In the realm of do-it-yourself home improvement, cutting tile can be particularly challenging to accomplish safely. Since the dust it creates can be hazardous to your lungs, and the heat generated while cutting can also cause problems with the tile and for your tools, a wet saw is the best, safest option to handle this task. But wet tile saws can be pricey enough that, for a smaller job, the DIY route won’t make sense cost-wise. But now, smaller, battery operated wet saws are on the market, and they might be the right choice for your project.
Here’s what you need to know about the Ryobi and Makita wet tile saws, and how they compare to a traditional wet saw.
A note on tile and masonry cutting safety
Table of Contents
Before you choose a wet tile saw for your project, it’s important to remember that using a tile saw can be extremely dangerous if your table or cutting surface is unstable, and if the tile isn’t firmly held in place. Whenever you use a wet saw, you should use sturdy clamps to hold your tile in place and wear safety glasses for safety.
The Makita wet saw allows for fast, precise cuts
The Makita XCC01Z handheld wet tile and masonry saw has a maximum cutting depth of 1-9/16 inches and a total weight (including the battery) of 6.6 pounds. The cutting depth is a sixteenth of an inch shallower than the Ryobi, so you’ll need to take note of the thickness of the material you plan to use on. This Makita is the more expensive tool, at $255 as a tool-only package. While it has good ratings on Amazon, the top customer complaints are that the water reservoir leaks and requires some teflon tape to seal it. Also, because of its compact design, this saw won’t accept a curved blade for specialty cuts. Customers stated the saw’s ease of use as their main reason for giving it a good review. Most said that it performed well, but a few took issue with the price and the cost of batteries.
Since this tool is longer than most handheld saws at over 11 inches, it can be a little unwieldy, but the overall design allows for fast, precise cuts.
The Ryobi wet saw is a less expensive alternative for smaller jobs
The Ryobi ONE+ HP handheld wet tile and masonry saw can cut to a depth of 1-5 ⁄ 8 inches, a sixteenth inch deeper than the Makita, but it weighs over a pound more with the battery, at 7.8 pounds. If you plan to do multiple cuts, the extra weight might become an issue, but for $199, the tool comes with both a hose to connect to a water source and a bottle for portability, making it the cheaper choice. The Ryobi wet saw has mixed ratings on Amazon, with customers citing problems with the saw’s foot plate getting in the way of making more exact cuts due to its size, and the design of the foot getting in the way of being able to see your marks. Most said that the saw was underpowered, but good for smaller jobs.
Since this tool is a little heavier, getting used to how it balances in your hand as compared to other types of handheld saws can be a challenge, but the simplicity of the design allows for a much lighter set-up than a traditional wet saw.
Which battery powered wet saw should you get?
Overall, both saw will get the job done. The Makita will make easier cuts and offer a little more power, while the price of the Ryobi saw and its greater maximum depth are its major advantages. Neither tool can completely replace a traditional wet saw, especially for larger tiling jobs, since making lots of small cuts or cuts to thicker materials will be more difficult with these smaller wet saws. Nevertheless, the battery operated, hand-held design of these two saws are a game changer for DIY tilers everywhere, allowing you to make cuts without the hassle and expense of setting up a table-mounted wet saw.