freight Tools, chances are you haven't heard of Chicago Electric Power Tools. Chicago Electric is the in-house power tool brand of Harbor Freight. Harbor Freight Tools is a discount tool retailer started in 1977 and originating as a mail-order catalog service.
The thing about Harbor Freight Tools is that sometimes they have great stuff and sometimes they have less-than-great stuff. Honestly, Chicago Electric Power Tools is not a major brand like Dewalt or Bosch. Yet, don't completely count them out.
The Diamond In The Rough
The 10" Industrial Wet Tile Saw from Chicago Electric is the quintessential example of finding the diamond in the rough. This thing operates much like a tile saw 3 times the price. It doesn't look fancy, and it isn't marketed well, but the tile saw from Chicago Electric is the real deal.
Two-position cutting head lets you adjust the 10” blade for cutting standard tiles or bricks up to 3-1/8" thick. Tile/brick saw includes a built-in, 3 gallon per minute water pump, removable easy-to-clean high-impact ABS water tub, and 45° miter fixture.
Powerful, 2.5 horsepower dual capacitor motor has sealed bearings and thermal overload protection. Cuts tiles up to 18" long, 12" diagonallyCuts to a maximum depth of 3-1/8".
The Chicago Electric Tile Saw sports an oversized steel frame with precision linear bar system for smooth operation. Also, a unique heavy-duty cast alloy column and cutting head means reduced vibration.
Unlike most saws, this tile saw doesn't come with a blade. Click on one of the links below for some great options.
The Chicago Electric 10" Wet Tile Saw is honestly a great saw for those who can't afford a Dewalt or Bosch, but still want a great tile saw for home projects. Would I buy this saw if tile work is what I did for a living? Probably not.
But, for the common DIY'er looking to remodel a kitchen or bathroom, this saw is going to get the job done, and you'll probably never have to buy another tile saw...ever.
The Best Tile Saw On A Budget
SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw with HydroLock Water Containment System
Last update on 2022-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whether you’re updating or renovating, adding tile to your kitchen or bathroom is now easier than ever with the SKIL 7-inch Wet Tile Saw (3550). The saw’s innovative HydroLock System keeps water splash to a minimum so tiles can be cut in the room where they’re being installed.
You no longer need to go back and forth to a saw set up in the garage or outside to cut the tiles, so the SKIL tile saw with HydroLock System helps you finish the project faster too! The 3550 works with a 7-inch continuous rim diamond blade, which provides efficient and even cutting.
Did you know Skil power tools are made by Bosch? If not, don't feel dumb, either did I until recently. Skil power tools are essentially the economic version of Bosch power tools. Think of it like a Lincoln and a Ford.
It also comes equipped with a durable rust-resistant aluminum table top and a sliding side extension that can be used to support tiles up to 18 x 18-inch.
I wouldn't think twice about buying the Skil Wet Tile Saw for my home project. In fact, for my next remodel project I probably will. My justification is that I will probably only use it for one project for the rest of my life.
Truth be told, I don't have many more tile remodels left in the tank, so this is the perfect tile saw for me. I just can't personally justify purchasing a more expensive saw for one project. However, if I was going to do anymore than one, I would probably go with one of the other saws mention above.
SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw with HydroLock Water Containment System
The Best Tile Saw Summary
- Decide what type of tile saw buyer you are. Do you plan on doing multiple projects? Are you a contractor? Or, do you just have a small project?
- Tile Saws are a great asset and a necessary expense for most tile projects.
- Remember tile saws don't have typical blades like a miter or circular saw. Tile saws use diamond blades to grind the tile.
- Tile saws are also called wet saws because they need water to cool down the tile and blade to keep the material from breaking.
