Need A Tile Saw Buying Guide, Please!

Need A Tile Saw Buying Guide Please

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The tile saw is one of the most important tools for anyone who plans on setting a decent amount of tile and it will be your "secret weapon" when you need to cut a bunch of tiles. There are really no substitutes for tile saws when looking at efficiency and accuracy.

How Does A Tile Saw Work? 

A tile saw uses a disc that consists of a Diamond-tipped circular blade that is durable enough to cut through ceramic tiles, continuously and with accuracy. It cuts through a tile by grinding it down in a fast, circular motion. 

Different variations of the tile saw have their own pros and cons. An example of this would be the handheld wet tile saw that has a “fountain” like feature on its circular blade that releases water while the blade spins. Another variation would be a sliding tabletop water saw that offers some of the best cutting accuracy and precision over and ease of use over other models.

The “fountain-like” feature is pretty common on tile saws but some variants don’t have this feature and require the user to purchase a separate water pump that would then be installed unto the tile saw.

Dry cutting (cutting without the water recirculation system) is not recommended though, because dry cutting has the risk of breaking or wearing down the saw’s circular blade due to the heat from friction. On another note, without the water recirculating system, dust would not be kept in control and would create a ton of it in and around the cutting area. 

The Different Types of Tile Saws:

Tile saws, just like any other appliance or tools, have different kinds or variants for different purposes. Some tile saws are designed solely to be used at home while some are designated to endure rigorous and heavy tasks for bigger projects. Here are the types of tile saw that you might run into...

Handheld Wet Tile Saws:

A hand-held wet tile saw is best suited for doing small tiling and repair jobs. As one would find in typical tile saws, most models come with a diamond-tipped circular blade and a recirculating water system that keeps the dust in control and prevents the blade from overheating, due to friction.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that not all hand-held tile saws have the recirculating fountain like water system. Some handheld tile saws do not possess water cooling features because they are designed to withstand more heat from the friction but as mentioned above, extensive dry cutting is not advisable. 

Features: 

  • Most portable among the various tile saw models
  • Ideal for Do It Yourself type of people
  • Models typically include a water recirculation system (some variants may not have one)
  • Best pick for beginners and the most affordable model, in comparison
  • Designed to be versatile and durable at the same time

Tabletop Wet Tile Saws:

The tabletop wet tile saw has two variations: fixed and sliding. 

Fixed tabletop wet tile saws rely on the tile being pushed toward and through the circular blade, with the water system working to lubricate and cool down the blade. It’s just like what the handheld wet tile saw does, but on a tabletop. A fence is used to maintain consistency of the desired cut.

Sliding tabletop wet tile saws offer precise and professional cutting by having the tile secured on a tray with rollers, which is then pushed into the circular blade. This allows the user to cut precisely. A recirculating water system would then keep the blade lubricated and cool, protecting it from damage while also helping to keep the dust from spreading out of control.

Fixed tabletop wet saws are much cheaper and portable than sliding tabletop wet tile saws and that makes the fixed tabletop variant the popular choice among most consumers.

Sliding tabletop wet tile saws make more precise and accurate cuts and is a great investment if the user will be doing a lot of tile work, which would justify the added expense. Both types of tabletop wet tile saws are designed for reduced water consumption, and many models are designed to be portable and ready for use in various locations

Features: 

  • Accurate and precise tile cutting over handheld tile saws
  • Some models offer portability
  • Designed for reduced water consumption
  • Designed more like commercial saws (higher quality)

Overhead Tile Saws:

From the name itself, the overhead tile saw’s circular blade is used from above such that the tile stays fixed in place as the blade grinds it down.

Overhead tile saws make tile cutting precise and accurate since the user has a lot of control. Overhead tile saws also come with a water pump in most cases but will vary depending on the manufacturer. Illuminating lights can also be fitted to the tile saw as well to provide more illumination when and if needed. 

Features: 

  • Precise Tile Cutting
  • Offers better control for the user
  • Can be outfitted with accessories for improved performance
  • Some variants don’t have water pumps (which can be bought separately)

Score and Snap Tile Cutters:

These and similar types of tools are operated manually unlike the tile saws that we looked at above. To operate the score/snap tile cutter, the user must place the tile on the machine, after which the user then drags the scoring wheel to indicate his/her desired cut.

The heel assembly is then used to cut or snap the tile to complete the desired cut. Score and Snap Tile Cutters are the least expensive from the list, making them ideal for smaller tiling projects. Keep in mind that the scoring wheel mechanism must be cleaned every day to retain the cleanest quality cuts possible. 

Features: 

  • Operated manually, so a lot safer to use 
  • Does not require the use of electricity
  • Portable and cheap compared to other tile saws
  • Needs daily maintenance for tip-top cutting results
  • Ideal for Small Do It Yourself (DIY) projects

What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Tile Saw

There are many types of tile saws currently available in the market, each with their own purposes, features and advantages. Here are the things that a consumer must bear in his/her mind when shopping for or purchasing a tile saw...

Cutting Capacity/Cutting Volume
A tile saw has its own cutting capacity, given that some are designed just for simple Do It Yourself (DIY) home projects while others are meant to perform longer and execute heavier tasks (geared towards professionals).

Knowing your project details and the desired cut finish will help you choose your tile saw. The right tile saw will save you time and money, as tile saws (when overused) can break down sooner than one might expect. Make sure you purchase the correct sized blade for your tile saw, as they can differ slightly between manufacturers.

Accuracy and Versatility
All tile saws are designed to create accurate cuts but some have higher accuracy than others. This will probably be a 2nd or 3rd consideration for most people after looking at some of the prices of tile saws but should be an important factor, nonetheless.

Overhead tile saws or a tabletop wet tile saw are some of your best picks when it comes to accuracy and these models are also designed to be portable, durable and powerful enough for big renovation projects and even use on construction sites. 

Horsepower
A good tile saw must have the appropriate torque and speed that would quickly grind down the tile with little to no difficulty at all. If a tile saw does not possess the necessary power, the tile would often just crack or even shatter; tile saws must have enough power and speed to ensure clean and robust cuts, resulting in a much better end product.

Beveling Capacity
Good tile saw brands will typically offer beveling features. A good range of beveling capacity enables a tile saw to easily cut different tile shapes, as well as various types of tile materials. Make sure to read the product specs and reviews to help you in your decision making.

Portability
Handheld tile saws and Score/Snap tile cutters are some of your best picks when it comes to portability. However, they can only cut so much compared to tabletop tile saws and overhead tile saws, mainly because of their small size and smaller capacity. When it comes to portability, however, you may prefer the handheld types of tile saws for your project.

Blade Capacity
Any type of cutting tool (like a tile saw is) is only as good as it's blade. A good tile saw will not do you much good if it is using a blunt, uneven blade.

A good tile saw with a sharp circular blade can go through a ceramic tile with minimum effort and with precision and provide you with clean, professional results. The best tile saws will have durable circular blades that can grind into and through a ceramic tile without leaving sharp edges. It is advisable to look for a tile saw that has a diamond-tipped circular blade because they tend to stay sharper, longer and will not leave any burrs or kinks on your finished cuts.

Water Splash and Dust Generation
Dust poses a serious health risk and can be harmful to the user. Once inhaled, ceramic dust can cause severe long-term effects ranging from asthma, emphysema, or worse.  

Having your lungs damaged would put a dent in your career, so wet tile saws are your best pick when it comes in dust control, especially if you are cutting tiles on a regular basis. The water that flows into the blade will greatly reduce the dust in the air and is a small price to pay in comparison. 

Water systems must also be well regulated, and a good water tile saw must be able to conserve water that would save ultimately save you time from having to refill the water tank more frequently.

Availability of Accessories
A good tile saw can be fitted with an arsenal of accessories for added versatility. These accessories for your tile saw can be a big help for you in the long run and can help with accuracy, visibility and cleanup, just to name a few things.

For example, you can have a tile saw with LED Light for more visibility when cutting or a water pump to help control the dust and keep the blade nice and cool. There are also stations that you can set up and place your tile saw inside of them to make a self contained cutting station that eliminate virtually all of the mess.

Tips for Using a Tile Saw Effectively

  • Always make sure the measurements of the desired cut are correct before making your cut

  • Know  the capabilities of your tile saw to avoid inconvenience and damage to your tile saw

  • Always use the prescribed diameter of the circular saw blade to avoid damaging your saw or the material you are working with

Safety Tips When Using a Tile Saw

  • Always wear safety goggles that will protect your eyes from dust, debris and other foreign objects that get can get ejected by a tile saw. 

  • Always wear safety gloves to keep your hands as safe as possible. Ceramic tiles and tile saw blades can easily cause injuries, especially if they break or shatter.

  • Face masks will keep your lungs safe from the dust put out by the tile saw. Avoid dry cutting whenever you can.

  • Check the blade’s condition prior to using it in order to avoid breaking the ceramic tiles. Keep in mind that bad blades can cause serious accidents if used.

  • Make sure that the electrical outlet you are using can support the voltage of the tile saw to avoid overloading the circuit.

  • Always make sure that a first aid kit is in the vicinity or available in case of accidents.

  • Always read the instructions for the tile saw before using it and familiarize yourself with it before using it.

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About the author

Ryan

I have been in construction nearly my entire life and have a fascination with tools and love when they make my life easier. Match that with my "research addiction" and you create something like this website!

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