Skil Wet Tile Saw

Tile cutting can be a messy, frustrating affair, particularly for those new to the task. That's where the Skil 3550-02 Wet Tile Saw comes into play. Designed to streamline the process for both DIY enthusiasts and more seasoned users, this tile saw offers a combination of utility and affordability that's hard to ignore. After spending some time with this tool, I’ve gathered my thoughts on its various strengths and weaknesses.

First off, assembly of the Skil Wet Tile Saw was a breeze. Out of the box, it took me a reasonably short amount of time to get it up and running. This is always a promising start, especially for beginners. Its lightweight design, weighing in at just 24 pounds, made it easy to maneuver and position wherever I needed it.

One of the standout features of this saw is its Hydro Lock Water Containment System. Cutting tiles can typically result in a lot of water splash, which not only creates a mess but can also be a safety hazard. The Hydro Lock system does a commendable job of keeping the water contained, significantly reducing clean-up time and maintaining a safer workspace. However, it's important to monitor the water level to ensure it doesn't get too high, as this can compromise the containment system’s effectiveness.

The cutting performance of the Skil Wet Tile Saw is generally impressive. The 7-inch continuous rim diamond blade managed to cut through various types of tiles, from ceramic to harder stones, with relative ease. The saw operates at a no-load speed of 3600 RPM, which is adequate for most tile cutting tasks. The sliding side extension is another practical feature, providing support for larger tiles up to 18 x 18 inches, which adds to the tool's versatility.

However, there are a couple of caveats. The blade guard, while effective at containing water, is somewhat obstructive. It can obscure your view of the cutting line, making it difficult to ensure precision cuts. I found myself having to adjust or even raise the guard, which led to my hands getting wet, undermining the effectiveness of the Hydro Lock system. Although this isn't a dealbreaker, it is an inconvenience that could be addressed in future models.

The rip fence and miter gauge are also points of contention. While they provide some level of adjustability, they’re not as precise as one would hope. The rip fence, in particular, has a tendency to misalign, making it challenging to achieve straight, accurate cuts without a bit of extra effort. Fine adjustments are cumbersome due to the crude lock-down mechanism. This can be particularly problematic for projects that require a high degree of precision.

On the topic of durability, the Skil Wet Tile Saw's aluminum table top does inspire confidence. It’s rust-resistant and feels solid, contributing to the overall sturdiness of the tool. However, some users have reported that the paint or coating on the table wears off after extensive use, which is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use the saw frequently.

One aspect I truly appreciated was the bevel cutting capability. The ability to make bevel cuts at 0, 22.5, and 45 degrees adds a layer of flexibility that's invaluable for intricate projects. While I didn’t find myself using this feature extensively, knowing it was available gave me peace of mind.

The saw's portability is another plus. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store when not in use. This is particularly useful if you’re working in confined spaces or need to move the saw between different job sites.

Noise levels were reasonable, which is always a bonus. Tile cutting can be a noisy task, but the Skil saw operates at a decibel level that's manageable for extended periods. This is particularly beneficial for DIYers working in residential areas where noise can be a concern.

In summary, the Skil 3550-02 Wet Tile Saw is a solid choice for DIYers and even some professional applications. Its ease of use, effective water containment, and general cutting performance make it a worthwhile investment. However, it does have its flaws, particularly with the blade guard and rip fence, which could be improved for better precision and user experience.

Would I recommend this tile saw? Yes, with some reservations. If you’re a DIY enthusiast looking for an affordable, effective tool for small to medium projects, this saw will serve you well. It’s particularly suited for those new to tile cutting, thanks to its user-friendly design and straightforward assembly. However, if you require ultra-precision and plan to tackle larger, more demanding projects, you might encounter some frustrations with the rip fence and blade guard. In such cases, investing in a higher-end model might be worth considering.

Overall, the Skil Wet Tile Saw offers good value for money and is a reliable companion for a range of tile cutting tasks. Just be prepared to make some adjustments to get the most out of it.