I received this saw for review several months ago and just haven’t had an opportunity to use it much. On the recent Chest of Drawers project, I had a bunch of sheetgoods to cut down so I took that opportunity to give the saw a little workout. The results were pretty much exactly what I anticipated. A powerful 15 amp saw with as good a quality of cut as the blade would allow (I used the stock 24-tooth blade). Frankly, a pretty solid package for the $90 asking price.
Prior to getting into the tracksaw world, I used an older Porter Cable 743 for all of my circular saw work. There are only a few appreciable improvements over this older model: its about a pound lighter, the secondary handle is ergonomically positioned, and the adjustment knobs are now easy to use levers (see below, left). There are actually a few things that were left out of this model, that are present on my older saw. For instance, the blade changing wrench is now stored in the case, instead of on the tool itself (see below, right). Another thing missing is the dust bag connector. Now to be fair, they do still make saws with the dust bag connector but I suppose at this price point they needed to sacrifice a few things.
So what more can I say? It appears to be a powerful and capable saw. No bells, no whistles, just a decent quality circular saw at a good price. For a furniture shop, I think this saw would be more than adequate for making nice clean straight cuts using an upgraded blade and some sort of a guide. Would it stand up to the intensity of all-day use on a construction site? Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question, but the body and base of the saw appear to be durable enough. And the fact that its nearly a full pound lighter would certainly make it more pleasurable to use over long periods of time.
Overall, I give it a somewhat unexcited thumbs up. It does exactly what its supposed to do, nothing more nothing less. And it does it for about $90.
22 Responses to “Porter Cable PC15TCSMK Circular Saw”
Nice, I’m in the market for a new circ saw since my Skil gave up the ghost a few months ago. I don’t have the cash for a track saw, so the price tag on this one is right up my alley.
Seems like as you said, it gets the job done. I’m at the point where i really like bells and whistles otherwise what’s the point? :)
Sounds like an old saying I heard once about a drill. Nobody cares about the drill, all they want is a decent hole.
If all you need is to rough cut a few things from time to time just about any saw will do.
I have to imagine that it would be pretty hard to get excited about a regular circular saw after using a track saw.
What are the strong points of a higher-priced saw? The motor is alreay 15 amps on this Porter-Cable. The shoe is going to stay dead-flat. So, what’s missing? Helical gears? At what point do we break away to the next level? What makes the more expensive saw better?
In my opinion, there really isn’t much benefit until you get into the world of tracksaws (at least for the furniture-maker).
What is the overall quality of this saw, compared to an older product? From what I’ve seen and heard, P-C products are not as well built as they were even 5 years ago.
I think with PC it just depends on what you buy. Just like other companies.
That’s a little tough to say since its so new to me. I guess after I used it for a couple years, drop it 5 or 6 times, and tighten the adjustment knobs a few hundred times, I might have a more accurate perspective on that. But from what I see right now, there really isn’t anything I can see that would immediately indicate a loss in quality.
I know this saw is a middle of the road get the job done kind of saw, However, PC does make a much better grade saw, and other high end stuff, you just can’t go to Lowe’s and pick it up there.
I personally own the saw just before this one. It has the wrench on the saw, a lazer quide, is 15 amps , and works wonderfully. I also bought it online for less then 90, i think it was like 75. So I think it just depends on what you buy from them(PC) just like many other companies out there.
I bought A milwaukee circ saw for $100.00 a few months ago. It also has a 15 amp motor. It us no frills, it does not have laser, but it holds its settings, has a great blade, (no tearout on plywood) and feels great in my hands. The only PC tools I have is a brad nailer and my router combo kit. They both work great.
I never make anything close to a final cut with my circ saw, so as long as it makes it all the way through the board I’m happy :)
nice review, I have an old Makita I keep around for quick and dirty stuff like pressure treated lumber.
Thanks again for the review
Nice Review, but after buying the Festool TS55 don’t think I could use anything else!
Thanks, Marc.
I hope you’ll have the opportunity to review other P-C tools in the future!
Maybe this is a stupid question, but in the picture the two different saws have a grip on opposite sides of the blade. Is it switched to accommodate left handed people? Or is there some other purpose?
To my knowledge, its just a form factor thing. Some folks prefer left and some prefer right. It could be tied to a right hand/left hand thing, but either saw can be used by either type of person. So I think its more down to preference.
What kind of blades do you use on your circular saws? This is the only means I have of cutting wood right now, and the saw (Porter Cable 347) came with a ripping blade in it. I want something that is going to give me a good cut.
Hey Mike. I used to use the Freud 60 tooth blade. Should give you a much cleaner cut than the standard ripping blades: http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....B001CZEU0S
Much appreciated! thank you.
Finding a circular saw with dust collection is getting difficult. Most manufacturers, including PC, have dropped such saws. I am trying to control both the mess and health issues in my shop and I really would like a circular saw that I could hook up to my Freud vac. mostly use my circular saw for rough breaking down of plywood sheets. I don’t need an expensive saw, just a reasonably priced one with the dust collection hookup.
loved my PC 347, bearings gave out after many years of dependable service, bought this PC to replace it. If you want dust collection get a festool, love it also but it serves a different purpose for me, mostly finish and shop use, wouldnt use it to the jobs my day in day out job site saw does. Quality of cut with festool is second to none dust collection is fantastic.