Tile Saw

[Czech]

Don't tell the pellet pigs I'm awake....

So I have two baths and maybe some stairs that I want to tile, I figure by the time I add up the hours the rental will pay for a purchase. I did buy 16" travertine for one of the baths already, just 16 of those for starters. So what saw do I buy on a $200 or so budget?

 

[JeffRey30747]

My Dad bought an earlier version of this saw used for $30 (with blade).
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-horsepower-10-inch-industrial-tile-brick-saw-95385.html
We have cut tile, bricks and landscaping stone with it for years. It has sounded like it might seize a bearing at any time ever since we had it but it is still going strong. The same saw at Home Depot was nearly twice as much as Harbor Freight's price when I compared them some time ago. If you are interested in this model, it would be a good candidate for one of their 20% off coupons.

 

[HeatsTwice]

I havn't cut 16" tiles yet but I have tiled two bathrooms and the firewall behind my stove with a $50 tile saw from Harbor Frieght:

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-tile-saw-with-wet-tray-3733.html

 

[fossil]

I have one of these that I bought new many years ago at a Home Depot. It didn't cost much. 6" diamond blade. I've used the heck out of it on all sorts of ceramic and porcelain tile and marble. Bathrooms, countertops, floors, etc., etc. Works like a charm. Dunno whether this exact one is available anywhere, but something similar certainly must be. Rick

 

[maverick06]

I did my kitchen/bathroom/replaced fire bricks in the stove with the 7" harbor freight saw:
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-inch-portable-wet-cutting-tile-saw-40315.html

There are lots of 40% off coupons that make that purchase much cheaper. The saw works well. Change the water frequently, and wear eye/ear protection. That thing is unbelievably loud (so are any time saws).

 

[greg13]

The 7" H.F. will do the job for you and you can sell it when you're done and get most of your money back. Just plan on working outside, they sling water all over.

 

[Czech]

Thanks Guys. I'll give something a whirl, there's a ridgid I have an eye on too. Just have to see if grainger can get it for me because I won't set foot in Home Despot.

 

[coverdome]

Bought the cheapest one Lowes had and have done 2 bathrooms, an entry way, and a big Kitchen with no issues.
Clean it good after each use, and don't be afraid to put a new blade on every now and then.

 

[Eatonpcat]

Thanks Guys. I'll give something a whirl, there's a ridgid I have an eye on too. Just have to see if grainger can get it for me because I won't set foot in Home Despot.

Gotta love Grainger!

 

[DAKSY]

I bought one at Home Depot - because it was 25 miles closer than Harbor Freight & IIRC, it cost me about $60. I've done two full baths & a laundry room with it & even used it to cut my sister's split firebricks for her Lopi wood stove. I plan on using it to finish our "YMCA-sized" (5' x 6') shower this fall...

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

Any good pellet burner can cut those tiles with his teeth.

 

[Czech]

Darn it, Smokey's here! Heck I just Craig's Listed a ton for a buck a bag so there! So I may visit the local HD, I need to pick up tire and wheels for the truck and there's one right next door and has the Ridgid. It will still be cheap compared to renting, but I like good tools too. Thanks all, pictures to follow!