I am looking, slowly, for another circular saw, a trim saw. I will cut only sheet products with it, 3/4″ plywood or MDF.
My 12 year old B&D SawCat is actually a very-well made saw. Very durable, but quite heavy, about 12-13 lbs.
I am looking for a well made smaller saw. I am getting old and want something lighter.
I was looking at the Porter Cable saw boss 6″. It is 9 lbs.
But the PC 324mag is 7 1/4″ is only 9.6 lbs. It is easier and cheaper to find 7 1/4 blades of better quality. 3 packs are frequently available.
I have looked into the PC 324mag. It doesn’t seem very sturdy to me.
The Craftsman 5 1/2 inch trim saw has sleeve bearing, which I may not like.
Do most of the better saws have roller or needle bearing? Does it affect the precision?
What other brand make a lighter saw?
The two ends of the armature have ball bearings for the better saws, but after the gear at the shaft, the bearing type differs. Is this important for precision? One would think so.
Edited 2/3/2006 2:15 am ET by woodenfish3
Replies
I would look at the Makita 4 3/8 trim saw. I don.t own one but I've used one before and it cut great. Also you can put a diamond blade on it for tile work. Good luck. See attached link .
http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_det&tag=4200NH
I think portercable makes a trim saw that has a 4.5 inch blade I have seen it on Amazon. It has a worm drive motor. Norm on new yankee uses one for just that purpose.
Troy
I have the 6" PC sawcat, very satisfied.You are correct about the availability of blades. I have to use the PC blades, they're fine but twice what 7 1/4" blades cost.It will cut sheet products or framing lumber with no problem. It comes with an insert that prevents splintering on plywood. I do not use it, I use the saw for an all around saw,the splitter is in the way for framing,clogs up with large chips. The dust tube works well, directs the dust in any direction. I tried it with a bag, fills too fast,better if the dust just blows away from you.
I have used the small makita another post mentioned. This saw is fine for some applications, 3/4" sheet goods is not one of them. Occasional cut maybe, the one I used was cordless. Used mainly for cutting recptacles in cabinet backs.
mike
Im sure any of the saws mentioned above will make you satisfied but just to throw another one out there, the Rigid has had excellent reviews. I bought it because it was on sale a few years back and has turned out to be a really nice saw. You can usually get a good deal since it's at HD. I also believe there is a lifetime warranty on the parts right now. Hope this helps.
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