Felker Tile Saw Design

[David Bentz]

Mike, I read a response where you said: "I have never liked using a Felker wet saw,...". Could you say what about the design you dislke? Thanks.

[brian]

Dave, I think Mike gets his tile saws free from MK Diamond. If felker did the same he might change his mind and realize that felker is a far better tile saw.

[mb]

Brian,

I prefer to answer for myself.

I can get any tile saw manufacturer to give me a wet saw. For that matter, I can get any mfg to send me any tile installation tool or product to try out or use as I like.

My background includes three years as a machinist and millright, and I know something about making and maintaining tools. The funky wheels on the Felker saw are a joke. The un-polished slide rails are a joke. The bearings on the wheels are a joke.

This saw would probably be OK for somebody who is only interested in making a few approximate cuts, but it is not the kind of saw I want to use. I have owned and used several Felkers and I don't want to waste my time with one again unless they completely change the engineering.

About once a year, I throw out worthless tools that are sent to me by mfg's who want me to plug their stuff.

MK Diamond was the first company to come to my aid when I needed material assistance with setting up the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. They donated three wet saws that are still in use.

MK Diamond consistently supports my education programs with JLC, and they listen to what I have to say about their products. I asked them for the use of a saw to use (for photos) in the revision of my book.

Felker saws have remained largely unchanged for many years while MK has looked for ways to improve their products.

What will change my mind is performance and a committment to quality.

[Chip]

If MK is so concerned with making changes that are needed, why haven't they ever changed the tube that the rail off the sliding tray rides in?

It not only gets filled with slurry, but it freezes in the winter.

As far as Felker saws go, the flimsy wheels, bearing and tracks have only worked and cut tile as straight as it needs to be for a long time. And if any of them need repair, it is easily done.

Why the vindictiveness towards one of the finer companies in the industry?

Chip

[mb]

Chip,

You sound like a sales rep for Felker.

I have used all kinds of saws in good and bad weather. When it freezes, to protect the water pump (and make cutting more comfortable), I use an immersion heater to keep the water warm. If I am using my old Rizzo saw (whose pump I removed completely many years ago), I connect the supply hose to the drain spigot on a water heater.

I don't waste time using a wet saw for cuts that won't show. For those that do, I insist on having a +.000", -.005" tolerance range for repeat cuts. My designs are crisp and tight with narrow joints. I have been very dissatisfied with the performance of Felker saws in the past. Felker may be a fine company, but I don't like their saws for the kind of work I do.

Vindictive? I don't think so. Opinionated? Definitely.