Porter-Cable 743K 7-1/4-Inch, 15 Amp Framers Saw with Carrying Case (Blade on Left)

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Porter-Cable's 7-1/4-inch blade-left circular saw is an excellent choice for builders who want a saw with power (it has a 15 amp motor) but that's not as heavy or difficult to handle as a wormdrive saw (it weighs only 10-1/2 pounds). Traditionally, sidewinder saws have the blade on the right side, so most right-handers are accustomed to looking over the saw to sight a line. A left-side blade lets a left-hander cut the same way--and some right-handed users, especially those accustomed to using (blade-left) wormdrive saws, will also appreciate the better blade visibility such a saw affords. In the end, it's really just a matter of personal preference.

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. The saw's still tough, though; in fact, Porter-Cable boasts that this saw can sustain up to a 6-foot drop without damage. This saw also sports a very flat, very strong cast-magnesium table, too, with reinforced ribs that make it very difficult to bend or break. (Can someone tell us why some companies ruin a good saw by giving it a wimpy table?)

Porter-Cable took care of the details, too. The no-catch lip on the blade guard helps ensure 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 743K 7-1/4-Inch, 15 Amp Framers Saw with Carrying Case (Blade on Left)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.1 x 8.9 inches ; 10.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 16.6 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004NS0X
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 743K
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #359,890 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Light, left-blade is the only way to go, June 15, 2000

By 

Kyleike (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable 743K 7-1/4-Inch, 15 Amp Framers Saw with Carrying Case (Blade on Left) (Tools & Home Improvement)

The only reason a right-handed person should want to use a circular saw with the blade on the right is because it is easier to control after the cut is made because the motor side is resting on the remaining work-piece. PC even makes that one advantage a mute point with this saw--It is so light it is easy to control even after the cut-off falls away. Besides being able to see your cut line with the blade on the left, you can hold a speed square on your board with your left hand to guide the saw and make a perfectly straight cut! With a right-bladed saw, the motor usually gets in the way of this operation.

To top it all off, this 15 amp saw makes fast, clean, easy work of everything I've tried to cut and is priced very reasonably.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tough, Accurate, Reliable, Priced right, April 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Porter-Cable 743K 7-1/4-Inch, 15 Amp Framers Saw with Carrying Case (Blade on Left) (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have had one of the above saw for a couple of years now, and could not be more pleased. The primary use that I reserve for my 743K is the cutting of plywood stock for kitchen cabinet boxes. I simply use a straight edge made from aluminum bar stock, a couple of Quik Grips, and my 743. With a plywood blade on, the 743 goes through three-quarter inch, high grade plywood with ease. I have destroyed two other circular saws in previous years doing this mundane task of ripping and cutting sheet stock. The Sears brand lines are a waste of your money as are most of the Skil line. Do it right the first time, and get a Porter Cable. Costs a little more initially, and you don't end up with two circular saws...the 743 and brand X that no longer works!

Handy Dan

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally - a saw for humans, June 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Porter-Cable 743K 7-1/4-Inch, 15 Amp Framers Saw with Carrying Case (Blade on Left) (Tools & Home Improvement)

My partner and I are framers - primarily residential homes, and use the 743-K daily. Finally, here is a left hand blade saw that's lightweight, contrary to the worm drives, has plenty of power, and an easily accessible cam-lever lock for quick & easy depth adjustment. After using the left hand setup, I'm not sure why anyone would use a standard right hand model. Even if you have a standard handsaw that works, buy one of these - your current saw will sit on the shelf - guaranteed.