Best Wet Tile Saw Under $300 | Your Ultimate Buying Guide

How do we figure out what is the best wet tile saw under $300? We believe that a good wet tile saw is the one that works the most effective while giving the most bang for the buck. A stroll through your local hardware store will result in a range of options for your sawing needs.

However, without context, the product details start to become overwhelming and it can be difficult to narrow down your choices. That’s why we have done the research to narrow your options down to the top five wet tile saws on the market today.

If you are busy and just want to get a really good wet tile saw on a budget, our top pick is the SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw.

Depending on your work, you might have different specific needs. So, the answer to questions like “Which wet tile saw should I go for?” varies. Check out our top five favorites and decide what to look for in the best-wet tile saw under $300.

At A Glance, Our Top 3 Picks

Wet Tile Saws Vs Dry Tile Saws

The question all beginner DIYers might ask is,

“Can I use a regular saw to cut tiles?”

And the answer is, no. There are specific tile saws to do that job. They can be manual or portable or a power tool. Usually, installers will use a wet tile saw for most of their jobs.

However, depending on the job might go for a dry saw. A wet saw consists of a blade that is coated in very small diamonds. In addition, the basin of water below the blade keeps the temperature low. Installers will use a wet tile saw for hard or dense tiles as it can incrementally speed up the cutting process.

They may also do this for larger jobs where a lot of tiles need to be cut. The water is crucial when cutting through hard tiles like porcelain as it will prevent the blade from overheating or smoking. This overheating/smoking can create a lot of friction, and it is this friction that can prevent the blade from performing its task correctly.

While dry saws are more appropriate for smaller and thinner tiles, for thick or hard, or dense tiles, a wet tile saw is a far better choice. So ultimately, white dry tile saws are appropriate for smaller projects and mosaic tiles.

On the other hand, a good wet tile saw is appropriate for cutting all tiles. So without further ado, let’s have a look at the best-wet tile saw under $300.

Buying Guide for Choosing The Best Budget Wet Tile Saw

Before going to the wet tiles aw buyers guide, let’s have a look at the below review video on “Skil 3550 7″ Tile Saw with Hydrolock System“. Here enlisted some in-depth information about Skil 3550 tile saw and also shows its using technique and application as well.

You will be qualified with all the information you’ll need to decide on a good wet tile saw for your needs. Just follow along with the next section of this guide to learn everything that goes into our choices for the best wet tile saw under $300 reviews.

You’ve probably come across a long list of tools you can work with, but how do you choose the best one? You may wonder, “What size wet saw do I need?” and that can create confusion. In short, there are quite a few things to worry about.

So, here is a buying guide to help you make the best buying decision:

Cutting Capacity

With a majority of the saws, the person operating the tool also has to move the material back and forth while cutting it. This process is an inconvenience as well as it might result in quite a few cutting inconsistencies – and that is the best-case scenario.

Worst case, your material is ruined. That’s why our top preference, the SKIL 3550-02 is the ideal wet tile saw under $300. The high cutting capacity of this saw reduces inconsistencies.

Accuracy and Versatility

However, most tools today guarantee a higher level of accuracy as you can see from our product reviews. To do the job right, you need to be looking for versatility. If you think about it, what you need is a machine that can successfully cut through different types of materials and allow you to make a square, L-cut or U-cut without worrying about your tool being pulled through. Our choice is the PORTER-CABLE PCE980 for the best combination of accuracy and versatility.

Beveling Capacity

You should look for a tile saw with a good beveling capability if you want it to make it easier to cut for different materials and shapes. Read tile saw reviews online to ensure that the tool you’re buying delivers on its promises. The SKIL 3601-02 is a great choice for having a wide range of beveling angles.

Power

Horsepower is, perhaps, as important as cutting versatility. A tile saw designed to cut through different materials obviously won’t do much good if it doesn’t have the necessary horsepower to go all the way through. It’s just like having the right intention but lacking the force needed to complete the job.

You need something powerful enough to deliver smooth cuts that won’t damage the material. In other words, you need a tile saw with a powerful motor, like the SKIL 3550-02 model and its 3600 RPM motor.

Portability

A tool that requires several people to lift it won’t be of much actual use. You should give special consideration to the tool’s size and portability. Also, you should pay attention to the material as well since the weight of the tile saw can impact your work significantly.

The right tool should be light yet sturdy enough to match the demands of the job like the PORTER-CABLE PCE980 saw.

Blade Capacity

With the right blade, your cuts will be even and smooth. As such, it will be a lot easier for you to use the materials afterward. If your blade can’t do the job properly, then the result might come off with an amateur look.

When you buy a tile saw, it’s crucial to choose a blade that leaves no sharp edges on your cuts. The best thing you can do to prevent this is to look for a diamond blade, like several of our options here, like SKIL 3550-02 and PORTER-CABLE PCE980.

Water Splash and Dust

When you buy a tile saw, you need to look for a tool that uses a mechanism that prevents the majority of dust from getting into the air and controls the water splash.

So, make sure to buy a tile saw that includes some protection from silica dust, if not as a foreseeable measure for legal regulations, then as necessary health risk prevention. This is the biggest weakness of the Leegol saw, as described.

Accessories Availability

Accessories mean your tool is adaptable, so instead of having to buy different types of saws for different jobs, you can buy a tile saw that can be accessorized to fit the task at hand.

Think of them as small upgrades you can make for your tools, which cost less than a new piece of equipment and give your work the edge you need to set yourself apart. If you choose to buy tile saw that doesn’t accept different accessories, then you might be limiting the jobs you can do with it.

Blade Size:

Usually, standard blades of tile saws are about 8 to 10 inches in diameter. The rule of thumb is- the bigger the blade diameter, the more depth you can cut with the blade. Generally, the 8-inch blades can give you a cut depth of up to 2 inches.

Extending another 2 inches, the 10-inch blades will provide you with a cutting depth of 2.4-2.6 inches. Since the most commonly used tiles are 1/8 – 1 inch thick in-depth, you can easily have your desired cut by an eight inches tile saw.

However, if you need more cutting depth from the saw, you will have to find specific saws with a bigger diameter. The QEP 22750Q from our list is a good example with its 1-1.25 inches cutting depth.

Cutting Length:

There are different types and sizes of tile, and it needs different sizes of saw tables for cutting conveniently. Generally, tiles are 30 cm to 300 cm in size.

The most commonly used tiles are 50-60 cm in length. So, getting a tile saw with a 100-centimeter cutting table is enough for most of the tiles you can find in the market.

See More: Step-by-step guide on cutting rock with a tile saw?

The 5 Best Wet Tile Saw Under $300 Product Review

1. SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw

The SKILSAW 3550-02 is a well-outfitted option that’s ideal for home DIY jobs. It comes with a diamond-tipped blade that’s ready to go right out of the box. The 5-amp motor produces an impressive 3600 RPM blade speed, making it one of the most powerful wet tile saws in this budget.

The SKIL 3550-02 has a hydro lock water containment system. This system is an ingenious way of keeping water close to the blade. The result is a cleaner cut with minimum water spill. Also, it got the added benefit of seeing the blade as it cuts through tiles.

Compared to other wet tile saws this one is pretty small. Still, it can support tiles measuring 18×18 inches due to its sliding side extensions. These extensions increase the size of the tabletop. The aluminum tabletop is rust-resistant and built strong.

The 7-inch diamond blade is capable of spinning at speeds of up to 3600 RPM. Also, the blade on this saw can make accurate straight and miter cuts. Bevel cuts can also be made for 0 and 22.5 to 45 degrees. These cuts can make it worthwhile to have this wet tile saw.

2. PORTER-CABLE PCE980 Wet Tile Saw

The Porter PCE980 has a 1.0 HP motor and includes an onboard miter square to help line up each cut. This goes a long way to improving accuracy and helping to make repeatable cuts. This saw can cut porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles.

The saw weighs only 30 lbs., but the stainless-steel construction makes it durable, rust, and corrosion-resistant. Since wet tile saws are used in wet environments, it’s really thoughtful of Porter-Cable to include this one with four rubber feet.

These help the saw stay grounded whenever it is in use. With water splashing all around the saw would slide about were it not for these rubber feet. However, the best part about the PORTER-CABLE PCE980 saw is the water reservoir system.

Most wet saws are incredibly messy. But, with this saw, water spill is at an absolute minimum. You can certainly expect these properties from a decent wet tile saw. The splash guard is very well made and prevented splashing almost entirely. A single towel is all you need to control the mess.

No more spending an hour at the end of the day mopping up puddles. It is also the most portable of the selection we have here. This can easily be folded up and moved whenever you need to. One person should comfortably be able to move this saw around.

It even comes with a roll cage and carrying handle to make transportation extra easy. So, it provides a strong reason for buying this wet tile saw.

3. Leegol Electric 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw

The Leegol Electric tile saw can bevel cut up to 45 degrees and has an adjustable rip fence and miter gauge. It’s a versatile tool with a respectable 3,550 RPM blade speed that will get through most projects. However, it does lack the torque found in the more expensive options on our list.

The water reservoir and blade design on this saw make it the messiest option on our list. In addition to being lightly misted with water throughout most cuts, you will make, the unstable base and wobbly tray make it prone to spilling on your workspace.

The saw is the cheapest option we have on our list, but its price point should not be held against it. Moreover, the build of this machine is sturdy and is certainly built to last a while and be able to handle tougher workloads and stress.

4. SKIL 3601-02 Flooring Saw

The SKIL 3601-02 might be plain looking, but it packs quite a punch. It is incredibly lightweight, clocking in at only 24 lbs., the lightest on our list. Its compact and lightweight design means you can use it anywhere you want with ease.

This SKIL model can be used to make both straight and miter cuts thanks to the miter gauge it comes equipped with. With it, you can make angled cuts of between 0, 22.5, and 45 degrees. So, its properties are worth looking into if you want a product that offers the best value for money.

The spinning blade on this saw is one of the best tile saw blades. The 36 teeth are carbide-tipped and can cut through almost all standard-sized tiles. It can also be used to cut wooden surfaces or plywood.

5. QEP 22750Q Wet Tile Saw

 

If you’re looking for a proper tile saw that has true power, then this is a good contender at a very low price. It has a fast motor that operates with ¾ HP and generates up to 3,600 RPM for the most demanding installation jobs. The 7-inch continuous rim diamond blade is positioned for cutting depths up to 1-1/4 inches.

The saw has a water recirculation system and reservoir designed to keep the work area dry. Moreover, the construction is solid with a durable steel table and frame with rubber foot pads for stability. Because of the stainless-steel construction, this machine is built to last.

It is versatile as well and can easily handle almost any type of tiles thrown at it, easily cutting through them all. The rip and angle cutting guides make accurate and repeat cuts easy on the QEP. After all, it is what a lot of people look for in good wet tile saws.

The plastic tile rip fence serves as an adequate guide, but it is difficult to adjust, and easy to lock down such that you’re out of the square.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best tool to cut ceramic tile?

A wet tile saw, or a masonry saw is the best option. Both saws are made to cut through hard materials.

2. What size tile saw do I need?

This depends on the scope of the task. To simply trim bathroom tiles, a smaller saw is enough. However, if you are working on a site and in a professional capacity, you should opt for a bigger model.

3. How to use a tile saw?

The following instructions will show you how to use a tile saw:

• On a level surface, position your saw.
• Secure the surface for safety purposes
• Fill the water reserve up with water or connect the pump to the faucet
• Place your tile or material to be cut on the surface, adjusting the fence to line the tile up with your mark
• Switch the saw on and begin moving the tile towards the blade.

Final Word

A wet tile saw is a powerful tool that you either know how to use, or you don’t and have to learn. So before buying one, the first question always should be, do I need this? And you can know this pretty easily.

By comparing it to the three other types of saws available: The traditional tile cutter, the handheld masonry saw, and the angle grinder. All things considered, the SKIL 3550-02 is the clear winner among all the top-quality saws and is the best wet tile saw under $300. It’s powerful, accurate, easy to use, and durable.

With that said, this guide should help you find one that is just perfect for your workshop.

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