Alpha AWS-110 & AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter Installation, Setup & User Guide
The Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutters are professional handheld wet saws designed for precision cutting of porcelain tile, ceramic tile, granite, marble, quartz, engineered stone, and other masonry materials. Their powerful motor, integrated water delivery system, and lightweight design make them ideal for professional tile installers, stone fabricators, countertop installers, and experienced DIY users who require accurate, clean cuts.
This guide explains how to install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutters. It has been rewritten for easier online reading while preserving the important information found in the original manufacturer documentation.
Quick Navigation
- Specifications
- Important Safety Guidelines
- Installing the Saw Blade
- Installing the Water Attachment
- Connecting the Water Supply
- Installing the Felt Strips
- Replacing the Carbon Brushes
- Testing the GFCI Safety Plug
- Operating the Wet Stone Cutter
- Adjusting Water Flow
- Adjusting Cutting Depth
- Using the TT Ruler Guide
- Maintenance Tips
- Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
Specifications
- Models: Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220
- Motor Power: 1200 Watts
- Voltage: 120V (AWS-110) / 220V (AWS-220)
- Current: 11.2A (120V) / 5.5A (220V)
- No-Load Speed: 13,000 RPM
- Maximum Blade Diameter: 4-1/2 in. (115 mm)
- Standard Blade Diameter: 4 in. (100 mm)
- Arbor Size: 20 mm
- Maximum Cutting Depth: 1-1/4 in. (32 mm)
- Weight: Approximately 6.8 lbs. (3.1 kg)
The Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 combine high-speed cutting performance with continuous water cooling to reduce dust, improve blade life, and produce smoother cuts across a wide range of natural stone and tile materials. When equipped with the proper wet-cutting diamond blade, these saws deliver dependable performance for professional fabrication and installation projects.
Important Safety Guidelines
Read all instructions before operating the Alpha AWS-110 or AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter. Always use the tool as intended and follow proper safety procedures to reduce the risk of injury, electrical shock, or damage to the equipment.
- Always wear ANSI-approved safety glasses or a face shield.
- Use hearing protection during extended cutting operations.
- Wear a dust mask or respirator when required by the material being cut.
- Use cut-resistant gloves when handling diamond blades or sharp materials.
- Wear non-slip footwear and avoid loose clothing or jewelry.
- Inspect the power cord, water hose, and fittings before each use.
- Never operate the saw with damaged guards, loose components, or a cracked diamond blade.
- Always disconnect the saw from the power source before changing blades, making adjustments, or performing maintenance.
- Keep both hands on the tool during operation and maintain a stable working position.
- Use only wet-cutting diamond blades that are rated for at least 13,000 RPM.
- Never operate the saw without an adequate water supply.
- Keep electrical connections away from standing water and always use a properly functioning GFCI-protected outlet.
Following these safety guidelines helps protect both the operator and the tool while improving cutting accuracy, blade life, and overall performance.
Installing the Saw Blade
Disconnect the Alpha AWS-110 or AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter from the power source before installing or removing a diamond blade. Inspect the blade for cracks, missing segments, or excessive wear. Never install a damaged blade or one that is not designed for wet cutting.
- Unplug the wet stone cutter.
- Remove the arbor bolt, outer flange, and blade retaining hardware.
- Install the diamond blade with the rotation arrow matching the direction shown on the saw.
- Ensure the blade seats fully on the 20 mm arbor.
- Reinstall the flange and tighten the arbor bolt securely.
- Rotate the blade by hand to verify that it turns freely without contacting the blade guard.
- Reconnect power and perform a brief no-load test before making the first cut.
Always use a high-quality wet-cutting diamond blade that is appropriate for the material being cut. Proper blade installation reduces vibration, improves cutting accuracy, and extends both blade and tool life.
Installing the Water Attachment
The Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter features an integrated water delivery system that supplies a continuous flow of water to the diamond blade during operation. Proper installation of the water attachment helps cool the blade, minimize airborne dust, improve cutting performance, and extend blade life.
- Attach the water fitting to the saw as shown in the manufacturer's diagram.
- Ensure the fitting is fully seated and securely tightened.
- Route the water hose so it will not contact the blade or other moving parts.
- Check that the hose is free of kinks, twists, or sharp bends.
- Briefly turn on the water supply to verify that water reaches the blade and that there are no leaks.
Never operate the wet stone cutter without adequate water flow. Continuous water cooling is essential for safe operation, improved cutting quality, reduced dust, and maximum diamond blade life.
Connecting the Water Supply
After installing the water attachment, connect the supply hose to a clean water source before operating the saw. A steady flow of clean water keeps the diamond blade cool, reduces dust, and produces cleaner, more accurate cuts.
- Connect the water hose securely to the saw.
- Attach the opposite end to a faucet or other clean water source.
- Open the water supply slowly and inspect all connections for leaks.
- Verify that water flows evenly to both sides of the blade.
- Adjust the flow to provide continuous cooling without excessive overspray.
- Keep the hose behind the operator and away from the cutting path.
Insufficient water flow can cause blade overheating, poor cutting performance, excessive wear, and possible blade damage. Always verify proper water flow before beginning each cut.
If using the optional shutoff valve or faucet adapter, tighten all threaded connections securely before turning on the water. Open the valve gradually until a steady stream reaches the blade, then close the valve completely before disconnecting the hose.
Installing the Felt Strips on the Base Plate
The felt strips on the base plate allow the Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter to glide smoothly across finished stone and tile surfaces while helping prevent scratches. Inspect the felt strips regularly and replace them whenever they become worn, damaged, or begin to separate from the base plate.
- Disconnect the saw from the power source.
- Clean the bottom of the base plate to remove dust, slurry, and adhesive residue.
- Remove the old felt strips completely.
- Install the replacement felt strips in the same locations shown by the manufacturer.
- Press each strip firmly to ensure full contact with the base plate.
- Allow the adhesive to bond securely before operating the saw.
Keeping the felt strips in good condition improves control, protects polished surfaces, and helps produce smoother, more accurate cuts.
Replacing the Carbon Brushes
The motor uses replaceable carbon brushes that wear during normal operation. Inspect the brushes periodically and replace both brushes as a pair whenever they reach the manufacturer's wear limit or if the motor begins to lose power or operate inconsistently.
- Disconnect the saw from the power source.
- Remove the carbon brush caps using the appropriate screwdriver.
- Carefully remove both worn brushes.
- Install two genuine Alpha replacement brushes in the correct orientation.
- Reinstall the brush caps and tighten them securely without over-tightening.
- Run the saw without load for several minutes to allow the new brushes to seat properly.
Inspect the carbon brushes regularly. Replace them when the brush length has worn to approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) or less to maintain proper motor performance and help prevent unnecessary wear.
Always replace both brushes at the same time and use genuine Alpha replacement parts to ensure reliable operation and maximize motor life.
Testing the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
The Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter are designed for wet cutting applications and should always be connected to a properly functioning Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Test the GFCI before each use to help protect against electrical shock when operating the saw around water.
- Plug the GFCI into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
- Press the RESET button to activate the GFCI.
- Verify that the indicator light turns on, if equipped.
- Press the TEST button. Power to the saw should immediately shut off.
- Press the RESET button again to restore power.
- If the GFCI does not operate as described, do not use the saw until the GFCI has been replaced or repaired.
Testing the GFCI before every use is a simple safety check that helps reduce the risk of electrical shock and ensures the saw is operating under safe conditions.
Operating the Wet Stone Cutter
Before making a cut, verify that the blade is installed correctly, the water supply is connected, and the GFCI has been tested successfully. Allow the blade to reach full operating speed before bringing it into contact with the material.
- Secure the workpiece to prevent movement during cutting.
- Turn on the water supply and confirm continuous water flow to both sides of the blade.
- Switch on the saw and allow the blade to reach full speed.
- Guide the saw forward using steady, even pressure.
- Do not force the blade through the material. Let the diamond blade perform the cutting.
- Complete the cut before releasing the trigger or lifting the saw from the workpiece.
- After finishing the cut, allow the blade to stop completely before setting the tool down.
Using consistent feed pressure and maintaining proper water flow produces cleaner cuts, extends blade life, and reduces unnecessary strain on the motor.
Adjusting Water Flow
Proper water flow is essential for safe operation and maximum cutting performance. Water cools the diamond blade, reduces airborne dust, helps prevent overheating, and extends blade life. Before each cut, verify that water is flowing evenly to both sides of the blade.
- Turn on the water supply before starting the saw.
- Adjust the shutoff valve until a steady stream reaches both sides of the blade.
- Use only enough water to keep the blade cool without creating excessive overspray.
- If water flow decreases, stop cutting immediately and inspect the hose and fittings for kinks or blockages.
- Never operate the saw without an adequate water supply.
Maintaining consistent water flow improves cutting quality while helping prevent blade glazing, excessive wear, and overheating.
Adjusting Cutting Depth
Set the cutting depth before turning on the saw. Adjusting the blade so that it extends only slightly below the material being cut improves cutting efficiency, reduces blade wear, and provides better control.
- Disconnect the saw from the power source.
- Loosen the depth adjustment mechanism.
- Raise or lower the base plate until the desired cutting depth is reached.
- Tighten the adjustment securely before operating the saw.
- Verify that the blade rotates freely without contacting the base plate or guard.
For most materials, the blade should extend only slightly below the bottom surface of the workpiece. Avoid exposing more blade than necessary.
Using the TT Ruler Guide
The optional Alpha TT Ruler Guide helps produce straight, accurate cuts by providing a stable guide for the saw. It is especially useful when cutting large porcelain panels, natural stone slabs, and other materials that require precise alignment.
- Position the guide on the workpiece and align it with the desired cut line.
- Secure the guide so it cannot move during cutting.
- Place the base plate against the guide before starting the saw.
- Allow the blade to reach full speed before beginning the cut.
- Guide the saw smoothly along the ruler using steady, even pressure.
- Keep the base plate firmly against the guide throughout the entire cut.
Using the TT Ruler Guide helps improve accuracy, reduce edge chipping, and produce straighter cuts on large-format tile, porcelain panels, granite, marble, quartz, and other stone materials.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance helps keep the Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter operating safely while extending the service life of the motor, bearings, diamond blade, and water delivery system. Always disconnect the saw from the power source before performing inspection, cleaning, or maintenance.
- Clean the tool thoroughly after each use to remove stone dust, slurry, and debris.
- Inspect the diamond blade regularly and replace it if it becomes worn, damaged, or out of round.
- Check the water hose, fittings, and shutoff valve for leaks, cracks, or blockages.
- Keep the blade guard and base plate clean and free of accumulated residue.
- Inspect the power cord and GFCI for signs of damage before each use.
- Replace the carbon brushes when they reach the recommended wear limit.
- Verify that all fasteners remain securely tightened.
- Store the wet stone cutter in a clean, dry location when not in use.
Routine maintenance improves cutting performance, minimizes unexpected downtime, and helps extend the overall life of the saw.
Troubleshooting
If your Alpha AWS-110 or AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter is not operating properly, review the following common issues before requesting service.
Motor does not start
- Verify the outlet is supplying the correct voltage.
- Check that the GFCI has been reset.
- Inspect the power cord for cuts or other damage.
- Inspect the carbon brushes for excessive wear.
- Verify the power switch is functioning properly.
Blade cuts slowly or binds
- Replace a worn or damaged diamond blade.
- Reduce feed pressure and allow the blade to cut at its normal speed.
- Confirm adequate water flow reaches both sides of the blade.
- Verify the blade is designed for the material being cut.
Excessive vibration
- Stop using the saw immediately.
- Inspect the blade for damage or improper installation.
- Verify the arbor flange and retaining bolt are tightened securely.
- Replace damaged blades before continuing operation.
Poor water flow
- Inspect the hose for kinks or restrictions.
- Clean clogged fittings and water passages.
- Verify the water supply valve is fully open.
Poor cutting quality
- Adjust the cutting depth correctly.
- Allow the blade to reach full speed before beginning the cut.
- Maintain steady, even feed pressure throughout the cut.
- Use a quality wet-cutting diamond blade designed for the material being cut.
Most performance issues can be corrected through proper maintenance, correct blade selection, and ensuring the water delivery system is operating properly.
Final Safety Reminder
Always follow the manufacturer's safety recommendations when operating the Alpha AWS-110 or AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, use only compatible wet-cutting diamond blades, maintain continuous water flow during operation, and disconnect the saw before making adjustments or performing maintenance. Proper operation and routine maintenance help produce cleaner cuts, extend blade life, and ensure dependable long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 cut porcelain tile?
Yes. When equipped with a quality wet-cutting diamond blade, both models deliver clean, accurate cuts on porcelain tile. Continuous water flow helps reduce chipping, cool the blade, and extend blade life.
Can this saw cut granite and marble?
Yes. The AWS-110 and AWS-220 are designed for cutting natural stone including granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate, quartzite, and many other masonry materials when used with the appropriate diamond blade.
Can I cut engineered stone or quartz?
Yes. Engineered quartz and other manufactured stone surfaces can be cut safely using a wet-cutting diamond blade while maintaining a continuous supply of clean water.
Does this saw require water during operation?
Yes. The AWS-110 and AWS-220 are designed for wet cutting applications. Water cools the blade, reduces airborne dust, improves cutting performance, and significantly extends blade life.
What size blade does the saw use?
The saw accepts standard 4 inch (100 mm) diamond blades and can accommodate blades up to 4-1/2 inches (115 mm) with a 20 mm arbor.
What is the maximum cutting depth?
The maximum cutting depth is approximately 1-1/4 inches (32 mm), depending on the blade being used.
When should the carbon brushes be replaced?
Inspect the carbon brushes regularly and replace both brushes when they have worn to approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) or less, or whenever motor performance begins to decline.
Can I use dry-cutting blades?
No. Always use diamond blades designed specifically for wet cutting and rated for the operating speed of the saw.
How can I reduce chipping when cutting porcelain?
Use a premium porcelain diamond blade, maintain proper water flow, allow the blade to reach full speed before entering the material, and use steady feed pressure throughout the cut.
Where can I purchase replacement parts?
Replacement blades, carbon brushes, felt strips, water supply accessories, and other service parts are available through Alpha Professional Tools dealers and authorized distributors.
Compatible Materials
The Alpha AWS-110 and AWS-220 Wet Stone Cutter is designed for professional cutting of a wide variety of tile, stone, and masonry materials when paired with the appropriate wet-cutting diamond blade.
- Porcelain tile
- Ceramic tile
- Granite
- Marble
- Quartz
- Engineered stone
- Quartzite
- Slate
- Travertine
- Limestone
- Concrete pavers
- Other masonry materials
Selecting the proper diamond blade for the material being cut improves cutting speed, edge quality, blade life, and overall performance.
Recommended Accessories
- Alpha wet-cutting diamond blades
- Replacement carbon brushes
- Replacement felt strips
- Water supply hoses and fittings
- TT Ruler Guide System
- Replacement blade flanges and hardware
- Stone polishing accessories
Using genuine Alpha accessories helps maintain proper fit, dependable operation, and long-term performance while protecting your investment.
Download the Original Alpha AWS-110 & AWS-220 Manual
This online guide has been rewritten for easier reading while preserving the essential information from the manufacturer's documentation. If you would like the original illustrated instruction manual, you can download the official PDF from Alpha Professional Tools.
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