Can a Tile Saw used for wood cutting?

Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Power Tools). This thread is read-only.

louuiscMember since Jan 2017

Can a tile saw used for wood cutting (to replace a circular saw if the timber is not too thick)? And of course use a blade for cutting wood rather than abrasive blade.   

 

The reason I want to do this is that common circular saws are 165/185mm blade size, whereas common tile saws are 110mm that are very compact and lightweight, easy to operate and great for weekend DIY jobs. 

 

Apart from the size, obvious wet cutting features and default abrasive blades, the only difference I’ve noticed is that the RRP is a lot higher  e.g.12,000rpm

whereas common circular saws RRP is around 5000rpm 

 

So would this be a problem? 

 

—

 

These are couple examples of tile saws

https://sydneytools.com.au/makita-4100nh3zx-1200w-110mm-4-1-3-diamond-cutter-saw

https://sydneytools.com.au/makita-4101rh-110mm-860w-wet-cutting-tile-saw

 

I also notice that there are some so called circular saws, where the blade wheel size is 140mm, which could sweet tradeoff for my like but just wondering despite the name metal circular saws, can they be used to cut wood with proper wood cutting blade?

https://sydneytools.com.au/milwaukee-hd18ms-0-18v-li-ion-cordless-136mm-5-1-3-metal-circular-saw-skin-only

https://sydneytools.com.au/dewalt-dcs373n-xe-18v-xr-li-ion-cordless-metal-cutting-circular-saw-skin-only

 

 

 

rdst_1Member since Dec 2016

This is something many people do here in India, because tile cutters are much cheaper than circular saw.
However, as you have mentioned yourself, it is very dangerous because of the nearly double RPMs. The kickback is much more violent. In fact, I read a few days ago, of a man dying because he tried to use his angle grinder on a wood stump and ended up slashing his throat because of the kickback. His wife came home to find him bled to death.

You could possibly use it on thin stock but I, and possibly others as well, would suggest you to be safe and not do that.

JMGMember since Dec 2015

You must have missed this recommendation…

 

 

WeldfabNeilMember since May 2015

I would not do that just cause the rpm saftey issue. It may work but could be extremely dangerous.

 

also when it comes to metal saws the dust ports are different on metal saws so it could also be a issue. 

comp56Member since Sep 2014

I don’t think wood cutting blades, carbide tipped for example are designed for 6500+ RPM and most tile saws are running much higher. 

TheultimatehicMember since Dec 2016

Id go with a used table saw. Not worth the risk to save a little money. 

comp56Member since Sep 2014

ya I know what carbide tips feel like I wouldn’t want to know what they taste like

regopitMember since Feb 2013

Comp56 is right carbide tipped blades fr cutting wood are not designed for the many RPMs. Also there is a reason they are called Tile saws, Metal saws, They are designed to cut those materials not wood. The bottom line is what are YOU willing to risk.  

JronmanMember since May 2016

if say someone had 2 clamps on each side of the wood, could a tile saw be used without the risk of kickback?

TheultimatehicMember since Dec 2016

You can chance anything and hope for good results. Radial saws were phased out due to better tools being made. They were notorious for kickback and pulling the worker into the blade. I just sold mine after it sat around collecting dust. Only used it for cutting 2x4s. It was dangerous to use and it was made for cutting wood but it was the best option at the time.  You could clamp pieces down and ya it would probably work.  But when it fails will it be worth the money saved? With the amount of options available is the risk worth the savings? Only you can answer that. I’d say no but i also have the tools i need. Ive done some sketch things to get a job done. Most of us have.  Using a tile saw for wood isn’t one of those things. I wouldn’t recommend using it. 

CATERPILLARMember since Jan 2016

I say might as well use a abrasive cut off saw to burn through the wood

ChrisKMember since Dec 2012

Jronman wrote:

2 hours ago, Jronman said:

if say someone had 2 clamps on each side of the wood, could a tile saw be used without the risk of kickback?

The problem with clamping two sides of wood IS kickback! The wood will get bound up in the blade bro!

 

For instance….my Kapex, like my Ridgid before it and my Craftsman before that has two clamp holders, one per side. The saw comes with one clamp though. The reason behind it is if you clamp both sides your wood can get bound in the blade and cause a catostrophic need to change your underwear. 

 

Ultimately, of the tool is purpose built for a purpose, I’d let it perform that action. Tile saws are super fast to make cutting those tiles a breeze with a specialty blade whereas a table saw, though fast, is spinning at a slower speed. Take into consideration the size of the blade that sits on the arbor. A tile blade is much heavier than a thin or thick kerf blade. Now you are throwing the balance of the machine off. Ultimately, it’s an accident waiting to happen!

comp56Member since Sep 2014

Jronman wrote:

2 hours ago, Jronman said:

if say someone had 2 clamps on each side of the wood, could a tile saw be used without the risk of kickback?

the clamps, the wood or the saw itself is not the problem it is the blade that can come apart from such high RPM’s. when that flies apart there is nothing left to do but cry…..

but Chris is right clamps in the wrong place can cause bigger problems

RickyMcGrathMember since Oct 2014

If you insist on doing it, put on a variable speed tool control to adjust the RPM’s to a more appropriate speed.

ChrisKMember since Dec 2012

comp56 wrote:

20 minutes ago, comp56 said:

the clamps, the wood or the saw itself is not the problem it is the blade that can come apart from such high RPM’s. when that flies apart there is nothing left to do but cry…..

but Chris is right clamps in the wrong place can cause bigger problems

Agreed but I was responding directly to the question relative to using two clamps, on both sides of the blade. If he had the correct blade on a modified tile saw or a regular saw the possibility of wood binding would be a real issue. But yeah, a regular blade on this type of saw would more likely than not be thrown off balance, have the arbor hole elongated or simply come apart in a crescendo of feces 🙂

comp56Member since Sep 2014

ChrisK wrote:

31 minutes ago, ChrisK said:

Agreed but I was responding directly to the question relative to using two clamps, on both sides of the blade. If he had the correct blade on a modified tile saw or a regular saw the possibility of wood binding would be a real issue. But yeah, a regular blade on this type of saw would more likely than not be thrown off balance, have the arbor hole elongated or simply come apart in a crescendo of feces 🙂

you can’t make apple pie with a toaster, well I guess you could if you modify it enough……..

JronmanMember since May 2016

apple pie pop tart or toaster strudel could work

ChrisKMember since Dec 2012

comp56 wrote:

31 minutes ago, comp56 said:

you can’t make apple pie with a toaster, well I guess you could if you modify it enough……..

Yeah right? I think we are all in agreement here. NOT a good idea!!! 🙂

LoganMember since Jun 2015

If could work but I wouldn’t recommend doing it 

KnarlyCarlMember since Jan 2016

comp56 wrote:

4 hours ago, comp56 said:

you can’t make apple pie with a toaster, well I guess you could if you modify it enough……..

Funny enough, if you put the toaster on its side, it works fantastic to reheat small pieces of pizza!!  I’ve taken a toaster with me to work with some slices of leftover pizza for that purpose MMHHMM YUM

comp56Member since Sep 2014

KnarlyCarl wrote:

16 minutes ago, KnarlyCarl said:

Funny enough, if you put the toaster on its side, it works fantastic to reheat small pieces of pizza!!  I’ve taken a toaster with me to work with some slices of leftover pizza for that purpose MMHHMM YUM

you guys, whats amadda for you? you can’t eat pizza from a toaster? ya whadda gonna do?

KnarlyCarlMember since Jan 2016

comp56 wrote:

18 minutes ago, comp56 said:

you guys, whats amadda for you? you can’t eat pizza from a toaster? ya whadda gonna do?

Well, out in the field, no oven handy, it was great, beats heating it in a microwave, plus i can’t stand cold pizza

comp56Member since Sep 2014

KnarlyCarl wrote:

12 minutes ago, KnarlyCarl said:

Well, out in the field, no oven handy, it was great, beats heating it in a microwave, plus i can’t stand cold pizza

my point is if your heating it in a toaster, it ain’t pizza…lol to me that’s like boiling a hamburger bun and all….lol

StercorariusMember since Dec 2015

KnarlyCarl wrote:

13 minutes ago, KnarlyCarl said:

Well, out in the field, no oven handy, it was great, beats heating it in a microwave, plus i can’t stand cold pizza

Don’t even pretend like you’ve never fallen asleep eating pizza and then woke up, looked down and thought, “sweet, breakfast is ready.”

CATERPILLARMember since Jan 2016

Its not worth saving a couple bucks over an accident. You can get a miter saw for 100$ maybe lower

ikepeteMember since Mar 2016

KnarlyCarl wrote:

Funny enough, if you put the toaster on its side, it works fantastic to reheat small pieces of pizza!!  I’ve taken a toaster with me to work with some slices of leftover pizza for that purpose MMHHMM YUM


You can make grilled cheese if you put a toaster on its side


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
NicolasRamosMember since Sep 2016

KnarlyCarl wrote:

Funny enough, if you put the toaster on its side, it works fantastic to reheat small pieces of pizza!!  I’ve taken a toaster with me to work with some slices of leftover pizza for that purpose MMHHMM YUM

Knarlycarl

Father… Plumber… Job-site cuisine expert.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

KnarlyCarlMember since Jan 2016

NicolasRamos wrote:

4 hours ago, NicolasRamos said:

Knarlycarl

Father… Plumber… Job-site cuisine expert.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

HHAAHAHAHHA Love it

jeffmcmillanMember since Jun 2015

KnarlyCarl wrote:

On 1/15/2017 at 5:48 PM, KnarlyCarl said:

Funny enough, if you put the toaster on its side, it works fantastic to reheat small pieces of pizza!!  I’ve taken a toaster with me to work with some slices of leftover pizza for that purpose MMHHMM YUM

I wish it was easier to find toasters with flat sides for this reason.  Stupid rounded modern looking things won’t work for pizza, grilled cheese, or garlic bread.

JimboS1iceMember since Sep 2015

jeffmcmillan wrote:

I wish it was easier to find toasters with flat sides for this reason.  Stupid rounded modern looking things won’t work for pizza, grilled cheese, or garlic bread.


[External image (uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com), not copied]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
louuiscMember since Jan 2017

Hahaha thanks for the response guys.  Appreciate the jokes too. 

 

louuiscMember since Jan 2017

Theultimatehic wrote:

On 1/16/2017 at 5:51 AM, Theultimatehic said:

… Radial saws were phased out due to better tools being made. They were notorious for kickback and pulling the worker into the blade. …

Thanks mate. I’m just curious when I read this. I never used a old radial saws but had the impression that the saw would be fixed when working. So does it mean only if the worker holds the timber too tight, it could then pull the worker towards the blade on kickback? 

TheultimatehicMember since Dec 2016

louuisc wrote:

1 hour ago, louuisc said:

Thanks mate. I’m just curious when I read this. I never used a old radial saws but had the impression that the saw would be fixed when working. So does it mean only if the worker holds the timber too tight, it could then pull the worker towards the blade on kickback? 

It can be fixed when you are rippinglength wise. It also can be used without the blade fixed. The motor/ blade is able to rotate 180 degrees

Andrew77Member since Sep 2020

It is an old thread will you please share your experience, Wanna know what was end result….. 

You are the influencer. Post it to 4.4 million followers.

Hit record. We’ll handle the rest.

Upload your review