MK Diamond 155747 MK-101 PRO 10-Inch 2 HP Tile Saw

List Price: $1,340.00

Features:

• 2 hp, 115-volt motor
• Permanently lubricated dual-sealed heavy-duty blade shaft bearings
• 3-3/4-inch depth of cut, and 20-inch rip, 14-inch diagonal length of cut
• One-year limited warranty

Accessories:
MK Diamond 151889 Folding Stand for Model MK-1080 Brick Paver Saw	Fluid Forms 1002 Patella T, Advanced Knee Protection for Finishers and Maintenance Personnel	MK Diamond 137166 MK-200 Premium 10-Inch Wet Cutting Continuous Rim Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor for Tile	Strait-Line 65201 2.5lb Blue Chalk	MK Diamond 158436 MK-225 Hot Dog 10-Inch Wet Cutting Continuous Rim Diamond Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor for Porcelain and Vitreous Tile

Customer Reviews:

Rugged and built for the long haul [Posted on 2003-01-15]
I researched tile saws for a long time before I bought this one. I had a small Plasplugs unit that served me (and several of my buddies) quite well for many small jobs. The last job I did was Saltillo Tile which I had to cut with a hand grinder and a dry blade - effective but what a mess. The MK-101 is built like a tank and easy to use. No, it's not for beginners but, unlike some of the previous reviewers, I found the manual detailed and thorough. It cuts smoothly, largely in part to it's 10" blade but also the excellent track and cutting table. It may never be as accurate as a table saw but, it is the best tile saw out there that I have seen. When cutting 12"x 12" floor tiles there's no chipping of the finish glazing - it cuts almost too smooth and there are sharp edges left - be careful. All in all a major investment but worth it in my opinion. Go to a pawn shop and you'll find them 10 years old, beat up, for [cheap]. With the free stand and cutting kit I chose it over he MK-100 for the extra power - my Dad always told me: "get the biggest and most powerful motor on any tool and you'll never be sorry". He's been right so far.

Good and Bad [Posted on 2004-02-10]
I need to tell you about my MK 101 Saw. Recently the saw stopped working and I contacted your sales office. They were very helpful and overnighted a new switch to me. Since my saw was dead there is a quick fix to get a person by until a new switch can be obtained. The switch is a 20A DPDT. The second set of contacts are not used and if the first set of contacts is the problem simply swapping to the other set will get it working. They will not be worn or burnt from the constant on off cycling.

I bought the saw from a local distributor. They charged my $1085.00 for the MK 101. Since that time I have found that $799.00 is the average price. I will not do business with that distributor again.

Third and last is both good and bad:
The saw cuts very well however it has more vibration in the bade shaft than when it was new. At this wear rate by next year it will have to have new bearings/sleeves.

My biggest complaint is the quality of the sliding table and attachments. The set screw rip guide is difficult and time consuming to make small adjustments. The tiny finger bolt to tighten the guide loosens with saw vibration unless tightened with pliers. MY fingers wont do it on such a tiny surface without pain. Use of pliers is making the back of the sliding table rough because it is soft material. Eventually this surface will be ruined and fine adjustments impossible. Why not put a sliding cam-lock fence like you find on quality table saws. Time putzing around with the existing one is costing me money.

It is also common for me to lay tile on a diagonal or cut tile to fit on a tapered wall. The fence should have a quality protractor and pivot. Or, it should be a quality piece that can be added to the fence or used separately.

The scale on the sliding table is worthless. Why put one on there if your not going to spend the time to make it useful?

The dimple surface on the table helps but I still wash it down with a sponge often. On either side of the cut line should be a solid rib and the kerf should be no more than twice the thickness of the blade. Better yet these two flats should be independently adjustable. They could then be closed for cutting mosaics and glass tile.

The saw is too heavy. I could cut 30% off by using better materials and doing some engineering. I have mine strapped to a dolly. You could just mount your saw to a designed for the purpose dolly. Put a seat on the handle end. That's what I did with mine.

The tub did not fit the frame when I got it. I had to grind and smooth the frame opening so I could get the tub in and out without damaging it. The vacuum formed tub scared me when I first saw it. It has held up ( I am very Careful) but a rotationally molded PE or PEX tub would be better. The little added fence holder welded on is worthless. The fence does not fit and sticking out like that is a hazard. Put a latch on the far end (under the motor) of the sliding table so when you push it forward you can make it stay when moving the saw. I have gotten some pretty painful knuckle/finger slams when the table slides out of control when I am trying to lift this beast into my truck.

So there you have it. As a result I am in the market for a better saw. From what I have seen though your saws are not designed to make the tilers life easier so I am shopping around.

Great Saw for professionals [Posted on 2004-05-16]
first of all. this saw cuts very accurately and the slide works very smooth. no need to get Japan involved in making this saw, like some other reviewer posted. and also, if you need an owner's manual on how to work this saw, then maybe you shouldn't be laying tile. I have used this model many times and have never had a problem with it. Full of power and precision. MK has done a great job.

This is one serious saw! [Posted on 2004-12-08]
My wife and I do remodeling on the side, and I was looking for a step up from my $89 chinese "table saw" style tile cutter. After reading all the reviews, I decided to go for it with the 2 hp model. Boy does this saw cut tile. It has never bogged down, and I can cut stacks of 3 tiles at once (typical 12" ceramic floor tiles). Things to watch:
-the water flow adjustment is just a touch sensitive. Not a big deal, but getting the water flow "just right" takes a little practice;
-Make sure you get the floor stand! This is a massive stand!
I love this saw, and am happy that I paid the extra cash for the bigger motor - now cutting tile is a treat instead of a chore.

MK 155747-AMZ MK-101PRO 10" 2 HP Tile Saw [Posted on 2005-04-21]
I just received this tile saw yesterday and set it up for a series of jobs that I have to do. Today I actually got a chance to cut with it. The job required six separate cuts per tile (1/2" thick quarry tile). 240 cuts later, the results were spectacular. The saw cuts quarry tile as if it were made of butter. It tracks along the guides without flaws. The saw setup very quickly and easily. No problems with the pump or draining the tray. I have 500 more complex cuts remaining for this job and it looks like I will be well ahead of schedule with this piece of equipment. It was well worth the price. If everything continues as slick and easy for the next few jobs, I believe I'll just buy a few extra blades and keep it forever!

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