Tiling Saw Preference -which one?

foiler

I have a small tiling job to do. Small to most, big to me but I do need a saw to make a few cuts. I have a choice between an MK Diamond 170 or a Ridgid R4020. Both are entry level wet tile saws in the $200 range. I'm not a professional. This saw will be used for single projects and not used every day or to make a living with. Thats for the pro's here that will say their both crap and not worth the money. I just need to make a few straight cuts and a couple of 45's to picture frame some 1" pencil tiles around a small tile mural. This is what I can afford and thought either would do the job. Hoping that someone here has had experience with either of these saws and is willing to state a preference.

joecaption

Both will work, but for that small a job I'd just buy a small table saw type model.

foiler

I believe both of these are small table top, portable saws. I did see a couple of cheaper ones under $100. The construction on them where quite flimsy and the power very low, about 1/3 hp or less. I'd be afraid to get them wet. They might dissolve.

NewHomeDIYGuy

I have a cheap Ryobi I think. It didn't come with a stand and uses the hose/water pressure to spray water (rather than a pump that nicely recirculates the water). It's a bit messier and I'd have liked a nicer one, but couldn't justify the cost considering I'm only using it for a few jobs around the house. As long as it has a sliding fence, you should be fine imo. Even the cheapest wet saw will do better than an angle grinder or scoring tile cutter imo.

CoconutPete

I have the $100 one. My dad bought it when we tiled their condo. We did a bathroom, small kitchen and a 14' x 15' hallway all with 12x12 tile - a decent amount of cuts. The saw held up fine.

My wife and I Just finished the backsplash in our kitchen last weekend - used the same saw. I did have to spring for a new blade, but the saw did the job and I made a pretty good amount of cuts since I used 3" x 6" subway tile.

Next spring I'll redo our 1/2 bath and use the saw again - I think it'll be fine for that project also. Beyond that ... not so sure.

For the record, I used it 2 days for each job, and at the end of each day I hosed it off with a garden hose and let it dry overnight - no problems.

If you are just doing a few weekend jobs I wouldn't worry about it.

MANGINA

I bought a cheap ($89) Husky wet table saw from Home depot about 6 years ago.

I've done ~400 sq ft in my condo, another 100 sq ft in my house (cutting 12X12 slate into subway tile), and just finished my 3rd bathroom in my second house. For a diy'er I don't think you need to spend much.

I replaced the blade before starting my 3rd bathroom and it almost cost as much as my entire saw LOL.

DannyT

if you only need to do a few cuts just rent one

mikeyp78

I just bought a Ryobi at H.D. for about $90. Tabletop - came with 7" blade, knee pads, trowel, sponge, float. I just redid the floor to my bathroom with it. Did a nice job.