It’s impossible to find a circular saw capable of cutting wood and other kinds of materials efficiently without the blowing a hole in your wallet, right?
Wrong.
Can’t believe it? Take a look at the Porter-Cable PC15TCS circular saw, which, although inexpensive, is pretty sturdy, durable, and ergonomically designed.
Build Quality and Durability
Although the price point may not inspire much confidence when it comes to the build quality and durability of this machine, you can rest assured when using as it features a magnesium shoe and metal guards, all of which contribute to extending the lifespan of the tool. In short, this is a circular saw that you can get if you’re in it for the long haul.
Unfortunately, the Porter-Cable PC15TCS doesn’t come with a carrying bag, which means that you’ll have to get one separately.
Power, Speed, and Cuts
Despite its low price tag, the Porter-Cable PC15TCS circular saw packs enough punch to cut through the toughest of materials, all thanks to a 15-amp motor capable of spinning the blade at up to 5,600 RPM. Thanks to that speed, you can expect smooth cuts with little to no resistance whatsoever. Furthermore, the tool weighs only nine pounds, which means that it offers an impressive power to weight ratio that’s so darn rare to find in circular saws, especially at this price point.
For the depth of cut, the Porter-Cable PC15TCS can provide 2 1/2 inches at 90 degrees and 1 7/8 inches at 45 degrees. Sure, those aren’t the deepest cuts among circular saws, but again, that’s the best you can get within this price range. There’s also a 55-degree maximum bevel with positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees.
The tool doesn’t offer much of the bells and whistles you’d find in more expensive models, such as a laser guide or rip fence, but it’s still pretty accurate and robust and should be more than enough for most DIY projects.
Included Blade
Porter-Cable’s PC15TCS circular saw comes with an 18 tooth carbide tipped wood cutting blade. Granted, that’s not the highest tooth count you can get in a circular saw, but it’s more than enough for DIY projects, especially considering the powerful motor that this machine packs.
Dust Management
Dust management is yet another department in which the Porter-Cable PC15TCS excels, as it offers one of the best dust chutes that you can find today. Not only does the dust chute blow dust away efficiently to allow for clear, precise cuts, but it also keeps it away from your general direction to keep you safe all the time. That doesn’t warrant not wearing safety goggles though, so make sure to grab the right equipment when using this circular saw
Warranty
As with most circular saws available today, the Porter-Cable PC15TCS comes with a three-year limited warranty that covers the unit in case of manufacturer defects. That should give you some ever-wanted peace of mind, knowing that the people at Porter-Cable do have faith in this product.
Porter-Cable Circular Saw Review – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Effective lower guard
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- Durable shoe and guards
Cons
- No rip guide
Verdict
Although not exactly a tool we’d recommend for a professional contractor or tradesman, the Porter-Cable PC15TCS circular saw is still a pretty solid option to consider if you’re a simple homeowner of DIYer looking to tackle some around the house projects.