Need a tile saw (Lowes, ceramic, cleaner, price)

[mandK]

hey all

I have (3) upcoming DIY tile projects. I'm thinking of purchasing a tile saw instead of renting.

I need it for up to 12" cuts. Can anyone recommend a specific brand, price, etc. Maybe Craigslist?


Thanks!!
MandK

[Brian_M]

Will a score and snap unit work or does it HAVE to be a saw? That's the real first question, because score and snap have much cleaner edges, are simple like a hammer (and reliable enough to buy used all day long) never mind not needing power, water or making a huge mess.

As for saw brands, no clue. I borrow my in-laws ancient Workforce unit when I need one, it does the job and can handle any size you care to support (push the tile through a fixed blade al-la table saw vs moving the saw through the tile al-la a sliding compound saw).

[K'ledgeBldr]

A tile "cutter" is fine if it's just straight cuts AND ceramic tile. Porcelain tiles don't
"score&snap".

The small box type saws are great for intricate cuts- or all cuts for that matter. However, bridge saws do give you better/straighter cuts.

If you have a Harbor Freight nearby check out their saws.

[Stymie13]

It's not the saw, it's the blade. Really good blades will be about 50.

Personally, I've used both and I have a score and snap. I prefer the wet saw with tile Diablo blade. You can get an inexpensive saw and expensive blade for under 150 at hd or lowes

[mandK]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

A tile "cutter" is fine if it's just straight cuts AND ceramic tile. Porcelain tiles don't
"score&snap".

The small box type saws are great for intricate cuts- or all cuts for that matter. However, bridge saws do give you better/straighter cuts.

If you have a Harbor Freight nearby check out their saws.

I did not realize porcelain does not score & snap.

My first project is 12x24 polished porcelain. I will need to make 12" cuts.

[mandK]

My first tile job was score and snap. I wasted too many tiles.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by mandK

I did not realize porcelain does not score & snap.

My first project is 12x24 polished porcelain. I will need to make 12" cuts.

My house is done in porcelain, the tile guy who did it did almost exclusively score & snap.

[ylisa7]

Originally Posted by mandK

I did not realize porcelain does not score & snap.

My first project is 12x24 polished porcelain. I will need to make 12" cuts.

You can try to score and snap but it may not work.

For a blade make sure you get a diamond cut. My DH and I like Dewalt, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


If you buy the larger blade make sure the edges look like the one in the picture.

Originally Posted by Zippyman

My house is done in porcelain, the tile guy who did it did almost exclusively score & snap.

There are two kinds of porcelain. Porcelain glazed which is only on the top of the tile. Those tiles can be a bear and tend to chip easily. The other is full porcelain and they are easier to work with.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by mandK

Can anyone recommend a specific brand, price, etc.

If anyone ever answers your question... I'd like to know too.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by MrRational

If anyone ever answers your question... I'd like to know too.

OK-

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