Review: Porter Cable Heavy Duty Circular Saw
Contents
Photo by Mark Hunter, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Some circular saws put more emphasis on the weight of the tool than the features it can provide. Others focus on cutting power without much thought for the user.
The Porter Cable heavy-duty circular saw (PC15TCS) balances both. It has a 15-amp motor with a no-load speed of 5,600 RPM.
Check the cutting capacity before choosing this saw. Its depth of cut is about 2-3/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-13/16 inches at a 45-degree bevel, a little less than some 7-1/4-inch saws.
What Makes the Porter Cable Heavy Duty Circular Saw Stand Out?
In a word: balance. Woodworkers Journal reports the saw weighs 9.5 pounds, with improved weight distribution and an angled auxiliary grip that stays out of your line of sight.
It bevels from 0 to 55 degrees, with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. That covers most framing and trim bevels.
The design is well-balanced, so it is comfortable over a long day, much like another heavyweight, the Bosch CS10.
For clean cuts in plywood, use a higher tooth count blade and support both sides of the cut. Slow your feed rate in hardwoods so the blade doesn't overheat or burn the edge.
What Could Be Improved with the Porter Cable Heavy Duty Circular Saw?
If your work area is larger than the cord's reach, use an extension cord of the gauge the owner's manual specifies for a 15-amp saw. An undersized or overly long cord reduces voltage, which costs the saw power and overheats the motor.
Check the blade is square to the base before precise crosscuts. Set the 90-degree stop with a square and test on scrap.
OSHA notes that kickback is more likely when ripping and with dull blades. Support all stock, including the offcut, and keep your hands out of the line of the cut.
Conclusion
The Porter Cable heavy duty circular saw is a solid value. It does an excellent job for rough cutting and bevel work. A Porter-Cable circular saw is a perfect circular saw for home use.
For most home projects, this saw meets our expectations and we believe it will do the same for you. If you need something more portable then try a good top rated cordless circular saw which can be used when traveling.
Sources
- Porter Cable 15 Amp Circular Saw, Woodworker's Journal
- Woodworking eTool: Handheld Circular Saws, OSHA
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