I am looking to buy a small trim saw mainly for cutting sheet goods. I have narrowed the choices down to two, The Porter Cable 314 and the Skil 5 1/2″. Both seem like nice saws with the same weight, the main differences being:
The Porter Cable depth of cut is only 1 5/16″ while the Skil is 1 3/4″
The PC is a worm drive while the Skil is a sidewinder
The Skil has the blade on the left side, the PC on the right
The PC costs about $100 more than the Skil
I love the build quality of the Porter Cable which is very rugged, the smooth running worm drive and the fact that the motor will not interfear when using a guide and clamp since the motor does not hang over the base. It has also been around forever.
The skil has a little more powerful motor, I like the blade on the left and the ability to cut 2x material.
My question is to anyone who has used either or both of these saws, what did you like or dislike and which one would you rather own and use.
Thanks
Bob
Replies
Bob, I have used the PC trim saw but not the skil. Good saw, you really don't need a lot of depth of blade if you are using this saw as a trim saw only. I bought the 6" saw boss, this is a better choice if you occasionally need to cut framing lumber. The blade is on the left, which I prefer, plenty of power , nice and light too.
Mike
I've had one of the little PC worms for a number of years. I originally bought it to clean out some caulking in a carvel-planked sailboat. It worked great for that and I've used it on occasion for a variety of tasks since.
It's a good little saw, but I think if I was to get another trim saw, I would probably go with one of the little sidewinders or a cordless. The worm is relatively slow RPM which is a bit of a drawback and the blade selection is somewhat limited.
BTW, when I undertook my first FC siding job a few years ago, I didn't have shears or a masonry blade and I cut all the planking with an old carbide tipped blade in the little PC worm. It was a very poor method for cutting cement board plank and a real workout for the saw, but it did the job and held up just fine.
I have a PC warm drive and use it for most everything under 2X. If they had given an extra 3/8" blade depth, I would probably use it for cutting most 2X lumber as well. As mentioned, the blade selection is somewhat limited and many hardware stores don't carry blades for it at all. But, I think it is a great little saw. I also have a PC cordless 19v trim saw that I am increasingly using, however. The cordless can handle a surprising amount, but the battery drains fairly fast under heavy use.
I have the PC trim saw and an El Cheapo 4.5" diameter sidewinder. I reach for the PC for almost all my cutting in the field, provided it's not cutting framing lumber. You need to determine what you're going to use it for most; it sounded as though you were considering it for sheet goods. If it's finished goods, then the slow speed may cause splintering, as a previous poster noted.
If I had to make a choice, I'd go with the PC. It's rugged, dependable, and does what I ask within the capabilities of the saw. Just watch the saw shoe; mine has a tendency to drift out of square. But then, so do most.
ive found that if you get a better blade for the PC 314 youll get splinter free cuts. Teynru or mashush*ta make better blades then the stock. Oldham also makes a 4 1/2 blade as well.
i bought the 314 a few months ago and have been loving it. Much less effort to break out then a normal framing saw.
My ONLY gripe with the 314 is lack of dust collection attachments or chute.
Bosch 24V, 6-1/2", blade left. A mean trim saw.
Rich.
Anybody try the little Makita electric saw? Made in Brazil, I think. Looks ok.
Do it right, or do it twice.
Which Makita? They make quite a few "little electric saws" and I haven't happened to check on the country of manufacture on most of them. I have the little Makita 3 3/8" cordless trim saw that looks somewhat like a toy but can do a surprising amount of work. Haven't really used it all that much, but I have cut a bunch of 1/2" plywood in addition to trim. Not particularly fast, but it does chug through it.
That little 3" Makita with the diamond blade is an easy to control saw when you need to cut something diamondey. New word.........but a lot better control thana grinder for those small cuts.
I'd classify it as useless for wood though.
Joe H
Edited 7/3/2003 1:24:57 AM ET by JoeH
Found it useful for cedar roof shingles. Can work on a ladder, saw fits in tool belt, no cords required. Just cut and nail and keep going.
Occaisionally I use it for 1x material when I need something quick.
I called it an electric saw to try to distinguish it from cordless. It's a 4-3/8" blade left sidewinder, 11,000 rpm and about $200.
Do it right, or do it twice.
Cunner,
Sorry this is late I hope it helps. I have the skill saw but it is under the crapsman pro label I really like it it has a six amp motor, which is usually fine but I have noticed that its lower amperage begins to show especially in longer rips otherwise it is great. I bought a pc saw boss the main reason being and my major gripe with the skill is that it takes a 5and1/2 inch blade and I was having trouble finding blades with the 1/2 inch arbor which is what the skill requires. I could find 5and1/2 inch 3/8 arbor blades all over so I got fed up and bought the pc.
Chris