Am looking to replace an old diamond wet saw. Does anyone have any experience with the M-K saws that use the motor that lookes like it came from a hand grinder?
I like the physical size but don’t want a screaming loud motor like my hand grinder. If that is the case I would go for a larger frame motor. Thanks for any help. Also I saw a thread a month or so ago about a different brand that someone really liked, if anyone recalls.
Replies
I have had two of the MK saws with grinder motors. The first was a 370 (I think) which was ok except that the table sagged which caused the larger tile to snap. I think it has been replaced with the 370XP which has a metal table ... mine was plastic.
I now have a bigger version, model 770 I think, which overall works better except that the table is shorter (front to back). The motor on this one tilts so you can put a 45* bevel on the edge of the tile. On the smaller saw you have to use a jig to lift one edge of the tile.
Both are loud, but if you go to a belt drive saw the size and weight gets significantly bigger.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
If you decide to go for a big beast - this one is actually pretty good dispite its low price and where it comes from
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46225
I bought one a while back after hearing positive reviews from several people here
It needed some adjustments to get the water hitting the wheel just right and true things up, but after that it has been a good saw. Have only done about 4 jobs with it, but it is solid.
I would recommend hearing protection with any tile saw.
I have used a number of MK products and been pleased with them.
I rented a large diamond brick dry saw, and didnt want to give it back. It was used outside, and created a decent cloud, but was an incredible tool. It was like a SCMS.
I have an MK 170, yes its probably like a grinder noise, but that doesnt stand out as a problem. I think I was more involved with the wet mess beyond the table then the noise.
-zen
Thanks, I'll look at that
Sorry I don't do Harbor Freight but thanks for the quick response.
The closest saw to the Harbor Freight 10" model is a yellow one at Lowe's at twice the price - $600. There are other $600 saws in blue and yellow but I can't remember the brand names right now. (CRS). MK will set you back another $300 or more.
All do the same thing, especially with a decent diamond blade. You can't tell the difference between the low or high priced machine in the finished tile product.
I had the MK270. It was a screamer with the angle grinder motor. At $278. Came with a plastic table which I exchanged for the metal table the first day. Broke way too many tiles at the last inch with the plastic table. Went through 3 water pumps but those are just aquarium pumps and are easily replaced.
Water pump life can improved be having the pump in a clean bucket of water so nun of the "grit" is run through the pump.
So..the goldfish I had in the tray was NOT a good idea?..I enjoyed watching them whilst I was cutting. (G)
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Restoring, Remodeling, Reclaiming The Quality..
That was my attitude too, until I read what some people whose opinions I respect had to say about that saw here.
Glad I was open minded enough to give it a try.
Curious if it is a quality thing or some kind of moral thing with you
I just have too many friends who have gotten burned with inferior products.
Take a look at the saws from Pearl Abrasive, much better than the MK. I have the 370 and it's fine for up to 6 inch tile, it is noisy and rough. I've also used the MK100 which wasn't that good for a $600 saw. A guy I was working with bought the Pearl saw, very smooth and powerful. I believe the 7 inch model will cut 16 inch tile on a 45. Here is a link to their web site which has a PDF file showing their saws. -Ed
Felker and Target saws are the gold standard because they have excellent support and powerful motors. But check out the brand new tile saw from Dewalt -- it is getting rave reviews.
You can check out recent reviews here:
http://johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=4
Billy
I have a 10" Felker that I have just started to use. It cuts cleanly, and looks as though it will last a long time.
Bob Chapman
thanks for the tips
The Dewalt looks pretty nice. I like the tilting motor for miter cuts. I had to miter cut 16" tile and it wasn't easy holding the tile on the bevel guide. I'd need to do a lot more tile work to pay for that. -Ed
I agree with you about harbor freight,I am extremely hesitant to get their tools.However I have used most major brands and I reccomend the harbor freight 10" tile/brick saw on sale for $200 or 250.I got mine for 200 along with a $30 blade and 2 plastic sawhorses($6 ea.)for a stand. I am very pleased.A similar setup from MK will run you $1100.
Todd
Now Only
$179.88
[email protected]
Craigmic-
Just saw this on an email promo from Tool King.
The final splash of SanchoRon receded from shore and returned to sea.
Now but a passing memory to some, the fallen comrade to friends, and an unknown for those to come.
The death merchants united dealt the blow to what aim?
Razz - that saw is a decent choice, especially for that price, but onl;y if it has the metal table. If it has the plastic table, it'snot worth buying.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Don't recall ever checking one out. Sounds like maybe worth a phone call for craigmic.
The final splash of SanchoRon receded from shore and returned to sea.Now but a passing memory to some, the fallen comrade to friends, and an unknown for those to come.The death merchants united dealt the blow to what aim?
If you plan on using it a lot "spend the big bucks".
I bought my blue MK about 15 years ago and paid about $1200 for it.
I have done miles of tiles and brick work on it.
HAd to replace that little pump once but thats cheap....other than that its made me a whole lot more than I've spent.
Be well
a...
The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means..
and what model is it? thanks
Sorry
Actually its a TARGET....my blades are
MK....
http://www.tiletool.net/Target_Wet_Saws.asp - 43k -The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means.. I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides, I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth, of peace. I honor the place within you where if you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.
Edited 3/5/2005 8:47 am ET by Andy Clifford(Andybuildz)
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=37739.1
When you are ready to buy whatever make you choose do an extensive web search comparing prices.
As you'll see in post #18 and #19 I paid $569 with extras, delivered & no tax for better MK saw than SanchoRon's MK which he paid $500 for.
You can find good prices if you search it out.
The final splash of SanchoRon receded from shore and returned to sea.Now but a passing memory to some, the fallen comrade to friends, and an unknown for those to come.The death merchants united dealt the blow to what aim?