How to cut Porcelain Tile using a Wet Saw

[@jacklabloom635]

This is a really good video. I purchased a wet Saw from Harbor Freight for a remodel using 24 x 24 by 0.4 inch porcelain tiles. The saw from Harbor Freight does not come with a blade. I purchased a really good diamond blade and the saw worked great. I also purchased an angle grinder and a diamond blade to do the circular cutouts for toilets. I purchased a floor leveling system, which makes the job much easier. My previous experience with tiling had been limited to tiling one small bathroom floor sixteen years earlier using 12 by 12 ceramic tiles. By watching videos and doing research on how to cut tiles, how to use a floor leveling system, and how to mix and apply thin set, how to mix and apply grout, I was able to tile a laundry room and three bathrooms, totaling over five hundred square feet. I used a double suction cup gripper and wore rubber gloves to handle the tiles, because they were really heavy. By watching videos like this one and others, a home owner can learn how to properly tile a room. I probably watched a total of twenty videos, before I decided to do the job myself. Proper floor prep is a must. I used Hardy Backer over a new Advantech subfloor. I paid over $2600.00 for the equipment and materials used to do the job. I saved thousands in labor cost. The reason I decided to do the job myself was because the tile guy wanted to start in the back corner of each room and work his way out to the door. This would have resulted in cut tiles at the entrance of each room. My wife wanted him to put full tiles at the entrances and work toward the back corner. To do it that way he was going to double or triple the labor charge, depending on the room. I did the job myself, exactly like my wife wanted it done. I had no sliver cuts or narrow tiles. The rooms came out looking great. The floors are perfectly level. I used 8 and 4 foot metal levels to check my floors before, during, and after tiling. I purchased a ninety degree floor laser that helped in marking the floor and keeping my initial lines straight. Once I got the first three tiles down in each room, the floor leveling system kept everything else perfectly squared up. My tiles were perfect squares, no imperfections in sizing. Working from the entrance back toward the rear corner required more days to do the job. Some days I could only lay six tiles, some days twelve, etc. depending on the room. I used thin set specified for large format tiles and learned to only mix 1/2 bag at a time. Working by myself I was too slow to do use a whole bag before it started getting stiff. I hope this helps some of you who are trying to decide whether or not you can attempt tiling yourself. Research and watch videos before you start. It is not rocket science, but it must be done correctly to hold up over time. Large tiles need to be back buttered. You need the right trowel and tools for the job. If I can do it at my age, I imagine most people can learn to do it.

[@Invasion1963]

Thanks. It's so selfless and kind of you to help others in need. God bless YOU.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

TY!

[@darcystoen6207]

I want to thank you for this video. I am about to do my first tile project and was a little weary of using a wet saw. Viewing this video gave me a better feeling of using it. Thank you again.

[@seanshaw436]

Having tools and knowing how to use them properly goes hand in hand. It was a bit intimidating until I saw your video. And your tips golden. Thank you.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad I could help!

[@mikehubert2512]

Great Video, I have cut tiles using a $50.00 saw and now after watching you I learned so much and now see how a better saw makes the job easier. Keep of the videos I learned a lot.

[@mercury90hp]

Very nice video. Nice to see someone who is concise and to the point with good information. so many videos out there with 20 min of blah blah blah before they get to the point.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

It is a great saw and very easy to move around. I haven't had a saw that was this convenient to set up and take down. The water bin is also a very nice feature! They do have another saw that is more heavy duty, but I really wanted to test something that was more of a DIY'er type saw. I am very impressed with this saw. I have a link on my site for this saw and it has the stand included.

[@SharpBlockSoft]

thank you for taking your time to make this video. i just bought this saw and your video was a good demo,

[@fashionpins5241]

Terrific video instruction on how to use the wet saw. Thanks to you I can now go ahead and use my wet saw with confidence

[@michaelthompson4860]

Very well dimonstrated.. I see how easy it is to do, when you have the proper tools . Thanks again.

[@jyoung1894]

You are a great educator! Even for a total novice~your explanations are very clear! I have a low end square base wet saw from Lowe's like a little table saw...so I'm gonna have to figure out how to make that outlet cut in the middle of a 12"x12" porcelain tile...I'm gonna try~very slowly...without having to borrow an angle grinder...

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

jyoung Thanks and I'm sure you will figure it out!

[@mykhelderian]

You are a great teacher. Thanks for taking the time to show us how it is done.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Michael Lofrano Thank you!!

[@OriginalNameNick]

Your speed square tip is amazing! Thank you so much! I learned a great deal from this video.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackmaurice7596]

Exceptional video! Thanks for taking the time to create and post this. I found it very informative and valuable!!!

[@paulturner9995]

Thank you so much for the tips on cutting do you have anything on tiling showers

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Yes I do! Start with this-kzbin.info/www/bejne/f17Hqqmqn6-FaM0

[@tyler560]

I noticed the tile looks jaggid along the cut. Does grout cover that ? Or do you sand it off ?

[@princethewondercat]

Very good explanation / demonstration , you made it look simple,

[@jdt8826]

Awesome video. Is it more difficult to cut outdoor porcelain tile being that is 3/4” thick and brittle? Thanks

[@davidmichael2851]

Great demonstration video for the uninitiated! I'm sure you have experience but you made it look so easy!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

+David Michael thanks!

[@lylekaleb]

i know this is years later since u uploaded this but try this when cutting with the wet saw, try a tape you can get wet and cut with it on , reduces chips a lot especially on porcelain tiles. thought i would share that .i like the videos keep up the good work

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Great tip

[@susanmaryredinger6481]

Great video - learned a lot, and loved the tips for cutting the plate cover hole out.

[@soltisolti]

Great demo, good to see how to cut an insert

[@dreamchaser0250]

Great video! I was checking because I've always used ceramic but now want the pattern in porcelain. I'm female and love to tile!! At the site that sells the porcelain tiles they suggested a professional? I think I can handle this! Thanks

[@WmRios]

dreamchaser0250 , Let me know when you want to work, l have plenty of money to give to you for doing woman eye detailed work :•)

[@terihill7984]

so very helpful for this DIY beginner! Thank you.

[@DouglasBoldt]

Good stuff. Very informative and full of facts with no fluff. Thanks for sharing.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Douglas Boldt Thanks very much for your comment!

[@josesantoscampos3462]

I'll be watching it later but had to stop to tell you about a backsplash tiles that kept on breacking ( outlets) had one ready while cutting one other came back and puff it not only brouqe it exploded in two about an inch apart ( am thinking it had to be the hot garage and cool kitchen ) ?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

That could be. Are you using ceramic? and what type of adhesive/ thinset are you using?

[@405TunerZ]

This is a good tile saw. I've used it on two jobs. The thing I like is how easy it is to load and unload when you buy it with the stand that have wheels.

[@curadebtreview]

Great Stuff. Thanks for taking the time to shoot the video

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Your welcome Marc!

[@milgrade2593]

Thank you, learned something new from watch your video.

[@TheXSimulated]

Hi thanks for the helpful video! Is there any way to stop the edges from chipping or being jagged?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

+Henry Tran Henry, if the chips are severe than your bladed is bad. There is always some minor chipping depending on the tile, but again if it's severe the blade is bad. You can clean those chips up using a dressing stone. A knife sharpening stone will work too. Just rub it on the cut edge of the tile until the chips are gone.

[@WmRios]

SoThatsHowYouDoThat , A guy was flagged on 3 LFT in the shower . They were exactly from using dull diamond blade. Result?? His boss could not get paid on that otherwise plumb and level shower install, until the X out tiles were redone. Makes no sense to turn in work that won’t pass inspection. You have done nothing for your Boss or your reputation. I watch videos, l read the commentary and l learn more about the video maker’s life attitude towards D.I.Y’s or professional tradesman. I commend you for your tutorials, and more importantly for your responses to your visitors.

[@tomatexelon]

Thanks for saying that part about keeping it dry, I didn’t know that. I thought you were going to say that it would help the thin set stick better. Also I borrowed my friends wetsaw like this and before I start my project, I wonder if I should buy a new blade from Home Depot. How would I know his blade is still any good?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You can share a pic with me on my facebook page, there is a link in the description.

[@simonngeth]

Thanks , I learn a lot from you , but what when you cut a tile with a brand new tile saw and the tile chip after the cut ? What is the best way to fix ?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Simon Ngeth You can use a sharpening stone to smooth the edge down

[@simonngeth]

Ok , let me ask something , what is the most difficult and complicated to cut tile ?

[@dreamchaser0250]

I do have a question, I"m concerned the floor may be slightly uneven in spots, without leveling, would a thicker mortar work, just apply less in higher areas?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

+dreamchaser0250 Check out my website where i have 4 videos that will show you how to easily flatten walls and floors. If you sign up for my free Project Planner a link to the videos will be sent to you.

[@dreamchaser0250]

Will do thank you!

[@KeithGreenshields]

Thanks, good tutorial!

[@RsJaneP]

You always post helpful videos, thank you! Btw, you may have already heard that you resemble David Harbour who plays Hopper in Stranger Things, especially currently sans hair. :-)

[@drippingsprings1]

Very informative video. I am using an old tile saw I am borrowing from a friend. I am knew to using a tile saw. The water won't come on. Water pump runs, I checked for clogs, but the water just won't move through the hose to the tile. Can I use the tile saw without the water? I don't mind buying a new saw if needed.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Anca Neagu Sounds like the pump is shot and this can be replaced seperately.. Home Depot or lowes might even have it or check online at contactors direct dot com

[@sharisses6342]

Thank you for the great, simple tutorial.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You are welcome! thanks for the comment!

[@Invasion1963]

Hi. Love your site. If you see this I have a question I hope you will answer: Can I cut 1/4 inch off the edge of a Porcelain tile?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Yes, just go slow.

[@ernestroger3326]

Question . I plan on tiling my bathroom wall and floor. Which should i do first ?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Depends. Are you going to try to keep a consistent pattern between the two? Are you talking about a shower?

[@frigfrug]

Good job sir, thanks for sharing.

[@tsogrady200]

When cutting the outlet hole, why didn't you cut the last bit of the short sides from the front of the tile? You cut it all from the back and then tapped it, but it left bits in the corner? Nice video. Thx

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Honestly the corner is going to clear the outlet and that little chunk isn't going to be a problem.

[@hairyscotman]

have a question....I have thick trim pieces for borders....are wet saws good for that? any helpful hints?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

hairyscotman yes that is what I use when cutting things like this. You will get the best results. If you don't have access to one use a grinder with a diamond blade and cut sloooowwww, this will give you the best result.

[@tom729cat]

You're an awesome through teacher. Thanks

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Tom Goldcamp thank you!

[@fh3486]

please tell me where do I add the water to. the saw? do I put water in the the tray? or the tube?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

+Jim Hunt The water goes in the tray of most saws and then you set the pump into the water in the tray.

[@fh3486]

Thanks

[@joseloya8237]

Great video, thank you!

[@FrostElement]

Fantastic. I’ll have to rent one of these

[@joshshappard]

great Demo!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

+Joshua Shappard Thank you Joshua!

[@emerra100]

Do you think this sort of saw would also cut rock slabs?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Megan Kean Yes but if you are a pro then get yourself a better saw. This saw has lasted me 3 years but is ready for retirement.

[@jamescc2010]

Will it cut mosaic tiles neatly?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Yes! I always try to cover the mosaics with plastic so the mesh on the back does not get soaked.

[@gilberygaytan6952]

great video bro!👍

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thanks!

[@olopez5859]

When I cut with my wet saw the edges are kind of rough they're have tiny chips on edges any suggestions?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Watch this-kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYDRgWWIgN9moas

[@tommy55493]

Good Sh!t, Thanks for making the video. I feel way more comfortable giving it a try now.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Your welcome Tommy. Yes, you can do it!

[@marcusvimelo]

Great video

[@lisakelley9451]

Great video! I am laying porcelain tile our home, so we bought a wet saw. You're so right about "you may want to purchase one" -- after getting some contractor bids for simply a modest bedroom (let alone the rest of the house) we were able to purchase a really nice 10" saw, an extra blade, and an extended warranty for less than the best contractor bid. Oh, yeah. So now this DIY grandma is learning to use it! My question: Building off the "L" cut which you demonstrated... is it possible to do a "C" cut? At a doorway from a hall into a bedroom -- after cutting out for the 4" wall, I have approximately a 1" x 2" tab on the bedroom side. Would it be better to just L-cut the tile and then piece that small section (it will be mostly under baseboard anyway), or is a "C" cut possible in this situation? I'm using 12" porcelain. Thanks so much!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Is it a plunge saw? Meaning can the saw move up and down to cut.

[@lisakelley9451]

@@sothatshowyoudothat Thanks for responding... yes, it will do plunge, miters... pretty much the works.

[@blen420]

Thanks for the video. It helped.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

No problem! Thx.

[@mytube2u]

This helped me a-lot, Thank you,

[@jodiebaczkowski517]

First time tiling, thanks for the confidence to at least try this on my own!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You can do it Jodie. Thanks for the post!

[@Lonewolf4641]

Great video!

[@TheBiggervern]

Thanks for the helpful advice

[@deannesbit2647]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Dean Nesbit Thanks

[@JillB723]

Hi, these are great videos. How do I sign for your Project Planner?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

+Jill PB Go to my website sothatshowyoudothat and there are many places to sign up for it. I also winclude 4 videos on prepping walls and floors to get them flat.

[@Black-gr5oq]

what can I cut a glazed porcelain tile with

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

????

[@mikerosser2361]

Good stuff. Thanks!

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you Mike!

[@rum51]

Nice, found out lots, thanks

[@ernestroger3326]

Not the shower . Just walls and floors . . Walls with 6*6 tile , Deco strip and bullnose. Floor tile , 12*12 a shade darker than the wall tile . I feel like I should do the floor first and work the wall up from the floor leaving a grout gap 3/16 where they meet at the floor . Not sure what to do .

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

+Ernest Roger there is no right or wrong way it is mostly preference. The cons are that the floor could be unlevel and uneven make the bottom row a little bit of a pain to cut to it and just making a mess on the floor while installing the wall. Both of those can be fought through easy enough. Are you a member of tile university? Check it out if you are not there is a link below or you can find it on my website.

[@ernestroger3326]

Thanks I will look at you site . Keep up the helpful work .

[@samuelsanchez6180]

Great video! How long does the blade last. When would I know it needs to be replace?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

When it starts to chip the tile and if you feel that you have to force the tile through the saw. I usually get a year out of a blade!

[@PatrickCFletcher]

SoThatsHowYouDoThat I am borrowing a small tile saw to cut 12x24 porcelain tiles and replaced the blade before starting work. On my first cut, the new blade was chipping the edge of my straight cut significantly. Any ideas on how to prevent this? Does the blade need to be "broken in"?

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Patrick FletcherIs the water working?? Not sure what type of blade you are using but that should not happen. There is always a little chipping possible depending on the tile, but a brand new blade should not chip it. Check also to be sure the blade was mounted the correct way and that it is not bent.

[@PatrickCFletcher]

SoThatsHowYouDoThat The bottom water reservoir is definitely filled and the blade was mounted correctly. I am going to try covering the cut area on the tile with waterproof tape, which was a suggestion I found in another video. Thanks for your reply.

[@danharr8408]

thanks for the tiips

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

You are welcome

[@JimDuncan9]

How do I cut an 18" Porcelain tile on the diagonal? Seems all the wet saws are unable to handle a tad over 25" unless I spend big bucks. Trying to stay reasonable on the price of a saw.....

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

JimDuncan9 there are cutters that will fit tghat size tile. You could use a grinder which is slow and dusty. Or just put a few tiles on the tray so your tile can clear the fence. Then you can cut the tile as far as the saw will let you and then flip the tile around and cut it the rest of the way. Draw the cut line on the tile to help guide you.

[@bobbg9041]

The small square tile cutting saws suck, most of them have poor at best blades they chip the edge of this type of tile and from what I've read glass tiles also. I also had one destroy marble tiles trying to cut it. the saws only as good as the blade your using on it.

[@hddm3]

thank you

[@KornyFlyers]

thanks!

[@ernestroger3326]

Awesome !

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thank you!!

[@tristanmccauley2318]

Was cheaper for me to purchase a secondhand bricksaw to pave my house rather than hire one and I took my time.

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Agreed!

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

If you rent a wet saw from Home Depot, then BUY a new blade for it. You can't estimate the life left in the blade you get with the rental. I like the blade above rather than the table saw style with the blade below, because of the direction that the blade "throws" the water. Want to stay dry? Get a saw with the blade above....

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

MrJohnnyboyrebel Yes I agree with you!

[@rockdrummer]

Thanks for sharing. Great info!

[@themoldinsider]

Great video

[@sothatshowyoudothat]

Thanks for the visit