Tile Saw Selection

A tile saw cuts materials including porcelain, granite, marble and ceramic tile. Every tile saw cuts by abrasion. The saw rotates a diamond blade at high speed. As the blade spins, it scrapes the tile material away in a straight line and the tile is eventually cut in two. The tile saw uses water to keep the diamond blade cool, which keeps the motor from overheating. The type of water cooling mechanism depends of the saw. Large tile saws use water pumps to carry the water from a reservoir up to the blade. A bench top tile saw uses a much simpler design. These saws simply have a water pan under the cutting table that the blade passes through as it cuts.

Bench Top Tile Saw

A bench top tile saw is compact and portable. The term "bench top" refers to the fact that it is small enough that it does not require a stand. These saws have a diamond blade that sticks up through the cutting table. The diamond blades used for these saws vary from 4 to 7". The blade can often be adjusted up or down or angled to make miter cuts. The cutting tables of these saws are usually flat and open. The diamond blade is cooled by passing through a water pan directly below the cutting table. The size and cost of these tile saws make them a great choice for homeowners with small tiling projects. Prices run from $60 to $100.

7" Contractor Tile Saw

This type of tile saw is bigger than a bench top saw and usually features a stand. The 7" diamond blade is positioned above a sliding table that moves back and forth on roller bearings or on a rod with bushings. The material being cut stays stationary on the table and is pushed into the diamond blade. These saws use a water pump that cools the blade. Most saws of this type are only capable of cutting tiles up to 13". These saws are best suited to homeowners or professional tile setters that need a lower cost, portable tile cutting solution. Saws like this generally run from $200 to $500.

10" Contractor Tile Saw

These tile saws are heavy, often weighing up to 150 pounds or more. The 10" diameter diamond blade gives the saw the capacity to cut thicker material and provides enough cutting space to cut miters and custom angles. This type of saw is even able to cut standard brick and flag stone if the appropriate type of blade is used. Their larger frame lets them handle large tiles. Some of these saws will even cut tiles over 30 long. These saws feature high volume water pumps for fast and efficient blade cooling. These saws are the best choice for professional contractors and users with large tiling projects. Prices run $500 dollars and up for this type of tile saw.