This $150 Wet Tile Saw Handled My Bathroom Remodel Like a Pro Tool

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I first started using wet tile saws more than 10 years ago, when I worked in the construction industry in New York City, renovating apartments and homes. Since then, I’ve used several different types of models and brands, working with different sizes of tiles and materials. While I mostly worked on bigger jobs that required heavy-duty machines, recently, when I was remodeling my bathroom shower at home and decided to use subway tiles for the walls. I knew that I only needed a small tile saw for this project.

When I discovered the Skil 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw, a compact and lightweight tool, I found the perfect choice for the project and tile style I was working with. Although I was initially hesitant it might not be up for the job due to its size, now that I’ve successfully completed two major projects with it, I can confidently say I made a smart choice. 

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What It Is

The Skil 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw is a power tool capable of cutting tiles of up to 12x12 inches in size. It features a water-resistant stainless steel top and a water reservoir that feeds water to the blade, preventing overheating and reducing the amount of dust created while using the saw to produce smooth and precise cuts. 

The tile saw showcases a compact and efficient design, weighs only 18 pounds, and can perform straight, angled, and bevel cuts. It comes with different accessories, including a rip fence, a miter gauge, and a wrench to replace the tile saw blade. It is one of two models from the company, and it is the smallest and lightest of the two. This tile machine is perfect for DIY tiling and small masonry projects. 

Skil 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw Overall Impressions

Over my home improvement career, I’ve used many tile saws, mostly professional grade, so when I started unboxing this tiny machine, I was a bit uncertain if I was going to like it. To start, it comes mostly assembled; there wasn’t much to do except make a few adjustments for the type of tile dimensions and cuts I was going to use it for. 

Right out of the box, what I noticed immediately was the weight when I lifted. It feels really light, even though it is almost 20 pounds, but because you hold it with both hands, you barely feel the weight. I set it right on my workbench and continued to inspect the tool.  The shiny and bright stainless steel top instantly caught my eye. It has numerically engraved scale measurements on top and bottom. I found this to be extremely helpful when setting the rip fence to get perfect straight cuts. I wasn’t aware of this feature when I bought it, so it was a nice surprise. 

Setting up the rip fence is a straightforward process, but you need to know how to do it properly. The rip fence has two locking knobs that you use to secure it in the desired location. At first, I was tightening one knob at a time, which led the rip fence to be slightly out of line and uneven. The trick was that I needed to tighten both knobs at the same time. The process is the same when performing angled cuts. The table top has two locking knobs on both ends that loosen the base and you can adjust it to the desired angle and tighten both knobs at the same time. 

Once I added water to the water reservoir up to the maximum mark line, adjusted the rip fence, connected it to the power, and put my goggles on, I was ready to go. I tried a few attempts with a couple of pieces of tile just to get the hang of using it. When starting the machine, I noticed it felt like there was a pull, but not strong enough that it actually moved the tool. I quickly learned that I hadn’t adjusted the blade guard and the tool sprayed water all over me. I just needed to tighten it down right above the thickness of the tile. After that, the machine ran very smoothly and I only needed to clean the water reservoir after making several cuts to remove the dust buildup and add more water. 

Key Features

This machine is made of durable materials, such as stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic, to ensure a long lifespan and a solid return on your investment. The machine’s size makes it super portable and very easy to move around. Its cooling system prevents the blade from getting too hot, which allows you to get even cuts without damaging the blade. The rip fence and miter gauge are helpful accessories that make cutting easier and are included with the tool. 

The machine also comes with a 7-inch diamond blade that is strong and designed to last, making smooth cuts. The on and off button is easy to identify by its bright red color and is protected by a clear plastic guard that prevents it from getting wet. Plus, the tool has a cord hook that keeps the tool organized without dragging the cord. 

Pros

• Affordable 
• Portable
• Made of durable materials 
• Includes a seven-inch diamond blade 
• Can make angled, straight, and bevelled cuts 
• Comes with a rip fence and miter gauge 

Cons

• Only works with small tiles 
• Can feel unstable if not properly placed on a workbench or level surface 

Final Verdict

The Skil 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw surpassed my expectations and I can say that it is an excellent option for DIYers to tackle small tiling jobs. It is durable, budget-friendly, offers quality cuts, and helps you get the job done fast. The rip fence and miter gauge included with the tool are extremely useful accessories for getting nice and easy square and angled cuts. While the wet tile saw isn’t without limitations—it can only handle so much due to its size—for small projects around the house, it’s well worth the investment and it’s a nice machine to add to your tool collection. 

Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve been writing and reviewing power and landscaping tools for over five years for a variety of major publications. I have used many different wet, dry, and manual tile cutters over the years in my construction career. In my 10-plus years of experience in the home improvement industry, I’ve done several tile and masonry jobs, including kitchen and bathroom remodels and patio builds. My most recent tiling projects include installing a kitchen backsplash and tiling an entire bathroom using the wet tile saw above.