Tile saw for diagonal cuts of 18x18?

[t3359]

Hey guys...

Looking to cut 18x18 tiles diagonally - my current tile saw won't fit it. Any recommendations for a tile saw? I don't mind buying because I have a few more projects after this, but don't want to spend more than $500.

I went through the list on HD and they were expensive, badly rated, or 100lbs...!

bjl

[patrob]

How about this one for $299 plus tax from Princess Auto.

All water saws are heavy but they disassemble.

Looks like the PA saw only cuts up to 16" diagonal, this one is the next choice for your size tile http://www.homedepot.ca/product/24-i...d-blade/920255 EARN CASH BACK

[t3359]

How about this one for $299 plus tax from Princess Auto

All water saws are heavy but they disassemble.

Nice - almost forgot PA... this one only does up to 24" though, I'd need 25 1/2" to do 18x18s diagonally.

I was surfing around and saw the DeWalt 10" - website sure makes it look nice, but I think it's up around $750.

Any thoughts on the bridge-type saws? I'm curious as to what the benefits of that over a sliding deck are.

bjl

[patrob]

Never used it but seen guys cutting 1/2" thick slate with ease. Works the same as radial saw.
What about freehand with a grinder?

[CSK'sMom]

Use a grinder. Hubby is just finishing up over 500 feet of 18x18 travertine on the diamond. Only one broken tile of all the cuts...

[t3359]

Re: angle ginder - wouldn't that take a long time to cut?

CSK'SMom, is that how you cut the tiles for your countertop?

Other projects I'll use this for would need it to cut some dry-stack stone laminate. I saw the DeWalt 10" cutting pavers as well. That would be useful as well.

bjl

[CSK'sMom]

Use the appropriate wheel on a grinder and it's quicker and easier than using a tile saw. Yes, hubby pretty much uses a grinder exclusively now when installing tile of all sorts, including this 500 foot travertine job he's finishing up. He can more intricate cuts than on a saw. And yes, he used a grinder on my counter, backsplash, floors, etc. A grinder cuts patio stones, etc too. It's a purchase you likely won't regret and will find many uses for...

[t3359]

Use the appropriate wheel on a grinder and it's quicker and easier than using a tile saw. Yes, hubby pretty much uses a grinder exclusively now when installing tile of all sorts, including this 500 foot travertine job he's finishing up. He can more intricate cuts than on a saw. And yes, he used a grinder on my counter, backsplash, floors, etc. A grinder cuts patio stones, etc too. It's a purchase you likely won't regret and will find many uses for...

Thanks... I do already have an angle grinder - I've only been using it to chop up scrap metal though.

bjl

[dirtmover]

Nice - almost forgot PA... this one only does up to 24" though, I'd need 25 1/2" to do 18x18s diagonally.

It's a pretty decent saw but allow for about $50 to replace the stock blade. I also needed to machine the arbor flange to get the blade running true and also replaced the v-belt with a link belt to minimise vibration. These comments apply to any cheap tool - expect a bit of work to get them running optimally. I have done a load of tile and pavers with this saw. Busy Bee sell a very similar version of this saw.

I was surfing around and saw the DeWalt 10" - website sure makes it look nice, but I think it's up around $750.

There specs are inconsistent "Cantilevering Rail/Cart system allows for 24" ripping capacity - 18" tile on diagonal". The rip capacity and diagonal cut do not match.

Any thoughts on the bridge-type saws? I'm curious as to what the benefits of that over a sliding deck are.

Bridge saws:
A bit easier to line up your cut
Much easier to do bevel cuts
If the tile fits on the table you can cut it. With the sliding deck the saw support arm can get in the way and limits the width of cut on the arm side (usually left) of the table.
Because of the smaller blade and limited accessibility they are not so good for nibbling irregular shapes. E.g. freehand cutting a U shape in a tile is trivial with a 10" overarm saw but with a bridge saw is very tricky to impossible.
They tend to be limited to tile cutting only.

[t3359]

It's a pretty decent saw but allow for about $50 to replace the stock blade. I also needed to machine the arbor flange to get the blade running true and also replaced the v-belt with a link belt to minimise vibration. These comments apply to any cheap tool - expect a bit of work to get them running optimally. I have done a load of tile and pavers with this saw. Busy Bee sell a very similar version of this saw.

There specs are inconsistent "Cantilevering Rail/Cart system allows for 24" ripping capacity - 18" tile on diagonal". The rip capacity and diagonal cut do not match.

Bridge saws:
A bit easier to line up your cut
Much easier to do bevel cuts
If the tile fits on the table you can cut it. With the sliding deck the saw support arm can get in the way and limits the width of cut on the arm side (usually left) of the table.
Because of the smaller blade and limited accessibility they are not so good for nibbling irregular shapes. E.g. freehand cutting a U shape in a tile is trivial with a 10" overarm saw but with a bridge saw is very tricky to impossible.
They tend to be limited to tile cutting only.

Thanks for the info - I'll try the score-n-snap or angle grinder today... if I break too many tiles or screw up the corners, I'll get a wet saw. Still not sure which one though...

bjl

[Mr Nobody]

My 7 year old $60 PA saw will cut any size tile. I've used it for 5+ projects (floors, showers, backsplash), over 1000 sqft. But have replaced the blade ($20?) since porcelain really killed it and I was pushing too hard instead of letting the blade do its thing.

This looks like the newer model. Mine's yellow.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/cate...Inch-Tile-Saws