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A tile saw is a power tool used to cut
ceramic and other tiles with accuracy and a smoothly cut edge. Since
the material of a tile is characterized by its brittle nature,
conventional saws cannot be used to cut these items as the tile may
shatter, the cut may be jagged, or the tool may get overheated. The
tile saw enables the user to cut tiles into a specific shape and size
in order to fit them compactly into the designated spaces, either on
the floor or the wall of a room. Mostly, this tool is used to trim and
shape tiles that are to be placed near the periphery of the room, at a
corner, or around any protrusion from the wall, such as a switch box,
or a light socket. The tile saw can cut a variety of materials
including porcelain, ceramic, marble, and even granite. While commonly
used by carpenters, masons, plumbers and other building contractors,
this tool can also be used by non-professionals, and is a handy
implement to feature in the tool kit in any household.
Features and working of a tile saw
A tile saw consists of a circular blade that
performs the cutting action through its rotational motion. The movement
of the blade is powered by a motor that uses around 15 amps to generate
a blade speed of approximately 3000 to 6000 revolutions per minute
(rpm). The motor is sometimes fan-cooled. A self-lubricating pinion and
gear-box assembly keeps the motor smoothly functioning and reduces the
need of regular maintenance. The body of the saw is often made of
zinc-plated steel, designed to combine sturdiness with lighter weight.
The blade slices through the tile by grinding
a pathway through the material, chipping away tiny particles. During
operation, to reduce friction and also to prevent overheating of the
blade, often the tile saw is linked to an apparatus consisting of a
water tank, a pump, and a hose. When the tool is started and the
cutting process begins, water is sprayed from the hose along the
cutting line, throughout the duration of the cut. Single or dual water
nozzles can be adjusted to maintain correct aim and minimize off-target
spraying. Detachable water trays help to collect the sprayed water and
direct it back into the tank, thus preventing water wastage. The saws
that work under this ‘water bath’ are called wet tile saws, while the
remaining models that work under dry conditions are referred to as dry
tile saws.
Usually, for better performance, the tile saw
blades are slightly blunt and do not have a serrated edge. This is due
to the fact that a sharp blade is known not to cut ceramic well and a
toothed blade may shatter the tile. Thus, the circular blades used to
cut wood or metal would not be applicable for a tile saw. The edge of
the blade may be rendered with sand crystals or diamond, increasing the
cutting capability. A cantilevering rail/cart system allows the tile
saw to offer a rip capacity of around 24 inches and a diagonal cutting
capacity of approximately 18 inches. The cutting depth is around 3-1/4
inches. While the saw most often starts cutting the tile from the edge
inwards, the plunge feature allows the tool to start cutting from
within the tile itself, forming ‘pocket cuts’. The tile saw has an
intrinsic miter facility for making angled cuts. A 45 and 22.5 degree
bevel feature facilitates quicker angular sawing. A shaft lock allows
the blade to be changed safely and with minimal fuss. Depending on the
tile size, the user has the option of two cutting head positions. While
the most commonly used blade size is 10 inches, the variable cutting
head height feature, enables usage of smaller blades as well.
What to look for in a tile saw
The tool’s precision is further enhanced with
a linear guide bar that is often chrome plated. Even distribution of
water on both sides of the blade is ensured with a subsidiary water
distribution system built into the blade guard. A drain plug ensures
that excess water is drained out. A reinforced thermoplastic water
reservoir reflects durability. Some saws may be shipped with a foldable
stand to offer a rigid base when cutting.
As with any cutting tool, safety for the user
is paramount. Some saws have a safe switch that prevents the tool from
being started when the locking key is removed. Also, there is bound to
be a certain amount of dust being created when the saw is used. A
comprehensive dust management system will offer a clean environment for
the user and shield the internal components of the saw from dirt that
may clog the mechanism.
Some reputed manufacturers of tile saws include
DeWalt, McCulloch, MK Diamond, Porter-Cable, and TD Industrial.
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