How do you use a wet saw for cutting ceramic tile?

Question

instructions, cutting, safety

Answer 1

All you have to do is line up where you want the tile cut to the cutting wheel. It's very easy, and you'll catch onto it in no time at all. Make sure you wear safety glasses of some sort because the shards of ceramic debris fly everywhere.

Answer 2

Okay, Dylan says to use a table saw. After 30+ years in construction, I've never seen a tile mechanic use a table saw but every single one used a wet saw. Wet saw are similar to woodworking table saws as they have a flat table and a fence. The fence slides on top of the table top and allows you to measure and cut specific widths by placing the tile against the tightened fence and pushing the tile through. It's a glorified guide. The other method to cutting tile is called cutting free hand. For instance, your cut will be angled and so the fence will not work because it keeps the cut square. Free handing allows you to cut the tile by aligning the cut with the blade and pushing it through. Also, when cutting the tile, as you get close to cutting the tile in half, the tile will have a tendency to break at the end. It typically is not a problem as the cut will continue, but you'll see what I mean when you cut. Just don't apply too much forward pressure as you cut the tile. Since the cutting tool uses water as a lubricant (which means maintaining the water level), I always wear a poncho or something to keep me dry. The blade throws water and tile shavings at you as you are cutting, and the noise is quite loud. So wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and some optional water repellent clothing. Good luck.

Answer 3

If you have a wet saw similar to the one I own, make sure you fill the water reservoir before using it, and keep an eye on the water level during the course of your work. Cutting tiles are pretty easy. You can preset the fence on the cutting table to most widths for cutting the tile. Once turned on, wear a pair of safety glasses or goggles to prevent the small pieces of ceramic from entering your eyes. Your clothes can get wet too from the spray of the saw blade, so you may want to wear a waterproof jacket too. Unusual cuts like a semi circle can be done too: Draw out the shape you want to make and just make small cuts into the curve. Once this is done, you can cut along the curve line to finish it off.

Answer 4

Do Not use a table saw. It will ruin the tile, you will not get a clean cut, and you could seriously injure yourself.

A wet saw is very easy to use, just again to reapeat others, wear eye protection.

Have fun!

Answer 5

ive been a tile guy for 7 years and never seen one. If your trying to cut 2x2 tiles with curve your best bet would be to use a hand saw like a makita with a 4 inch diamondblade to curve the tile how you want it.

Answer 6

u dont u have to use a wet saw use a table saw and also were safty goggles and ear plugs

Answer 7

By asking some expert to do it and learn from him/her... don't gamble with anything that you don't have some experience on how to do it