The best wet tile saw will vary depending on the person using it, and what they’re using it for.
Homeowners and casual DIY’ers usually look for a basic type small wet tile saw, that can perform regular straight and mitre cuts, all for value for money or a cheaper price.
A good wet tile saw in that case will pay itself of after one or two projects.
Professionals and tradesmen on the other hand might be willing to pay a bit more for a wet tile saw that is more powerful, can cut longer, deeper, cuts bigger tiles, is better for multiple cuts, and is an all around higher quality tool for long term use.
Whatever the case, you’re going to find this guide useful if you fit into either of those categories.
We also discuss some of the best wet tile saw brands like SKIL, QEP and DEWALT.
If you’re running a little short on time, you can check out the top wet tile saw list immediately below.
Otherwise, you can read the guide in full.
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
Top Rated Wet Tile Saw List
Best Wet Tile Saw For Homeowners & DIY’ers – SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw (on Amazon)
Best Wet Tile Saw For Professionals & Heavier Tasks – DEWALT D24000 1.5-Horsepower 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw (on Amazon)
Best Wet/Dry Tile & Masonry Free Saw – DEWALT DWC860W 4-3/8-Inch Wet/Dry Masonry Saw (on Amazon)
Best Wet Tile Saw Reviews
SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw
The SKIL 3540-02 is a homeowner type small electric wet tile saw.
Who Is This Wet Tile Saw For?
- Homeowners
- Casual users
- Those performing a smaller quantity of cuts
- Those cutting smaller tiles
- For cutting mainly stone and masonry materials – but can cut other materials too
- Those wanting a basic wet tile saw to do a number of basic cuts – for a good price – value for money
Who Is This Wet Tile Saw Not For?
- Professionals
- Those performing a large number of cuts – fence system can be time consuming to adjust
- Those cutting larger tiles
What’s Good About It?
- Good value for money wet tile saw – good price for what you can get out of the tool
- 4.2 Amp motor
- 7 inch Diamond Cutting Blade
- Stainless steel tabletop
- Tabletop can fit up to 12 inches x 12 inches tiles
- Adjustable Fence
- Fence guide for cutting square OR mitre cuts – bevel cuts anywhere from 0 to 45 degrees
- 3,600 RPM
- 1″ inch depth cut at 45 degrees
- 1-3/8″ depth cut at 90 degrees
- Includes the blade, blade guard and tool changing tool
- IF you decide to remove the fence/guide yourself, you can cut bigger tiles (although, note you might be voiding the warranty, and this is up to your discretion)
What’s Not So Great?
- Can’t cut the biggest tiles
- Won’t give you the deepest or longest cut if that is your priority
- No water pump – the blade just runs into the reservoir underneath the table
- Fence system does take some adjusting time in between cuts
What Else Do You Need To Use This Wet Tile Saw?
- A replacement diamond blade saw at some point – but only when the current one breaks or goes dull
- Other types of blades you’d like to use
Where Can I Check Out This Wet Tile Saw?
View the SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw on Amazon
SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw with HydroLock Water Containment System (vs. the SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw)
So, what are the main differences between the two SKIL wet tile saw models – this 3550-02, and the above 3540-02?
Well, this 3550-02 has the following main features which the 3540-02 does not (there are of course other smaller differences too):
- Hydrolock System™
Instead of a floating half guard like the 3540-02, this 3550-02 has an all in one guard – upper and lower – that is designed to keep the water on the blade (as opposed to just when the blade runs through the lower reservoir), and significantly reduce off-spray (the floating guard doesn’t fully encapsulate the blade.
- Aluminium Tabletop
This 3550-02 has an aluminium tabletop, instead of a stainless steel one on the 3540-02
- Sliding Table Side Extension
The side extension can be put on either side of the tile and allows up to 18 inch x 18 inch tiles to be cut on the table, instead of the 12 inch x 12 inch tiles the 3540-02 has the limit to cut without an extension.
- 5.0 Amp Motor
Compared to the 3540-02 4.5 Amp motor
- Bevel cuts
Bevel cuts tile at 0, 22.5 and 45 degrees – compared to the 3540-02 which cuts bevels 0 to 45 degrees
- More expensive
Because of the extra features, the 3550-02 is more expensive, but still quite cheap for a wet tile saw
- Depth of Cut
3/4″ depth of cut
Who Is This Wet Tile Saw For?
- Homeowners
- Casual users
- Those performing a smaller quantity of cuts
- Those cutting smaller tiles
- For cutting mainly stone and masonry materials – but can cut other materials too
- Those wanting a basic wet tile saw to do a number of basic cuts – for a good price – value for money
Who Is This Wet Tile Saw Not For?
- Professionals
- Those performing a large number of cuts – fence system can be time consuming to adjust, as can saw guard
- Those cutting the absolute largest tiles (bigger than 18 inch)
What’s Good About It?
We listed the good points above in the differences.
What’s Not So Great?
- Fence system can take a while to adjust – not ideal for lots of cuts, or different cuts
- Blade guard/hydrolock system can be difficult to fit other blades with
- Won’t give you the deepest or longest cut if that is your priority
- Won’t cut the absolute biggest tiles
What Else Do You Need To Use This Wet Tile Saw?
- A replacement diamond blade saw at some point – but only when the current one breaks or goes dull
- Other types of blades you’d like to use
Where Can I Check Out This Wet Tile Saw?
View the SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw with HydroLock Water Containment System on Amazon
QEP 22650Q 3/4 HP 120-volt Tile Saw
The QEP 22650Q is a homeowner type small electric wet tile saw.
Who Is This Wet Tile Saw For?
- Homeowners
- Casual users
- Those performing a smaller quantity of cuts
- Those cutting smaller tiles
- Those wanting a basic wet tile saw to do a number of basic cuts – for a good price – value for money
- Designed to cut ceramic, slate, marble, granite and porcelain
Who Is This Wet Tile Saw Not For?
- Professionals
- Those performing a large number of cuts
- Those cutting largest tiles
What’s Good About It?
- Cheap price
- 7 inch diameter blade
- 4.8 Amp Motor
- 3600 RPM
- 1-1/4 inch depth cut
- Steel tabletop
- Can cut both square and mitre cuts
- Table tilts for 22.5-degree and 45-degree miter cuts
- Water recirculation system and reservoir are designed to help keep your work area dry
- 8 in. extension table attaches to either side to support larger tiles
What’s Not So Great?
- A stainless steel table would be better
- Fence is quite hard to set-up, slide, adjust and keep in place – can waste alot of time if constantly changing
- Fence is also a bit flimsy – hard to get accurate cuts
- Can’t cut biggest tiles
- Won’t give you the deepest or longest cut if that is your priority
- Water reservoir can run out quickly if you use the tool for longer periods – keep a bucket nearby
- Blade is a bit weak – consider buying another high end diamond blade
What Else Do You Need To Use This Wet Tile Saw?
- A replacement diamond blade saw at some point – but only when the current one breaks or goes dull. NOTE: the blade you get with the tool isn’t great or super durable
- Other types of blades you’d like to use
Where Can I Check Out This Wet Tile Saw?
View the QEP 22650Q 3/4 HP 120-volt Tile Saw on Amazon
DEWALT D24000 1.5-Horsepower 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw
The DEWALT D24000 is a professional type electric/corded wet tile saw.
Who Is This Wet Tile Saw For?
- Professionals
- Those who are performing a higher quantity of cuts
- Those cutting bigger and thicker tiles
- Those wanting to perform longer cuts
- Those wanting to perform deeper cuts
Who Is This Wet Tile Saw Not For?
- Those wanting a basic tile saw for a cheap price
- Those not wanting to pay extra for a bigger, more powerful wet tile saw with greater cutting ability and more features
- Those who only have small or limited tile cutting work to perform
What’s Good About It?
- 15 Amp Motor – 1.5 Horsepower
- Big 10 Inch Diameter Blade
- 3-1/8 inch max depth cut
- Stainless steel fence/rail system – great for accurate cuts
- Rear and side water splash off plates for funnelling spray back into the water reservoir and minimising mess
- 24″ ripping capacity (max length of cut) on straight cuts, 18 inch on diagonal cuts
- Saw has a plunge feature
- Integrated 22.5, and 45 degree miters
- Tool weighs only 69 pounds – can be transported by one person
- Dual water nozzles can be adjusted for optimal water placement on blade in order to minimize over-spray and mist
What’s Not So Great?
- You’ll pay a higher price for the extra cutting ability and additional features than the basic wet tile saws
- Doesn’t cut the absolute largest and heaviest tiles – a table extension would have made this tool ideal. But, note the ripping capacity is still pretty decent – 24 inch straight and 18 inch diagonal cuts
What Else Do You Need To Use This Wet Tile Saw?
- Other types of blades you’d like to use
- A saw stand if you’d like one
Where Can I Check Out This Wet Tile Saw?
View the DEWALT D24000 1.5-Horsepower 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw on Amazon
BUT….
NOTE: this model also come in a version with a stand. To view the version with the stand:
View the DEWALT D24000S Heavy-Duty 10-inch Wet Tile Saw with Stand on Amazon
DEWALT DWC860W 4-3/8-Inch Wet/Dry Masonry Saw
The DEWALT DWC860W is an electric wet AND dry masonry and tile free/handheld saw, that has some characteristics from an angle grinder, wet tile saw and a biscuit joiner.
Like a wet tile saw, it has a water feed to cool the blade, and it is designed to cut tiles (along with granite, porcelain, concrete and other stone materials).
Like an angle grinder, it is a handheld power tool with a spinning disc blade.
And, like a biscuit joiner, it has a fence/guide that helps you perform a mitre cut – but there’s no guide to get straight cuts (its like an angle grinder in that respect).
Who Is This Wet & Dry Tile & Masonry Free Saw For?
- Those looking for a handheld tile cutting wet AND dry power saw tool
- Homeowners OR professionals
- Those looking to freehand cut tiles here and there
Who Is This Wet & Dry Tile & Masonry Free Saw Not For?
- Those looking for a table saw type tile cutting tool
- Those looking for perfectly straight cuts, a guide, or a proper way to get precise cuts
- Those looking to perform a high quantity of cuts, or the most powerful tile cutting saw on the market
What’s Good About It?
- Cuts not just tiles, but granite, porcelain, concrete and other stone materials
- Cuts 1 3/8 inches deep on the 90 degree
- 4-3/8″ diamond Blade
- 10.8 Amp Motor
- Able to bevels to 45 degrees for mitre cuts
- Has lock on power button
- Sealed unit to prevent dust and debris eroding the inside over time
- Lightweight – 6.6 pounds
- 13,000 RPM no load speed
- Water line feeds water onto the blade while cutting
- Can be used with the water line running, or without
- Includes: Saw, 13-Foot water line, 4-3/8-inch wet/dry diamond blade, and 2 wrenches for blade change
What’s Not So Great?
- Doesn’t come with a case
- Water hose can get tangled and get in the way
- Saw blade is on the left side – reverse of all other saws
- No guide to get straight line cuts – only the fence to get a 45 degree mitre cut – you have to freehand straight line cuts yourself
What Else Do You Need To Use This Wet Tile Saw?
- Replacement blades
- Something to store it in
Where Can I Check Out This Wet & Dry Tile & Masonry Free Saw?
View the DEWALT DWC860W 4-3/8-Inch Wet/Dry Masonry Saw on Amazon
Best Wet Tile Saw: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
Other Names For Wet Tile Saw
Tile Saw
Wet Saw
Tile Cutter
Wet Tile Cutter
Water Saw
Ceramic/Glass/Porcelain/Stone Tile Cutter
What Is A Wet Tile Saw?
A wet tile saw is a power tool that should be differentiated from other tools used to cut tiles of different kinds.
A wet tile saw is a power tool of different sizes that commonly possesses the following features/characteristics:
Can cut mainly straight cuts or angled/mitre cuts
Has a table or top used to place the tile on
Has an adjustable fence used to reference and measure cuts
Has a spinning saw blade that either raises up from the top/table, is fixed in the top/table, or sits on an arm above the table which the tiles are pushed into.
Has a water reservoir used to cool the blade and minimise the dust/debris
Homeowner type wet tile saws are generally compact, have a fixed smaller table top, and a fixed smaller blade on the table.
The professional type wet tile saws are generally the largest, have a sliding tabletop, and usually a large saw blade on an arm that the tiles are pushed into.
If you are a professional, have larger tiles to cut, or have alot of cuts to do on the regular, the professional type wet tile saw is recommended.
There are some similarities between wood mitre saws, and wet tile saw, but definitely they are different tools used for different purposes.
What Is A Wet Tile Saw Used For, and What Does A Wet Tile Saw Do?
A wet tile saw is used by homeowners or professionals to cut square/straight cuts or angled/miter cuts in tiles of different kinds – ceramic, porcelain, stone and glass tiles.
A tile saw will cut a precise cut using an adjustable fence for measuring, marking and referencing, and a fixed spinning power blade which plunges into the tile.
Other tools used to cut or split tiles such as angle grinders and manual tile saws generally don’t give you as straight or precise of a cut.
Angle grinders for example are good for free cuts, circle cuts like a toilet flange hole, or if you have a guide, you can do straighter cuts. If you want to read more about angle grinders, you can do so at Best Angle Grinder: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews.
Types of Wet Tile Saws
- Electric Wet Tile Saw
As mentioned above, these wet tile saws come in the smaller homeowner/casual user type wet tile tabletop saws, and the larger professional type.
Wet Tile Saw Bits & Accessories
Splash guard – usually for the larger wet tile saws…splash guard fix to the side of the table to collect spray/water and redirect it back into the reservoir which saves water and minimises mess
Detachable Cutting guide – some saws come with a detachable guide accessory that attaches and detaches from the back fence which can be set up to a preset position or angle to perform multiple cuts of the same line or angle
Saw stand – for working with the wet tile saw at standing height.
Table extension – for placing bigger tiles on the table top
Different Types & Materials Of Tiles
There are different types of tiles out there used in different applications like indoor, outdoor, bathroom, kitchen, decorative, floor and wall tiles. These tiles are made of different materials to suit their application:
1. Ceramic Tiles
2. Porcelain Tiles
3. Stone Tiles
4. Glass Tiles
5. Mosaic Tiles
How To Choose A Wet Tile Saw
- Small/Homeowner Type Wet Tile Saws
This type of saw will be good for you if you don’t regularly cut tiles, or if you only intend on cutting a smaller number of small tiles.
- Large/Professional Wet Tile Saws
If you are a professional tiler or tradesman, or if you plan on regularly cutting a larger number of tiles, or large tiles in general, this type of wet tile saw might be better suited to you.
Large wet tile saws tend to have a few more features too like a sliding/adjustable table (to fit large tiles), a laser guide which projects onto the tile to help you cut.
Best Wet Tile Saw For…
- Best Wet Tile Saw For Homeowner
Probably the SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw, or SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw with HydroLock Water Containment System
- Best Wet Tile Saw For DIY
DIY is considered homeowner, so refer above.
- Best Wet Tile Saw For Professional
The DEWALT D24000 1.5-Horsepower 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw is best for cuts up to 24 inches straight, or 18 inches diagonally.
- Best Wet Tile Saw For The Money
If you’re a homeowner – the SKIL wet tile saws.
If you’re a professional – the DEWALT.
Features To Look For In A Wet Tile Saw
- Diameter/Size of the Cutting Saw Blade
The standard size on a smaller homeowner saw is a 7 inch blade
- Motor Capability
What horsepower is the motor, and what materials can it cut?
- Table Material
Is the table made of stainless steel, or a weaker material easier to damage?
- Extendable table:
Usually on the sliding table saws. The table will extend out to accommodate/fit larger tiles in the vicinity of 30 inch tiles.
- Water Reservoir and Water Pump:
Pumps water onto the blade to cool it down/lubricate it, and minimise dust and debris. How big is the reservoir? Is there actually a pump with the saw, or does the blade just run through the reservoir?
- Fence System
The smaller homeowner type wet tile saws usually have a plastic more flimsy rail/fence, while the professional fences are integrated steel- what settings does the fence have?
- Laser marker
The larger professional type saws can come with a laser marker beam to get straighter cuts
- Ability to angle the saw or plunge it
The larger professional type saws sometimes allow you to tilt the head of the saw 45 degrees from its standard position to perform mitre/bevel cuts
They also might allow you to adjust the depth of the saw to plunge the saw to perform deeper cuts
- Length and depth of cuts
What is the rip capacity (maximum length of straight cut), and longest diagonal cut you can make?
How deep can you cut with the blade?
Safety Tips For Using A Wet Tile Saw
For using a wet tile saw, you’ll definitely need:
Ear protection – ear plugs or ear muffs
Eye Protection – safety glasses
Keep your hands either side of the tile to keep it steady, and leave a safe distance between the blade and your fingers
How To Use A Wet Tile Saw
Wet tile saws are not a complicated tool to use:
1. Make sure the water reservoir is filled, and start the saw by turning on the on/off switch (don’t start the saw with the blade up against the tile)
2. With your tile away from the blade, make sure you have it marked and measured, and any fence or guides set to straight or bevel type cuts
3. When you are ready, push the tile into the blade and cut
4. Dry the tile off and you can touch up the cut if you choose to with a file or a stone
Best Wet Tile Saw Resources
1. https://www.skiltools.com/Pages/Home.aspx
2. http://www.qep.com/
3. http://www.dewalt.com/
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