The table saw is powerful enough to cut through hardwoods easily. It is only natural that the table saw would also be capable of cutting through other materials. Can you cut tiles with a tablesaw?
Although it is not recommended, cutting tile with a tablesaw is possible. A table saw can be used to cut ceramic tiles and stone tiles. However, the table saw’s dry blade will cause more chips than a wet one. Your table saw can be seriously damaged by the dangerous dust that is created when you cut into ceramic tiles.
Many people use table and hand saws to cut tiles. However, the consequences can be severe. This article will explain why you shouldn’t use a budget tile saw to cut tiles, how to go about it if you did, and which tools you should use.
Why A Table Saw Is Not A Good Tool To Cut Tile
A table saw can cut ceramic tile and other types of stone but it is not the best tool for cutting these materials. Here are some reasons why.
Dust can cause damage to your table.
When ceramic tiles are cut in dry conditions, they produce a lot dust. The dust created by cutting tiles is much finer than sawdust.
The ceramic tile dust can get in the table saw’s workings and bind to any moisture. This makes a paste-like material that can gum up your table saw’s workings.
You won’t be able to maintain your table saw for many years if you cut tile on it.
Dust can cause serious health problems.
Inhaling the dust from cutting through ceramic or stone tiles can also be dangerous. It can cause irreversible lung disease and COPD. It is something you don’t want to breathe in, regardless of the amount.
If you cut tiles in enclosed areas, this dust can pose a greater danger.
A table saw can cause chips in your tile.
A table saw is not the best tool to cut tiles if you want to achieve the perfect result. A table saw won’t give you the perfect cut and can result in waste materials and sub-par products.
There are easier and more efficient ways to cut tile. This will produce a better final product.
A Table Saw Is Used To Cut Tiles
If you feel that the only way to cut tiles is to use the most expensive table saw on the market, this is the right place to start.
- Make sure you have the right blade A special blade is required to cut ceramic tiles with a tablesaw. You will need a suitable-sized, wet or dry continuous diamond knife or another blade to cut ceramic tile in a dry environment.
- Place the blade on your tablesaw.
- To keep dust from your lungs, make sure to use a respirator when you are cutting.
- To cut through tile, use your table saw in the normal way. You must not force the tile into your blade. Let the blade cut through the tile with its own power.
- When you are done, turn off the saw.
Four Better Tools To Cut Tiles
- Tabletop Wet Saw
The most common machine for cutting tiles is the tabletop wetsaw. This machine uses a continuous diamond knife in a moist environment to cut tiles. Water has the additional benefit of keeping most dust from entering your lungs.
You can rent tabletop wet saws at affordable rates at local home improvement stores. They come in many sizes. This is the best way to go if you have lots of tiles to cut.
- Handheld Wet Tile Saw
The hand-held tile saw is relatively new in the tile cutting industry. Although they are portable, many people love them. However, you must be connected to power and water while using them.
These are not available for rent, but they can be purchased at a reasonable price, such as a Ryobi model, which is usually around €70 at your local hardware store.
- Manual Tile Cutter
Manual tile cutters cut tiles and snap them along the score. It is easy to use and does not require a plug-in. The technology is slower and does not cut as well as the wet saw. It could work well for small jobs like tile.
The manual tile cutter cannot make straight cuts. You may need to use nippers if you want to make curves or other irregular cuts.
- Nippers
The nipper is a great tool to create irregular shapes in ceramic tile, such as the cuts needed around a door jam.
First, use a utility knife or a pencil to mark a line in the tile. This will allow you to cut the tile into the desired shape. Next, start at the edge of your tile and slowly remove the part you don’t want. Sandpaper can be used to smoothen the cut.
Although this can be tedious, it is a quick and easy way to create irregular shapes in tiles.
Rental Of Tile Cutting Tools
You don’t have to worry about damaging your table saw when you cut tile. You can find a wide range of options at a reasonable price in your local home improvement shop.
This table shows the costs of renting and buying tile cutting tools.
Some tool rental locations also allow you to rent machines for as little as four hours, which is about half the price of a full-day rental.
Use A Grinder To Cut Tile
You don’t need to rent a wetsaw, but you do have a grinder that can be used to cut tiles. As long as the right blade is purchased, it will work. A continuous diamond blade is required to cut tile in a dry environment.
A grinder is not the best tool for cutting tile. You will probably end up with some chipping or wasting materials.
A grinder is a better choice than a tablesaw because it is less expensive and tile dust will be able to get into the grinding chambers.
It comes down to this: Would you rather damage a table saw worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or a grinder worth around a hundred? You’d rather risk neither, of course.
