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Home » 7 Best Tile Saw Reviews in 2023 – Money Saving Guide

7 Best Tile Saw Reviews in 2023 – Money Saving Guide

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With over 10 years of experience held by our team members combined in using power tools, we spent approximately 40+ hours on product testing and consulted experts for this guide. We found that DEWALT Wet Tile Saw is the best tile saw on the market.

It is the best multipurpose and heavy duty wet tile saw, suitable for cutting porcelain, ceramic, granite, marble and even glass tiles.

Dewalt D24000

DEWALT Wet Tile Saw

Our Top Recommendation for Tile Saw Reviews!

The Dewalth wet tile saw mounted on a stand is a high capacity saw with a blade length of 10 inches. It has a cutline indicator, rigid france, and stainless steel rollers that provide accuracy within 1/32 inches over 30 inches cuts.

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Here’s a quick comparison of the 7 best wet tile saws that we think will be worth the buck. This list has all kind of options (heavy duty, light-weight, long blade size, different power sources and varied cutting efficiency), so choose the one that suits your needs the best from the following.

Top: Tile Saw Reviews

We considered the most important factors like weight & brittleness of the tile, the size of the area to be cut, if it is wet/dry and some more. Every brand of tile saw out there has their advantages and disadvantages and in the end, the choice totally depends upon your requirements, so this guide will give you a head start with the help of our research.

IMAGEPRODUCTFEATURESPRICE
DEWALT Wet Tile Saw : Best Budget Tile Saw• 1.5 hp
• all-purpose tile saws
• 120 Volts
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SKIL 3540-02 – Best Wet Tile Saw for Homeowners• Easy to Move
• diagonal cuts
• Great Value
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Dewalt D24000 – Best Professional Tile Saw• 1.5HP Powerful Motor
• Highly Durable
• Light-weight
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SKIL 3550-02 – Best Wet Tile Saw for DIY• Portable
• Budget Friendly
• Sliding Side Extension
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QEP 650XT – Best 7 Inch Tile Saw
• Easy to Setup
• Easy to Clean
• Very Portable
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Dewalt DWC860W – Best Small Tile Saw• Easy to Control
• Very light weight
• Rip Guides
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Delta 96-110 10″ Tile Saw – Best Newcomer Tile Saw• Great Features
• 10 inch Style
• Easy to Clean
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We have also included the ultimate buying guide to help you make the best choice.

1. DEWALT Wet Tile Saw : Best Budget Tile Saw

The DEWALT Wet Tile Saw  10 in. High-Efficiency Wet Tile Saw has a 37 in. rip cut capacity, an 8-1/2 in. crosscut capacity, and a 1/32 in. over 30 in. accuracy for expert tile installers. The rip cut capability, along with the 18 in. cutting clearance (to the left of the blade), enables the operator to rip a 36 in. × 36 in. tile in half.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • 91 Pounds Weight
  • Wet with Stand
  • Electric Coded Power
  • 120 Volts
  • 1.5 hp
  • 4200 RPM Speed
  • No batteries Required
Chicago Electric Brick Saw
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At a 30 percent offset, the crosscut capability is perfect for 6 in. sill cutting and up to 8 in. x 48 in. plank cutting. With the plunge, make rip cuts up to 41 in. The width of 28-7/8 in. from column to cart edge allows you to fit through typical 30 in. door frames. When the water tray mechanism is fitted, the dimensions are 18 in. x 36 in. and 24 in. x 36 in.

DEWALT Wet Tile Saw

When the water tray system is installed, 18 in. x 36 in. and 24 in. × 24 in. tiles are completely contained inside the coverage area, reducing mess when working indoors. The platform allows you to set up a workstation on the construction, and the tile saw weighs just 91 pounds, making it easy to transport to and from the job site.

DEWALT Wet Tile Saw Review

REVIEW & TEST RESULTS

DURABILITYCUTTING ABILITYPORTABILITY

 Since the trunnions are placed to the frame, there is more stability. This gives you an edge over other hybrid tables since you’ll be capable of doing more tasks with greater steadiness. Over 30 in. cuts, the cutline indication, sturdy frame, and stainless-steel rollers enable cutting precision to within 1/32 in.

 With the aid of head pivots, bevel cuts and rapid angled cuts on tiles at angles of 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees may also be accomplished. The engine has strong twin water nozzles that can be adjusted for optimum moisture placement on the blade to reduce mist and overspray.

Tile saws with rear and side water attachments can be used to restrict water run-off and capture blade overspray from huge tiles, retaining the water in the pan.

Based on 180 customer reviews, the DeWalt D24000S Wet Tile Saw scored 4.8/5 stars on Amazon. On Amazon, it has 155 favorable ratings and 31 critical reviews, with about 93 percent of reviewers giving it four stars or above and only 3 percent giving it one star. On Dewalt’s own website, the D24000S Wet Tile Saw had an average rating of 4.4/5 from 13 customer reviews.

DEWALT Wet Tile Saw Customer Review

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • Cuts tiles as smoothly as possible.
  • It is intended to be one of the best all-purpose tile saws.
  • Even inexperienced tile cutters can cut tiles like an expert.
  • Self-contained water system.

What We Didn’t Like

  • There have been several reports of the built-in breaker tripping
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2. SKIL 3540-02 – Best Wet Tile Saw for Homeowners

SKIL is known as the effective and budget power tools manufacturer. Be it your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom tiles, SKIL 3540-02 suits best for all the small tiling jobs around the house. SKIL has established and dedicated itself into the industry and aimed at providing top of the line, unparalleled power tools including their brilliant tile saws.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel Top
  • Adjustable Rip Fence with Miter Gauge
  • Blade Cooling Water Reservoir
  • 7″ blade for cross & diagonal cuts
SKIL 3540-02
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It’s not really the contractor grade so do not expect the Dewalt tile saw performance from it.

The SKIL 3540-02 is a corrosion resistant (with a stainless steel top) and a very flexible (allows 0 to 45 degree bevel cuts) wet tile saw.

SKIL 3540-02 Product

It comes with an adjustable rip fence with miter gauge to ensure the accuracy of the straight and miter cuts. This is a table top wet tile saw that allows very smooth tile cutting with superb stability while operating.

It works best for DIYers who need it for occasional work. This entry level wet tile saw helps the homeowners to make precise cuts instead of using manual snapping tools.

SKIL 3540-02 Review

REVIEW & TEST RESULTS

DURABILITYCUTTING ABILITYPORTABILITY

The stainless steel blade and tabletop keeps it away from corrosion with the water spilled over it. 

The base is made out of plastic and has a flimsy fence. It’s deck is quite thin & small and is made out of lightweight metal that bents easily if pressure is applied on it, which misaligns the saw blade. 

We also noticed that the water reservoir is quite small. The motor heated up after 30-45 minutes of continuous usage. 

After the repeated use over a week, the blade became dull and required much more force to cut. Buying a dressing stone might help you regain the edge.

It did vibrate at times but with a solid surface it works well.

All in all, we recommend you to use this for odd jobs and small home improvement tasks but NOT for large tiles/projects.

So we used this on a 4×6″ tile to do the kitchen floor and on a half-bath to install marble tiles and it did amazingly well giving very clean cuts. 

Next we tried doing the bathroom floor where the tiles were 6″x24″ and that’s where it struggled. There wasn’t enough power to make quality cuts through these large tiles. 

The guide rail goes up to 7 7/8″ only. For a 12×24″ tile, we had to build a side table of the same height as the tile saw and add a layer of vinyl to it.

It cuts mosaic subway, ceramic, marble or even stone tiles. We replaced the original saw blade (recommended) after around 30-40 cuts and we have made nearly 100 cuts with it. 

Solid straight and bevel cut ability!

It weighs just around 18 pounds which makes it super light and easy to move around/transport. Unlike the Dewalt D24000, this one is very small and compact in size.

It’s quite easy to clean up the saw as all you need to do is grab a hose, spray on the dusty areas (blast the inside though) and brush it up.

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EXPERT TIP

Before you reach to the end of the cut (about 1/4″ away), back the tile slightly and pivot it against the saw blade so it pops. This will prevent tile chipping and leave a rough edge for you to file it down.

Also keep a water jug nearby to refill, you will need it often.


Staff | Pro Tool Guide

SKIL 3540-02 Customer Review

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to Move
  • Cuts many materials
  • Great Value

What We Didn’t Like

  • Small Water Reservoir
  • Less Durable
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3. Dewalt D24000 – Best Professional Tile Saw

Dewalt D24000 is one of the most powerful tile saws with a very strong cutting blade and capacity. Whether you are a professional re-modeller, tile installer, a floor specialist or a DIYer, it can fulfil all needs of a project.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • 10-inch Diamond Blade
  • 1.5HP Powerful Motor
  • Plunge and Bevel Features
  • Stainless Steel Rail System
  • Cuts 26″ Rip & 18 3/8″ Diagonally
Dewalt D24000
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Dewalt D24000 Review

Dewalt is a very popular and trustworthy power tools brand and in our honest opinion, D24000 is the best commercial tile saw out there. Below are the tests we conducted that helped us know the details of this wet tile saw.

Dewalt D24000 Product

REVIEW & TEST RESULTS

DURABILITYCUTTING ABILITYPORTABILITY

There were no signs of corrosion or rust forming up when we intentionally spilled some water on different parts of this saw and left it for some days. Mainly because of the steel build.

The rear and side water attachments and the blade spray helped to clean the tile saw after usage instantly.

The cutting cart is rubberised which kept the saw very stable and in turn helped us to make very accurate cuts.

Dual Nozzles: The excellent water system with dual nozzles came in handy for adjusting water flow to ensure the saw doesn’t overheat and prevent over-spraying. 

The powerful 1.5HP motor with the diamond blade helped us cut the tiles very smoothly without any issues.

It’s 3-1/8-inch cut depth allowed us to even cut the V-caps tiles or pavers with easy angled cuts.

There is a special plunge feature which facilitates you to shape the tile pieces meant to accommodate power outlets etc.

The first cut we made came out to be a straight and perfectly square. Then we laid a 16×24″ porcelain tile, made some miter adjustments and still faced no problems. The blade allows very quick cuts to be made.

To cut the holes, we used the plunge feature for the furnace registers. The cuts were super smooth and the sliding tray under the blade made sure there was no chipping at the edges. You can pick up glass blades for cutting glass tiles if you need a perfect edge on materials. 

This is one of the lightest 10-inch tile saws available in the market today. Though it is big in size, however easy to move and transport.

The cart and the water containment tray can be removed and hence can be cleaned easily as well.

It is also equipped with a 5-gallon ABS water pan that ensures the ease setup and takedown of the saw.

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EXPERT TIP

Put the water pump into a 5 gallon bucket which has clean water and not into the tray. When the tray fills up, empty it and fill up the bucket again with clean water. This will prevent all water pump problems. 


Staff | Pro Tool Guide

Dewalt D24000 Product Review

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • Excellent Cutting Capacity
  • Highly Durable
  • Light-weight 
  • Portable

What We Didn’t Like

  • Little bit noisy
  • Expensive
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4. SKIL 3550-02 – Best Wet Tile Saw for DIY

This wet tile saw is a variation of their model 3540-02 with some good minor modifications. This in turn comes at a slightly high price tag.

The good thing is that this new feature will save you from those repeated walk backs to your garage and let you cut the tiles anywhere (even your room). Hmm, sounds interesting?

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Hydro Lock Water Containment System
  • Sliding Side Extension 
  • Adjustable Rip Fence with Miter Gauge
  • Bevel Cuts Tile From 0-45 Degrees
SKIL 3550-02 - Best Wet Tile Saw for DIY
Click Here to Check the Price

This feature rich, sturdy and compact sized wet tile saw will suit best for the DIYers or homeowner who want to get the small projects out of their way quickly. With decent cuts and easy clean up, it surely is a great choice.

SKIL 3550-02 Customer Review

REVIEW & TEST RESULTS

DURABILITYCUTTING ABILITYPORTABILITY

We noticed that the saw blade that comes with it seems to be less effective.

So first of all, we recommend you to replace that with a glass cutting blade (since they are thinner) for cleaner cuts.

Hydro Lock: There are two guards (upper and lower) designed to keep the water splash at a minimum and contained just limited around the blade.

The deck (with small rubber pads) is made up of aluminium and is quite thick, rigid and rust-resistant. However, the clamps are of plastic and somewhat flimsy. 

The arbor isn’t perpendicular to the guides, this sometimes made the cuts inaccurate. We had to push back the tile at times to prevent it from cracking.

Tip: If you are going to use the side guide, ensure that it’s pretty right before hand.

We used the SKIL 3550-02 on various tasks like replacing linoleum tile floors with porcelain tile at a client’s home, did some kitchen, bathroom (shower) and laundry room tile work.

The results were good! It works very well on small projects like these. Sometimes we felt like it is a bit small and we couldn’t move the tile into the blade.

We cut porcelain, granite, ceramic and mosaic glass tiles with it and the cuts were pretty decent.  The largest tile we cut with it was 20×20″ and we think anything about that wouldn’t fit well.

The operating speed of the saw is not very fast as it has an average power motor. Though we were able to make the 22.5 & 45-degree variation bevel cuts with ease. 

With the aluminium and plastic material used to build this tile saw, the total weight comes down to just 24 pounds.

We were easily able to carry it down the stairs, move around and even the installation was done pretty quickly. 

The compact size allowed us to clean it easily. The cutting cart and the water containment tray were removable, so that made our task easier.

SKIL 3540-02 Review

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • Feature Rich
  • Budget Friendly
  • Portable
  • Decent Cutting Capacity

What We Didn’t Like

  • Plastic Build (some areas)
  • Weak Motor
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5. QEP 650XT – Best 7 Inch Tile Saw

This QEP tile saw is a small and powerful contender in our top list. If you are a DIYer, this will perfectly suits your needs and on top of that you can even complete the small contractor jobs with it.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • 3/4 HP Powerful Motor (3600RPM)
  • Interior Water Baffle
  • Tilt-up Cutting Table
  • Adjustable Angles & Rip Guides
QEP 650XT
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We had out expectations clear, since this was a low cost tile saw. It worked perfectly well on the small DIY and bathroom tiling jobs. Using it carefully since the build isn’t so sturdy and getting a new saw blade, I must say it worked like a charm for us.

QEP 650XT Customer Review

REVIEW & TEST RESULTS

DURABILITYCUTTING ABILITYPORTABILITY

Our first impressions of QEP 650XT were mixed.

It had a durable steel table and the frame had rubber foot pads for extra stability. The other parts were either made of metal or plastic (fence) which is alright in our opinion.

We faced some issues aligning the fence. The guard attached with it works well only with thin flimsy tile saw blades. The thick blades may be too much for that.

Sometimes, the splash guard screws blocked the tile (if it was bigger than 3″) from moving through.

About the table, it did start to rust after a few weeks. It is important to go slow while using it to prevent water splash.

The diamond blade while cutting makes a lot of noise, so we recommend you to buy a good pair of ear protectors. Sometimes we even had to double the protection by adding a set of compressible foam in the ear.

It comes with a 3/4HP motor with can produce upto 3600RPM. It also has a miter gauge and a rip fence. The an 8-inch table extension helps for cutting/supporting large tiles.

We used this to cut some 18″ porcelain tiles when we noticed that after a few cuts the water needed to be refilled, we could cut the bottles and some terra cotta like butter.

Pro Tip: To avoid chipping, place the cleaner side of the tile facing down while cutting.

While cutting the granite tiles (12″), we noticed that if the blade guard isn’t perfectly aligned then we had to push pretty hard to cut through them.

There was some water splash while doing a ceramic tile kitchen back splash, but for such a low price, you need to be tolerable at times.

For more accurate cuts, you can replace the fence with 1″ x 2″ solid aluminum bar with 2 clamps and once you dial that in, you will see the difference.

Overall, the cutting capacity is great. Just make sure to keep a jug of water while cutting, use ear protection and cut slowly to avoid chipping and get the best cuts.

This tile saw is very easy to store and move around. It weighs just ~16 pounds which is very light weight.

The installation and setup is quite easy as well, in 10 minutes you will be able to good to go. Though it’s easy to clean up, the water reservoir can’t be removed which is a bad point.

Operation wise it’s decent so all in all, it’s a good bang for your buck.

QEP 650XT Review

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • Great for Small Tile Work
  • Very Reasonable Price
  • Easy to Setup
  • Easy to Clean
  • Very Portable

What We Didn’t Like

  • Fence is hard to align
  • Not a good saw blade
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6. Dewalt DWC860W – Best Small Tile Saw

Dewalt DWC860W Wet/Dry masonry saw is a very compact and budget friendly option. It has a very good saw blade that makes you cut different types of materials very effectively.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • 10.8AMP Powerful Motor
  • 4-3/8-inch Diamond Blade
  • Tilt-up Cutting Table
  • Adjustable Angles & Rip Guides
Dewalt DWC860W
Click Here to Check the Price

It possesses a rectangular shaped frame which has an adjustable cutter and a stopper. It also has a very durable vertical cutter and cut a lot of tiles in long term.

The Dewalt DWC860W is one of the perfect tile saws for you if you deal with the tiles professionally or if you are a serious Diyer.

Dewalt DWC860W Product

REVIEW & TEST RESULTS

DURABILITYCUTTING ABILITYPORTABILITY

A disappointing point was that it didn’t came with a case, probably to keep the price so low. However, this tool needs the case for storage as well as for transport. You can get a good steel or wood case for this.

It has a 13-foot water line (with dust sealed switch) that feeds water to the tile saw blade decreasing dust, increasing blade performance and prolongs the saw’s life. There are 2 wrenches for changing the blade. There is also a lock-on feature which helps to reduce the fatigue during the production cuts.

The saw blade that comes with it is 4.5 inches long and provides excellent cuts.

We tested the cutting capacity on different items and we think the motor has quite good power.

We were able to cut about 20 sheets of a cement board quite easily. Then we used it to install a kitchen and 2 bathroom granite countertops by using a turbo blade since it cuts granite faster. 

For making deep cuts, we recommend you to make 2 passes. We even made some angled cuts along the edge of a cement slab quickly. 

While we tried to cut marble, it didn’t work as expected and there was some chipping as well.

A bad part about the saw is that it has a plastic made water shut off valve, we advise you to put a small valve towards the end of your hose and reattaching the flow restrictor there or seal it well.

Since there is an absence of a blade guard or guide, we tried using the 1/2″ material as the guide but the two mounting screws interfered. So we had to eventually cross cut and rip the tile pieces.

It weighs JUST 6.6 pounds and the product dimensions are 15.7 x 20.1 x 9.9 inches which makes it really easy to transport outdoors or to another place.

It comes with a simple to follow instructions manual so you can learn the basics of setting it up and how to get started quite easily.

The handle of the saw is very comfortable (fits a large hand) and has no sharp spots that can hurt.

Dewalt DWC860W Customer Review

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • Easy to Control
  • Inexpensive
  • Cuts at various depths
  • Very light weight

What We Didn’t Like

  • No carrying case
  • Makes noise
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7. Delta 96-110 10″ Tile Saw – Best Newcomer Tile Saw

Delta has been addressing the demands of the most discerning craftsmen for over a century. And the Delta 96-110 10″ Tile Saw is engineered for tough durability and lifespan. With a strong 15 amp engine, the 10-inch Wet Tile Saw can cut through indigenous and man-made tile, stone, and pavers.

It can cut stone up to 3-3/8 inches thick with its diamond cutting wheel, and it boasts a gigantic best-in-class rip capacity of 34 inches and a 24-inch diagonal cut power.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • 99.8 Pounds Weight
  • 10 inch Style
  • Ac/dc Power 
  • 10 Inch Blade length
  • Diamond Cutting Wheel 
  • 1-Year-Warranty
Delta 96-110 10 Tile Saw
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REVIEW & TEST RESULTS

DURABILITYCUTTING ABILITYPORTABILITY

Granite, porcelain, concrete, and other stone materials are readily sliced with the powerful 15 amp engine. The diamond cutting blade is of the highest quality, Grade 1. This saw does not include one of those cheap blades that you throw away after the first usage.

The saw is built with a massive rail system with 12 bearings that allows for extraordinarily straight, precise, and smooth cuts. Cuts through the natural and man-made tile and pavers with a powerful 15 amp motor. The 10-inch diamond cutting wheel is capable of cutting stones up to 3 3/8″ thick. Up to 34″ of rip cutting capability in its class. Over a 24 inch tile, the accuracy was within 1/32 inch. Dual water nozzles may be adjusted for appropriate water placement on the blade, reducing the overspray and keeping the blade cool for better cutting performance. This saw is a beast that is designed to last a lifetime!

With its sharp cutting blade, the Delta Cruzer 10 inch Wet Tile Cutter can cut marble up to 3-3/8 inches thick and has a tremendous 34-inch or 39-inch rip capability while plunging slicing and a 24-inch lateral cut potential.

The Delta Cruzer Wet Tile Saw is designed for precision, decreasing waste, lowering rework time and aggravation, and increasing the aesthetic of your project. You can depend on consistently precise cuts without blade wandering from cut to cut.

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EXPERT TIP

Slide the tray about one-third of the way out so the water directly falls into the bucket. One more thing, hold the saw from back when you release the stand or else it will fall on your hand.


Staff | Pro Tool Guide

Delta 96-110 10 Tile Saw Review

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • Easy to Use
  • Great Features
  • Easy to Clean
  • Can cut any material

What We Didn’t Like

  • Heavy weight
  • Little bit expensive
Click Here to Check Latest Price

Tile Saw Buying Guide

Whether you’re working with glass art, putting together a high-quality model airplane, or remodelling the floor of your bathroom, a tile saw comes in handy.

This guide teaches you all you need to know about this incredibly versatile power tool, such as the basics of operating a tile saw, important safety tips, selecting the best tile saw type for what you need, and much more.

What is a Tile Saw?

A tile saw is a power tool with a diamond-coated blade, with water used as a coolant. While they were designed specifically for cutting tiles, they are also perfect for cutting any materials or objects made of glass, ceramic, stone, porcelain or carbon fiber. Sure, you might be able to find cheaper equipment alternatives for certain projects (like using a burning string to cut glass bottles), but a tile saw gets the job done consistently and easily, making cleaner and more precise cuts.

Essential Features of a Tile Saw

When picking a tile saw, it’s important to understand its features and specifications, as this helps you choose the most suitable saw for your needs.

1. Blade Diameter

The greater the blade diameter of your tile saw, the thicker the materials it can cut through. A blade with an 8 inch diameter has a maximum cutting depth of approximately 2 inches, when the 10 inch version has a maximum cutting depth of approximately 2.5 inches.

Your saw should be able to cut through your selected object end-to-end in one pass. The greater the blade diameter, the greater the length of the object it can cut through in one pass. A tile saw usually specifies, in inches, the maximum rip cut (aka straight cut) and maximum diagonal cut that it can handle.

Some tile saws have features that allow for unlimited cutting capacity, but you should also consider the limitations of the tool’s table size too, and may have to purchase a table extension to fit particularly large objects.

A larger blade is therefore crucial for handling thicker materials and larger projects, but of course it is pricier as well. It is also heavier, which affects its portability. It is therefore important to balance your budget with your needs.

2. Horsepower of Motor, And RPM

The greater the horsepower of your saw’s motor, as well as its maximum rpm (revolutions per minute), the better it can handle harder materials such as granite. ¾ HP is sufficient for small personal projects, and 1.5 HP is enough for cutting most materials in most contexts, but industrial saws can run up to 2.5 HP. Your saw’s horsepower may instead be specified as amps & volts, so convert that into HP when necessary. Having enough ‘juice’ is crucial for making clean cuts through hard materials effortlessly, and completing big projects efficiently. That said, the saw quality matters as well, and you should consider if a powerful and pricey premium saw is necessary for your uses.

3. Blade Capacity & Adjustment

The capacity of the blade refers to the ability of the cutting head to be adjusted so it can hold various blade sizes. Make sure you choose a tile saw with this feature if you wish to use it on multiple kind of tiles and projects.

The blade adjustment is the feature of how well the tile saw blade can be adjusted to cut tiles at different angles (bevel or miter cuts). The more angles you can tilt the tile saw upto, the better.

4. Water Source

Using water while operating a tile saw to cut the tiles prevents damage, helps to cool the blade and lubricates the tiles as well as the tile saw blade for smoothness. There maybe a garden hose or a pump container as a water source, it all depends if you are looking for a portable or a tile saw just to use at your home and not outdoors.

5. Extra Features

Little inconveniences can make or break your home improvement experience, so take note of extra features that could make using your tile saw a lot easier and tidier. Features such as a splash guard and a drain plug, means you can use your tile saw without fear of being soaked. A large water reservoir means you won’t run out of coolant as quickly, while a precision guide bar improves your accuracy.

Setting up and maintaining a tile saw may seem daunting, but once you’ve assembled it and gotten into the right routine, it’s fairly easy work.

Regardless of which tile saw type you are working with, make sure you are working on a level, sturdy surface, position your tile correctly before cutting, feed your tile towards the cutting wheel slowly and steadily, and turn off the saw whenever it is not in use.

Types of Tile Saws

Each tile saw serves its own purpose. It depends on what kind of job you want to apply your tile saw to. Here are some of the different tile saws you can use it for your specific requirements.

Handheld Tile Saw

Handheld tile saws are light, portable, and frugal. They are best for smaller projects, touch ups, and specialty cuts. Make sure you secure your tile before cutting it, for the best sturdiness and precision. With handheld saws, user fatigue is a common issue, so purchase one with a lock-on switch to reduce fatigue. Using a wet handheld tile saw, which has a coolant system, helps to reduce dust particles in the air. Nonetheless, dry handheld saws are available as well. The most popular versions are wet/dry, which means the coolant system can be switched off. Dust masks are recommended if you choose to dry cut.

Tabletop Wet Tile Saw

This is the most popular type of tile saw for personal projects. These usually come with a fence to aid with alignment of your tile/object. The depth of cut provided by tabletop saws is sufficient for most tiles and materials, except for thicker and harder objects like stone pavers. Horsepower for this type of saws usually runs up to ¾ hp, and blade diameter runs up to 7 inches. The line of sight from cut line to cutting wheel is clear, but not always the most accurate. This is not an issue for most projects, but if you require utmost precision, such as for complex glass art, an overheard saw is recommended. To do specialty cuts, you would need a miter extension and plunge cut extension.

Overhead Motor Wet Tile Saw

This type of saw affords the most precision, as its sliding tray system allows you to easily visually align your cut line with the cutting wheel. Overheard motor saws also offer greater horsepower and larger blades, meaning they can handle harder, thicker materials with ease, and process large industrial-size projects efficiently. However, they are the priciest, heaviest, and may require some assembly.

Overheard motor saws typically supply water through a pump system, but there are pumpless versions as well. With a pumpless version, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of refilling water or cleaning the water pan, but your saw’s portability would be greatly decreased, as you would require a nearby water source.

Like with tabletop saws, you would require extensions to do specialty cuts.

How to Operate a Tile Saw (Video)?

Setting up and maintaining a tile saw may seem daunting, but once you’ve assembled it and gotten into the right routine, it’s fairly easy work.

Regardless of which tile saw type you are working with, make sure you are working on a level, sturdy surface, position your tile correctly before cutting, feed your tile towards the cutting wheel slowly and steadily, and turn off the saw whenever it is not in use.

I found this amazing video by The Tile Shop which shows some great tips about cutting a tile. Watch it now and learn the different methods of tile cutting.

Tile Saw Safety Tips

Here are the safety equipment and safety measure you have to take before using the Tile Saw:

1. Wear Safety Goggles

You’re grinding materials, so tiny sharp shards may be flying off. Make sure you wear eye protection at all times.

2. Wear Appropriate Clothing

The usual safety tips for operating power tools applies, such as tying back long hair, avoiding loose clothing, and wearing sturdy shoes.

3. Use Respiratory Protection If Dry Cutting

Dust particles are a concern when dry cutting, as they are harmful to lung health. Make sure you wear a dust mask or some other form of respiratory protection.

4. Keep Your Blade Sharp And Clean

A dull blade or a clog-up of debris makes your saw harder to operate. Not only that, you would be more tempted to apply greater pressure in guiding your object towards the cutting wheel, increasing the likelihood of accidents, such as dangerous chipped-off projectiles or an overheated blade.

5. Keep A First-Aid Kit Nearby

Pack a medical kit, do regular checks to make sure it remains well-stocked, and be aware of its location.

Summary

Depending on the materials you are working with, it is sometimes possible to substitute a tile saw with other tools, either as a way to be thrifty, or to choose an even more suitable tool for a specific need.

We hope that this guide was useful to both beginners and seasoned carpenters in the crowd. From the basics of choosing and using a tile saw, to the detailed pros and cons of each saw we tested and reviewed here, it’s a guide for every skill level.

Suitable equipment makes home improvement much less stressful and much more enjoyable, so be sure to pick the right tools for your projects. And don’t forget to stay safe.