For a professional remodeler who works with tile on a regular basis, choosing the right saw is possibly the most important decision to make. There are many different tile cutting tools available so that the options can be a bit overwhelming. A snap or rail tile saw is a simple, affordable option; however, as a manual cutter it can be challenging to use for big jobs. Standard wet tile saws are available in both handheld and tabletop styles, offering multiple options for craftsmen working small or large jobs.

While every professional will have different wants and needs, a bridge tile saw can often be the best tool for the job.

Cutting accuracy

With many tile cutting tools, the craftsman must move the material back and forth and side-to-side while cutting. Unfortunately, this can lead to some inconsistencies in the cut and even cause damage to the material, adding to the overall cost of the project. On the other hand, a bridge saw can move across the tile while it remains stationary. Using the machine in this manner makes it much easier to maintain accuracy and complete a high-quality cut. Accuracy is vital when dealing with porcelain, ceramic and stone tiles — especially for professional installers.

Ideal for large-format tiles

The bridge tile saw is a bigger tool than most of the other types of cutters. While it may not be quite as portable as a handheld option, bridge tile saws often have folding legs and wheels for easy transportation. The size is a huge benefit when it comes to working with large-format tiles. Some of the smaller manual tile-cutting tools are not suitable for larger tiles, which are becoming increasingly popular in interior and exterior design. And although the bridge saw tool is perfect for large tiles, it is also convenient for small tiles that require precision cuts.

Incredible versatility

A bridge tile saw is equipped with a plunge effect mechanism to adjust the cutting height and allow tile installers to deal with different materials, including ceramic, many varieties of natural stone and masonry materials. Additionally, since tiling isn’t always about simple squares, it is nice to have a tool that can meet all cutting needs. Tile bridge saws can often be used for cutting squares, L-cuts, U-cuts, mitering and creating grooves.

A bridge tile saw is built upon major high-tech improvements

Some novice remodelers might think that every saw is the same. However, the technology that drives our world today has had a big impact on the industry. Today’s tile saws include features that would not have been imaginable a few decades ago. Some of these common features include a single phase direct drive motor of 1.5 HP for ultimate power and a thermal overload protection to prevent overheating. Additionally, it may include laser guides that guarantee every cut will be perfectly aligned with what you imagined. There are other high-tech features available that make a modern tile saw an indispensable addition to your toolkit.

Minimal maintenance required

The bridge tile saw has a very powerful motor compared to other similar tools. While this is beneficial in many ways, one of the most important factors is related to maintenance. There is minimal ongoing maintenance necessary for this machine, even if you use it on a daily basis. You will not constantly be brushing it or dealing with repairs. As a wet tile saw, the blades also last longer than with a straight dry cutter.

Easy to clean

Cleaning a tile saw and cleaning up after work is done may be hard. After all, plenty of residue is created during the cutting process. Many of the bridge-style saws are designed to make cleaning easy. If you want the simplest cleaning possible, look for features such as removable tables. When the table is removable, then you can easily empty the residue and clean up without wasting time you need to devote to other activities.

The noise factor

As a professional, you likely cut dozens or even hundreds of tiles each day, meaning that you will use a saw for more than just a few minutes. While it is vital to wear proper ear protection at all times, utilizing a quieter work environment is always a good thing. Bridge saws do not use a grinder type of motor. A non-grinder motor makes the machine significantly quieter and especially suitable for long jobs.

As demonstrated above, the bridge tile saw is a great choice for almost any remodeling project that includes dealing with porcelain, ceramic or stone tiles. If you plan to purchase this cutting tool, you will want to check out several available options in the market to find the one that best fits your needs. Just remember to consider these six critical features that will help you improve your professional remodeling projects.