Porter-Cable 314 4.5 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Trim Saw

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Based on the classic, time-tested design this is the original compact circular saw. Ideal for siding, wood shake and shingles, roofing, remodeling, light framing, punch-out, shop work, flooring, repairs and home improvement the 314’s rugged worm gear and 4-1/2 inch blade cuts 1-15/16 inches at 90 and 1-1/16 at 45 degrees. Its 4.5 amps and 4,500 RPM deliver the power and cut speed to handle hardwood plywood and full 2-by. The saw is 7 pounds 11 inches long and 6-1/4 inches tall. It ships with a 20 tooth blade.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.8 x 6.5 inches ; 7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000222WY
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 314
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,147 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #30 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Saws > Circular Saws

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great secondary circular saw for light work, October 7, 2005

By 

Victor H. Agresti "remodeling-guy" (Gaithersburg, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 314 4.5 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Trim Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I've had a Porter-Cable 0314 4-1/2" Trim Saw since the 1980s - and it was such a good design, the current version is virtually identical. E.g., mine has round knobs; new knobs are triangular! Being corded, it will also be just as good 20 years from now, given that I won't use often enough to wear it out. This is one tool to hand down to your children...

A battery powered trim saw might be a smart choice if you will use the tool often; e.g., weekly. Otherwise, this saw, over the long haul, will be MUCH less costly because it will never need battery, or tool, replacement. Every battery-operated tool manufacturer periodically changes/improves their battery design. Next generation batteries probably won't fit your [old] tool and/or will be a different voltage. So, when the batteries die, and they all will, you'll have to replace the two batteries - and they are expensive. Or, "your" batteries will no be longer available, so you'll have to buy a new saw.

Another reviewer said his saw's sole plate was "out of parallel with the saw blade 3/64" over the length of the plate. Mine is also off, but only by 1/64"; which hasn't been an issue when using a straightedge to guide the saw. If it were, some judiciously placed thin washers in the adjusting mechanism would bring that to zero.

Still another reviewer said his saw's sole plate was "flimsy and inaccurate". I don't understand that comment, unless Porter Cable has used different plates. The sole plate on my saw is very stiff steel, 1/16" thick - rolled at the edges for strength, and is attached to the saw in four places - it doesn't flex and works exactly as expected.

This is a lightweight; very portable and maneuverable saw; having less torque & power than a full-sized circular saw. Those are distinct advantages in many situations, such as using it vertically or over your head, or when cutting trim-sized stock. On some jobs it's just more practical to use a small saw. It's also safer than a large saw because it's lower torque means a reduced chance of the saw getting away from you.

I've been happiest with this saw since a carbide blade was installed some years ago. Although this is a terrific TRIM saw, I wouldn't recommend it for the ONLY circular saw in your toolbox. This is because maximum cutting depths are too shallow for 2x4s and other thicker stock, and because it cuts much slower (on heavy stock) than a bigger, more powerful, saw. It is a well-designed, professional grade tool.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Great Little One", February 20, 2001

By 

Robert A. Ricciardi (Freedom, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 314 4.5 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Trim Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

After finally getting the saw. ( the first one came in broken durng shipping). It was put to the test and really has impressed me. It's just what the doctor ordered for trim and getting those sheets of plywood down to a workable size. The saw is powerful yet small enough to not be a burden. I was having problems getting blades at the local stores but went back to amazon and there they are, as many as one would need. I must admit during this transaction, I was somewhat disappointed that the first one was delivered broken but Amazon came through and made the second shipment as painless a anyone could expect. The saw is a little pricey but worth it..... If it's trim and plywood sheets you need to size this, is the tool to buy.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a nice little saw, December 25, 2002

By 

John F. Milliken "docmill" (Eastham, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable 314 4.5 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Trim Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

if you use it for what it's meant for, trim and thin stock. I know that after burning one out cutting both sides of 2" oak with one after leaving my old Rockwell 6 1/2" saws in my shop one day. Fortunately, Porter Cable will rebuild them at the factory for a very reasonable price. It's good as new now.

This is a pro's tool, so it doesn't have all the cutesy attachments that home users have come to expect. It will, with the appropriate blades, do a nice job on plexiglass and formica as well as wood.

I'd recommend thin kerf blades with this, and keep 'em sharp.It's more a finish tool than anything else.