Whether it is modeling a residential or commercial space, most of us often come in a fix to choose the right tiles. Also, property modeling or renovation generally uses several types of tiles. You would want all of those tiles cut and set up meticulously so that it enhances beauty and aesthetics.
And when it comes to cut the tiles, both sliding tile saw and bridge tile saw come in handy. In fact, many people are confused on the topic, “bridge tile saw vs sliding table saw.” To be honest, both power saws possesses tremendous tile cutting capacity and are great to use for various cuts.
But how do you know when to choose between the bridge tile saw and sliding table saw? We will discuss their general definition, uses types of cuts along with the pros and cons to decide which power saw you should use to cut tiles.
Bridge Tile Saw Vs Sliding Table Saw
Tile cutting and removal procedures must be done with accuracy, smoothness, and brilliant sharpness. The following guideline will surely help you to pick the right power saw for it.
What Is A Bridge Tile Saw?
A bridge tile saw most commonly refers to the construction design or structure of the power tool. It has a bridge expansion on each side of the machine. The head of the tile saw moves through the bridge when you cut through any material.
What Is A Sliding Table Saw?
The sliding table saw is almost self-explanatory. On the left side of the blade of the power tool, you will see a sliding table. It is mounted right under the saw base or table. You will see it attached with the table using a folding arm.
It also uses a riving knife. It prevents accidental kickbacks when you cut through the tiles.
Types of Cut
The sliding table tile saw and tile bridge saws are both adept at various types of cuts. However, you can’t use both the power saws for all sorts of cuts on the tile. You will have to find and realize which tile saw can perform which type of cuts the best to make the decision between sliding table vs bridge tile saw.
Sliding Table Tile Saw
If you have to make plunge cuts or create notches, it is recommended that you use a sliding tile saw. However, you can use it to cut long rip cuts, but that needs a unique technique and a few adjustments on your side.
Professionals usually use the table saw to cut half the length of the tile with the saw first. Then they alternate the direction of the tile to cut the other half. This way, they produce the long rip cuts. Hence, when you are confused about the bridge tile saw vs sliding table saw, we recommend you to use the sliding tile saw for plunge cuts.
Bridge Tile Saw
When you plan to perform the extra-long rip cuts, you must own a bridge tile saw. It won’t limit your reaching capacity on the entire length of the tile. Also, you won’t have to make any direction changes or adjustments to cut through the tiles.
Nonetheless, you can’t perform the plunge cut using the bridge tile saw. That’s why when it comes to sliding table vs bridge tile saw for rip cuts, you must go for the bridge tile saw.
Maintenance
Let’s be frank that tiles are one of the most rigid materials that a power saw cuts. The tiles are of different sizes and made of various materials, which aren’t easy to cut through. Hence, both the sliding wet saw and bridge wet tile saw go through extreme wear and tear.
So, what does this imply?
It means that you must choose between a bridge tile saw vs a sliding table saw for quick and easy maintenance. It will help you accomplish the cutting tasks much more comfortable and faster.
Bridge Tile Saw Maintenance
Bridge tile saw is famous for its long life and extreme durability. Similarly, the power saw has incredible stability since both of its sides has a bridging expansion. So, it doesn’t vibrate much during the cutting session.
It increases the longevity of the bridge tile saw. Also, it needs less maintenance because all the components are attached with remarkable compactness.
Sliding Table Saw Maintenance
A sliding table saw is a massive power tool. Although it is also a low-maintenance tool, it often costs a considerable expense for one-time care, repair, and maintenance. Therefore, using a sliding table saw will actually cost you a good amount for maintenance.
Difference Between A Miter Saw and Circular Saw
Also, when you are in doubt about the bridge tile saw vs sliding table saw, you also should have a clear idea on the miter saw and circular saw. It will help you make the decision better. It is crucial since a wet tile saw has a resemblance with the table or miter saw.
- Circular saws are of a different variety. Its design variations and handheld feature allow the users to perform various types of straight and angled cuts. The miter saws are mostly used for straight cuts only.
- You can perform accurate cuts with the miter saw. The circular saw is less accurate.
- A circular saw is way quicker than the miter saw.
- Generally, circular saws are less expensive compared to the miter saws.
Pros and Cons of Sliding Table Saw
You must understand the advantages and disadvantages of using a sliding tile saw to know when to use it and when not to properly.
Pros:
- Ideal for smaller cuts
- Perfect for plunge cuts
- The large slider is more stable and safer
- It vibrates less for smooth cuts
Cons:
- The maintenance is often expensive
- Complicated cutting operations
Pros and Cons of Bridge Tile Saw
A bridge tile saw is exceptionally adept at various tile cutting jobs. However, it has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the cutting types and situations that we found during our bridge tile saw review.
Pros:
- It performs long rip cuts
- Needs less maintenance
- Doesn’t vibrate to assure the accuracy
- Easy to work with on hard tiles
Cons:
- The bridge on each side of the blade makes it a heavier tool
- It has limited smoothness and cutting variations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a tile saw be used as a table saw?A table saw is mainly used to cut different wood types. A tile saw has similarities with a table saw. But its carbide blade with a diamond edge is different from the table saw. If you use the tile saw to cut woods as a table saw, the result won’t be accurate and satisfactory.
- Can you use a wet saw without water?
Although you can use a wet tile saw without water, it is highly discouraged. The blade of the wet tile saw is designed to operate with proper lubrication. So, when you use the wet tile saw without water, the edge will wear out soon. Also, the cutting results won’t be as smooth as you would like to have.
- Do you cut tile face up or face down?
This rule is pretty straightforward. You must cut a tile with its face up towards you without considering the type of the tile you are going to cut. When you cut a tile with face down position, it increases the chances of cracks and damages on the tile more. When you cut the tiles face up, you get the smoothest cuts and least chipping on the working material too.
Conclusion
From our discussion on the topic of bridge tile saw vs sliding table saw, it is clear that both power tools are brilliant at cutting different tiles in various situations. Also, both saw is ideal for commercial and residential renovation works and changes tiles.
Therefore, we leave the decision on to you. But if you like us, we would recommend that use the slide table saw for plunge cuts and bridge table saw for long and rip cuts. Also, the bridge table is an expensive investment for maintenance compared to the slide tile saw.
Meta Description
Most tile cutters are confused on bridge tile saw vs sliding table saw. A bridge tile saw needs frequent maintenance and cuts long and rip cuts.