How to Cut Tile with a Wet Saw

Working on a tile project and unsure of how to use a wet tile saw? This easy guide will help you finish your project in no time!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wet Tile Saw (rentable at your local home improvement store)
• 2-5 gallon bucket, filled with water
• Wet Saw Stand or large sturdy table
• Safety goggles
• Towel or rags

1. Set the tile saw up on a stand, large table, or other flat sturdy surface. Leave enough space to allow the pump and hose to hang over the edge.

2. Drop the hose and pump into the bucket of clean water. The hose should run unobstructed out of the bucket. Make sure the pump is covered with water at all times, being sure to add more water as needed. A 5-gallon bucket works best for extensive cutting jobs.

3. Most cutters come equipped with removable alignment tools. These simply lock into place and allow for an straight or angled cut. Place your tile on the moveable plate, making sure to align your measurement markings up with the saw blade. Be sure to move the plate away from the blade before turning on the machine.

4. Put on your safety goggles.

5. Check all plugs and connections before turning the saw on. Turn the saw on briefly to make sure water is running on the blade. DO NOT USE THE SAW IF WATER IS NOT RUNNING OVER THE BLADE! If all parts seem to be working properly, proceed to step 6.

6. Place the rubber plug in the water trough opening prior to using your tile cutter. Turn the saw on. Using low to moderate pressure, firmly guide the tile through the cut, being sure to hold your hands away from the blade. Turn the saw off after use. Unplug.

7. After finishing your cuts and making sure the machine is off and unplugged, remove the water hose and pump from the bucket. Move the end of the tile saw with the trough plug off the edge of the table. Place the bucket below and remove the stopper.

8. Rinse machine with clean water, being sure to clear all tile debris from the blade, water trough, tile plate, and any attachments.

Tips & Warnings

• Tile cutters come in various sizes, including 7", 10", and 24". Be sure to choose a cutter appropriately sized for your tiles.
• Be sure to allow 1/8" from all measurements for the blade thickness.
• It's best to use a wet tile saw in a large open space or outside. Wet cutting can get messy; be sure to have plenty of towels on hand for clean up.
• When cleaning the water trough, scrape all large pieces of tile into a trash bag before dumping the water into a drain.
• DO NOT USE THE TILE CUTTER IF WATER IS NOT RUNNING OVER THE BLADE!! This can lead to blade damage, tile damage, and most importantly, BODY DAMAGE. If water is not flowing, check to make sure the hose is unclogged & the water pump is completely covered with water. If the aforementioned are properly completed, unplug machine and consult a troubleshooter before reuse.