Wet tile saws are a must-have instrument for experts when it comes to cutting tiles to the exact size that is required.
Submersible water pumps, which draw water from a tray or reservoir and spray it over the diamond-coated blade, are included in nearly all variants.
Our focus in this essay is on two of SKIL’s best-rated wet tile saws: the 3540-02 Wet Tile Saw and the 3550-02 Wet Tile Saw.
Both of these wet tile saw models are excellent alternatives for do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professionals alike due to their lightweight build, ease of use, and inclusion of all the capabilities required for basic home projects and professional jobs.
Let’s get this party started right away. To begin, I’d want to introduce you to SKIL and discuss why the brand is so popular.
Michel Electric Handsaw Co. was created in 1924 by two of the company’s proprietors, Joseph Sullivan and Edmond Michel.
When Edmond Michel resigned from the company in 1926, the name was changed to “SKIL.” SKIL is a well-known maker of the type of industrial saw I am about to discuss.
SKIL designed the first circular saw in the world, the Model 77, which is still produced today.
They continue to manufacture a range of high-quality products, such as tackers, cordless power tools, sealant guns, mixers, and belt sanders.
SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw Review
This is clearly a wet tile saw, which means the blades are diamond-coated, as the name says.
The saw is corded, and it weights a total of 17.7 pounds with the blade. It is capable of supporting tiles with a maximum length of 1212 inches.
It has a 7-inch cutting blade and can cut tiles at angles ranging from 0 to 45 degrees, depending on the material being cut.
The adjustable rip fence, when used in conjunction with the miter gauge, ensures that measurements and cuts are correct.
Not only does it assist in cooling down the blade when it becomes hot, but it also assists in the removal of dust and debris while the saw is in operation, making it an especially amazing feature.
When it comes to raw power, the SKIL 3540 is up to the challenge.
This saw is only rated for 120V alternating current, has a maximum amperage of 4.2 amps, and rotates at a pace of 3600 revolutions per minute while not in use, among other limitations.
This engine is capable of cutting through a wide variety of materials, including brick, stone, and others.
In the case of a new saw, you want to be sure that it will last for many years to come, which is why it is so important to conduct your research before making a purchase.
Because of the use of a stainless steel table, which is extremely sturdy and resistant to rust and corrosion, I believe this saw will last for many years in its current configuration.
An adjustable rip fence lets you to precisely fit the tile, resulting in a clean cut that does not require any further movement.
Using the miter gauge that comes with this saw, you can take precise measurements and cut at precise angles.
As you’re no doubt aware, even if you’re an inch off when cutting tile, it won’t fit perfectly, so you’ll appreciate the fact that these two advantages are available.
This function gives you the ability to cut objects in a variety of ways. The blade of this tile saw is diamond-coated, which allows it to cut through wet tile with relative ease.
Take it from me when I say that this particular blade will not let you down. Because it is a wet tile saw, it must come with a water reservoir.
The water reservoir will aid you in keeping the blade cool while you are using it. Even better, while you’re working on your job, it will wash and remove the trash away.
This saw, as previously said, is fitted with a 7-inch Diamond Blade, which enables for smooth and quick cutting on any occasion.
A miter gauge and an adjustable rip fence are provided, allowing you to make perfect miter and straight cuts every time.
Yes, this saw is rust-free. The top of the table is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, which is a unique mix.
It can also support tiles with a maximum dimension of 1212 inches. This aw also lets you to make bevel cuts at any angle between 0 and 45 degrees.
This saw comes with a variety of important accessories, such as Carbide circular saw blades, that will help to increase the machine’s performance.
Benefits
- The cost is fairly reasonable – far less than the expense of engaging a professional to execute the operation.
- The saw is versatile and appropriate for small-sized tiles due to the diamond blade. It is capable of cutting through virtually every form of residential tile as well as various sizes of natural stone.
- It includes a three-year warranty if registered within one month of purchase.
The drawbacks
- Due to its low price, you should not anticipate it to have all of the features found on higher-quality saws.
- It’s a tad on the small side in comparison to some of the other wet tile saws now available. However, this is not a major issue.
SKIL 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw Review
If you’re searching for a low-cost tile saw that doesn’t sacrifice on quality, this is a great choice.
This one is little lighter than the last one, weighing in at roughly 29lbs. Do not, however, be fooled by its immensity.
Instead, this behemoth can easily handle tiles up to 18inch by 18inch. In addition, the saw has a movable side extension that aids in the cutting of the tiles.
The metal tabletop, which is not only rust-resistant but also extremely sturdy, was a big hit with us.
This saw has a 7-inch diamond blade with a continuous rim. When utilising this blade, you can expect accurate and efficient cuts.
This saw also has the well-known Hydro Lock System, which reduces water splashing. As a consequence, there will be less messes in the room you’re working on.
There is enough space on the tables to arrange the tiles for cutting and to measure the exact sizes once they have been cut with the blade.
A rip fence equipped with an adjustable miter gauge enables accurate, straight, and miter cuts.
This guy can easily cut bevel cuts at angles of 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, and 45 degrees. In other words, this saw is quite versatile.
This model features a 7-inch blade as well, but it is driven by a 7.0-amp motor that spins the blade at a maximum speed of 3,600 RPM.
While it appears that the 3550-02 requires more energy to accomplish the same speed as the 3540-02, there is more to it.
While the speed delivery is the same, this model’s beefier engine offers more consistent cutting speeds on a range of materials, including granite and stone.
This model’s table, on the other hand, has three bevel stops: 0°, 22.5°, and 45°.
As previously stated, for odd floor designs, a common angle for bevel cuts in tiles is half of 45°. The 3550-02 has a larger table that also stretches outwards.
When fully extended, this model can accept tiles up to 18 18 inches in length on the table and pushes them toward the blade.
The 3550-02 is distinguished from the 3540-02 by the presence of SILK’s proprietary Hydro Lock water guard, which prevents water from splashing below and above the table.
Although it makes little difference in keeping the blade “extra” wet and cold, it makes a significant difference in keeping your environment free of unwanted water splashes.
This model is somewhat heavier than the previous model – around 24 pounds (dry weight), but the additional protection (Hydro Lock technology) stops it from leaking water all over your costly floor and desk.
The extra weight is mostly due to the longer table, which allows the equipment to cut through larger tiles.
In addition, I’d want to include the anti-splash method, which I feel is beneficial.
Wet tile saws are becoming increasingly popular, and RIDGID is the only brand that can deliver on that promise without creating a puddle.
When using the saw, there is just a small amount of water that escapes.
In fact, I don’t believe you would have any difficulties utilizing it in the space where you are now working.
Remember to place a drop cloth below it to collect any drips that do manage to escape – this will make cleanup much easier as well.
While the 3550-02 is necessary for cutting larger tiles up to 18 by 18, the 3540-02 is only capable of cutting tiles up to 12 by 12.
Although the SKIL 3550-02 costs a few dollars more than the SKIL 3550-01, I believe it will be well worth it.
It costs roughly $300 and has additional features that will make tile cutting much simpler.
Advantages
- Low in weight
- Highly portable and simple to travel
- For a wet tile saw, this is quite clean.
- 6.5-amp motor that can cut through grade 4 porcelain tile
The disadvantages
- Because this saw lacks a movable table, it will have certain limits.
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