When it comes to choosing a wet tile saw, there are many factors to consider. Price is certainly one of the most important factors, and for many shoppers, finding the best wet tile saw under $300 is a top priority. Other factors such as blade size, power, and features should also be considered when making your decision.
Renoir- who has been a contractor for over 30 years, finds them very helpful. He has been happily using these at work. According to him, it does not have to be expensive all the time. You can also get a cheap wet saw and yet have a quality product.
People who work in the construction business always look for tools to reduce inconvenience. The same goes for those who are trying to learn and cut tiles using these products.
It is not difficult to get a good one if you look properly. With some guidance, anyone can do this. As you go through the content, let us try to help you find the ideal one.
What is the Best Wet Tile Cutter? Wet Tile Saw Under $300
This powerful wet tile saw is perfect for cutting through tough materials like ceramic and porcelain tiles. It features a 1-horsepower motor that delivers 4500 rotations per minute (RPM), making it one of the most powerful options on our list
⇒Top-rated Tile Saws-MK Diamond 157222 MK-170 Wet Tile Saw
⇒Editor’s Choice-PORTER-CABLE PCE980 Wet Tile Saw
⇒Cheap Wet Saw–SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
⇒Best Wet Tile Saw For Diy –DEWALT Wet Tile Saw, (DWC860W)
⇒Best Value for Money-SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
⇒Best Powerful Horsepower Motor-QEP 22750Q 3/4 HP Wet Tile Saw
What is a wet tile saw used for?
There are different types available in the market. Workers use them depending on the scale of work and the type of tiles. To cut ceramic, stone, and porcelain tiles – people use these saws.
As they are dense and hard, this machine speeds up the process. Using a good tile saw will give you a clean cut and precision. While cutting, the blade and tiles can become hot. That results in broken or unseized ones.
The water protects the blade from heating and creating smoke. It cut the tiles efficiently without breaking- giving a smooth finish. They can cut them safely and also avoid accidents.
These are also beneficial when large-scale jobs take place that requires cutting lots of them. It will also give you a straight cut. You can have bevel cuts, and small or odd angle shapes with the help of this machine.
The 6 Best Wet Tile Saw Under $300 Review
If you’re looking to do any tile work, a wet saw is an absolute essential. A wet saw uses a blade submerged in water to cut through tile and helps to prevent the tile from cracking or shattering. There are a few different types of wet saws on the market, but they all essentially work in the same way.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best wet tile saws under $300 on the market today and help you choose the right one for your needs.
1. SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
There is a tile saw rating available for better comparison. Whenever you browse, you will find one. In this review, this model will be top of the list without any doubt. And the best thing is- it is under $300.
The unique feature of this saw is the hydro lock. It contains water near the blade where there is a reservoir. This system can decrease the cleaning time. The extension slide is for built-in support up to 18X18 inches.
The saw also has a rip fence with a meter gauge. For an accurate straight cut, it is necessary. The surface is rust-resistant, and the aluminum top of the table is strong and durable.
If you are a professional, new, or DIY user- the SKIL 3550-02 7-inch wet tile saw is perfect for you. The tool allows you to use the blade for different purposes and materials. With the diamond blade, it can be cut easily.
In short, this model has worth and value for money.
2. PORTER-CABLE PCE980 Wet Tile Saw
The second one on our list is the Porter-Cable wet tile saw. The innovative design gave the machine a perfect look. This product is an excellent choice who are looking for something budget-friendly.
It comes with a miter square for adjusting and locking the tiles. There are a safety frame and a handle to carry around and safe storage.
The tabletop is strong and durable as made of stainless steel. You can also drain water in a bucket without hassle. A splash guard keeps it from creating a mess while working. It has been able to minimize the water spreading to a minimum.
It has an RPM of 2850. The power of the motor is one horsepower. This power level is sufficient for the tool to deliver an efficient cut.
This saw can cut different materials like- ceramic, porcelain, or stone. The accuracy is better than before. It was wise for the company to provide four rubber feet to make it stay in place.
You can have a very user-friendly saw by buying it. Most of the users already gave a positive review of using the machine. So, go ahead and buy if it fits your preference.
3. MK Diamond 157222 MK-170 Wet Tile Saw
As we are talking about top-rated tile saws, the next one on the list is the MK Diamond 157222 MK-170 1/3-Horsepower 7-Inch Bench Wet Tile Saw.
The eminent model features 7 inches of the diamond blade. It is a lightweight product that weighs only 15 pounds.
The machine also has a 1/3 horsepower engine for more power and an RPM of 5500, meaning it is fast at cutting. It comes with a high-impact thermoplastic reservoir for water. Also, the product is peel and rust-free.
When you buy, you will also get a submersible water pump and a rip guide for the tool. The manufacturer provides one year warranty with the purchase.
People who travel around a lot for work can use it without hesitation.
The saw is easy to store after finishing the job. You can expect an exact and accurate delivery. The cutting table allows up to 12X12 inches of tiles.
If you are working on a small project or job, we would highly recommend the wet tile saw. This tool will also be perfect for people who are working on their own at home.
4. SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
The Skill 3540-02 wet tile saw is small in size. It is different from the hydro lock system machine. The capacity for diagonal is 7.25 inches, and the cross one is 7.75 inches. Moreover, it can cut tiles from different angles. Such as from zero to forty-five degrees.
You can cut masonry and stone materials. So, it is not that versatile. There is also a fence you can adjust while cutting. It also includes a miter gauge to let you cut in different angles. So, it is a perfect combination for cutting a straight cut. The top is stainless steel.
With the cooling water reservoir, the blade maintains to remain cold. As a result, there is less dust and trash. The blades of the saws are diamond coated. These are ideal for giving you a smooth finish and a good cut.
The 4.2 amp motor has an RPM of 3600. For a small saw like this, it is powerful enough.
5. DEWALT Wet Tile Saw (DWC860W)
If you are trying to find a wet tile saw with decent features, Dewalt wet tile saw is for you. It has a powerful motor that is 10.8 amp. The diamond blade is 4-3/8 inches. So, a smooth operation is possible without difficulty.
You can cut many different types of tiles compared to other saws. It can cut ceramic, porcelain, stone, granite, and other materials. The 13000 RPM is something you will not find in every other tool.
The product is perfect for use in big projects. The speed and power are incredible for accomplishing the tasks. The masonry saw has the feature of 12 inches water line to minimize a messy cleanup after the work. Accelerating the blade performance is also helpful.
You will find a lock-on button that will allow you to work comfortably. The accuracy and cut depth will amaze you. It can cut different depths. The dust-sealed switch decreases dust in the air. The rubber grip lets you feel comfortable while using it.
6. QEP 22750Q 3/4 HP Wet Tile Saw
QEP 22750Q HP wet tile saw can compete with others regarding price and the performance it provides. You will see a 3/4 powerful horsepower motor that has 3600 RPM. The tool is a very demanding one in the market.
The diamond-coated blade is 7 inches and can cut depths up to 1-1/4 inches. With the rip and angle cutting guide, you can always go for accuracy and easy repeat cuts.
There are a water recirculation system and reservoir that keeps the working area clean. The machine does not have a pump for the water-cooled blade. It is a long-lasting and durable machine. The versatility allows you to handle it with ease.
The steel table is durable. And the frame with rubber foot pads is adequate for stability while working. With the price it offers, there is no doubt this is the best one you can get. For indoors, you can use it without worrying.
How Do I Choose a Wet Tile Saw?
By now, you have got some ideas about the wet tile saw. It is time for making the purchase decision. There is a long list of products on the market.
But you have to decide what your requirement is. It can confuse new users while buying. There are several factors to consider for choosing the best wet tile saw under $300.
When it comes to choosing a wet tile saw, there are many factors you need to consider. Here are some tips on how to choose the best wet tile saw for your needs. The following factors and criteria will allow you to choose and buy the right one-
Capacity
A wet tile saw capacity shows how perfectly smooth finishing it can give. While cutting, users need to move the tile back and forth. When this is happening, it can cause inconsistency in the cut.
It can also ruin the whole work in case of the worst-case scenario.
So, look for high cutting capacity.
The blade capacity is also vital. A good one will give you a smooth and even cut. With a cheap wet tile saw, it might not be possible. It will deliver an amateur look at the work.
Blade Size
When you look for one, there will be different sizes for the wet saw blade. The ideal blade size depends on you and the job scale. Most saws have a range of 4.5 to 12 inches.
If you are looking for the standard size, it will be between 8 to 10 inches. It will help you do the job efficiently. The criteria that apply is – the bigger the blade size, the more depth cut is possible.
A smaller one will lower the speed and efficiency of large jobs. The standard 8-inch diameter can be cut up to 2 inches in depth. With a 10-inch one, you can have a cutting depth of 2.4 to 2.6 inches.
Still, if you need more depth for cutting, you must search for specific and bigger blade sizes. The balance between efficiency and accuracy is preferable for any scale of the job.
RPM
RPM refers to rotations per minute. Different brands and models offer different RPMs. On average, you will find small and medium-sized wet tile saws with 3400 to 5400 RPM. The rule of thumb is- if the machine has a higher RPM, it will cut faster.
One has to be careful with faster operating. It can get overheated from fast rotation. So, you will need protection. Moreover, accuracy may become impossible if not handled with care.
Versatility
In the reviews, it is often visible that the machine has a high level of accuracy. But this is not enough for making a saw a good one. It should also have versatility.
You can different types of materials like- natural stones, porcelain, and ceramic tiles. Additionally, you get to cut a perfect square, U-cut, and L-cuts without thinking of being pulled through.
Without buying a specialized tool, you can cut for different places in different sizes.
Dust and Water splash
A wet tile saw should have the function of controlling the dust and water. There should be a mechanism for blocking the dust from spreading in the air. And make sure you buy one that protects you from splashing water.
Portability
The weight of the machine determines portability. If it needs more people, then it might not be useful. You should pay extra attention to size and portability.
Power
For any machine, the power measurement unit is the horsepower. Depending on the type, it differs. In the case of this product, it should have enough power to fulfill its job.
A well-produced wet tile machine has sufficient power that leads to efficient delivery. If there is no horsepower, it means the machine is there to do the job but does not have enough capacity.
Accessories availability
This criterion will increase the chance of updating your tool by adding or changing accessories. A little change will upgrade it and make it more useful. Then, you do not have to buy different tools.
It will also cost less, and you will be able to do different things with the same machine. A saw without having this option will limit your activity.
Is it possible to use a wet tile saw without water?
There can always be a question in your mind if you can use the wet tile saw without water. The answer depends on what you are trying to do without using water.
If you are trying to cut without using water- then it would not be a wise decision. You buy a wet tile saw to avoid the heating and breaking problems of the blade and tiles.
Water is a crucial part of the usage. So, it is best not to use without water. If you want to cut different tiles and the number is small, then maybe it is possible.
But a large number will heat the blade. There is also the possibility of breaking the tiles. If you try to cut anything else like- woods, it will burn right away. So, the answer is- maybe you can. Still, we would not recommend it to protect the saw.
How to use a wet tile saw
For a beginner, using a saw can be intimidating. But once you learn how to use it, you can produce a fine piece. To use the tool, you will need the following things-
- A wet tile saw.
- Water.
- GFCI extension cord (if needed).
- A plastic bucket
- A drop cloth.
- Marker pen
- For protection, you will need a face mask, eye goggles, and ear defenders.
If you have them all, you are ready to use a wet tile saw. Follow the steps below-
- First, find the water reservoir and fill it, covering the recirculating pump.
- Use the marker pen to mark the line on the tile. If you are going to cut in different angles, use a meter gauge to adjust the shape and measurement.
- Next, place the tile aligning it with the saw blade, and putting it in the front.
- Now it is time to use the protectors. Wear the face mask. Put on the goggles and ear defenders. It will get noisy and messy once you start.
- Turn on the machine, and let the cutting disc reach maximum speed. Then slowly push the tile towards the blade and make a steady cut.
- When you finish cutting, turn off the saw. Wait for the blade to stop completely, and remove the tile.
- Unplug the machine.
See Also: How to cut tile without a tile saw
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Difference between a Wet Saw And a Tile Cutter?
When it comes to tile cutting, there are two main types of saws that are used – wet saws and tile cutters. Both have their own unique benefits that make them ideal for different situations. So, what is the difference between a wet saw and a tile cutter?
A wet saw uses water to cool the blade and prevent dust from flying around. This makes it ideal for cutting ceramic or porcelain tiles, as well as natural stones like marble or granite. Wet saws can also be used to cut through tougher materials like concrete pavers.
However, they do require a constant supply of water, which can be a bit messy. Tile cutters, on the other hand, use a scoring wheel to score the tile before breaking it along the scored line. This makes them ideal for cutting smaller pieces of tile, such as mosaic tiles.
They’re also much easier to set up and clean up than wet saws. However, they can’t handle tough materials like natural stone or concrete pavers.
Q: Why is My Tile Chipping With Wet Saw?
If you’re noticing your tile chipping with a wet saw, there could be a few reasons why.
First, make sure that you’re using the correct blade for your specific type of tile. If the blade is too dull, it can cause the tile to chip.
Second, check to see if the water level in the wet saw is too low. If it is, this can also lead to chipping.
Finally, make sure that you’re not applying too much pressure when cutting the tile.
If you are, this can also cause chips and breaks. By following these tips, you should be able to avoid any issues with your tile chipping when using a wet saw.
Q: How do you cut tile with a wet saw without chipping it?
Tiles are hard to cut. You will find different types of tiles in the market. The porcelain tile is the most difficult one to cut compared to others. Tiles cause chipping while cutting them. To solve the problem, you can follow the techniques.
The wet saw is perfect for cutting without chipping. Because these tools have a diamond-coated blade, they can easily cut tiles. There must be a water reservoir full of water. You can always find these features in the best wet tile saw under $300.
For a perfect cut, it will be good to adjust the platform or the blade. According to the saw design and model, you may also need to face the tile up or down. Moreover, accurate pressure is necessary to make sure the tile cuts smoothly without breaking.
Q: Does a wet saw make dust?
If you use a dry saw, then it creates dust and smoke. It is the specialty of the saw to keep the blade and the tile cold using water. This feature minimizes the creation of dust smoke.
Q: Can a wet saw cut porcelain tile?
Porcelain tiles are different from other tiles in the market. They are popular among customers for use in the bathroom and kitchen. Both walls and floors apply to this tile.
These are some of the most durable ones with huge demand. The main ingredient is dry clay. They use it at high temperatures to create it. These use dense and hard obstructs and are difficult for cutting. You can use a wet tile saw to cut porcelain tiles.
You can maintain precise measurements using this tool. It also gives a straight cut with a smooth edge. While running a bulk project, it is ideal to use.
Because of the materials, one must know the technique to cut without chipping. It requires a lot of attention for cutting. Make sure to cut them slowly to get the most accurate shape.
Q: Are wet saws dangerous?
A wet tile saw uses diamond blades. It contains a mix of diamond and powder throughout the rim.
This type of blade does not cut but will grind. So, it is considered an abrasive blade. As a result, this saw also does not have blade protection like the circular saws.
A half-worn blade cut the same as the new ones. Sometimes even better as the new blade of the tool become thinner after use. So, you may not cut your finger, but you grind it.
Also, the dust from cutting creates dust in the air. If you do not use a mask, it can damage your lungs. So, this saw can be dangerous without protection.
When you are using the tool, it becomes a mix of electricity, a fast-rotating blade, and water. This combination is dangerous. It is better to have some practice and experience for users.
The material of the blade is strong enough to cut natural and ceramic tiles and stone. It will be best if you wear protective clothes and accessories.
Q: Can a wet tile saw cut wood?
A wet tile saw may look similar to a table saw. The diamond-edged blade is different from it. Moreover, the tool blade spins in the opposite direction.
While cutting tiles, the blade grinds through them. But for woods, it is different. Slicing is appropriate for them.
If you cut wood with a wet tile saw, it will ruin the blade and injure the operator. Also, the power tool will be affected. The machine does not have the endurance or enough power to cut the wood.
And keep doing so will result in a blown-out motor. Users should always use the proper tools for doing something. The product is not for doing other things. So, cutting wood is not recommended.
Conclusion
Construction works require a lot of tools. Tiles are now a common item for remodeling a place. And it needs to be in proper shape if you want to use them. The best wet tile saw under $300 is worth of a try.
The brands that offer products in this range are trustworthy. You can buy them for professional use at work. This product will save you time.
It is also okay to use one even if you are not a professional. Following the instructions or watching videos will also work. You can use the machine and cut just fine after learning the process.
Cutting tiles create air pollution and make the surroundings dust full. A wet tile saw uses water to prevent dust. Additionally, it stops them from breaking by keeping them cool.
So, without waiting, go for the one you need. Buy the tool for mess-free and easy-going work.