| Installing ceramic tile is a popular home improvement | | | | setters typically purchase their own wet tile saws |
| project, particularly for updating kitchens and | | | | that can be transported to job sites. |
| bathrooms. Whether installing a tile bathroom floor or | | | | Here are some tips to keep in mind when working |
| a kitchen backsplash, a wet tile saw is an essential | | | | with a wet tile saw: |
| piece of equipment that gives each tile a clean cut | | | | - Purchase extra tile. At some point, a few tiles will |
| while reducing material waste and dust. If used for | | | | be lost here and there due to breakage or measuring |
| cutting tile, a standard circular saw would be prone to | | | | mistakes. Having extra materials on hand will save |
| overheating and would increase material waste due | | | | you headaches and time, especially if the tiles you |
| to tile breakage. | | | | are using must be ordered. To minimize the waste of |
| The most distinguishing feature of a wet saw is a | | | | materials and time, adhere to the well-known |
| steady stream of water keeping the saw blade and | | | | construction rule "measure twice, cut once." |
| the tile surface wet during operation. The water | | | | - Wear safety goggles. Though wet saws reduce the |
| helps the blade grind through the tile without breaking | | | | amount of dust produced when cutting tile, there is |
| it, keeps the blade cool to prevent overheating and | | | | still a possibility of injury from flying pieces of tile. |
| significantly reduces the amount of dust that would | | | | Protective eyewear is recommended with use of any |
| otherwise be produced when cutting tile. | | | | wet saw. |
| Rather than sharp blades, tile saws use fairly dull, | | | | - Take your time. Sawing through tile slowly can help |
| non-serrated blades that are often lined with small | | | | give you cleaner cuts and reduce breakage. Generally |
| diamond chips. The use of a blunt blade that grinds | | | | you will want to ensure that the water has time to |
| through tile gives ceramic tile the smooth-edged cut | | | | rinse the blade as you go. |
| necessary for great looking tile work. | | | | Safety is of primary importance when operating tile |
| Tile is usually cut on-site because it must be custom | | | | saws and other electrical power tools. Thoroughly |
| fit for the space in which it is being installed. If you | | | | reading documentation and adhering to operation |
| are undertaking a do-it-yourself tiling project, you can | | | | procedures and safety guidelines is advised when |
| rent a wet saw from a home improvement retailer | | | | working with any saw or power tool. |
| for about $50 to $75 per day. Professional tile | | | | |