Skil 3550-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw with HydroLock Water Containment System

I bought this saw because it was the same price as renting, and therefore more convenient to own and have available when I needed it. I'm tiling a breezeway floor with 4x8 travertine stone, 3/8" thick.I have to say, I can't believe the things people are reporting who give it a 1-star rating. This saw works GREAT.For those who say the blade guard jams, it appears that they didn't read the instructions, which clearly tell how to adjust its height higher than your work piece, so that it glides under the guard without binding, while offering safety and shielding from splashing. To the person who said the mounting screw holes were too big and he had to use longer screws and nuts, he didn't know how to assemble the guard. You remove the screws, slide the bracket UNDER the table top and put the screws back in, as it's the bracket that has the screw threads. I think people who don't read directions or don't have the skills to use tools are panning a good product.Yes, the fence is cheap, but if you take care lining it up and tighten the hold-down screws securely, the fence is straight and works well.The water tray should be filled often, as the blade doesn't really pick up water if the tray is less than half full, and then the blade gets hot and cuts a lot slower. Add water to the tray about every 3-4 tiles and it's just fine. I've cut 20 tiles so far and had no issues at all. Doesn't chip or bog down, blade guard minimizes splashing on you. I braced the saw against the railing of my deck so that as I push the tile, I'm holding the saw in place against the railing, and it doesn't move. No chips, no failures. Very happy with this purchase.

This works great. The blade cover keeps the water spray to almost nothing. You can use this inside and not worry about the mess until you have to empty it. It empty easily into a bucket if it was not over filled. If you put too much water in it there will be a mess. Take it outside to clean it out after you empty it. It will be full of ceramic tile stuff and cleaning it in a sink is not advised.It cuts well with the included blade but go slow. Replacement blades might cut faster but the included blade worked well and lasted for my whole job.The blade cover completely hides the blade when it's running but there are markings on the table to help keep the alignment. The included guide works well but I found that using the table markings worked just as well.This is well worth the little extra money over the cheaper saws. Being able to use the saw close to your project is priceless.

Great for small projects or small bathrooms. We were able to DIY a bathroom tile job with it and had great results. It does make a bit of a mess, but if you put plastic down or a large tray it can be contained. We were able to cut through 1/4 inch slate tiles and 3/4 inch cultured marble door transitions. As long as you take your time it did not bog down and provided good cuts

As a professional contractor, I really didn't expect much from this saw, as I have tried many saws over the last 30 years to know you need a good motor, blade, and steady plate to cut porcelain and glass without chipping. By the literature, this unit has an undersized motor, non-rubberized plate, plastic ends and body, and no name blade. So, you have to expect that you get what you pay for. However, my goal through the years was to have something portable enough to carry down flights of stairs, big enough to cut 12x12 porcelain and glass tile, strong enough to last more than one job, and absolutely non-dripping!Well, This is the one to buy. There are two models, and this one with water lock is the better model, although twice the cost. So, read the other reviews and you'll see this all confirmed. What I include here is a workaround and suggestions for improvement.1. The blade guard...Great working device with a rubber seal that keeps water to zero IF you are not cutting a tile. I fixed the screw area problem that attaches it to the table by recessing the screw heads. Next I used duct tape looped over the front air exhaust so water goes back down the table and not up in my face or over the table. It wouldn't be difficult or costly if Skill added these two design fixes in their next revision, especially for the price.2. The blade...it's a basic blade, so don't bother using it. Get a decent one for your tile job. I used a widow.3. The motor...it is a bit under amperage as I know it won't last as long as my 12 and 15 amp units, and won't cut as fast. However, I don't know that one that powerful could fit in such a small footprint, or be as light. I do know a 7 amp would be my expectation and would not add a considerable amount of weight, and would be considered a great value for the price point they had this one for ($135),4. The plastic body is very strong and I had no problems even when stressing it.5. The top...it is like a teflon coated top, but I don't know for sure. It held up well for the three backsplashes I have done since buying it last month. Time will tell if it starts to rust, but I oil it after every use, so it should be minimized. If Skil were to add a 1mm hard rubber/plastic film, it would be awesome as tiles would still slide,cthe table would be protected, and it wouldn't be tile against metal.6. The extension arm--yes, it's plastic, but it is sturdy and does the job well! Don't try cutting 36" floor tile as it will bind the saw and give a poor cut--but hey, that's why I put it to the test!7. The switch..I think it is too difficult to turn on and off each time you make a cut, because of the thick rubber cover it has, but it does the job it's suppoed to do in making it safe! I would either add a bigger switch to use with gloves, or add a more protruding toggle.8. The unit was easy to clean, but a simple tool storage, aside from drying the unit out and putting it inside the well would be useful. There is room on the tool or the extendion for this to happen.9. Add an extra brush for the blade. I have not seen where to purchase replacements yet!