Symptoms
- Chips or cracks along the cut edge
- Glaze flakes off near the cut
- Rough or jagged edge instead of clean line
- Chipping worse on porcelain or glass tile
Likely causes
- CommonDull or wrong diamond blade for the tile typePorcelain and glass need a continuous-rim blade; segmented blades chip these materials more.
- CommonFeeding the tile too fast through the bladeRushing the cut increases chipping, especially on brittle glazes.
- CommonInsufficient water flow to the bladeWater cools the blade and helps it cut cleanly instead of tearing the glaze.
- PossibleCutting glaze-side down instead of upCutting through the back first can cause more surface chipping on some tiles.
- PossibleBlade worn smooth or glazed itselfA worn diamond blade cuts less cleanly and chips more.
What to do
- Confirm you're using a continuous-rim diamond blade for porcelain, glass, or polished tile.
- Check that water is flowing steadily onto the blade during the cut; refill or clear the water reservoir if low or clogged.
- Slow your feed rate significantly, letting the blade do the work rather than pushing the tile through.
- Cut with the finished (glazed) side up unless the tile manufacturer recommends otherwise.
- Apply painter's tape along the cut line on delicate or glazed tile to help reduce chipping.
- Replace the blade if it looks worn smooth or is no longer cutting efficiently.
Tools and parts
- Wet tile saw
- Continuous-rim diamond blade
- Painter's tape
Continuous-rim diamond bladeSearch: “continuous rim diamond blade porcelain tile”
When to call a pro
For very expensive or delicate tile, a flooring or tile professional with the right blade and experience can reduce waste from chipped cuts.
Safety
Use caution
Wet saws combine water and electricity; use a GFCI-protected outlet and keep hands clear of the spinning blade.