Advertisement
Home/Blog February 17, 2013

Advantages of a Tile Wet Saw for Larger, Thicker Tiles

Advertisement

Tile Wet Saw Easily Slices Through Large Tiles

This post is in partnership with American Rental Association. All opinions are my own.

Scoring Cutters Have Their Place
Score-and-snap tile cutters can work fine for smaller, thinner ceramic tiles. However, larger, thicker tiles may often not cut properly on a conventional scoring-type cutter like the one pictured to the right.  

A Tile Saw That Cuts it All
When it comes to cutting large format tiles (12” x 12”, 16” x 16” and above), Saltillo patio pavers and some porcelain tiles, the tile wet saw is what you’ll want to use. 

Wet saw tile blades typically have diamond crystals captured in a metal matrix which is bonded to the blade edge. The cutting action takes place when the diamond particles scratch out thousands of small chips in the tile.

The blade is kept from overheating by pumping water over the spinning blade and recapturing it in a pan that sits below the saw itself.

The tile is placed on a sliding table, aligned with the blade then pushed through the rotating saw blade at a consistent speed. Only moderate pressure is required for the blade to cut smoothly and evenly through even the thickest or hardest tile.

 

Buy or Rent
Tile saws can be purchased for $150 - $300. Professional models can cost much more and feature and larger motors. If you have a lot of tile to install over a period of several days or weeks, purchasing on of these units may be the way to go.

On the other hand, for smaller to moderate-size jobs that can be completed in a day or two, renting a tile wet saw probably makes more sense. Many home improvement centers and tool rental companies have them available. The typical rental fee is around $30 per day.

In addition to being able to cut cleanly through even the thickest tiles, the tile wet saw can also be used as a grinder to quickly and accurately cut out curved shapes, notches or slots. You can see an example in the video.

Posted in: News Parts of the House Floors Tile Tools & Know-How Hand Tools Power Tools Woodworking & Workshop Workshop Techniques Surfaces & Systems Tile Setting
Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Articles

Unboxing New Central AC Uniit
June 16, 2020

The How’s and Why’s of Upgrading a Central AC System

A step-by-step video demonstration showing removal and replacement of a central air conditioning system. Includes advantages of new, state-of the-art AC systems.

Finger pointing to Zenith Industries Prying Pro Bar
February 13, 2020

If You’ve Got a Project That Involves Demolition, You’ll Want to Know About This Tool.

I try out a new tool designed and engineered to do one task exceptionally well -- demolition.

Advertisement

Advertisement

{prize}

Enter Sweepstakes to Win!

Enter today for your chance to win a RYOBI ONE+ HP COMPACT BRUSHLESS 4-TOOL COMBO KIT WITH LINK ROLLING TOOL BOX.

Enter Sweepstakes