How to Use a Wet Saw
For do-it-yourself projects that require you to cut very hard objects, like tiles, you can’t use an ordinary saw. What you need is a wet saw. This handy equipment has a water-filled trough mechanism that’s able to throw water over the tile while cutting it, so the saw and tile won’t overheat. Because of its more unique form, there are several considerations to remember when using it.
What You’ll Need:
Wet saw
Goggles
Safety gloves
Tiles
Sturdy surface
Dust mask
Water
Procedure:
Always read the operating manual before you use the wet saw. Make sure you check all the parts, to see if there are damages. You should also prepare yourself; wear goggles and slip on a pair of safety gloves. You should also wear a dust mask.
wet saw
Put the wet saw on a sturdy table or foundation, and make sure it’s well-supported. You don’t want the table rocking and tilting while you’re using the saw.
Fill the water pan (trough). It should have enough water to give to the saw blade. Add enough so that it fills and covers the water pump’s inlet. Even as you’re cutting the tile, it’s important that you constantly check the water level, so it won’t run dry. Otherwise, you’ll end up with motor failure. If the water gets pasty, change it as well. You should disconnect the machine before you change or add the water, though.
Connect the wet saw to an outlet. Make sure the switch is turned off before you connect it.
When it’s connected, turn on the machine and see if water is being supplied to the saw blade. If it is, turn the machine off.
Mark and measure the area where you want to cut the tile. A grease pencil works great for this task.
Get the rip guide or the rip fence and align the blade to the measurements you put on earlier. The material should be flush against the measurement rail and rip guide.
Turn on the wet saw, then move the tile slowly towards the blade, to prevent cracking or overheating. Guide the tile in the blade, but do not push too hard. The blade should be doing the work, while you’re there to guide it and make sure it comes through straight.
Turn off the machine once you complete the cut.
Spray the tile off, so residue from the saw will be removed. The water also gets dirty after you cut, so see if it needs changing and refilling.
Some Tips:
A wet saw can be expensive, so if you want to save cash, just rent one. It’s cheaper, and can only cost $50 a day.
Do not place the wet saw on a stool.
Keep pets or children away while using the wet saw.
As long as you use it correctly, you can rely on a wet saw to cut through your tiles efficiently. Just remember these tips so this machine will work great for you.