How to Use Water With a Tile Saw

If you're laying ceramic or porcelain tile in a bathroom or kitchen, then you really need to have a wet saw. The tiles are strong enough that they require a diamond blade and those aren't inexpensive. To keep the blade from ruin, you have to constantly keep a good water flow. The water spray or flow on the tile saw keeps the blade useful.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remember that the diamond blade on the saw and the tiles can be ruined when they overheat. The constant spray of water on the blade of the tile saw keeps the temperature down and prevents damage.

2. Set up the saw outside. You need to use water that splashes and has to be emptied so an outside location is important for ease of use. Clean up is a lot easier if you're doing it outside.

3. Put the plug into the hole of the wet saw tray. The plug works like any sink plug. It keeps the water in to cover the pump while you work. Afterwards, you can pull it to release the water.

4. Fill the tub to cover the pump. It's okay if some of the water flows out because it's too full; that just lets you know that you filled it full. The pump needs adequate water when you use the tile saw for cutting ceramic or porcelain and you don't want to have to stop in the middle to refill.

5. Watch as the clay deposits are sprayed off before your eyes. The water is a lubrication that continuously sprays as you cut the tile. Turn on the pump and the saw and allow the water to spray a bit before you get the tile in place to cut.

6. Lay the tile on the guide. Don't worry about the water on it; that's the goal of water use in a tile saw. Guide it through the cut and allow the blade to do the work. The slower the cut, the better. You can damage the tile if you go too fast.

7. Turn off the saw and pump and unplug the water. Allow it to drain when you're done using it with the tile saw.