How to Use a Tile Saw

Position the tile saw onto a level, sturdy surface., Fill the tile saw's reservoir with water., Position the tile onto the cutting table., Turn the tile saw on., Feed the tile into the blade., Remove the tile and turn off the saw.

7 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Position the tile saw onto a level

    Just as with any power tool, you want the tile saw to be securely positioned and level.

    A tile saw is best positioned on a heavy, bulky table or directly on the floor.

    Attempting to operate a tile saw on a wobbly table can result in inaccurate cuts and even injury.
  2. Step 2: sturdy surface.

    All tile saws will have a trough of water mounted beneath the cutting surface.

    In some cases this trough is removable, while in others you may have to fill it manually with a pitcher.

    Ensure that the water pump is completely submerged. , Adjust the fence so that when the tile is pushed against it, the blade lines up with the pencil mark indicating the desired cut.

    It is best to leave the widest part of the tile between the fence and the blade; this will help you keep your hand as far from the blade as possible.

    For cutting tiles along the diagonal, position a miter guide or speed square between the tile and the fence.

    This will keep the tile positioned at a 45 degree angle to the blade.

    For making partial cuts, for instance when making an L-shaped cutout to accommodate an electrical outlet, set the tile up in the same way as a complete cut.

    You will simply feed the tile only far enough into the blade to achieve the desired cut depth. , When the tile is positioned and you are ready to make your cut, engage the power switch.

    Ensure that water is being sprayed onto the blade before cutting the tile. , Using a steady grip, feed the tile slowly straight into the blade.

    Do not force the tile into the blade any faster than it naturally wants to move; let the blade do the work of cutting the tile.

    Take care to feed the tile especially slowly at the edges of the tile, as this is where most breakages occur. , When the cut is complete, carefully pull the cut pieces of tile away from the blade.

    Turn off the tile saw, and prepare your next tile for cutting before engaging the blade again.
  3. Step 3: Fill the tile saw's reservoir with water.

  4. Step 4: Position the tile onto the cutting table.

  5. Step 5: Turn the tile saw on.

  6. Step 6: Feed the tile into the blade.

  7. Step 7: Remove the tile and turn off the saw.

Detailed Guide

Just as with any power tool, you want the tile saw to be securely positioned and level.

A tile saw is best positioned on a heavy, bulky table or directly on the floor.

Attempting to operate a tile saw on a wobbly table can result in inaccurate cuts and even injury.

All tile saws will have a trough of water mounted beneath the cutting surface.

In some cases this trough is removable, while in others you may have to fill it manually with a pitcher.

Ensure that the water pump is completely submerged. , Adjust the fence so that when the tile is pushed against it, the blade lines up with the pencil mark indicating the desired cut.

It is best to leave the widest part of the tile between the fence and the blade; this will help you keep your hand as far from the blade as possible.

For cutting tiles along the diagonal, position a miter guide or speed square between the tile and the fence.

This will keep the tile positioned at a 45 degree angle to the blade.

For making partial cuts, for instance when making an L-shaped cutout to accommodate an electrical outlet, set the tile up in the same way as a complete cut.

You will simply feed the tile only far enough into the blade to achieve the desired cut depth. , When the tile is positioned and you are ready to make your cut, engage the power switch.

Ensure that water is being sprayed onto the blade before cutting the tile. , Using a steady grip, feed the tile slowly straight into the blade.

Do not force the tile into the blade any faster than it naturally wants to move; let the blade do the work of cutting the tile.

Take care to feed the tile especially slowly at the edges of the tile, as this is where most breakages occur. , When the cut is complete, carefully pull the cut pieces of tile away from the blade.

Turn off the tile saw, and prepare your next tile for cutting before engaging the blade again.

About the Author

G

Grace Harris

Creates helpful guides on practical skills to inspire and educate readers.

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