What is a wet tile saw?

Wet tile saws have a flat table and a blade that extends up through the slot in the table and cuts as it moves across the blade. More expensive contractor-level saws look more like miter saws. They have an overhead-mounted motor and blade with a table that slides forward on rails as you feed the tile across it to be cut by a blade. This allows the tiles to be cut at different angles or even in half depending on the type of cut needed. Larger tile saws or rail saws use an overhead rail system to allow even longer cuts to be made to accommodate todays oversized porcelain tiles. 

What should I look for in a saw?

When you're looking to buy a new saw, the depth of cut is most important, if you're cutting tiles that are thicker than your blade can handle, you'll have to do multiple passes which will make it take much longer. Portability is also important because most jobs require onsite cutting, make sure it has heavy duty wheels for transport. Other considerations such as can the water and drain supply be replaced, how much maintenance it requires, what type of blade is included, and how long does it take to change blades?

What is the best tile saw blade?

This depends on the type of tile you are cutting, you will probably be cutting porcelain tile, it is best to use a continuous rim blade for smooth clean cuts. Blades come in different types of quality, and prices, so you should look into blade reviews before purchasing a new one. Other types of blade include glass cutting blades, profile wheels, general purpose blades, porcelain cutting blades and brick cutting blades.

How to use a tile saw? 

Start by putting on eye protection and hearing protectors, then turn the saw on. Wait for it to reach full speed before bringing your hands near its blade. The water stream should hit the blade but not splash about too wildly; if necessary, adjust how close you are from the rotating blades as instructed by whatever instructions came with this particular model of saw.

Placing the tile on a table, slowly and steadily push it through the spinning blade while holding both sides with your hands well away from any parts of it that may be exposed. Rather than forcing the tile through by pushing hard against its edges, allow yourself to feed gradually into what you are cutting instead; if done correctly the saw motor is doing all this work for us in order to cut our tiles cleanly and carefully. If you're using one particular type such as porcelain or stone flooring it can be more difficult compared to other types - like ceramic ones - then you will need a slower speed so just dial back how fast the blade is spinning.

The tile can be a tricky part of the sawing project. It is crucial to slow down feed speed as you approach the back end, because this area has more chances for breakage. When it clears from under your blade, turn off the saw and wait until it completely stops before removing- many saws have an automatic brake that will stop them after a cut.

If you need help on what saw you need for your job, give us a call , we can help you find the right one for your job.