Felker’s New/Improved Tile Master XL Plus
By Rick Reimundez
Felker practically invented the first diamond-impregnated saw blade back in 1924, but the military’s use of the blades during WWII to cut quartz frequency crystals for radios and walkie-talkies secured Felker’s place in history. So we’re not surprised to discover that their new Tile Master XL Plus High Production tile saw is pro-level gear that’ll cut pretty much any kind of tile, from granite and marble to ceramics and porcelain — up to 31” wide (22” if you’re cutting diagonally) and up to 3-3/4” thick.
It’s a wet saw, so Felker focused on improvements to the water delivery system to improve performance. Specifically, they included a heavy-duty water pump and thicker water hose to increase the volume of water it can deliver. It features a 1-1/2 hp motor that Felker claims is tough enough for production work, which drives the blade via a 6-groove poly V-belt. Felker says the poly belt additionally reduces vibration. There’s a cam adjuster to simplify adjusting the belt’s tension, and a bladeshaft lock makes blade changes easier and safer, also allowing you to perform spring-assisted plunge cuts.
The Tile Master has a galvanized pan below the 50% larger (than Felker’s previous model) cutting tray that resists rust.
At $1,200 on the street it’s probably overkill for hobbyists, but it’s the bomb for pros. And you can always look for it at the rental counter.
TM-1 Tile Master XL Plus [Felker]
Street Prices [Google Products]
Via Amazon
September 21st, 2007 at 12:23 pm
3-3/4″ thick! Wow!