This is my review of the best-wet tile saw under $300.
For most homeowners looking for a great tile cutter, this type of tool can save you both time and money while producing professional results.
Curious how to get started? Let’s see what makes these tools such a good investment.
What makes a good wet tile saw?
Tile saws are extremely versatile tools with many different applications in both home improvement projects and in commercial construction.
A great tile cutter will be easy to use, sturdy, have accurate cut settings.
Work well when cutting large pieces of ceramic or porcelain, and produce smooth cuts on large format pavers.
When used for outdoor landscaping.
Some additional features that may come in useful are an adjustable water tray to produce a fine mist.
While cutting tiles for improved results including less wear on the blade.
There should also be a way to easily clean the area around the saw’s blade after completing each cut.
This will ensure that there are no loose or broken bits of tile covering the workspace which could cause safety hazards.
For more details on choosing a good wet tile saw, see Tips for Choosing Wet Tile Saw.
Our Top 5 Picks For Best Tile Cutter Under $300:
- PORTER-CABLE PCE980 Wet tile saw
- SKIL 3550-02 Tile-Saw
- MK Diamond 157222 Tiler Saw
- SKIL 3540-02 Wet Tile Saw
- Ryobi WS731 Tiling-Saw
1. PORTER-CABLE PCE980 Wet Tile Saw
The PORTER-CABLE PCE36 wet tile saw is a great choice for homeowners.
Because it’s easy to use and can handle cut sizes up to 12″ X 12″.
One of the best features I found with this tool was that it has a maximum cutting depth of 2 ½ inches.
This gives you a lot more flexibility when cutting a piece of ceramic or porcelain tile that may have been purchased from your local home improvement store.
Another nice feature is the 15 amp motor that will provide enough power for you to finish your projects quickly and efficiently without worrying about cutting through too fast.
I also like the fact that the water pump on the Porter-Cable holds 14 ounces of water.
Which provides about an hour of continuous cutting before it needs to be refilled.
The pump also sends a fine mist over the tile blade making for a smoother cut.
In addition, this saw comes with a sturdy stand that will hold your tool securely while you work and makes storage a breeze as well.
Highlighted Features:
- 15 amp motor provides efficiency and reliability
- Fits tiles up to 12″ X 12″ in size
- Maximum 2 ½ inch cutting depth reduces the need for multiple tools or extra trips to a home improvement store
- The pump sends a fine mist over the blade during cuts creating a smoother finish and a safer working environment
- Sturdy metal stand keeps saw securely in place as you work and is easy to fold up for storage
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Easy to use and well-built
Cons
- The plastic water pump housing is not durable
2. SKIL 3550-02 Tile-Saw
The SKIL 3550-02 is a versatile tile saw with some really nice features.
Comes in your choice of two different finishes, black or white.
It also has a sturdy metal base and I find the design to be fairly comfortable during use.
This unit weighs in at around 38 pounds and has an adjustable blade depth for cutting depths between 1/8″ and 2″.
I like that you can also tilt the head of this tool back 15 degrees for easier cuts on thicker tiles.
Another nice feature is that it includes a water pump with its own reservoir separate from the saw itself.
So you won’t have to worry about accidentally spilling water while transporting them both from to place.
Highlighted Features:
- 38-Pound weight for stable cuts
- Adjustable blade depth from 1/8 to 2 inches
- Tilt head 15 degrees back for improved accuracy when cutting thicker tiles
- Water reservoir separate from the saw itself to prevent spilling water during transport or storage
Pros
- Good quality for a mid-range price tool
- Sturdy metal base and adjustable features make this a very versatile tool
Cons
- Large size may be difficult to store in small cabinet spaces
3. MK Diamond 157222 Tiler Saw
The MK Diamond Tile Saw with Laser Guide is another great tool for homeowners.
This unit weighs in at only 19 pounds and has a nice laser guide that accurately shows you which side of your tile to cut on.
It also comes with a water pump with its own reservoir, making it easy to transport back and forth from the home improvement store when buying new tiles for projects around the house.
Since this saw does not include a stand, you’ll have to provide your own or purchase one separately.
But overall I think this is an excellent choice for most homeowners.
Highlighted Features:
- 19-Pound weight makes it easy to transport anywhere you need it
- Comes with a water pump
- The laser-guided system makes cutting precise and accurate
Pros
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Cuts are precise and accurate with the laser guide
Cons
- Does not include a stand to keep the saw securely in place during use
4. SKIL 3540-02 Wet Tile Saw
In addition to being lightweight, this saw from SKIL has a unique design that includes a retractable stand that is built right into its base.
I really like this feature because you don’t have to worry about stowing it away after use or messing with an additional accessory; simply fold the legs back and store it in whatever space you find appropriate.
This tool can cut tile up to 12″ X 12″ and comes with a water pump and reservoir as well as a nice adjustable metal frame for stability and those times when extra leverage is needed to get those tough cuts made quickly.
Highlighted Features:
- Retractable metal stand stores easily within the unit without fuss
- Cuts tiles up to 12 inches square and 2 inches deep
- Water pump and reservoir included to keep the tool cutting smoothly and reduce cleanup
Pros
- Good price for a quality tile saw
- Cuts tiles up to 12″ square and 2″ deep; easily produces straight, accurate cuts
- The convenient design creates no fuss while stowing away or setting up for use
Cons
- The retractable stand is not very adjustable
5. Ryobi WS731 Tiling-Saw
The Ryobi Tiling Saw is another great tool for homeowners and DIY’ers to add to their collection.
This saw comes with a water pump and reservoir, adjustable metal legs, and can cut tiles up to 12″ x 12″.
I like that the motor housing is detachable from the base of this unit allowing you to use it in either a standing or sitting position when cutting tiles.
The blade included with this unit rotates at 3400 RPMs making clean cuts on the most common types of tile.
Highlighted Features:
- Safety Lock System makes transporting the unit easier during transport
- Detachable motor housing allows users to choose between using it while standing or sitting
- Includes an adjustable metal stand for stability when cutting larger tiles
Pros
- Powerful and lightweight to transport
- Adjustable stand is easy to understand and use
Cons
- Not as durable as some other units
Buyer Guide:
Wet tile saws are a great addition to any home improvement toolbox, but purchasing one can be a little overwhelming.
If you’re not sure what you should be looking for.
We’ve compiled a list of features and accessories that will make it easier for you to choose the right wet tile saw for your needs.
Water Pump with Reservoir
Look for a unit that has its own water pump and reservoir.
This allows homeowners to transport the tile saw easily from one location to another without spilling dirty water into their vehicles or storage space after use.
A separate water tank makes transporting this plastering tool not only more convenient but ensuresliness while working in different locations.
Motor Housing
If you’re cutting tile larger than 12″ or on ceramic, look for a saw that has its motor housing detachable from the base.
This makes transporting the tool easier and allows users to choose between using it while standing or sitting.
Adjustable Legs
Look for a unit that comes with adjustable legs to make sure it’s secure when working with larger tiles (12″ diameter).
These legs allow homeowners to keep this tile saw securely positioned while cutting both inside the home and out in their gardens.
Some of these units come with rubber grips on top of the legs so they don’t slip during use.
Other features buyers should consider are whether or not specific accessories are included like water filters, armrests, or blade sharpeners.
It’s also important to consider that some tile saws are designed to be used with specific types of blades which will affect the price point.
There are many wet tiles saw models on the market today.
This can make choosing one a little overwhelming but it doesn’t have to take long before you purchase one for your home improvement projects.
How To Use A Wet Tile Saw
Using a wet tile saw is not too difficult if you take your time and read through your owner’s manual first.
You should always wear safety equipment when using any type of power tool including safety goggles.
But this goes double for tiling tools that have water running down them while being used.
1) Prepare the Work Area
Before you use a wet tile saw, make sure your work area is protected.
You should have a pail of clean water for both cleaning the blade and rinsing off any debris produced while cutting tiles.
Lay down a thick rug to protect surfaces in your work area from being scratched by the moving parts of this tool, then set out the unit on top of the rug.
2) Secure Tile With Clamps
If you’re working with large tiles that will not be secure when clamped down you can use screws instead.
Large tiles require stronger securing methods than smaller pieces making them better suited for clamps rather than rubber mats or twine which can slip during use.
3) Attach the Water Supply
Attach your water supply to the wet tile saw using a garden hose.
Make sure there is enough slack in the hose so you can maneuver the tile saw around without pulling on or straining the connection.
You should also pour some of your clean water into the reservoir on top of the unit before plugging it into an electrical outlet to ensure that the motor will not become too hot during use.
4) Prepare Blade for Use
Remove any excess debris from inside your wet tile saw before lowering its blade into position with one hand while holding down clamps with another hand.
Begin turning on your unit’s water pump before gently moving the blade up and down over both sides of your tiling material, creating a shallow cut in the surface.
Finish by making a full pass over the tile’s surface before turning off your unit and unclamping it.
5) Clean Up
Your wet tile saw should come with its own water filter to prevent debris from entering the motor but you’ll need to empty out sediment that may have accumulated while using this tool.
Empty out dirty water while rinsing both sides of your tiling material before pouring clean water into both reservoirs on top of your machine.
Faqs:
Q: What is the minimum blade thickness for this saw?
A: This wet tile saw can be used with blades that are 5/8 inches thick.
It comes with standard 10″ diamond blades which are thicker than most traditional models.
Q: Do I need to wear gloves while using this wet tile saw?
A: You should always wear safety goggles when using any type of power tool but you don’t necessarily need to wear gloves while operating a wet tile saw.
However, if you’re working on surfaces that may become slippery or dangerous while cutting tiles it’s best to use them.
Both just in case your hands do slip off of the machine or the unit becomes unbalanced.
Q: What is the max RPM of this unit?
A: This wet tile saw is capable of spinning at 5400 RPM.
It will produce less dust than most portable models but it’s still recommended that users wear full-face masks.
when using this tool to protect their lungs, nose, and mouth from getting irritated by fine particles.
Q: Is it difficult to change the blade on my Rockwell wet tile saw?
A: Changing the blade on your Rockwell wet tile saw should not be difficult if you follow these 3 steps carefully.
Unplug your machine before removing its water tank, then locate two small screws which hold the blade guard in place.
Remove them with a Phillips head screwdriver before lifting off the guard and locating another screw that holds the blade itself in place.
Final Thoughts:
This wet tile saw gets the job done but you’ll find that it is not as quiet or smooth running as most models available in this price range.
This product also leaks a little bit of water while using it and comes without additional features such as laser guides to help you get straight cuts more efficiently.
Finally, this machine does not come with a stand and can be quite difficult to transport given its large size.
Despite these minor flaws it does what it is supposed to do very effectively and comes at a fair price for those shopping on a budget.
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