Porter-Cable 347K 7-1/4-Inch Blade-Right Circular Saw Kit

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Although Porter-Cable's 7-1/4-inch circular saw features a 15 amp motor, it weighs just 10-1/2 pounds. It's an excellent choice for builders who want a saw that packs plenty of power without the heft of a wormdrive. To lighten the saw, Porter-Cable used lightweight, durable magnesium--which won't crack or bend--for the blade guards and part of the housing. It's still a tough saw, though; in fact, Porter-Cable boasts that this saw will sustain up to a 6-foot drop without damage. This saw sports a very flat, very strong cast-magnesium table, too, with reinforced ribs that make it difficult to bend or break. (Can someone tell us why some companies ruin good saws by giving them wimpy tables?)

Porter-Cable took care of the details, too. The no-catch lip on the blade guard ensures that the guard won't catch on an edge at the beginning of a cut, and it keeps a user's hands away from the retraction lever. The 360-degree adjustable top dust nozzle lets you direct sawdust in any direction, and you can easily attach a dust bag or a shop vac to collect the dust--a particularly handy feature for a remodeler who wants to make a couple of cuts indoors without making a mess. There's also a clip on the top of the saw that lets you clamp the cord off to the side when you're cutting sheet material, so it's less likely to drag behind and snag the edge. A heavy-duty carrying case comes included, too, though it's a little tricky getting the saw to fit inside. --Jon Groebner

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable 347K 7-1/4-Inch Blade-Right Circular Saw Kit

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 9 x 12 inches ; 10.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 17.9 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004SBC4
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 347K
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #432,144 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars porter cable- the best, March 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Porter-Cable 347K 7-1/4-Inch Blade-Right Circular Saw Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have had this saw for about two years. I have never once had a problem with it. It has the highest amp rating (15). Every piece on it is built rugged. I mostly use the saw for framing and roughing in houses. It will rip through hardwoods with ease as well cut metal, plywood, and cement without bogging down (using the correct blade). I have tried other saws such as DeWalt and Makita, there is no comparison. this is definitely a heavy duty saw. I usally go through one saw a year, this is the only one that has not let me down. It has been through every material out there. its the best

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The ultimate in power and quality, April 28, 2000

By 

"a_guy" (AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 347K 7-1/4-Inch Blade-Right Circular Saw Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is a truly top quality machine rivaling any Bosch or Milwaukee I have used. I feel confident claiming that 1000 monkeys with 1000 hammers could not distort the honeycomb cast magnesium base on this saw - it is amazingly strong. The base has very subtle grooves on the bottom to displace any sawdust like an all weather tire and is finished in what seems to be some sort of super slippery powder coat. In other words, it glides across wood like no other saw imaginable. Many saws in this class use a cheap stamped plate aluminum base that while smooth and clean, look as though a corner could be bent just by setting the saw down wrong and also may tend to catch on sawdust and/or scratch the work with debris. The plastic housing, switch, and blade adjustment mechanisms are also top quality. There is not much to say about the power, it is all there - all of it. Even in the rare event that I do need an extension cord, the long power cord eliminates the tendency for the plug to catch on the edge of my work 6 feet into the job. The total package gets four stars because it is lacking some important details: The shaft lock is difficult to use. It involves pushing and holding a small pin while turning the blade (like a Dremel) whereas I would much prefer a slide that first disengages the power switch and then locks the blade later when the blade is turned (like a car steering wheel lock). This type of shaft lock system is widely used amongst routers and other tools and is extremely effective. The blade depth adjustment is easily tightned but very difficult to loosen and since the blade must be set to maximum depth to fit in the case, I make this adjustment with almost every use. While not particularly loud, it appears that no attempt has been made to quiet the distinctive "circular saw" sound. Keeping in Porter Cable tradition, the case is far too large yet does not provide blade storage or power cord management (the wonderful long power cord is tough to put away), the dust bag and rip fence should be included in a saw of this price (and a place made for them in the case). Certainly most of my complaints apply equally to every other saw in the world but nonetheless that is no basis for a five star rating. Lastly, as a right hander, I prefer the left blade model 743 but your milage of course may vary.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's Good, But..., September 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Porter-Cable 347K 7-1/4-Inch Blade-Right Circular Saw Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

The saw is light weight, powerful, and has a great base, but it has many drawbacks. The dust chute manages to blow sawdust in your face and down your back no mater which way it is pointed. Put the bag on it (should be included but isn't) and it usually clogs down at the narrowed throat of the saw (the narrow portion is a real chokepoint, I don't know why they designed it like that -- have been tempted to drill it out). The case seems to be very large on the outside but doesn't hold the edge guide (should be included but isn't) inside. The shaft lock button is small, hard to get at, and hurts your finger to press and hold to change blades. The lever that controls raising and lowering the blade is hard to loosen in the blade down position. I just bought a new Milwaukee saw and am going to sell off the Porter Cable. It's OK but has too many aggravations!