A Table Saw for Wood & Tile?

[dave12]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a Tile Cutter, and while the usual ones I see in B&Q etc would do the Job, I kinda begrudge forking out all that money for a Power tool I will seldom use.

However, if I could buy a Table saw (which I would use) then is it possible to buy "diamond Tip" Blades for this in order to cut Tiles?

I appreciate, that it wouldn't be a wet saw, but am unsure if that is necessary?

If so, could you suggest any such Tablesaw?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I should also note, that I am merely a DIYER and so am unlikely to need industrial standard kit.

Cheers

Dave

 

[r896neo]

Frankly without going into mega bucks for an overhead type tile cutters are rubbish, in my view anyway.

A 5 inch grinder and good quality tile blade is much more value.

 

[dave12]

Ive never really looked at an "Overhead type" Tile Cutter before. But was looking at this type

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/etc180-500w-electric-tile-cutter-230v

This looks just the same as a Tablesaw for wood. So was wandering if you could get one with interchangeable blades?

The Grinder idea seems like a good one, although am unsure how clean a cut you would get when doing Wall tiles?

Thanks for your suggestion

 

[Burnerman]

A tile saw needs a water cooled blade, with a sealed motor. The blades are relatively small in diameter and are thin.
A table saw for timber doesn't have this facility and uses a much more powerful motor anyway for the work it has to do.
Two machines needed, I feel!
John

 

[r896neo]

Honestly i can tell you from experience a grinder and good blade is quicker and more versatile, you can cut holes for pipes and curves that you just can't with a table top type cutter.

If you are only ever laying thin small ceramics then the cutter will be ok but for tiles of any size (larger than 300mm) or any thick tile like natural stone ones at 15mm the cuttter will be crap

 

[Richard C]

A wet diamond wheel cutter really is necessary for cutting tiles especially porcelain &, as stated, must have a sealed motor. I disagree with r896neo that an angle grinder with a tile blade would be better than a decent budget wet tile cutter; a useful & versatile addition yes but you will never cut a decent straight edge on a tile with one & forget about bevelling; although someone has now developed an grinder attachment but I’m not convinced. A decent budget tile cutter will certainly be good enough for a few DIY make over’s, I have one permanently set at 45 degrees which I use for bevelling tiles & I've cut 600mm granite tiles on it in the past without any problems. Its now 7 years old now & still cuts perfectly although it’s no longer used as heavily used as my main tile cutter; the trick is to use decent blades, don't rush the cut & replace the blade as soon as it shows signs of wear.

 

[dave12]

Looks like a tile cutter it is then! Nevermind it was worth the thought.

Thanks for all your suggestions, its much appreciated!

Dave