Follow These Tips To Ensure Your Tile Saw Renting Experience Goes Smoothly
Posted on: 12 May 2015
If you're re-tiling a bathroom or kitchen floor, you probably don't need to buy your own tile saw for the project. Tile saws can be pretty expensive to purchase outright, and many places rent them out for affordable rates. However, there are a few things you should be aware of before you rent a tile saw. Taking these precautions will ensure your experience goes smoothly.
Over-estimate how long you're going to need the saw.
Most rental shops charge a base rental fee plus an additional fee per hour for equipment like tile saws. It's tempting to be overly optimistic when estimating how long it's going to take you to cut the tile. Resist the urge to say you only need the saw for an hour or two. Chances are, things are going to happen when you're in the midst of cutting and installing your tile that slow down the process. You may cut a few tiles wrong and have to redo this work, or you may have to interrupt your work to go to the hardware store for some supplies you purchased.
If you think you can complete a project in 4 hours, rent the saw for 6 just to be on the safe side. If you think you can complete the project in an afternoon, rent the saw until the middle of the next morning, just in case. If you don't finish your project by the time the saw is due back, you may end up paying extra late fees or having to pay another base-rental fee to rent it again. It's usually cheaper to just pay for few extra hours up front.
Make sure you have the right cutting guides before you leave the rental shop.
If you're going to be cutting tile into any shape other than a smaller rectangle, you'll need a cutting guide to ensure you get the right angle. These come with most tile saws, but some rental shops have the habit of sending only the ones you need out with the saw, since this causes fewer of them to get lost. If you're going to need a 45-degree, 30-degree, or other cutting guide, make sure you ask for one at the rental shop.
If you're not sure how to use the tile saw, ask for specific instructions.
The rental shop may have a manual they can give you, or they may have someone on staff who can give you some pointers. Don't assume you'll just go home and look online for instructions. Not only will this waste valuable time during which you're paying to have that tile saw, but there are several different types of tile saws, and you want to make sure you get specific instructions for the type you're using.
Confirm whether you're renting a wet saw or a dry saw before you leave the rental facility.
Traditionally, all tile was cut using a wet saw, which squirts water on the tile as it cuts. This type of saw results in smoother, more even cuts, and is thus the preferred piece of equipment for most people who work with tile. Though they are bulky, you should certainly try to rent a wet saw for your tiling cutting needs if at all possible, since they create less dust and offer more precise cuts.
Dry tile saws do exist, however. If this is the only kind of tile saw you can find, you can make do for a small project. However, they are not as accurate as wet saws, and they produce far more dust. They can also overheat, causing you to have to take breaks during the cutting process. Make sure you check whether the saw you're renting is a wet or dry tile saw before you walk out of the shop, so you're not surprised when you get home.
By keeping the items above in mind as you rent and use your tile saw, you can ensure the process of tiling your home is enjoyable, rather than a big hassle. Click for more info to help you get started.
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