Portable bimodal tile saw

Abstract

A bimodal tile saw includes a tray supported on a base extending in a first direction and a water-cooled saw unit suspended from a telescoping arm. Both the tray and the saw unit move relative to the base along the first direction. In a first mode, the saw unit is fixed and the substrate is fed to the saw unit by advancing the tray. In a second mode, the table is fixed and the telescoping arm is advanced using ergonomic handles to bring the blade into contact with the substrate. A laser cutting guide casts a precise beam across the work piece for accurate cutting. An integrated handtruck, having a handle and folding legs actuated by gas pistons allows easy transport and setup of the tile saw. During use, a retractable foot elevates the wheels off of the ground. Water shields protect the saw unit's motor and external environment.

1 . A method of using an apparatus for cutting ceramic material that includes a saw unit suspended from and freely moveable along a first guide member incorporated within a telescoping arm and a surface for supporting a portion of said ceramic material to be cut, wherein at least a part of said supporting surface is freely moveable along a second guide member, comprising the steps of:
 fixing said saw unit into a stationary position along said first guide member;   advancing said supporting surface along said second guide member toward a cutting element of said saw unit until said portion of ceramic material contacts said cutting element, wherein said portion of ceramic material is cut by said cutting element; and   delivering coolant to said cutting element from a coolant reservoir by means of at least one coolant line.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising any of the steps of:
 transporting said apparatus to and from job sites by means of a folding handtruck integrated with a sub-frame of said apparatus, wherein deployment and collapse of said hand-truck is hydraulic assisted;   maneuvering said apparatus with said integrated handtruck using at least one handle continuous with said sub-frame and at least one pair of wheels attached to said sub-frame; and   storing said apparatus in a vertical position, wherein at one of said at least one handles is operative to support said apparatus with said integrated handtruck in said vertical position.   
   
   
       3 . A method of using an apparatus for cutting ceramic material that includes a saw unit suspended from and freely moveable along a first guide member integrated within a telescoping arm and a surface for supporting a portion of said ceramic material to be cut, wherein at least a part of said supporting surface is freely moveable along a second guide member, comprising the steps of:
 fixing said supporting surface into a stationary position along said second guide member;   advancing said saw unit along said first guide member toward said supporting surface until a cutting element of said saw unit contacts said portion of ceramic material, wherein said portion of ceramic material is cut by said cutting element; and   delivering coolant to said cutting element from a coolant reservoir by means of at least one coolant line.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising any of the steps of:
 transporting said apparatus to and from job sites by means of a folding handtruck integrated with a sub-frame of said apparatus, wherein deployment and collapse of said hand-truck is hydraulic assisted;   maneuvering said apparatus with said integrated handtruck using at least one handle continuous with said sub-frame and at least one pair of wheels attached to said sub-frame; and   storing said apparatus in a vertical position, wherein at one of said at least one handles is operative to support said apparatus with said integrated handtruck in said vertical position.