If you are about to embark on a home innovation project that involves cutting hard objects, then congratulations. Cutting a ceramic tile or a piece of glass these days is no longer a nightmare thanks to the best wet tile saw.
So what is it about a tile saw that makes it a desirable building tool? And what are the best tile saws on the market that suit your needs? These are the questions we wish to address today.
If you want to explore the merits of a tile saw, keep reading to find out!
In the past, people used to rely on circular saws and angle grinders to perform the job. While they were able to cut through building materials, they failed to give the cut pieces a smooth edge, without any stretching marks.
What is the solution to this issue? The answer is the invention of a tile saw. A tile saw is a tool used specifically to cut through hard materials such as tiles, quartz or ceramics. A tile saw includes a sharpened blade to deal with the material, and a watering system to cool down and lubricate the cutting edges.
The Advantages Of Using The Best Tile Saw
There are numerous benefits associated with using a tile saw. If you are still wondering what a tile saw can do for you, let’s have a look at these pros below.
A tile saw can deliver a perfect cut, as long as you use it carefully. Since most tile saws are made from high quality materials, they are sharp enough to slide through a thick surface without much trouble.
However, it is worth remembering that having a flawless cut requires some practice. You also have to be patient and consistent with how you move the tile saw in order to get the desired result.
A tile saw is straightforward to set up. Most tile saws come with a manual that gives detailed instructions on how to install the saw properly, so you don’t need to ask for professional help.
There is a high level of versatility when it comes to purchasing a tile saw. Some tile saws are made to deal with soft stones only, while others are capable of cutting through harder texture. Feel free to choose a tile saw suited for your construction purpose!
An average tile saw is affordable for the majority of customers. For under $100, you can get yourself a decent tile saw that promises to get the work done.
How To Choose The Best Tile Saw?
Choosing the best tile saw for your building plans is a must if you want to finish it smoothly. Check out the steps below and see how you can get an ideal product.
Step 1: Determine your budget. Do you want a high-end tile saw, or are you satisfied with a mediocre tile saw? The price range you can afford will make or break your shopping choice.
Step 2: Choose a suitable blade. There are tile saws with a diamond-coated blade. There are tile saws with huge blades and there are tile saws with a standard 7-inch blade. Check out and see which type of blade will be best for your intentions.
Step 3: Understand the efficiency of a tile saw. A tile saw’s effectiveness is measured based on its RPM, also known as “rotations per minute”. The higher this figure is, the more productive the tile saw becomes.
A tile saw with a RPM roughly from 3300 to 5500 RPM is the most popular on the market, though maybe a 3500 RPM is enough for your home use.
Step 4: Check the warranty. Like it or not, accidents are bound to happen on a worksite. To prevent your tool from being used a few times only before it gets cracked, make sure your tile saw has a warranty from the producers.
Step 5: Ask for trial usage. If you intend on purchasing a tile saw at a physical store, ask the seller whether you can try it out or not. Sometimes, direct exposure to the machine will help you determine its suitability for your work.
So, above is our guideline on how to get the best tile saw. There are many variables that can affect your choice, so you do not necessarily have to stick to our advice. However, let’s remember the basic points and make sure your tile saw will ace through the materials!
First off on our list of the best tile saw is a product from SKIL, it is 3540-02 model! Are you curious about this product? Find out what it has in store with us!
At first glance, you will be amazed at how compact SKIL 3540-02 is. It might not be the smallest tile saw in the world, but it surely is space-saving and highly portable.
Furthermore, SKIL incorporates a cooling container so it can keep the water cooling whenever the tile saw is on. Many tile saws require you to steer the pipe at the cut itself, but SKIL automatically flows the water on the working top, thus wiping away the accumulated heat and dust.
But sadly, there is one minor problem to this machine. SKIL includes a guide for easier cutting in its package, but the guide can only handle tiles varying from 6’5’’ to 7’’. Anything wider than that is impossible.
If you are comfortable with cutting the tiles on your own without any instruction, then SKIL 3540 is for you. Not only is it affordable, but it is also a nice touch for your tool kit!
Pros
The machine is lightweight and highly portable.
The machine is affordable.
Cons
The fence is poorly designed, so most users cannot use it to tighten down the cut.
2 – QEP 22400Q Tile Saw
Next up on our list of the best tile saws is a product from QEP called the model 224000Q. If you are looking for an affordable tile saw that can deal with the basic cutting, then you should consider buying a QEP 224000Q.
What builders really value in a QEP 22400Q is its 3/5 HP motor. The motor is high-torque, which means it can provide a smooth and continuous cut. Anything up to 3/4 inch thick can be easily slid through by the use of this tile saw.
Another interesting feature of this product it is versatility. The attached blade can work well with materials such as soft stones or ceramics, while the QEP Black Widow Blade can slash through harder materials such as porcelain.
Still, some customers have complained about this chain saw’s inability to deal with large tiles. That said, if you want to purchase a compact wet tile saw for your home projects, then this issue will not be major for you.
Pros
The machine is highly portable and can be transported by one person.
The machine is suitable for miter cuts at 45 and 22.5-degree angle.
Cons
The machine has an unattractive look due to its plastic coating.
3 – SKIL 3550-02 Tile Saw
Now, let’s move on to another wet tile saw from SKIL with pricing under $200. If you want to upgrade your choice with SKIL, let’s have a look at its updated model – the SKIL 3550-02. Keep reading to find out why this model is a better choice for you.
Needless to say, the most outstanding feature of this product is its HydroLock Water Containment System. It will surround the blade with water so that you can cut through the material without the heat getting turned on.
And do you know what is even better? This feature means you no longer have to spend tons of time getting rid of the residue, because the water spill is always ready to clean up the mess for you. Yay!
However, let it be known that SKIL 3550-02 has some minor flaws in its design. The saw itself is compact, which makes it a bit challenging to hold a heavy piece of tile in its place. If you want to make sure you can achieve an accurate cut, you should consider using a cutting guide.
In short, SKIL 3550-02 is an ideal choice for those of you seeking a reasonably priced tile saw. Try it out and see for yourself if this product lives up to your expectations!
Pros
The rim of the blade is coated with diamond for a smoother cut.
The table top is made from wear-resistant aluminum.
Cons
Not powerful enough to cut through granite.
4 – PORTER-CABLE PCE980 Tile Saw
Finally, let’s have a look into our last recommendation when it comes to the best tile saw: a PCE980. So what is it about this item that makes it worthwhile?
At such a relatively high price range, PORTER-CABLE PCE980 is not a product for everyone. This price may be off-putting for the majority of amateur builders, especially if you do not plan on using it for massive construction sites. But if you do, then please consider the merits of this item.
PCE980 contains an attached miter square guide. In case you are worried about the accuracy of each cut, rest assured this that guide will solve the problem. Furthermore, PCE980 comes with a roll cage, which enhances its portability. What else could you ask for?
Well, the fact is PCE980 has more than that to offer. You will find a water guard, which aims to separate the water from other technical compartments. This way, the manufacturer makes sure that your wet tile saw is built to last.
In short, if you are looking for a high-end tile saw to perform heavy duty cutting, you cannot go wrong with PCE980. Not only is it effective, but it also promises to be wear-resistant.
Pros
The machine comes with a drain plug, which prevents water from building up on the working table.
The machine has a 3-year warranty and a 90-day money back policy.
Cons
If placed incorrectly, the machine will womble and affect the accuracy of each cut.
List of the best tile saw is a product from DEWALT – a model name D24000S. So what are the merits and disadvantages of this tile saw?
DEWALT D24000S prides itself on the portability that most heavy-duty tile saws lack. Being only 69-pound heavy, an adult can easily move the tile saw around and assemble the machine without any technical help.
But that is not the end of its magic. This item comes with a working table capable of accommodating the tile saw itself. You can gather working tools and scatter them all around the stand, which makes the cutting more convenient.
However, do not expect perfection from this product. The water pipes coming along with the tile saw are reportedly made from low quality plastic, which are likely to burst out.
But still, if you want to invest in a high-end wet tile saw that promises to get your work done, you cannot go wrong with DEWALT.
Pros
A dual watering system for more effective lubrication.
A package includes a spare blade, so there is no need for buying a separate blade.
Accurate cuts with a 45 and 22.5-degree angles.
Cons
The machine is not affordable.
FAQs – Tile Saw
Tile saws are an important tool for any home improvement project that includes tiling. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about tile saws.
1. What is a tile saw and what does it do?
A tile saw is a power tool that is used to cut tile. It typically has a diamond blade that is used to make precise cuts.
2. What are the different types of tile saws?
There are three main types of tile saws: wet saws, dry saws, and plunge saws. Wet saws are the most common type and they use water to cool the blade and to help keep the tile from chipping. Dry saws are used when there is no access to water. They use a dust collector to keep the blade cool and to keep the tile from chipping. Plunge saws are used to make plunge cuts in tile.
3. What are the different sizes of tile saws?
Tile saws come in a variety of sizes. The smallest saws are typically 7 inches, while the largest saws are 18 inches.
4. What are the different types of blades for tile saws?
There are two main types of blades for tile saws: diamond blades and wet blades. Diamond blades are used to cut all types of tile, while wet blades are used to cut porcelain and ceramic tile.
5. What are the different types of cuts that can be made with a tile saw?
Tile saws can make straight cuts, miter cuts, and bevel cuts.
6. What is the difference between a tile saw and a masonry saw?
A tile saw is designed to cut tile, while a masonry saw is designed to cut masonry materials such as brick and concrete.
7. What is the difference between a wet saw and a dry saw?
A wet saw uses water to cool the blade and to help keep the tile from chipping. A dry saw does not use water and instead uses a dust collector to keep the blade cool and to keep the tile from chipping.
8. What is the difference between a tile saw and a chop saw?
A chop saw is designed to cut metal, while a tile saw is designed to cut tile.
9. What is the difference between a tile saw and a circular saw?
A circular saw is designed to cut wood, while a tile saw is designed to cut tile.
10. How can I prevent my tile saw from overheating?
To prevent your tile saw from overheating, make sure to keep the blade wet and to use the proper blade for the type of tile being cut.
Conclusion
Having an efficient tile saw can boost your working performance in a mind-blowing way. So what are you waiting for? Let’s check out the best tile saws available and see what you can add to your toolkit!
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