Further down the page, you’ll find some explanations regarding the key similarities and differences between the SKIL 3540-02 and the SKIL 3550-02.
Power Comparison
People look over Skil for their origin and then take a second, longing look for their products. Skil makes power tools for their do-it-yourself demographic, and they do it so well. Such effort can be seen in the two wet tile saws we will be discussing today: SKIL 3540-02 and SKIL 3550-02.
Both saws are considered entry-level usage, so their set of functions is quite basic yet encouraging for new techniques.
Skil 3540-02’s diamond-coated blade makes for quite a strong saw that can cut through stone and masonry like butter. Combined with a motor running on 3600 rpm, the saw can support tiles that are 18 inches thick.
Skil 3550-02, however, uses an even more consuming and, thus, more powerful motor that runs at 5amps to deliver the same rotation per minute.
This might seem wasteful to those unfamiliar with a saw, but more power to the motor means consistent cuts are even more precise on slippery materials like granite.
Aside from consistent cuts, Skil 3550-02 also provides users with three bevel stops instead of Skil 3540-02’s two stops. This feature allows the 3550-02 for more diverse cuts, and of course, gives it one more plus point.
Design Comparison
Known for being very DIY-friendly, Skil 3540-02 and 3550-02 are also very compact. As table-top saws, it’s a prerequisite that they fit on the table but are still light as well!
The former saw model has the measurements of 18 x 14.5 x 7.75 inches (length x width x height, respectively). In comparison, the latter model has 22 x 18 x 8.5 inches for its dimensions, which is still very space-economical and easy to handle.
Skil 3540-02 only weighs around 18 pounds while dry. From that point, we can understand how the Skil 3550-02 wet saw has an extra water guard lock and an extendable table that checks in a mere 24 pounds in total weight. They both are very easy to carry around, move and store.
Features Comparison
One of the outstanding functions of Skil saws must be how the machines handle the concept of “wet saws”. The way water hits the blade is very important, as it serves to prevent burn marks from appearing on your tiles, reducing flying debris, and keeping the blade smooth and precise every time.
Both saw models in question are equipped with internal water basins under the table to rid the need of preparing a bucket that you can knock over. But what lifts Skil 3550-02 from its counterpart is the HydroLock guard that solves another problem that most people overlook.
Home DIY-ing will certainly cause a mess, whether you’re a novice or a pro in the game. But when using a water-cooling saw, there will be water splashing aside from debris flying, and Skil 3550-02 makes sure to prevent this problem.
The HydroLock guard blocks all water from escaping the table portion of the saw, thus, stopping liquids from splashing over your workspace as well.
This feature saves you from major cleaning hassle after you do your work.
Quick Rundown Of SKIL 3540-02
- Corrosive resistant stainless steel top supports tiles up to 12 x 12-inch
- Adjustable rip fence with miter gauge for accurate straight and miter cuts
- Blade cooling water reservoir to keep blade cool while minimizing dust and debris
- Bevel cuts tile from 0 to 45 degrees. Cut material: Stone/Masonry
- Cross cut capacity: 7.75-inch; Diagonal cut capacity: 7.25-inch
Light and portable
Semi-flexibility (two bevel stops)
Convenient and beginner-friendly[/i2pros][i2cons]Limited working space
Splash water
Not heavy-duty friendly[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Quick Rundown Of SKIL 3550-02
- Hydro lock water containment system keeps water contained near the blade and reduce clean-up time
- Sliding side extension provides support for tiles up to 18 x 18-inch
- Aluminum table top is a durable, rust-resistant surface
- Adjustable rip fence with miter gauge for accurate straight and miter cuts
- Bevel cuts tile at 0, 22.5 and 45 degrees, giving flexibility for different cut types
Light and portable despite the extra features and parts
Great flexibility (three bevel stops)
Convenient and welcoming to all levels of execution
Extended working space
Little to no mess during the process[/i2pros][i2cons]Quite overwhelming for beginners
Tiles will chip if forced too hard with the blade
Chunky design and angling, obstructing sight[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Product Videos
Conclusion
Skil 3540-02 will serve you well if you’re a beginner who wants to give new techniques and cuts a shot. Its function can provide blade efficiency and precision to make your practices and creative process way easier.
Skil 3550-02 is suitable for heavier duties. Despite the increased performance, however, it’s still appealing to people who just started out.
Overall, after this Skil 3540-02 vs 3550-02 comparison, we’re glad to say that we definitely recommend investing in these two wet tiles saw models!
