Harbor Freight Tile Saws Vs DeWalt Tile Saws: Which Are Better Based On Reviews

Tile isn't just for kitchens and bathrooms, with stylish patterns available to suit any room in your home. One of the keys to laying tile to a high standard is being able to cut them accurately, and there's nothing quite like an electric tile saw for speed, ease of use, and precision. They are particularly good if you are using porcelain tiles. One of the main differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles is how rigid porcelain is, so a wet saw with a diamond blade is usually recommended.

There are basically two types of tile saws: handheld dry models (visually similar to circular saws or angle grinders) and wet tile saws that can either sit on a handy surface or have their own stand. The former creates a lot of dust and can be challenging to handle with any accuracy. This article discusses the latter: tools that are popular with both DIYers and professionals.

Harbor Freight and DeWalt both offer several tile saw options. Harbor Freight is known for its competitive pricing, whereas DeWalt has a stellar reputation for build quality and durability. Choosing which is best isn't easy, so we looked at a bunch of reviews to get feedback from those who have purchased and used them.

The reviews of Harbor Freight tile saws come directly from the company's website, as you can't buy Harbor Freight tools anywhere else. Tile saws are found under the Chicago Electric and Diamondback names, just two of the numerous brands of tools you'll find under the same roof. The Chicago Electric Table Top Wet Cut Tile Saw is a budget-friendly 7-inch model available for just $69.99, whereas the three Diamondback table top saws (a 10-inch and two 7-inch models) run from $179.99 to $499.99. A stand is available for the 10-inch model, but it costs $59.99 extra.

One buyer found the low-cost Chicago Electric tile saw "surprisingly easy to use," a comment that was echoed by several others. Another said it "held up well," reflecting that the majority were satisfied with the tool. However, several people were disappointed to discover that a blade was not included, and there were a variety of other complaints. In total, 23% of buyers gave ratings of only one or two stars. (via Harbor Freight)

The balance of positive comments was considerably higher with the Diamondback tile saws, perhaps because the higher prices resulted in better overall quality. Fewer than 5% of people gave low ratings. The 7-inch with sliding table appears particularly popular, and many consider it an excellent value. The high-capacity 10-inch model was also well received. Interestingly, one customer rated it "far above the DeWalt equivalent." (via Harbor Freight)

DeWalt's own website is short on reviews, so we turned to leading online retailers Amazon and The Home Depot for buyers' thoughts. While DeWalt actually lists five tile saws, they are all 10-inch models, like the DeWalt Wet Tile Saw with Stand. This underlines the brand's focus on contractors or serious DIY enthusiasts. The differences are in the type of table and whether a stand is included. It can be a little confusing, so it's important to check the specifications carefully. A diamond blade for cutting ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles is usually included. Prices range from $869 to $1191.

It's not unusual for people to question whether DeWalt tools are worth the heavy price tag, but you'll find few complaints from those who own them. Users generally find them very well made, consistently accurate, powerful, and reliable. You will still find negative ratings in the 5% to 7% range, although some criticisms are aimed at retailers' support rather than mentioning product flaws.

So which tile saws are better, according to reviews? Well, actually, neither. The majority of customers who bought a Diamondback tile saw from Harbor Freight are happy with their purchases, as are those who bought a DeWalt. You can't really make direct comparisons. The most expensive Harbor Freight model is only around half the price of a DeWalt. The bottom line is that most DIYers will choose the Harbor Freight tile saw, most contractors will pay extra for the DeWalt, and it's unlikely that either will be disappointed.