Tile Saws

About Tile Saws

Tile saws are specialised power tools designed to cut through ceramic tiles, porcelain, natural stone, and other hard tiling materials with precision and speed. Using diamond-edged cutting discs rotating at high speeds, these professional cutting tools deliver clean, accurate cuts that manual tile cutters simply cannot achieve. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of tile saws from trusted manufacturers including DeWalt, Makita, Vitrex, Sealey, and Einhell, covering everything from compact cordless models to heavy-duty wet bridge saws.

The tile saw range includes portable handheld cutters for quick on-site work, bench-mounted wet tile saws for workshop use, and professional bridge saws for large format tiles. Many models feature integrated water-cooling systems that prevent blade overheating, suppress dust, and extend blade life considerably. Whether you're a professional tiler working on commercial installations or a DIY enthusiast tackling a bathroom renovation, MyToolShed.co.uk offers tile saws to match every application and budget, with options for both mains-powered 240v and cordless 12v-18v operation.

Applications

Tile saws are essential equipment for a wide range of trades and applications:

• Professional Tilers: Daily cutting of ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone for residential and commercial projects
• Bathroom Fitters: Precision cuts around sanitaryware, pipes, and fixtures
• Kitchen Installers: Accurate cutting for splashbacks, worktop upstands, and feature walls
• Builders and General Contractors: Versatile tiling work across renovation and new build projects
• Landscape Gardeners: Cutting paving slabs, outdoor tiles, and natural stone for patios and pathways
• Flooring Specialists: Large-scale floor tiling requiring consistent, accurate cuts
• Property Maintenance Teams: Repair work and small-scale tiling across multiple properties
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects including bathroom and kitchen refurbishments

Choosing The Right Tile Saws

Power Source: Mains-powered 240v models provide consistent performance for extended cutting sessions, typically ranging from 600W to 1,200W. Cordless tile saws like the Makita 12v or Einhell 18v models offer superior portability for site work without trailing cables.

Cutting Capacity: Consider the maximum tile size you'll handle. Portable cutters typically accommodate tiles up to 400mm, whilst professional bridge saws like the Vitrex TC620 handle 600mm or larger. Check cutting depth capabilities for thicker materials.

Wet or Dry Cutting: Wet tile saws produce cleaner cuts with minimal dust and are essential for porcelain and natural stone. They significantly extend blade life and provide healthier working conditions. Dry-cutting models suit quick outdoor jobs where water supply is limited.

Portability Requirements: Benchtop models with folding stands, such as those paired with the DeWalt DE7450 leg stand, offer excellent stability whilst remaining transportable. Handheld tile saws provide ultimate portability for cutting tiles already fixed in position.

Build Quality: Professional-grade saws from DeWalt and Makita feature robust construction designed for daily trade use. Budget-friendly options from Vitrex and Sealey suit occasional DIY work whilst maintaining essential safety standards.

Safety Information

Always wear safety goggles or a face shield to protect against flying tile fragments and water spray. Hearing protection is essential as tile saws generate noise levels exceeding 85dB. For dry-cutting applications, wear a minimum FFP2 respirator to prevent inhalation of crystalline silica dust, which poses serious long-term health risks according to HSE guidance.

Ensure electrical safety by using RCD protection (30mA) with mains-powered equipment, particularly when working outdoors or in wet conditions. Keep water reservoirs separate from electrical components on wet tile saws. Always allow blades to reach full speed before cutting and stop completely before making adjustments. Regularly inspect diamond blades for damage and replace according to manufacturer recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a wet tile saw and a dry tile cutter?

Wet tile saws use continuous water cooling to produce virtually dust-free cuts with superior edge quality, extending blade life considerably. They're essential for porcelain and natural stone. Dry tile cutters are more portable but generate significant dust and experience faster blade wear. Wet saws are the professional choice for quality work and health considerations.

Can cordless tile saws handle professional work?

Modern 18v cordless tile saws offer impressive performance for site work and cutting standard ceramic and porcelain tiles. However, for all-day cutting of large format tiles or thick natural stone, mains-powered 240v wet saws provide superior consistent power and unlimited runtime. Many professionals at MyToolShed.co.uk use both types depending on the application.

How often should I replace diamond blades?

Blade life depends on material hardness and cutting frequency. Professional tilers cutting porcelain daily might replace blades every few weeks, whilst DIY users may get years of service. Replace blades when you notice increased cutting time, burn marks on tiles, excessive vibration, or chipping along cut edges. Always inspect blades before use.