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Tile saws can cut down on a lot of stress when handling projects in your bathroom or kitchen.
We have compiled a list of the most versatile and effective tile saws available on the market today – read on to learn more about these awesome products and what they can do for you.
Comparison of the Best Tile Saws
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Dewalt D2400S  | Best Overall | |
Grizzly Industrial T28360  | ||
Dewalt DWC860W  | ||
SKIL 3540-02  | Best Tile Saw for Homeowners | |
SKIL 3550-02  | Best Tile Saw Under $300 |
What is a Tile Saw and How Does a Tile Saw Work?
A tile saw speaks for itself – it is a saw specifically designed to cut tile. Tile saws are a type of table saw, meaning that you have to bring your work piece to the table and operate the saw from there.
Tile saws typically operate using water, meaning they are also often referred to as wet saws. They use diamond blades that do not have any teeth, which reduces the amount of overall serration and makes for a cleaner aesthetic. The blade cooling that results from their use of water helps with these straighter cuts as well.
Are All Tile Saws The Same?
The biggest difference between tile saws are that some use water to get the job done and others run dry. For most types of tile, you are going to want to use a wet based method to cut through.
Without water, many tiles are too brittle to cut straight through with just a dry blade, and as a result it is extremely difficult to make a clean cut without causing tiny nicks and abrasions that will damage the overall aesthetic of the tile you are cutting.
In some circumstances, such as cutting tiles that are still on the wall, you might not be able to escape using a dry cut method, but when possible, you should try to use a wet saw.
Why Did These Tile Saws Make Our List?
How do you know what makes a good tile saw? Here are the main factors to consider:
Versatility
Of course tile saws are great for cutting tile, but you definitely want to make sure they can handle all different types of tile – including materials that could be more difficult to work with such as porcelain and glass. Plus, it would be awesome if your saw can also expand beyond tile to cut other materials as well.
Ease of Use
Cutting tile can be extremely complicated and far more intimidating than cutting other materials – mostly because of the aesthetic nature of tile and the high level of pressure to get it right. Don’t add to your stress by investing in a saw that is super complicated to operate.
Lack of Mess
As we mentioned above, the best tile saws incorporate water into their cutting process. And anytime you mix power tools and water, you can imagine the potential for mess! The best tile saws have a splash guard system to ensure you do not have to mop up your whole workshop after your project is done.
Quick Take: Best Tile Saws
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best tile saws:
Review of the Best Tile Saws
All right, now that you know more about what tile saws can do, let’s go look at some actual products:
Best Overall:
Dewalt D2400S Wet Tile Saw
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
This saw is endorsed for use by those who work with tile saws regularly as a part of their profession. It is tough and will last an extremely long time – users report this saw can make thousands of cuts and still be operating just as well as it did right out of the box.
What We Love About It
We appreciate the number of convenience features present with this model. The rubber sled can double as a stop, reducing the amount of extra tools you will need. The included stand can be folded up and stored easily. And the whole thing will not take you very long to set up.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you are prioritizing precision on your tile cuts over everything else, this is definitely the model for you. Users of this saw say that the cuts it makes are so clean they look as though they have been sliced through with a laser.
Final Thoughts
It is clear why this model is our top overall pick – with its multiple convenience features, its versatility, its lack of a mess, and its durability, this saw is truly a beast. If you want a model that can handle anything you throw at it, you have got to go with this DEWALT.
Runner-up:
Grizzly Industrial T28360
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
People really appreciate the wide range of versatility this model can provide. If you plan on conquering a lot of projects that involve different types of tile, this is the choice for you. It can even handle something as tough as natural quartzite!
What We Love About It
We could not believe how easy this model was to set up. It arrives well aligned right out of the box, so it will not need any adjusting, and it also almost fully assembled upon arrival! You will just need to attach the handle using two screws and you are good to go.
Who’s This Perfect For?
Because of the high level of precision this saw is able to provide, it prevents sloppy cuts and the need to do work over. It would be an awesome choice for people who are trying to save the environment by cutting down on waste from their home projects.
Final Thoughts
The Grizzly Industrial is an excellent product option that can help you cut down on not only the time spent setting up for your projects but also the waste your projects produce. This saw should be a top choice for anyone looking for a model with versatility and durability.
Best for the Money:
Dewalt DWC860W
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users report that they can use this saw for just about everything! People say they have used it to cut through plaster, sheet metal, stucco, marble, cement, granite, patio pavers, concrete, bluestone, roofing tiles, quartzite, patio brick – and, of course, your everyday bathroom tile.
What We Love About It
We never imagined that we would be able to get a saw from the reputable DEWALT brand for such a low, low price. We almost thought we were getting scammed when we saw it! But it is completely legitimate – this saw is a steal of a deal.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you are a smaller person, an elderly person, or just someone who struggles with using power tools, this is an excellent option for you. It is easier to operate than many of its other competitor brands, meaning you will not become fatigued when using it, even for longer periods of time.
Final Thoughts
Power tools can take a huge chunk of change out of your wallet and have a lasting impact on your budget – but they don’t necessarily have to. Investing in a high quality tool like this DEWALT saw at a lower price is a great choice, especially if you are looking for something easier to operate that can handle pretty much anything you need cutting.
Best Tile Saw for Homeowners:
SKIL 3540-02
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users who work with this saw for their at home, do it yourself projects are huge fans of how useful it is for homeowner cutting needs. You may be on the fence about spending money on a specialized power tool, but with the versatility this model can provide, it is certainly a good investment, even if you do not intend to use it professionally.
What We Love About It
We appreciate that components of this saw are made of stainless steel. Not only does this make the tool easier to clean and to maintain, but it allows for a nicer overall aesthetic. It’s a small thing, but it definitely still matters!
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you are newer to the arena of working with power tools, this could be a good option for you. It is easier to figure out than some of its competitor brands, and it has a number of safety options, such as an adjustable fence, that allow for a level of added security and comfort.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a saw that can handle all of your at home cutting needs, this is the saw for you. We promise it will pay for itself almost immediately with the money you will save from not needing to rent a saw for your projects. With its ease of operation and maintenance, there really is not much to fault with this model.
Best Wet Tile Saw Under $300:
SKIL 3550-02
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
People are big fans of the blade guard included on this model. It is probably one of the most effective guards out there – some users even report that they would feel comfortable operating this saw in a suit and tie, because they know they do not have to worry at all about getting splashed with dirty tile water.
What We Love About It
We were originally a little worried about the body of this saw, because it is made mostly of plastic. However, we have never encountered plastic that is more durable! Compared to its competitor brands, this saw does not easily become dented or scratched.
Who’s This Perfect For?
This is an excellent option for someone who has never used any sort of tile saw before, let alone one that operates using water! This is one of the most convenient models on our list – it does not have a complicated setup process, and it is even easier to operate than it is to set up.
Final Thoughts
If you are trying to find an effective wet tile saw for less than three hundred dollars, we have honed in on the best option for you. This SKIL model has an awesome blade guard, is easy to set up and use, and will last you for years and years to come.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Keep in mind some additional factors that go into an excellent tile saw purchase:
Safety
These are some of the most powerful tools available on the market today, and you are going to want to make sure you stay safe while operating them. Find yourself a model with safeguards such as a secure fence and a power button cover.
Precision
Because cutting tile often requires cleaner cuts than other types of shop work, make sure you invest in a tile saw that can make the straightest, most precise cuts possible. This will often involve upgrading to a nicer blade than the factory version. Speaking of being precise, be sure to use a tile cost calculator to estimate everything ahead of time.
Included Stand
Some tile saws come with stands specific to their model. While this may seem gratuitous, it can make a big difference if you are operating with a stand that has been particularly designed to support your saw model. Plus, it means you will not have to clear off a space on your work table.
How to Use a Tile Saw
- Make sure your saw is compatible with the size of the tile you are trying to cut. Some saws have extensions on their sliding tables to allow for larger pieces.
- If you are using a wet saw (recommended), check that the reservoir is full of water and the pump is working accurately to spray the water on the blade as you cut.
- Set your work piece (the tile) on the sliding table component of the saw to ready it for being moved under the blade.
- Adjust the saw depending on what kind of cut you are trying to make – plunge cuts or bevel cuts.
- Attach splash guards, if your saw has them.
- Before operating the saw, make sure you are wearing both ear protection and eye protection!
- Start the saw up and slowly push the tile through to make the cut.
For a more comprehensive overview of this process, check out the video below.
People Also Ask
It can be intimidating to think about cutting through tile! With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding tile saws:
What Kinds of Tile Can I Cut with a Table Saw?
You can cut basically any type of tile imaginable with a wet table saw, like the products described above. The wet cut method is particularly great on tiles that are more earth based, such as terra cotta, natural stone, brick, cement, and some types of porcelain tiles, but it can also handle non earth based tiles such as glass and ceramic versions as well.
Can You Cut Tile Without a Tile Saw?
Yes, you can cut tile without using a saw that has been specifically designed for that purpose. Many other saws, such as circular saws and band saws, can also chomp through tile. However, if you want the cleanest cuts with the most simple, straightforward process, it can be a good call to invest in a saw specifically designed for the purpose of cutting tile.
Can You Cut Glass With a Tile Cutter?
You can in fact cut glass with a tile cutter, since many types of the more fancy tiles also include elements of glass. Some of the tile saws reviewed above are particularly adept at cutting glass tiles, such as the Grizzly Industrial T28360 that we reviewed as our runner-up choice for best overall tile saw.
Conclusion
Tile saws can make a huge difference for homeowner, do it yourself projects. Make sure you invest in a saw with a wide range of versatility, that can make precise cuts to achieve your desired aesthetic. We guarantee you will not be able to go wrong with one of the models from our list!