I purchased this saw after my wife created a tile design for a new bathroom that required just about every tile be cut--effectively eliminating the local tool rental shop from consideration. Since then, it's also aided in several room floor tile projects. I've owned many power tools, and I've found the MK 370 to be one of the better ones overall. The motor is sized for the job and delivers consistent, smooth power without excessive vibration at the cutting edge (but do use ear protection-the gearbox is a noisy one). The saw cuts glazed tiles without major chipping so long as a steady and moderate feed rate is maintained. I've had no trouble making precise and accurate cuts. Although the table rollers were misalign out of the box, 2 minutes and 1 wrench fixed this. A small amount of oil applied to the polished glide rod also goes a long way towards ensuring a day of smooth table operation. Working with tiles up to 10 x 10 inches is no problem--despite what the product description says, you can even make many cuts on 13 x 13 inch tiles if you don't mind working with a couple of inches overhang at the blade edge. The only major weakness is the water pump--even though I use a clean water supply, the pump fades with continuous usage and the blade is not always well lubricated. The only way I've found to avoid this problem is to keep the pump at the same level as the saw. If MK would fix this-I'd rate the saw a straight 5 stars for the home user. The stand kit is an excellent companion purchase, as is the variable angle rip guide (the saw comes with only a fixed 90-degree guide).

The MK 370 saw cuts tile and marble with ease. It is small in size allowing for use in tight spaces or confined areas. If you have ever used a larger more powerful saw, you will notice a difference, but I believe it to be a good saw for smaller tile jobs where a lot of continuous fast cutting is not needed. The saw is a bit loud compared to larger saws with bigger motors. I would recommend this product to either do-it-yourselfers or tile setters looking for a portable reliable saw for smaller residential jobs.

We're a remodeling crew that installs wall and floor tile. Of our 4 saws the 370exp is by far the worst. My manual cutter cuts straighter and sharper than the MK -- not a selling point for the 370.
br /Why it stinks (Really! I have nothing good to say about the saw)
br /1) Place the pump in the base of the pan and it will get clogged within 20 cuts. So, you'll need to have (a) good lungs to manually blow debris out of the siphoning hose (b) clean the pan and put fresh water in it and start cutting again.
br /2) If your lungs aren't that good you can alway place the pump in a water tray to the side of the pan. However, there is no slack in the siphoning hose to allow you to place the pump externally (which the manual says can be done). It can be done, but you'll see why it's far from optimal upon set up.
br /3) My little boy can probably cut straighter with a pair of scissors. The rip is off about 1/32 over a 14" tile -- that's beyond pathetic.
br /4) Shaving a tile is not an option. Blade deflection won't allow you to rip less that 1/2" off -- that's also really pathetic.
br /5) You need to lubricate the slide arms constantly. You never really have a nice smooth push.
br /6) The guide is pathetic -- yes, pathetic. When tightening it lifts from the surface due to the dimpled cutting plate texture. Why it's not a smooth surface is a mystery.
br /7) It's loud. That would easily be acceptable if it weren't such a pathetic saw.
br /8) I'm not kidding when I say that out hand cutter is a better cutter -- accuracy, clean cut, dependable. We also have a little harry home owner $99 workforce saw that cuts much better -- I lie not. Of course the $1000+ saw outperform it as they should. But as $300 you would expect a little better.
br /
br /I hate to slam a tool -- I love tools -- but this is a disgrace and MK should be ashamed to manufacture such junk. It's pathetic. For those of you that gave it high marks I'm not sure what's up.

This is a review of the Workforce THD 850 tile saw that Home Dept sells for $297. It competes directly with the MK-370EXP and looks/works the same with a few exceptions.
br /
br /I needed a good tile saw to do several jobs and was willing to spend up to $300. I was going to get a MK-370 for about $240, but the vendor (not Amazon) screwed up the order and pissed me off, so I cancelled. At the same time Home Depot did a 10% off sale, so I decided to try their Workforce THD 850.
br /
br /Like the 370, the 850 has a 7" diamond blade, a grinder motor, and a sled to feed the work into the stationary blade. A small submercible pump floods the blade to cool/clear it. Differences are the 850 has an aluminum table, not plstic, comes with a sturdy support stand (very nice!), and does 45 degree tilt. The able is fitted with an oil port and moves smoothly. The motor is loud, but plenty strong. Construction appears to be (other than motor and blade) pretty much all aluminum and plastic. There is a big drain plug to dump the sturdy plastic tub.
br /
br /I am almost finished with job one and am very pleased with the saw. The thing is really intellegently designed. My only real criticism is that there is no index mark on the table nearest the operator to mark the blade position. This means on a free-hand cut that you have to eyeball the path of the cut by pre-sighting along the blade. Not a huge deal, but an index nothch would have made it easier. 'Cource you can add an index notch with a file easilly enough.
br /
br /When I was shopping, I could find basically nothing about this saw and I hope this little review helps the next guy considering its purchase.

The MK 370 is lightweigt and powerful enough for the average do it your selfer,however the chrome slide rail system must be re-engineered. I find it next to impossible to make accurate or straight cuts while using this saw. I would certainly like to upgrade to the 770k or the 101prok but do not want to experience the same problems.

This saw is pretty good for alot of different kinds of tile.Ihave owned one for over 2 yearsand have had no major problems.Igave it three stars because the table has alot of play in it so cutting stright cuts every time is hit or miss,its alot better if you use the stright edge that comes with the unit and push only with your left hand and use your right to hold your tile.I like the table ,because the tile can be put in the middle and not slide,very handy when you are cutting notches.The saw is very noisey so dont get scared when you turn it on.The water pump is the worst part of the saw.I had to start pluging it in ,get it pumping then hook it up to the saw and leave it running until I was through cutting all of my tile.It did help to clean the pump after I was done by putting it in a bucket of clean water and let it run for 15 minutes.The saw was easy to clean and move around.I rip 13 inch tiles all day long with no problem.I probably have over 200 tile jobs on it so far and still plan on many more.I have also just purchased a 660 for the better guides and the quite dc motor cant wait till it gets here.

First of all, let me say that for an American-made tool, A LOT of high-value parts say "China" on them. All except for that big "Made in the USA" sticker on the front. I guess maybe the tub was made in the USA, or it was packaged in the USA, but that's about all.
br /
br /Second, it's an okay tool, but this thing is not all that great. THIS THING COST ME $260 FROM LOWES, AND IF I PAID THE SAME FOR A SMALL TABLE SAW AND GOT THIS PILE OF PARTS I'D BE VERY VERY UPSET.
br /
br /Slide is fair - Plastic, sits on bushings that don't slide as smooth as you might think.
br /
br /Blade Fair - My blade lasted about 80 linear feet before I needed to start forcing it a bit and it started breaking tiles. Replaced it with a DeWalt that is doing great after about 250 linear feet.
br /
br /Pump is poor - This is a FOUNTAIN PUMP. These are made to put into your BIRD BATH. It is prone to plug, and is junk on an expensive tool like this.
br /
br /
br /I'm not sure I'd buy another MK product. I think it will operate okay, but just don't like how many corners have been cut to produce this tool.
br /
br /*****
br /UPDATE 12/29/2005 - The crappy fountain pump failed. This is now a dry saw :-(((( Total tile laid since new = 500 Sq. Ft.
br /*****

After reading many reviews I opted for the MK-370. What a great choice I made!br I am an amateur in the greatest sense of the word and this saw made me look like a pro. pIf you are a do-it-yourselfer and probably will not be ripping anything bigger than a 13" brtile, this saw is great. Diagonals are a little hard but I was able to free hand them with no problem. The saw sprays a little water so you are better off using it outside. pThe only other thing I would recommend is that you purchase the protractor attachment that works with the saw for some of those angled cuts. I don't believe you can buy it on this site, but finding it on the internet was easy as MK saws are very popular.p If I ever buy another saw you can bet it will be an MK.

This saw has issues w/ rip cuts over 12". It will rip cut 13" tile, but dangerous. The sliding plate has some variance, the blade gets nasty after 6", you need 2 hands to secure the tile, so reaching one hand up and over the motor to cut the power is a spooky manuever. The first 13" tile I cut shot out and hit the wall.
The main problem, besides the loose action of that caddy, is that the pump does not direct the water to the blade.
MK Diamond does have excellent customer service, they suggested the 770 EXP for larger (what I consider NORMAL tile). However I am going to buy the MK-100, which is MADE in USA not assembled. I will only use my MK-370 for baseboard cuts and mosaics.
MK is a good company, but they really need to focus more on explaining their products to the consumer. The instruction manual for the MK 370 is pathetic. And why no clamps for securing the tile?!?

Update to my review. I just used this for 12" granite tile, and it performed much better than on the ceramic. MK also sent me a new pump that also increased performance. Only issue I am still having is that there is often a small uncut piece at the back end of a tile. Saw does not pivot down at the end of the cut like a miter saw, which would alleviate this problem. However not a show stopper, still a good saw.

I needed a wet saw, and have other projects coming up soon that warrant having my own saw, rather than renting one. On the verge of installing my first marble floor, I read with concern some of the reviews for this product. I noted what was available from the likes of Home Depot, e.g., their own brand, and opted for the MK "name" brand. In the overall, I was happy with this purchase. Not ecstatic, mind you, but happy.
br /The saw is noisy, and ear protection is essential. It is well packed and was received in great shape. The optional stand and cutting kit (a freebie online) were most helpful. The saw was able to cut 12" marble on a diagonal, in nice, neat cuts with the provided Hot Dog blade. I had a problem, however, if I had to cut, say, 2" off the center line of a diagonal tile. Perhaps it was the way I had the saw set up, but I was forced to turn the tile over 2/3 of the way through the cut. Perhaps that is to be expected; not having much tile cutting experience, I wouldn't know. I managed just fine, however, eyeballing the line of the cut to match up with it starting from the other end. One review stated the saw did not make straight cuts. I have to agree. I found it necessary to concentrate, as the cut line had a slight tendency to wander a bit... it might have been off by 1/16". I found the water pump to be a bit small, but it worked the first time, and for the duration of my cutting (a full day), providing an ample water supply until the last few cuts. An odd thing, pointed out in other reviews, is that the plastic water basin has no drain in it. It would have been easier to clean and replace the circulating water during the cutting process if there were a drain hole in it, rather than tipping the entire saw to spill out the dirty water.
br /The end result was that the saw did for me what I hoped it would: enable me to lay down a marble floor that looks great, imho, and one which included some rather difficult cuts. Would another saw have done it better? Maybe. In this price range? Maybe not. I look forward to my next tile job with it.

After ordering this on Amazon I left it in the box until my tile project started. I open up the box and setup the saw the day I am starting the project. I cut 1 12" tile and then no more water. The little pump crapped out! I'm sure I can get another one under warranty, but why put such a cheap flimsy pump in with a great looking saw. I think this reflects poorly on MK and their product

I purchased the MK-370 Tile Saw (1/2 hp model)in October 2004. On the first day of operation the pump gave out. Then the motor switch gave out. In the middle of a tile job. E-mail to customer service to obtain list of authorized warranty repair centers has gone unanswered. Maybe I got a lemon. I could have bought 3 inexpensive tile saws for the price of this one. In defense of the machine I will say that when it cut it cut well.

I purchased this saw to lay ceramic tile on the kitchen floor and backsplash. I also used it to cut marble for two bathroom floors and showers. The blade that came with the saw worked for the kitchen floor only. After that, I bought a high quality DeWalt blade. Talk about a difference. Anyway, the saw works really well. My biggest complaint would be the water pump. Really cheap...but it does do the job. I ended up using a five gallon bucket of clean unused water that was siphoned out by the water pump to cut. This way, the pump never clogged with dirty water.
br /
br /If you're working on a large job or several small jobs where renting a wet saw doesn't make sense, I would suggest this saw...but be aware that you will need to replace the blade quite quickly...so get a high quality blade...it will make a world of a difference. And be sure to use clean water out of a separate bucket...that way your pump won't clog.

I don't understand why MK, an American company risked the company's image of quality products and start manufacturing cheap tile saws made in china. I was quite upset when I open the MK 159943 MK-370 7" 1-1/4 HP Tile Saw box and saw the made in china sticker. It takes about 30 minutes to assemble the stand and everything else together. The assembly was easy; however, when I powered on the motor, it made a loud cutter noise and the water pump sucks. I will not buy another MK product.

I thought this would be a good saw to use inside where space is limited. It does set up easily but takes forever to get the table aligned to the blade. After the table is squared to the blade it only lasts for a couple of cuts. In my opinion, it's not worth the hassle. Buy a better saw with easier alignment. Better yet do yourself a favor and stay clear of MK saws. After cutting 10sf of 12x12 the table will be out by 1/8 inch, which is just plain ugly. Supplied blade is good, pump is okay, but who cares? When laying tile you need square cuts. If you need square cuts don't buy an MK saw.

The blade, sliding arms, and water pump are marginal. The blade is very durable but it doesn't always cut straight. The water pump clogs frequently and the sliding arms do not provide for a smooth sliding motion. MK seemed like a good brand but this product lacks the quality that I expected. I would probably spend more money next time.

I am an amateur who likes to do a professional looking tile job using marble. The problem I faced was making neat cuts in my tile. I didn't want to rent a cutter because I wanted to work at my leisure.I bought an MK-370: Problem solved without having to use a special blade. I would like to have a better splash guard. Otherwise, A-OK. It cuts marble tile with no problem.

I had the opportunity to break in the MK-370EXP on a smaller job with pretty much satisfying results. I found a few ways of using this saw that were very helpful. The single complaint that I do have is the water pump. A pump that does not have a TOP feed would be most welcome!! The hose protruding from the top impedes table movement. I will recommend this saw for most jobs. I am pretty satisfied.
br /Kris Wittlieff
br /Pinedale Wyoming

I have the 370 not the EXP, however, other than the shorter travel the units are similar. I've had the saw about 4 years and use it to remodel my home and the homes of my children. I've used it to do three bathrooms, two kitchens, one sun room, a fireplace surround and a marble counter top. As others have stated it's a real bear to get the table alligned to get a straight cut, even when you do, it seems the next time you use it you have to start all over again. The table isn't flat across the surface so there is a tendency to chip the tile on one side of the blade or the other. The origional pump doesn't last long and after reading this in reviews I added an extension so I could pump from clean water and not the tray. I still had to replace the pump a couple of years ago. It's also loud, very loud, just running and not cutting it's loud. It makes my 3 hp router sound like a wisper by comparison. Even with all the short commings I thought it was a sound, well built machine that worked satisfactorily for my DIY needs. Well, I didn't think my list of projects was that long that it should have bitten the dust already. As much as I've used it, I wish I had opted for a better saw. One that was less noisy, easier to allign and most importantly had better staying power. It's probably ok for a couple of small projects, but if you intend to use a tile saw more than that I would suggest going up-scale.

Edit on January 29,2007: MK Diamond is of little help. Their web site provides a list of service centers, the first phone call to a service center was greeted with "what's MK Diamond?" A call to MK Diamond for parts wasn't much help either, only the entire motor is available as a replacement part, at $168+ it's not exactly a bargin for what is little more than a $48 4" grinder. With a lot of effort on my part I was able to locate the bearing which had gone south and it's replacement from a bearing supply house was a wopping $2.54. I would have expected even a cheep bearing to hold up longer than this. Time to grab the ear plugs again.

I just finished using this saw on a kitchen remodel with 16 inch limestone tiles. Rips fit on the table but for diagonal cuts I had to make a jig to raise the tiles clear of the back push fence and flip the tiles over after cutting them half way or so. Yes this is a loud saw so ear plugs should be worn - we call it "the screamer". The sliding table did bind a bit because of all the weight from those 16 inch tiles hanging off the front but if you push with your left hand and hold the tile with your right it works fine. With reasonable care I was able to get accurate cuts. Later when cutting smaller tiles it performed just as expected and the table slid smoothly and cut accurately. I recomend lubing the rails with silicon grease because it holds up better than the oil provided with the saw. One modification I made lessened the amount of water splatter off the rear mudflap. I replaced the stock mudflap splash guard thingy with a similar sized piece of that green fake grass looking doormat. The force of the water coming off the blade is difused by the stiff hairs of the door mat stuff and does not create as much mist around the back of the saw. I got the idea from these special mudflaps used on tractor trailers and it works great. Next I'm working on an idea to keep water off the rails. After lugging around saws that weigh over a hundred pounds and are no more accurate I really enjoyed using this lightweight alternative. I would recommend it to any one from the DIY'er to pro remodelers like me.

I'm not exactly what you would consider "handy," but my wife and I decided to tile our master bath anyway. We tried renting a wet saw, but found that put too much pressure on us to get the job done quickly--not a possibility with my skill level. The MK-370 was a perfect choice for purchasing. It was easy to use and cut through our porcelain ceramic tile like butter. And owning this saw allowed us to work at our own comfortable pace. To our surprise, our project turned out better than expected and I can say that this saw was a major reason why.

I have used this tool several times to get the feel of cutting tile. I am still at the exploration stage until my wife okay's a complete room remodel. Anyway, the tool cuts clean and the ability to cut at 45 degrees can hide unfinished edges (although they are not hard to polish on natural stone). I get very mininal chipping now after I changed out the stock blade. The water pump system works fine and the tub is sufficiently large to run several tiles without worrying about overflow. As with any tile cutter - move the material through very slowely!

The MK-370K is ideal for my home projects, bathroom and kitchen, but I am disappointed in the water recirculation system. While it works, it is not well thought out, takes constant attention and interferes with the smooth operation of the sliding table. In fact, it looks more like an afterthought than an the critical and integral part it is. I am certain that eventually it will be redesigned and the unit will be greatly improved. Unfortunately, this will probably be done by the Japanese.