So, best tile saw it is!
Ever wondered why a huge house, mansion or bungalow that you may have visited at some point ended up feeling rather empty and boring? I mean, it had the most expensive decor with the gleaming chandeliers and the Persian carpet, but it still felt rather incomplete and mute.
That is because the secret to beautiful a house lays not what you put in it but put on it: tiles. Yes, this little but immensely important piece of detail is what separates a large mansion from a beautiful home. Installing the right tiles on your front entrance floor or the bathroom walls could transform the neutral and bland environment of your house into something so much more elegant and luxurious.
But as we all know, home improvement projects surrounding installation and tiling can be a pretty expensive and prolong affair. Getting the tiles right, the thickness correct, ripping them into perfect pieces and shapes without cracking and chipping can be too much for both amateurs and professionals even with those gigantic industrial tile saws.
So, to save some bucks and engage into some work during leisure, people began doing their own tiling for their homes. The market saw an increasing demand for more user-friendly and generic tile saws along with the large, industrial ones. And that was pretty much how the production of the more affordable, comprehensive and small-scale tile saws began.
Thanks to such tile saws, today people can renovate their homes on their own without having to call or pay a buck to the contractor or any professional. But, bringing home the first tile saw you find at home depot is a recipe for disappointment. To be able to enjoy the work, you have to get the Best Tile Saw for yourself. Unfortunately, finding the Best Tile Saw out of a sea of a million other saws is a job on its own. I will help you cover and walk through all the features and details you need to know to be able to pick out the Best Tile Saw possible!
Table of Contents
What is a Tile Saw?
To be able to pick the Best Tile Saw you first need to what the tool is and does. While you know by now already that machine cuts tiles under its blade, but there is more to it than that. A tile saw is a machine that can be used to saw many other materials other than just tiles.
Some of these materials include natural stone, granite, marble, brick, porcelain, ceramic and even peanut brittles! However, how well a tile saw does its job will vary from brand to brand, blade to blade, and of course the features. Having said that, almost all tiles saws today share some basic and common operations, for example, almost all tiles can cut diagonally apart from just straight cuts, and almost of them use a water spray or pump to cool down the hot blades.
Benefits of Using a Tile Saw
Best Tile Saw or not, having even a rusty but working tile saw still has a lot of benefits and serves numerous purposes to its users. Here are just a few:
- Cuts cost, saves money
The primary and initial reason behind why people began taking on their own home improvement projects onto themselves in the first place is because it gets be very darn expensive to hire a contractor to do it for them. Apart from the contractor’s jaw-dropping fees, you will also be charged percentage rates on each tile, pay fees for the cutting and shaping, and be bombarded with types of charges you never even heard of. And just in case you thought you would like some custom tiles or cuts for the bathroom, well forget about it because you would have your break the bank to pay for it. Basic is what you are getting. Period.
- Inexpensive purchase
Unless you are a contractor or home improvement specialist by trade or professional, you will not need those huge, commercial, industrial-scale and expensive tile saws that eat up half a warehouse worth of space. All you need is a small to medium-sized, high-quality tile saw that is good enough for your projects. And often times these types of tile saws cost a fraction of the commercial ones. But, if you do happen to feel that you are looking at something that is a little above your budget, don’t worry at all; most manufacturers facilitate EMI payment for consumers now. You will never have to hire a tile saw again!
- Perks of ownership
Owning and using your own tile saw gives you the freedom to get creative without having to worry for any additions costs of discards or mistakes. You can practice anytime you want and not have to worry about a thing. This constant handling of the machine helps you better understand the working and operation of the machine, eventually polishing your skills. After a few misses and hit, you too will be able to create various styles of cuts just like the professional. You never have to answer to anyone about how you use the machine ever again. All yours!
- Multi-purpose
Like previously mentioned, a tile saw is not limited to cutting tiles only. It can also rip through materials like stones, granite, marble etc. But people like to make the most of everything. Tile saw has been also known to be used to cut foods like hard peanut brittles, candies, and ice. In fact, tile saws are also used to cut through things like wood for floors, glasses and more. These are, of course, done using special blades for each purpose that is.
Having a tile saw lying around the house never goes to waste. You always need it cut or slice through this and that every now and then. These are just some of the many benefits and reasons to having your own tile saw instead of hiring the machine or a professional. So you can only imagine how much more benefits you will be enjoying if you happen to get your hands on the Best Tile Saw.
Types of Tile Saws
Unlike a few years ago, you will come across several types of tile saws if you walk into a home depot today. These variations exist because users demand to be able to rip through a wide range of materials which cannot be met by only one type of tile saw only. So, to be able to go home with the Best Tile Saw at the end of the day, you need to be able to identify several types so that you pick the one that is best suited for your project and work. But you do need to know about each and every one of them to get your hands on the Best Tile Saw; going through the most common, popular and mainstream tiles saws will cover everything for you just as easily. Here they are:
But you do need to know about each and every one of them to get your hands on the Best Tile Saw; going through the most common, popular and mainstream tiles saws will cover everything for you just as easily. Here they are:
Table Top Wet Tile Saw
Table top wet tile saws are undoubtedly the most widely used and preferred type of tile among consumers today. These types of tile saws use water operation to cool down the running and hot blade from overheating. The blades of wet tile saws always diamond powder coated. Because it is a table top saw, it utilizes a stand onto which tiles are pushed across through the diamond cutting wheel which is positioned under the table. As they wheel cut through, water is doused onto it to cool it down, as well as to eliminate flying dust particles.
Handheld Wet Tile Saw
As you may have already guessed from the name that it is also a wet tile saw, which means it uses water and diamond powder coated blade as well. But what separates this wet tile saw is that from the table top is that it is smaller in size, portable and does not require a standing table. One other distinction is that the water hose on a handheld wet tile saw can be disabled for dry cutting. However, this also means this will induce a good amount of dust discharge.
Overhead Motor Wet Tile Saw
Overhead Motor wet tile saw is also a wet tile saw. But this type of wet tile saw stands on the table and has a rail system. The material on the table travels through the cutting wheel that is position top of the table as opposed to being under the table like most wet tile saws. And because the cutting blade is on top of the table, users get a better view of the ripping angles and get to make more accurate cuts. Overhead saws are the most expensive and heavy-duty saws to get if you are looking for consistent and accurate results.
Snap or Rail Cutter Tile Saw
A snap or rail tile saw is more of a cutter than it is actually is saw. It is a manual, hand-held saw that requires no electricity, table stand or water pump. This tile saw essential works by scoring and snapping the tile. To cut a tile in it, you just simply place a tile onto the cutting surface and then drag a scoring blade across it. The tile can then be snapped along where it has been scored.
A snap or rail cutter saw is the smallest and most inexpensive type of saw out there. It is great for very small tile cutting projects only.
These are the most common types of tile saws in the market. But, keep in mind that tile saws come in all shapes and sizes and features. Some may be corded, while others are cordless. Some may come with a standing table, while for others you may have to buy one separately. Saws could be portable, handheld or over-headed. Each of these variations brings along with them their own benefits and downsides, so be sure to identify the scale and specification of your work before buying just about any tile saw. Buying the largest and most expensive ones does not always guarantee the Best Tile Saw. The Best Tile Saw for you would be to buy that one saw that suits and complies to your work the most.
Each of these variations brings along with them their own benefits and downsides, so be sure to identify the scale and specification of your work before buying just about any tile saw. Buying the largest and most expensive ones does not always guarantee the Best Tile Saw. The Best Tile Saw for you would be to buy that one saw that suits and complies to your work the most.
Things to look For In The Best Tile Saw
The Best Tile Saw will pay attention to a lot more than just cutting tiles. This may be through design or through features. But what is important to know here is that your definition of the Best Tile Saw will never match someone else’s conception of it. Everyone has their own preferences, and to each their own. But, there are a few basic features that separate the Best tile from any old junk regardless of brands, feature or design. The Best Tile Saw will encompass these key features:
- Motor HP (horse power)
It is unnecessary to even remind anyone how important the motor power of any power tool is. When it looking at tile saws at the store, remember this: the higher the horsepower, the higher the rpm (rotation per minute) of the blade. This will help you understand the equation that the high horsepower equals a more powerful saw, technically. However, picking a tile saw with the highest horsepower does not mean you will land the Best Tile Saw.
Your machine’s horsepower should is considered as per to the intensity of your project. Don’t just end up buying an expensive 2 HP tile saw to cut wood for the winter, or worse, a 0.5 HP saw to cut marble. For lighter projects, you can begin looking at 0.5 HP saws; for medium scale projects pick something along the lines of 1 to 1.5 HP saws, and for heavy duty and large-scale projects go for 1.5 to 2.5 HP ones.
- Blade
The absolute essence of a tile saw is in its blade. And it does not matter how high your saw’s HP may be, or how large it is if it does not have a proper blade than you might as well throw it in the garbage. Almost all blades of tile saws are diamond powder coated for sharpness and precision cutting. One thing you have to know is that one blade will not cut everything. There are separate blades for separate materials and purposes. The Best Tile Saw in the market will have enough blade capacity and versatility to accommodate several types of blade on it. Apart from this, look for blades that can be adjusted for different angles and styles of cut.
- Size of the saw
The tile of your tile saw should vary with the scale and urgency of your work. What I mean to say is that getting a gigantic and monster of a tile saw that made for commercial and industrial cutting is unnecessary, too costly and one of the dumbest things to do when you are only going to need a handful of tiles for the bathroom wall. Similarly, if you a professional or an expert who is looking for large-scale output than getting a box-size saw is obviously not going to do any good. The good news is that even high quality and powerful tiles saws can be found on the market now that are compact, does not eat up too much space and is sometimes portable! A saw that is a perfect balance between compactness and yet not shy of high-quality performance is, in my opinion, the Best Tile Saw.
- Size of the tile
If you bring home a tile saw thinking it could slice down any size of tiles, then you will be very disappointed. The size of tiles that a saw can rip depends on from model to model and from brand to brand. In fact, the thickness of tile a saw can cut is variable from tile to tile as well. Usually, the general rule is:
Large table and blade + high HP = Cuts Larger and thicker tile
Only the Best Tile Saw can modify itself to accept larger tiles. In fact, many latest saws now have extension tables to accommodate larger and thicker tiles. Before buying, always go through the product specification to check the maximum size and thickness that tile saw will accept.
- Comfort
Because tile sawing is a lengthy job, it can get quite uncomfortable to sit and slave away for hours. Tiles saws without the appropriate comfort features, like a rubber grip, height-adjustable table, can cause health problems like back pain, migraine, short-sightedness and more. The Best Tile Saw comes with sufficient ergonomic features and a design that cater to the user’s comfort and convenience needs while still providing excellent output.
Tips and tricks
You can bask in the glory of the Best Tile Saw all you want but you will still be unhappy with it if you do not know how to use it. Following a few small routines and tricks can elevate and enhance your experience with the tile saw entirely. Here are a few:
- Safety come first
The sharp and powerful blade grinding through the tiles discharge a lot of dust and powdery particles into the air. While having a water pump helps to eliminate the dust away from the user’s nose and mouth, some still get away. This dust can cause some serious eye irritation and breathing discomfort to the user, and with prolong use can end up causing chronic respiratory problems as well. If your tile saw discharges more than you can tolerate, be sure to put on a safety goggle and mask to prevent cloudy vision and ingestion. One other very important safety tip is to never put your hands on the running blade. Keep your hands as far away from the blade as possible while sliding the tiles through, or better yet, wear a rubber glove for that extra gripping power. Better safe than sorry!
- First aid kit
Always keep a first aid kit at your hand’s reach, and this rule applies to the use of any and all types of power tools and machines, not just for a tile saw. But, because tile saws utilise a sharp blade to do its job, you always have to be extra careful.
- Water tub
If you are getting a wet tile saw, be sure to get one with a high volume capacity water tub to avoid frequent refills.
- Practice
One of many best things about owning your own tile saw is that you never have to answer to anyone about using it. And I suggest you make the most of it: practice away! Pick out a few discarded and inexpensive materials to practice cutting and ripping on. Get creative and learn a thing or two. Also, always practice ripping and cutting on a wasted or rejected tile before starting on the main tiles.
- Do not push!
People have a tendency to push the tile forcefully through the blade. Whether it a reflex, or is something they do out of habit, but you should know that this pushing around does not other than harm to both the saw and the tile. When you push the tile through with force, not only are you dulling the blade, but you also risk creating cracks and chips onto the cut tiles. Have a secure but still gentle grip on the side of the tiles and forward it as much as the blade lets you. Remember, pushing on the tile may get your work done faster, but it will cost you the quality.
- Protecting the ears
Along with shielding your mouth and eyes from the discharged dust of the tiles, you also have to protect your ears, but this time it is not from the dust. Working with the tile saw can get screaming loud, especially when you are feeding the tile through the blade. It produces a piercing sharp noise that can startle or cause annoyance. You can even suffer from a hearing loss with prolonging exposure to these sounds and noises. So, be sure to put on some ear plugs before starting your work, or even better, some music into your earphones or headphones.
- Just have fun!
Probably the best tip you need to know is to not let the project take over you completely. Do not attempt to finish the entire project work at once; divide the job into smaller tasks to avoid user fatigue and keep you motivated. And it is natural to make a lot of mistakes at first; instead of taking it too hard on yourself, accept and learn from the mistakes. And, if you ever get stuck somewhere in between, do not hesitate to ask for advice from an expert or even learn a thing or two from YouTube video tutorials.
Just getting home the Best Tile Saw is not enough. Make the most out of it by following the proper instructions, and a few very easy and clever tips and tricks to make your work as enjoyable and smooth as possible.
Top 10 of the Best Tile Saws
You can be as prepared and informed as you can be, but still get overwhelmed by the variety and number of tile saws at your disposal when you step into the store. Making a decision, let alone picking the Best Tile Saw, becomes very difficult when you are so confused and indecisive. So, to save you all the frustration, I have put together a list of the top 10 Best Tiles Saws for you to pick one from. Here they are:
QEP 60020SQ Tile Saw
The 60020SQ from QEP is a table-top wet tile saw which utilizes a diamond powder coated cutting wheel to cut through tiles, like mentioned. The 60020SQ tile saw weighs nearly 60 pounds and measures 40 x 24 x 20 inches in dimension (without the stand). It is corded and uses an electric power source; a powerful 2 HP motor, and features a dual-speed and dual-spray water system for even water distribution.
This saw can cut tiles up to 24 by 24 inches, and also cut diagonally up to 14 by 14 inches. The saw also comes with a folding stand for resting the tiles and saw on, a 10 inch continuous wet diamond blade, a miter block, 45 to 90 degrees rip guide, wrenches and hex keys, along with a 1 year manufacturer’s limited warranty on parts. The 60020SQ tile saw also offers the user the liberty to manually change the saw’s rpm to accommodate different blades alongside facilitating 2 speed settings.
Pros:
- The 60020SQ tile saw offers 2 speed settings and interchangeable blades to coordinate with the specific material
- It includes several complementary accessories
Cons:
- QEP has discontinued many of its parts, making many of the 60020SQ tile saw’s parts difficult to find
- It is a little bit on the bulkier side
SKIL Wet Tile Saw
The SKIL 3540-02 is a wet tile saw; it uses diamond coated blades for operation. This saw is corded and electric, weighs 17.7 pounds and measures 18 x 14.5 x 7.8 inches in dimension. The SKIL 3540-02 has a corrosive and rust resistant stainless steel top that support tiles up to 12 x 12 inches. The saw uses a 7-inch cutting blade and can cut tiles at from 0 to 45 degrees as well. It just an adjustable rip fence and miter gauge for precise measurements and cuts. This saw also features a neat blade cooling water reservoir that not only cools down the heated blade but also helps catch the discard debris and dusts to prevent ingestion. SKIL 3540-02 also comes with great warranty offers.
Pros:
- The SKIL 3540-02 is smaller and more lightweight than most wet tile saws. This makes the saw absolutely fantastic for amateurs and at-home use
- Ideal for small tiling projects
- Comes with an great warranty value
Cons:
- It has a low HP and rpm making it a poor choice for heavy-duty and large scale projects
- The saw’s water capacity is too low; requires refilling very frequently
DEWALT Tile Saw
The DEWALT D24000 is a wet tile saw; utilizes a diamond powder coated blade to cut through materials. This saw is a 1.5 horse power electric corded tool which we
It also allows users to place a rear and side water attachment to contain the water and catch blade overspray. The DEWALT D24000 has 5 gallon tub-style water pan that fits snugly under the stand and is just as easily to pull out for cleaning. But makes DEWALT tool so coveted among consumers is its dedication to after sales services. DEWALT gives the DEWALT D24000 tile saw users a 30 day money back guarantee, 1 year free servicing and a generous 3 year limited warranty.
Pros:
- The DEWALT D24000 is a very heavy-duty, and performance oriented tile saw; is professional grade and great for large projects
- Easy to store and travel with
- Allows users to manually place the water nozzles
Cons:
- Low HP of just 1.5
DEWALT D24000S Wet Tile Saw
The DEWALT D24000S wet tile saw that is quite similar to the DEWALT D24000 in term of features, power and operation since it is D24000S’s base model. The D24000S runs on the same tough 1.5 horse power, weighs 69 pounds and measures 29.25 by 36 by 20.38 inches in dimension. This saw an electric corded power tool with AC power source. The 24 by 24 inch tile ripping and the 18 by inch ripping remains the same on both D24000S and D24000.
It has the same stainless less rail system for cutting tiles, adjustable dual water nozzles, 22.4 and 45 degree miter for angular cutting, plunge cut and bevel features with a 10 inch cutting wheel, adjustable water nozzles, 5 gallon water tub, and the same DEWALT 30 day money back guarantee, 1 year free servicing and a whopping 3 year limited warranty on parts. In fact, the one and only thing that separates the D24000S from the base model D24000 is that it come with a standing table, the DEWALT 24001.This standing table is included in this package because had you wanted to purchase the DEWALT 24001 table separately, would have had you pay a higher price.
Pros:
- The DEWALT D24000S is a professional grade tile saw and great for large projects
- Easy to store and travel with
- Allows users to manually place the water nozzles
- Include a durable and sturdy table
Cons:
- Low HP of just 1.5
PORTER-CABLE PCE980 Wet Tile Saw
Porter Cable PCE980 is a perfect option for small tiling projects & home with tight spaces. This wet saw will be a great choice for avoiding any mess in job site as it comes with fixed stainless steel deck which holds water which could be drained easily. And Table top is designed with smooth water channel & Sliding sliding tray. In regards to performance, this saw has been made considering all the features required to cut tiles.it allows you to do mitre cut, rip cut along with adjustable rear fence.
Pros:
- Water Management technology
- Easily portable
- Adjustable ripping fence
Cons:
- Only for small tiling project.
MK Diamond Wet Tile Saw
The 169612 wet tile saw from MK Diamond uses a 1.5 HP Baldor motor that is entirely thermally protected and fan cooled to prevent overheating. This saw features a multi-position cutting head so that you get to have maximum control over cutting. The cutting head is also adjustable in height and allows plunge cuts. What’s great about it is that this saw accommodates multiple blades less than 10 inches. The saw has cast aluminium guards, cutting head and non-slip neoprene surface.
Pros:
- The motor is very well looked after
- Adjustable cutting head
- Interchangeable blades
Cons:
- The blade starts to peel after over a year
QEP Manual Tile Cutter
This manual tile cutter or snapper from QEP is perfect if you are looking for a saw for your light-duty and small scale projects without committing to an expensive purchase. At 35 inches (900 mm) wide, it is still quite light: 23.3 pounds. It measures 43.4 by 8 by 7 inches in dimension, rips tiles up to 35 square inches and 24 square inches diagonally, has a safe rubber grip for extra strong hold and stability, and rubbers pads on its base to prevent wobbliness and movement.
This cutter is has a dual, chromed-plated rugged steel rails and linear ball bearing is designed to enable the user to score the tiles as smoothly as possible. With its wide aluminum and alloy base, rubber pad base and extension table, feeding a larger and heavier tile becomes so much easier. The QEP 10900Q comes with a 7/8 of an inch scoring wheel and a 1-year warranty. QEP also has two more models – 60020SQ and 22650Q .
Pros:
- The QEP 10900Q is a great option for starters who need a cutter for smalls cutting tasks
- Has rubber pad base to establish a strong position and prevent movements
- Capable of ripping large-sized tiles
Cons:
- Cuts through ceramic tiles and porcelain only
Rockwell Tabletop Saw
If you are looking for something that is portable, lightweight and still packs a punch, then look at the Rockwell RK7323 tabletop saw and end your search. This corded and electric tabletop saw weighs just 17 pounds! It measures 16.1 x 17.5 x 8.3 inches in dimension. What is so amazing about this tiny saw is that it allows for easy, fuss-free blade changes and has an unlimited size ripping! The RK7323 has a rubber base for added stability and comes with a miter gauge for 0 degrees to 60 degrees angled cuts, and a jigsaw blade. This thing can easily cut through wood, tile, plastic, metal and aluminum. The RK7323 also comes with a generous 3-year limited warranty!
Pros:
- The Rockwell RK7323 is one of the most compact yet high performing tabletop saws available
- Rips through many materials considering its size
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy-duty projects
Ryobi Tile Saw
The ZRWS722 is a portable tile saw from Ryobi that weighs only 28 pounds. With dimension measuring in at 24.5 x 19.5 x 8.6 inches, this saw could not be any more petite and compact. ZRWS722 is an electric corded tool. It utilises a 7-inch cutting blade that can cut up to 3 inches in thickness, rip 20 by 20-inch tiles and rip 13 by 13 inch diagonally. The miter guide it comes with allows cuts from 0 to 45 degrees. The saw also accommodates bevel cuts with its tilting table and comes with rubber feet for extra stability. With the powerful induction motor, this saw can cut through ceramic, stone tile and porcelain like a knife through butter.
Pros:
- The ZRWS722 is ideal for travel and workshops where space is premium
Cons:
- Vibrates a lot; chips thin tiles
M-D Products Tile Cutter
The 49194 tile cutter from M-D Products is probably a tool for users who value quality over quantity. This 14-inch tile cutter will cut one tile at a time, typically of snap cutters, just as cleanly and precisely as your high-end saws. The 49194 has a cast aluminium brackets and replaceable wheel along with polished rails, and it weighs just 5.6 pounds! The 49194 cutter is as straightforward as tile cutters come these days: small, light and portable.
Pros:
- The 49194 is a very compact tool
- Produces clean cuts
Cons:
- Can rip up to 14-inch tiles only
So there have it: the Best Tile Saws in a nutshell. These names were handpicked through consumer ratings and extensive testing, so you can be sure that you have been provided with some of the most reliable and trusted names. But to pick the Best Tile Saw, you have to keep in mind of your own requirements and needs before choosing the crowd’s favourite. The Best Tile Saw is that one saw that will serve your purpose with utmost excellence regardless of its size and cost! I hope this article will give you enough confidence to go out there and find your perfect tile saw!
