Tile saw test tested

Tools of the Trade, Nov-Dec, 2002 by Tad Dixon

I am a contractor specializing in dimensional stone and tile work and was excited to see your review of 10-inch wet tile saws in your July/August 2002 issue. I've enjoyed reading TOOLS OF THE TRADE for two years now, but until then most of the reviews haven't pertained to my specific trade. I must say though, I was a bit surprised by the results.

First of all, I was surprised that the person conducting the test is a design/build remodeling contractor, not a full-time tile or stone contractor. I was further surprised by his conclusions. As a full-time tradesman of nearly 25 years, I have used and purchased most of the tile saws on the market. I have tried the cheapest and the most expensive saws produced. The old adage is correct in this department, "You get what you pay for." I can't tell you how much money I've lost over the years using inferior saws.

Tad Dixon
Elegance in Stone, LLC
Missoula, Mont.

We appreciate your comments Tad and your willingness to share your own experiences with these tools. Our tester, Ethan Landis, has done all of his own tile and marble work on his company's high-end remodeling jobs for the past 12 years. He now also employs a full-time tile-man dedicated solely to his in-house installations. Both Ethan and his tile specialist tested these tools and arrived at the results after two months of field-testing.--R.S.