I was just looking at the Bosch TC10 & Dewalt DW24000 tile saws as I’m thinking of getting one a little after Christmas. I must admit that they both are expensive machines. Looking at the specs on both as well as different pictures of each I really can’t decide on one. The Bosch has an available stand on wheels so that might sway me to buy that tile saw.
Any of you guys ever used either of these saws? I’d like to know what your opinions are after using them.
Thanks guys
Replies
Paul
I know nothing about either one. I do splash's and have done floors for money, but a tile guy I'm not. If Fast Eddie hadn't changed careers after a couple shoulder re-do's, I'd ask him.
And I don't think I will be buying anything for professional use-my days on the knees are hopefully over.
However, while I have and am satisfied with many things Bosch-something they've not really done anthing with b/4 seems to make me question.
Same goes with Dewalt, but their saw has been out a while.
I'd still be considering one of the Name tile saws if I had the money, as that's what they do.
Be interesting to hear a response on this from a user.
Calvin is right on
When the DW24000 came out it had a lot of problems. On the surface it was a sweet looking saw. If you're a casual user the issues might not come in to play, but durability was suspect. A lot of saws died. I have used the DW24000 and it was an okay saw. The bells and whistles were nice, but functionally, the one I used had blade and bearing issues, and the brushes needed to be replaced. For some bizarre reason they used carbon steel screws on the sliding table. They rusted out, so making adjutments to the table was pretty tough to do. They might have changed to non-ferrous fastners since.
The main complaint I've heard about the Bosch is the sliding table. The table wheels and tracks seem to gum up and it needs occassional cleaning.
Both saws have adjustable tilt heads for miter cuts. Honestly, I prefer the head to be stationary. I want the blade locked down and that's that. Vertical movement of the blade is okay. But I don't want any tilt. Any mitering that I do I use 45-degree inserts or jigs to tilt the tile on the table.
One of the saws had problems with the circulating pump, I think it was the DW. it'd gunk up. Poor maintenance? I don't know. I know guys who have complained about the water that is sprayed on the blade, that with the DW they couldn;t get it to flow correctly. For some it dribbled. For some it sprayed in the wrong direction. Assembly? User malfunction? Again, I don't know.
Not trying to scare you away from either. I'd like to think that by now DW has worked out the kinks, as the saw has been around for quite a few years. The Bosch saw, it's new to Bosch, but I think it was rebranded from another manufacturer. I think it might actually be a Lackmond, it looks an awful lot like the WTS2000.
I've had a Felker FTS-150 for maybe 8 or 10 years. I've run it in summer and winter, indoors and out, and I've never had any issues. I replaced the brushes a few years ago. Felker sent me replacements for free and it took about 5 minutes with a screwdriver. The Felker doesn't have as good of a water containment system as the other saws, there is some overspray. But the saw itself works. If my 150 died, I'd by another. Well, actually I can't, as Husqvarna now runs Felker/Target/Tilematic. So I guess I'd have to buy a Husky.
If you need a blade recommendation, the best blade I've ever used for hard porcelain is the Felker TM-7 blade. Like everything else Felker, you'll also find it branded under the Husqvarna name.
If I had to pick either the DW24000 or the Bosch, I'd probably go with the Bosch if it is indeed a Lackmond saw. You can call the Bosch tech department and ask. If it's not a Lackmond saw, then take a peek at the Lackmond WTS2000.
My Target Tilematic was given to me over 25 years ago with many years on it then, and is still running strong, although right now it needs a capacitor. When the capacitor went out I rented a beam saw. Although it could do lots of stuff, it was a pain in the arse to use, and even with 16" slate it seemed like over kill. I borrowed an MK and thought it was a great saw, but it takes 2 people to move it. The Tilematic has a seperate pan and can be broken down and moved solo. I've replaced the pan (metal), the wheels on the table, several pumps, but that's all. If I were in the market I'd sure look at the Husqvarna.
Don't want to confuse you any further, but here is my experience. I have used a Felker, an MK, and Ridgid Tile Saw. I thought the Felker was very durable but not super accurate, but could have been the blade, as it was a rental. The MK was very powerful and accurate. Problem is they both lack wheels, as does the Dewalt. Which for some reason, Dewalt skips the wheels on many of their tools. In the end I purchased the Ridgid. We set quite a bit of tile, and the built in stand with wheels is clutch. Basically all things equal I would choose a saw with the wheels built into the stand. Your back will thank you. Lastly, I installed an addtional $30 water pump on my table. One to spray the blade on the top and one on the side. This additonal pump has increased blade life by double easy. At $35-50 a blade it saves a lot of money quick. Hope this helps.
Try Harbor Freight
I needed a tile saw for a single large project and bought the big Harbor Freight tile saw. I fileted hundreds of 5.5" pavers (in two passes) and the contractor who laid the pavers used it lots more. Had to replace the inadequate pump but that's $35 at HD. Looking at Harbor Freight's website there is a new model that looks much better, with alloy structural members instead of bent steel tubing. It's on sale at $239 (with wheels) and gets 4 stars from users. I had been eyeballing the MK but can't justify $900 for a single project saw.