Can You Use a Seven Inch Tile Saw to Cut 20-Inch Tile?

Portable and Table Tile Saws

• Both portable and table tile saws accept blades 7 inches in diameter. Similar to a carpenter's circular saw, a portable tile saw's blade protrudes from a flat base plate. Like a carpenter's table saw, a tile table saw's blade protrudes from the top of a flat table. Also called wet saws, tile table saws circulate water across their blades and cutting surfaces to lubricate and cool the cutting material. Equipped with a 7-inch blade, both portable and table tile saws cut tile roughly less than half of the blade's diameter, typically 2 1/2 to 3 inches thick. Theoretically, the length of the cut is unlimited as long the tile receives support from beneath. Therefore, if the tile's thickness is less than the blade's overall cutting depth, a 7-inch blade can cut through 20-inch or larger tile.

Tile Saw Blades

• Diamond blades are the most common type of blades for both portable and table tile saws. Although metal comprises the bulk of a diamond blade, a layer of tough mineral grit coats the blade's cutting edge. Diamond's hardness ensures that the blade remains sharp despite frequent use and create cuts through both glazed and unglazed tiles.

Types of Diamond Blades

• Continuous rim and segmented diamond blades are the primary types of diamond blades. Continuous rim diamond blades have a smooth edge around their entire circumference. Segmented diamond blades' edges are notched at equal intervals around their circumference. Although both types of blades are capable of cutting tile, continuous rim blades are typically designed for use with wet saws and segmented blades for use with either wet or dry saws. Blade manufacturers indicate suitable cutting materials on blades' packaging; while some blades effectively cut through natural stone, such as marble, other blades are suitable for only ceramic or porcelain tiles.

Wet Saws vs. Dry Saws

• Although both wet saws and dry saws are capable of cutting 20-inch tile, the right saw for a particular job depends on the size of the project and the preferences of the tile worker. Wet saws generally create smoother, straighter cuts than dry saws, because the tile butts against the wet saw table's fence. Generally guided by hand, dry saws are more difficult to control and sometimes result in slightly skewed cuts. However, while dry saws are portable and require little set up, wet saws require a water source and stable work surface. For large projects, a stationary wet saw is generally more efficient than a single, portable dry saw.