Symptoms
- Cut drifts away from the marked or fenced line
- Tile edge comes out angled instead of straight
- Blade appears to wobble when running
- Cut width varies along the length of the tile
Likely causes
- CommonFence not parallel to the bladeA misaligned fence steers every cut off line by the same amount.
- CommonBlade loose on the arborA loose blade nut lets the blade wobble during the cut.
- PossibleWarped or damaged diamond bladeA bent blade won't track straight even with a good fence.
- PossibleTable or sliding tray not moving smoothly and consistentlySticking or binding in the slide mechanism can pull the tile off line.
What to do
- Unplug the saw before adjusting the blade or fence.
- Check the arbor nut for tightness and retighten firmly with the correct wrench.
- Confirm the fence is parallel to the blade by measuring from the blade to the fence at both ends.
- Inspect the blade for visible warping or damage and replace if needed.
- Clean and check the sliding tray or table rails for smooth, even movement without binding.
- Make a test cut on a scrap tile to confirm the line is now straight before cutting good material.
Tools and parts
- Tile saw
- Wrench for arbor nut
- Tape measure
Diamond blade for tile sawSearch: “diamond blade wet tile saw replacement”
When to call a pro
If cuts still drift after fence and blade checks, a repair shop can check the table rails and arbor for wear.
Safety
Use caution
Wet tile saws mix water and electricity; keep the saw plugged into a GFCI outlet and keep hands away from the blade during cuts.