What Size Tile Saw Do I Need?

There is no worry about knowing what size tile saw I need. This article covers all the details about the size of the tile saw. Size is an essential aspect if you want to achieve excellent results.

The size of a tile saw centers on its blade in most cases. But you may also want to find out the physical size of the tile saw aside from the blade.

What is a Tile Saw?

I begin by defining what a tile saw is. A tile saw is a piece of equipment that cuts different tiles, whether ceramic, granite, glass, stone, or porcelain. It can be useful for cutting other materials apart from tiles.

It is similar to a saw cutter, but the main difference is that the former cut wood while cutting tiles, leaving them with attractive smooth edges.

If you are dealing with a job that involves cutting many tiles of different materials, then the tile saw is a perfect choice. Besides, it is very convenient and fast to make sure to cut your tiles with utmost precision.

Types of Tile Saws

Three main types of tile saws exist in the market:

• Wet Tile Saws

They are the best among the three. You may easily confuse them with table saws, but the difference is with the blade. Wet tile saws have their blades set up in a water reservoir. Moreover, they are ideal for when you want to tile more than one room and if you are cutting a lot of tiles at once. They also deliver flawless cuts.

They are also referred to as wet tiles because they use water to operate. Water serves three main purposes: cooling the blade, acting as a lubricant between the blade and tiles, and reducing the dust and debris produced during cutting.

• Hand-held Tile Saws

Their other name is masonry saws. If you have small to medium jobs dealing with slimmer materials, you should consider this type of saw. You can also use it to remove tiles on a surface and make curvy shapes. More so, they are easy to install, and you can carry them around easily due to their compact size.

• Tile grinders

They are the smallest of the three. A DIY enthusiast may love this type of tile saw at home as it is effortless and budget-friendly. They do not have a cord, and you can recharge them when the battery dies. They turn uneven tiles into single ones. However, these grinders can make your work messy if you do not know how to use them.

How does a Tile Saw work?

A tile saw uses a blade with a diamond on its exterior coating together with water that usually acts as a coolant. First, you must ensure it is on a stable surface, either a robust table or the floor, to prevent any accidents when it topples.

There is a water reservoir under the cutting surface of the tile saw. The pool must get filled with water before you begin cutting tiles.

The next thing to do is place your tile beneath the cutting surface and ensure your hand stays away from the blade. You can then switch on the tile saw. Beforehand, use a pencil to make marks on the tile where you desire to have it cut. The tile saw will follow these markings to produce excellent results.

Always ensure water on the blade before the machine embarks on tile cutting. It is now safe to slowly and surely supply the tile into the blade slowly and surely. Once the cutting is complete, turn off the machine and remove the tile in readiness for the next one.

The Size Of the Tile Saw Need 

There are several aspects concerning the size of a tile saw. There is the blade size, size of equipment, and cutting length.

Size of Blade

A rule states that a blade with a broader diameter cuts deeper. From this, we garner that getting a blade with more diameter is ideal. Most blades of tile saws have a diameter of between 7-10 inches on average.

Using a blade with a diameter of 8 inches will cut your tile 2 inches deep. It is the most common in the market. Further, a 10 inches blade will cut to a 2.5 or 2.8 inches depth, thus the rule above. 10-inch blades are perfect for large tiles and constitute rigid materials such as stone.

Standard tiles on the market have a diameter of 1 inch; hence will need a 7-inch blade. This blade cannot work for floor and stone tiles. It is an appropriate choice for DIY projects at home.

Size of Tile Saw Machine

This is not important but will depend on whether you will be moving it from one place to another. An easily portable tile saw is more convenient than one heavy unless you plan to install it permanently. If you are working within a limited space, you must get a small machine and vice versa.

Cutting Length

To make a perfect cut, you must place your tile saw on a stable surface where the cutting length comes in.

Thus, you need to consider the size and type of tiles you will work on. Tiles are 50-300 centimeters in height range, but most range between 40- 60cm. This means getting a table with a cutting length of 100cm will work well.

Final Thought 

Tile saws exist in different sizes and shapes in the market. To answer what size tile saw I need depends on factors such as the blade’s diameter, cutting length, working area, and size of the tile saw itself.

Also, will you be working on large or small projects? Large projects require blades with a wider diameter, while small projects need thin-diameter blades.