How to Cut Ceramic Tile with a Wet Saw

When installing ceramic tile, you need to make cuts. To make these cuts, you need a wet saw. As the name implies, a wet saw operates with water. Heat from a saw blade can burn tile. The water keeps the blade cool and thus prevents the tile from being marred by burn marks. A wet saw also reduces the amount of dust that results from cutting ceramic tile. When making an extensive amount of cuts, as you would for a flooring project, the wet saw is the best tool to use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wet saw
• Water
• Grease pen
• Tiles

1. Set up your wet saw in a well-ventilated area. The area should be free of debris such as paper or other flammable substances. Because there will be some debris created by cutting ceramic tile, outdoors is usually the better option for setting up your saw.

2. Check your saw for debris. Remove any dust or debris from the cutting area. Check that the blade is tight, that it isn't wobbly or off center.

3. Fill the saw with water. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the level of water needed for your particular saw.

4. Mark the cuts on your tile with a grease pen. Place the tile on the wet saw so the mark lines up with the blade.

5. Adjust the rip fence on the saw so that the blade and the mark on the tile are exactly lined up. The rip fence is parallel with the blade of the wet saw and will act as a precise guide.

6. Put on safety glasses and plug in the tile saw. Turn on the tile saw.

7. Use the handle to pull the blade across the tile. Pull at a slow and steady pace; do not stop until the cut is complete. Keep your fingers clear of the blade.

8. Turn off the saw before removing the tile. Once the cut is complete, turn off the saw. If necessary, lift the handle to return the blade back to the start position. Depending on the manufacturer, the blade may return to the start position automatically when you release the handle.

9. Remove the tile from the saw; do not touch the tile without turning off the saw first and ensuring the blade has returned to the start position.

10. Repeat for additional cuts. Continue to check water levels throughout the project.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when using a wet saw.