If you’re looking for the best wet tile saw for home use, SKIL’s 7-inch wet tile saw is among the most affordable options. I was planning to renew my kitchen when I started looking at my old tile. It was outdated and chipped. This is the point when I decided to look for a tile saw online. All tile saw reviews state they needed the best tile cutter to look as good as in the pictures.
As a result, my research led me to SKIL’s wet tile saw. I’ve never used one before and it took a few hours of me reading its reviews to find its strengths and weaknesses as a complete novice in tile laying. Here’s what I found out.
How to Get Accurate Cuts with SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw?
I first tried the tile saw on a few pieces of old tile. I wasn’t sure what a quality cut looks like. But it’s what it sounds like. If you have chips on your cut, even towards the end, it’s not a clean cut. There were a few causes for this, at least in my mind.
At first, I thought I haven’t secured the pieces of tile properly. Then I’ve tried to push the blade harder. Still, I found most test pieces came out with chips. At this point, I installed a new diamond blade specifically made for porcelain and ceramics.
Needless to say, all the chips disappeared and my tile was finally perfect. I decided to take measurements in my kitchen and to start laying tile. When I got closer to walls I made all cuts with precision without any issues.
Splashing is Low
When I was researching tile cutting as a beginner, I found a YouTube video where water was splashing in the face of the user. It was long before I finally understood this is not representative of the best tile cutter. SKIL designed their cutter to shoot water down and not up in the face of the user.
I found it particularly helpful especially as I was expecting to have to make the cuts outdoors. I simply made all the cuts in the kitchen without having to carry the heavy tile across the house. Another issue I had was with the fence not aligning perfectly with the blade.
I simply removed it when I replaced the blade. Even so, I still managed to make clean cuts with no chips, which were considerable issues with my first cuts.
Skil 3550-02 Wet Tile Saw Pros & Cons
- The tile cutter can be used without previous cutting experience
- It works on most types of tile
- The tile cutter doesn’t shoot water in your face
- It needs a blade upgrade for clean cuts
Conclusion
SKIL’s wet tile cutter might not be the first option for professionals. It has a plastic body that is not suited for professional use. However, for home use, it does its job with precision. My only advice is to purchase a better blade for clean cuts.
