When dealing with tiles, it’s always important to choose the right cutting tool for the job. Wet saws or tile cutters might be the best cutting tools for nonprofessionals, you still have to choose which one suits your project better.
A tile Cutter is a manual tool that is adequate for softer tiles and easy to use while a wet saw is an electric machine that requires a little bit of experience.
Wet saws are made for larger and harder tiles, and if you’ve got a big project that requires cutting a large number of tiles.
To help you choose between a tile cutter vs a tile saw for your project, we’ll be taking a look at the best models for both saw types, how they differ, and what you need to look out for.
Tile Cutter vs Wet Saw Reviews
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. QEP 10630Q |  Top Tile Cutter |
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| 2. Mophorn Manual Tile Cutter 47- Inch |  |
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| 3. QEP 10900Q |  |
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| 4. D24000S Dewalt 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw With Stand |  Top Wet Saw |
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| 5. SKIL 3540-02 |  |
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| 6. Porter-Cable PCE980 |  |
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1. QEP 10630Q
This machine is packed with features suitable for smooth large tile scoring. Its cutting wheel is adjustable to four different heights that deliver effective snapping.
The chrome-plated dual rugged steel rails and the linear ball bearing slides are thought out features that contribute to the simple score and snap process too.
The high leverage bicycle grip handle guarantees effortless cutting while other features such as aluminum alloy base, heavy-duty rubber pads, and cutting table extensions supply additional stability for heavier tiles.
The QEP 10630Q is made with strong materials to guarantee its durability. Its dual steel rails are specifically chrome-plated which is rust resilient and its aluminum alloy base assures of a longer period of use because it doesn’t break or even chip while doing what it knows best – ripping tiles.
Specs
- 7/8” Titanium-Coated Tungsten-Carbide
- Adjustable Measurement Guide
- Weight – 18.2 pounds
Pros
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Long-lasting tile cutter
- Permit precision cutting
- Affordable
- Very high-quality cutting wheel
- Easy Clean – can be done with soap and water or compressed air
Cons
- Works with only ceramic and porcelain
Conclusion
This is simply the best value for money tile cutter out there so if you’re a professional or do-it-yourself homeowner, you’re bound to have this.
2. Mophorn Manual Tile Cutter 47- Inch
This rugged tool can rip through tiles of up to 47 inches in length with the help of an amazing infrared ray device that stops you from making unparalleled cuts while at it.
This is why it is recommended for precision. It is easy to use, thanks to the rubber grip handle. Like the Mophorn is known for, the materials used in making this too are of high quality and strong so it is durable.
Specs
- Alloy cutter wheel
- Infrared ray device
- Ergonomic rubber handle
Pros
- Precise cutting
- Easy to handle
- Durable
Cons
- Bulky
Conclusion
This rugged tool is just the answer to fun and easy cutting. Additionally, it can rip through almost all kinds of tiles. But as you know, nearly cannot kill a bird but it’s still a priceless addition to your tool store.
3. QEP 10900Q
Just like the QEP brand is known for strong, durable, and easy to use tools, the QEP 10900Q manually operated tile cutter is at the heart of it.
This tool comes with awesome features that can cut ceramic and porcelain tiles of up to 35 inches in length and 24 inches diagonally.
Moreover, this rugged tool offers a clean and precise output. The 7/8 inch titanium-coated tungsten-carbide cutting wheel ensures this for every cut.
Specs
- Wide aluminum alloy base
- 7/8 inches titanium-coated tungsten-carbide cutting wheel
- Ball-bearing slide
- Straight edge adjustable guide
Pros
- Durable
- Convenient to use
Cons
- Expensive
- Only cuts ceramic and porcelain
Conclusion
This model of tile cutter though it will cost you a little more brings high quality and precision cutting to the table. A must-have for professionals.
4. D24000S Dewalt 10-Inch Wet Tile Saw With Stand
Produced by one of the best-known brands in the industry, this power tool is considered by most as the lightest 10 inches wet tile saw in its category. It weighs 69 pounds, so it can be moved by just one person!
This rugged tool comes with breathtaking capacity that offers up to 25 inches rip cuts and 28 inches plunge cuts. It can also cut 18 inches by 18 inches tile diagonally.
This wet saw is famous for its superb water containment which allows for set up inside a home. The steel rails are made with stainless to withstand tough job site environments.
Specs
- 5 HP motor
- 69 lbs in weight
- 36 inches in length
- 120 voltage
- Stainless steel rollers and cutline indicator
- Aluminum frame
- Adjustable water feed pump
- Bevel capacity of 45 degrees
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Electric powered
- Adjustable water nozzles
Cons
- Expensive
- Not for an inexperienced user
- Noisy
Conclusion
It is an electric-powered tool that offers more power for bigger and tougher jobs. Though it’s quite expensive, it is worth every penny spent on it by professionals.
Ratings – 4.7/5
5. SKIL 3540-02
This is the ideal power tool for those on a budget. It comes with a 7″ diamond blade and adjustable miter gauge. its innovative hydro lock water containment system makes it easier to keep water contained near the table which is ideal for precision cutting.
Specs
- Hydro lock water containment system
- 7 inches diamond blade
- Aluminum tabletop
- Bevel capacity of 45 degrees
- 24 lbs in weight
Pros
- Portable
- A very good water containment system
- Great value for money
Cons
- Difficulty in removing the water
- Not so easy to set the rip fence
- Splash guard gets dirty quickly
Conclusion
This power tool is perfect for DIY homeowners that are looking for a not-so-expensive machine that can still get the job done. You can do no wrong in picking this tool.
6. Porter-Cable PCE980
This is arguably the best value for money wet tile saw in the market. For what it offers and the price, its a no-brainer in buying this. Its 1 horsepower motor provides enough strength to the 7″ diamond blade to rip through ceramic tiles without a sweat.
Specs
- 7 inches diamond blade
- Stainless steel rail
- 32 lbs in weight
- 1 HP
- Miter cuts and plunge cuts
- Splash guard
Pros
- Lightweight
- Roll cage for protection of the cutting cart
- Easy to use
Cons
- Slow in cutting porcelain tiles
- Not ideal for professional use
Conclusions
This powerful tool for the value it provides for its price makes it hard to ignore for any serious homeowner that likes getting things done clean and quick.
Ratings – 4.5/5
Tile Cutter Vs Wet Saw: What’s The Difference?
While both the tile cutter and wet saw can be used to cut tiles, it is very important to note the differences between them so you can make an informed decision when hitting the market.
The major differences are…
- Wet saw relies on electric power while tile saw uses human power
- Wet saws are most ideal for large projects than the tile saw because they can cut harder tiles
- Tile cutters are cheaper than the wet saw
- Tile cutters can only cut straight while wet saws can cut both straight and curved
- Wet cutters use diamond blade so they can cut any kind of tile
Tile Cutter In A Nutshell
Pros
- Easy to use with little or no experience
- They are cheap
- Tile cutters are more suitable for smaller projects
Cons
- Not ideal for large projects
- The tiles they can cut are limited
- Tile cutters can’t make a curved tile
Wet Saws In A Nutshell
Pros
- They are more powerful so ideal for larger projects
- Their cuts are extremely straight and neat
- They can cut ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles due to its diamond blade
Cons
- Wet saws don’t come cheap
- Ideal for only experienced users
- Uses electricity so it cant be used everywhere
Tile Cutter Vs Tile Saw: Making The Choice
Choosing which tool to purchase between is simply down to purpose and affordability. They both have comparative advantages over the other.
Consider your needs and then make a decision. Both categories will certainly give you a value’s worth.
Final Thoughts
To guarantee you make a good choice, we’ve given you an in-depth comparison between a manual tile cutter vs a wet saw. The well thought out advantages and disadvantages will also guide you in this process.
The two variants have its drawbacks and strength which we’ve provided you. Bear them in mind and make that decision of which to go for.
We would definitely recommend getting a wet saw if you’re going to be working one tile projects for an extended period. It simply makes the most sense.
And the Dewalt D24000S Wet Tile Saw is a great saw to have in your arsenal. It’s powerful and efficient and will make short work of the tiles you need to cut.
