Tile Saw Help Needed

[havighurst]

I am looking to complete a small countertop using either granite or marble tiles. I am looking for an inexpensive tile saw that will cut both. I have been told by box store reps that some of the inexpensive (<$100) saws won't work. Since I don't really trust the advice I get from box stores, does anyone have any recommendations for a good tile saw? I would like to stay under $200 if possible.

[MikeMcCoy]

I haven't tried granite or marble but I have tried some 1" terrazo with one of those saws. It was all it could do to cut terrazo and slow going so I doubt it would work for that. I wound up using the saw to give the tiles a deep score and just broke them at the score. Hopefully someone will come along that has tried that.

[Stormbringer]

You could see if this guy is still available. I cut a bunch of granite 12X12's with it. No prob.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ght=husky+tile

Greg

[Cheeky]

this one was posted in the bargain forum not too long ago.http://tileyourworld.constructioncom...FLK0036JB.html
i think somebody mentioned cutting marble with it too. and for the price after rebate, you can probably sell it and make your money back after you're done.

[Tequila]

There's one at Lowes that I paid $88 for. I've used it to cut both granite and marble tiles with no problems.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...087&lpage=none

[Hellrazor]

I would consider renting one over owning one. How often do you see using it after this project?

[jziegler]

I got the cheapers tile saw from harbor freight (40315) and it has worked fine for cutting granite for me. I think I got it for about $40 when it was on sale and I had a 10 or 20% off coupon. At that price, I figured buying is cheaper than renting (since I knew I wouldn't get the whole project done at once). Cutting isn't fast, it's messy (I think they are all) and noisy. But, it works just fine.

Jim

[DaveStL]

Cutting Marble

I have one, and it worked fine for marble with the following caveat-- at least some types of marble are very water-soluble, so you have to work quickly. Use the fence where possible. Also, it's very difficult to cut a tight bevel, because the acute angle wants to chip off when it gets wet.

Also, be careful to dry it completely before storage, so it doesn't bind up.

Dave

[mpauly]

Marble and granite are pretty soft, but marble has grain that can cause problems when making certain cuts and can easily chip. The saw is likely not going to make a big difference, but the quality of the blade will. You don't mention what size tiles and what kinds of cuts you expect (diagonal, bevel, etc.).

I suggest the Felker TM-75 for $158 shipped (after rebate). I have one, works very well, has a decent stock blade, comes with some nice accessories (straight, bevel and angle fences). At that price, it's worth it me to buy over renting just so I can do it on my own time. You can also probably sell it for $100 when you're done.

Michael

[havighurst]

Thanks. I missed the deal at the Borg. It seems that the Felker is the best saw for the money right now. Thanks again.

[Andrew Benedetto]

The Felker is a better saw than the Husky at HD. I bought the HF copy of the MK101-24, "deepcut saw" that had shipping damage still waiting for the replacement. It looked well made, web/phone order only. 10" hi quality blades cut best for the same reasons as in WW. The more vibration from the tool the rougher the cut, so the Felker is good in that respect, but buy a good blade. Renting will cost more that saw is to buy for almost any job.