Tool Comparison

Skil 3540-01 vs 3540-02 Review Tile Saw Comparison | 7 Main Differences

When you are dealing with tiles, whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or dining room; tile saw is the tool which is very much required in customizing the things at your disposal.

While we are working on these projects, we often come across the watery and crowded area. In those cases, Wet Tile Saw brings effective output.

This power tool is very simple to use, and after learning the basics, you can easily make safe and accurate cuts. So, before we dive into comparison part, firstly let’s discuss its working process and types.

The tile saw uses the water-cooled blade system to speed up the process of cutting a tile. With this tool, you can easily make special cuts with convenience. You can use it in slant edges, AC outlets, and drainage openings.

So, if you are a beginner, it’s recommended to go through the user manual before you start using the product. Because using wet tile saw could be a bit complicated if you are not having experience in it.

There are two basic types of tile saws. One is Wet Tile Saw, and another one is a handheld tile saw.

Wet Tile Saws: This is one of the best tools to cut the tiles. In this power tool, the blade is mounted into the water, and you get the very precise cuts even while working on the larger projects. You can make angled, miter, or beveled cuts at ease. It uses the water to cool down the blade. Water actually works as a lubricant here between the blade and tile to make the cut smoother and easier.

Handheld Tile Saws: If you want to work on small and medium-sized projects, this could be the right choice. This one is beginner-friendly and comes at an affordable price as well. These saws are portable and mostly used when working on thinner material. This tile saw allows you to make curved and odd-shaped cuts which are not possible with a wet tile saw.

In this section, we’ll talk about the differences between Skil 3540-01 and Skil 3540-02. We’ll cover all different aspects, and at the end, we would be presenting you the winner tile saw.

It’s recommended to read the whole article thoroughly so that you have proper clarity about the product that you are buying. In case you have any confusion, you can let us know in the comments below, we’ll try to respond as soon as possible.

Table of Contents

Technical Differences

Tile Saws	Skil 3540-01	Skil 3540-02
Weight	17.69 pounds	17.69 pounds
Product Dimensions	18 x 14.5 x 7.8 inches	18 x 14.5 x 7.8 inches
Color	Red	Red
Power Source	corded-electric	corded-electric
Voltage	120 volts	120 volts
Warranty Description	1-year warranty	1-year warranty
Cutting Capacity	up to 12 x 12 inch	up to 18 x 18 inch (extendable table)
RPM	3,600 RPM	3,600 RPM
Ampere	4.2 amp	4.2 amp
Torque	Less	More
Bevel Stops	0 & 45 degrees	0 & 45 degrees
Water Splurge	Yes	No

How to use a wet Tile Saw

Skil 3540-01 vs 3540-02 Differences

1- Build Quality

Skil 3540-01 is a very lightweight wet tile saw. It weighs around 18 pounds when there is no water inside it. You can easily carry it from one place to another. The build quality is pretty good and last for years without requiring too much maintenance. It comes in Red color, and its dimensions are 18 x 14.5 x 7.8 inches.

Skil 3540-02 is also very compact in size and weighs little less than 18 pounds. The total weight with extendable table comes around 24 pounds. It comes in red color, and the dimensions are 18 x 14.5 x 7.8 inches. So, there is not much difference in both the tile saws in terms of design and build quality.

2- Cutting Capacity

This is one of the most critical factors that you have to look at before making the decision. Skil 3540-01 has 12 x 12-inch capacity through its cutting blade. The cutting capacity of this model is just OK and can’t be increased because it doesn’t come with extendable table.

While Skil 3540-02 comes with a better cutting capacity which can be extended up to 18 x 18 inches because of its extended table. So, the winner is the latter model in this case.

3- Performance

Motor power is a very critical factor which must be considered before making a purchase. Both the Model comes with 4.2Amp motor which runs at 3600RPM. Both have 7-inch cutting blade, which allows cutting through a different kind of tile pretty easily.

Though both the models have same rpm speed, you’ll still see the difference in the torque of both the models. 3540-02 Model is suitable for cutting through hard and tough material while 3540-01 Model can easily cut through thinner and lightweight material.

4- Bevel Adjustments

Bevel Adjustment is also an essential part that you must have a look at. There is no difference in bevel stops of both the models. They have bevel stops at 0 and 45 degrees. You have to make the bevel adjustment before you make the cut. With 3540-02 Model, you can easily make the small bevel cuts, but with 3540-01 Model, you need to use the stand.

5- Other Features

Skil 3540-01 comes with affixed basin underside the table which allows the cutting blade to be submerged in the water. This water provides cooling and also works as a lubricant between the tile and blade.

While Skil 3540-02 comes with bit different cooling system. It has a hydrolock system which doesn’t let the water splurge while in use. What it essentially does that it doesn’t let water to splurge and you get very neat and tidy cutting experience. In this case, the latter model is the winner as it doesn’t let the surface to get wet and provide a safe and secure working environment.

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6- Tile Saw Pros

Skil 3540-01

It comes with a stainless steel tabletop which is corrosion resistant.
You can easily adjust the rip fence through miter gauge which gives you precise straight and miter cuts.
Its blade cooling system keeps the blade cool and reduces the dust and debris.
You can make the different angled cuts pretty easily from 0 to 45 degrees.

Skil 3540-02

It is suitable for professional users, and you can use it for a longer duration.
It has all the safety features that you need in a tile saw.
It can cut through different kinds of rough materials. It has better torque and comes with a diamond blade.
With extendable table, it can cut up to 18*18 inches. Its cross-cutting capacity is 7.75-inches, and diagonal cutting capacity is 7.25-inches.

7- Tile Saw Cons

Skil 3540-01

It has some plastic parts which can wear and tear over the period of time.
The water splurges out when you use it for cutting tile.
This is not suitable for long-duration use.
Not for bigger projects. Only good to deal with the thinner material.

Skil 3540-02

There are some better options in the market at this price.
Water Reservoir is very small in this Wet Tile Saw.
Blade’s kerf might cause tear out in delicate tiles because it is a bit too wide.
You need to make the adjustment in the tool once in a while to maintain its accuracy.

Better Alternative

Affordable Alternative

Conclusion

We have discussed all the important points about both the tile saws. Both have pros and cons. Though overall design and build quality are the same, there are a few differences in the features and working process.

Ripping Capacity is also very different. So, after comparing all the aspects, we have concluded our winner tile saw (Our Recommendation) which is based on user reviews and features.

Though the choice can vary depending on individual needs as well, in case you have any questions, you can let us know in the comments below; we’ll try to reply as soon as possible.