Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I have been a home workshop woodworker for over 20 years and I am a fan of Norm Abrams' work. I noticed him using this saw on his show for years. I finally decided to spend the money and get one. (I have one child in college and one yet to go.) What a fabulous saw! The primary use I had in mind was for breaking down large sheets of plywood, hardboard, paneling, etc. It is so light weight and handy that the user has complete control of the saw's movement throughout the cut. My experience in cutting 4'x8' sheets, particularly the rip cuts, is that at some point in the cutting process I have to walk around and use my non-dominant hand (I am a lefty). With a standard 7 1/4" circular saw I always felt uncomfortable and invariably felt the saw wander periodically during the cut. Again, because this saw is much smaller and lighter I feel much more control even with my right hand.

I have used it a few times on 3/4" stock (oak and pine) and found it to be not only sufficient but quite aggressive. Overall, I am nothing short of delighted with the product. I own a number of Porter Cable products (e.g.,cordless drill, profile sander and biscuit joiner)and have found all of them to be excellent tools. This one is OUTSTANDING.

The saw is light weight and easy to use. My only complant is that the three stores that I went to that sell the saw never had replacement blades.

I have owned this saw for almost two years now. I also own several "side-winder" saws and a Skil brand worm-drive saw. The big Skil worm-drive will always be close for those jobs that require more power and capacity. The Porter Cable 4 1/2" trim saw has replaced all other saws for most of my cutting though. I love the power and light weight packed into this easy to handle marvel. I use it for all of my sheet goods as well as any free-hand 1X cutting. I also loved the roomy steel case that easily holds the saw, and blades.

I purchased this saw a while back and have not looked back or given it a second thought since. It is a hard working and powerful saw. I have several blades and it rips through plywood and other materials with ease. The worm drive in extremely smooth and strong and allows for cutting with a guide on either side of the blade (no motor getting in the way.) One of the best investments I have made in power tools in a while.

I am very happy with the Porter-Cable trim saw. The PC makes very clean and precise cuts. This size trim saw is all I need for cutting ply woods and MDF. I love the small size for working with ply wood and the horse power is unbeatable. I encourage anyone who needs a circular saw to get this one!

This is a nice saw that makes very clean and precise cuts. It's lacking a few things however.

Because the motor is so powerful and on the right hand side, the saw spits wood chips upwards into your face as you're trying to follow the cut line. This saw needs a vacuum or dust bag attachment like other Porter circular saws have.

The saw doesn't come with a carrying case, which is unfortunate. Likewise, the rip guide is necessary for making accurate cuts and should have been included with the saw.

The motor is very quiet and the saw is steady when making cuts.

While the motor and blade assembly of this tool seem to be up to Porter Cable standards, I'm disapointed in the sole plate of this saw. It is flimsy and not very accurate. So sloppy, in fact, after you adjust the depth of cut you better check to see if the sole is still square to the blade. Oh, and the set screw used to square the sole to the blade when the saw is set to max. depth of cut ... I tried to adjust it and the thing fell out in my hand. By the looks of it, PC didn't bother to thread the hole. They just forced this screw in a few turns, which means you can't back the screw out because it becomes immediately loose. Shoddy. I wish I looked more closely at some of the small cordless options that are out there now.