Looking for a reliable chop saw to tackle your metal cutting projects? I recently got my hands on the PORTER-CABLE PCE700, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
This 14-inch powerhouse has been a game-changer in my workshop. With its strong 15-amp motor, it zips through metal like butter. I was amazed at how smoothly it cut through various materials, leaving clean edges every time.
The quick-release clamp is a real time-saver, making it easy to switch between different pieces.
One feature I really like is the adjustable fence. It lets me make angled cuts up to 45 degrees, which has been super helpful for some of my recent projects. The spark deflector is a nice touch too – it keeps my line of sight clear and adds an extra layer of safety.
I found the steel base to be sturdy and stable, even when cutting through tougher materials. And changing blades is a breeze thanks to the spindle lock. It’s not the lightest tool in my collection, but that heft translates to stability during use.
Overview of the PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw
I recently got my hands on this Porter-Cable chop saw, and I’m pretty impressed. It’s a solid tool for home projects. The 15-amp motor packs a punch, making quick work of metal cuts. I like how easy it is to adjust the fence for angled cuts up to 45 degrees.
The quick-release clamp is handy for swapping out materials fast. One thing I noticed is the spark deflector really helps me see what I’m doing. It’s a nice safety touch too.
The saw feels sturdy on its heavy steel base. I had no issues with wobbling while cutting. Changing blades is a breeze thanks to the spindle lock.
It’s not perfect though. The included blade is just okay. I might upgrade it soon for smoother cuts. Also, it can get a bit loud, so ear protection is a must.
Powerful Motor for Efficient Cutting
I was really impressed with how this chop saw sliced through metal. The 15-amp motor packs a serious punch, spinning the blade at 3800 RPM. I found it cut through steel pipes and bars quickly and smoothly. The power didn’t seem to bog down even on tougher cuts.
One thing to note – it’s pretty loud when running, so ear protection is a must. But the tradeoff is worth it for the cutting performance.
The motor felt solid and well-built too. After using it for a few projects, I’m confident it will hold up well over time. For a hobbyist or pro needing to make lots of metal cuts, this Porter-Cable saw definitely has the muscle to get the job done fast.
Ease of Use with Quick-Release Material Clamp
Cutting metal is a breeze with this chop saw. I love how the quick-release clamp lets me switch out materials fast. No more fiddling with tight clamps or wasting time. Just pop the piece in, make my cut, and move on. It’s great for small jobs around my workshop.
The clamp holds stuff steady too, so I get clean cuts. I can even angle the fence up to 45 degrees for miter cuts. That’s handy when I’m working on more complex projects.
The saw isn’t perfect though. Sometimes the guards feel a bit loose. But that doesn’t stop it from cutting well. For DIY use, it’s more than enough saw for me.
Accurate Angles with Miter Adjustment
I found the miter adjustment on this chop saw to be really handy. It lets me cut angles up to 45 degrees, which is great for my projects. The cutting fence helps guide the material, making angled cuts easier and more precise.
I like that I can quickly set different angles without much fuss. I had to double-check the alignment at first to make sure my cuts were spot-on. But once I got it dialed in, it worked well for my needs.
The spark deflector is a nice touch too. It keeps my view clear so I can see exactly where I’m cutting, even at an angle. Overall, this feature adds versatility to the saw without being too complex.
Spark Deflector for Safety and Visibility
I love how the Porter-Cable chop saw keeps me safe while I work. The spark deflector is a game-changer. It blocks flying sparks and gives me a clear view of my cuts. I feel much more confident using this saw compared to others without this feature.
The deflector is sturdy and well-placed. It doesn’t get in my way or block my line of sight. I can see exactly where the blade meets the metal. This helps me make more precise cuts.
I’ve noticed fewer sparks hitting my arms and face while using this saw. It’s a small but important safety upgrade. The deflector also keeps sparks away from my work area, reducing fire risk.
Pros and Cons
I’ve been using this chop saw for a while now, and it’s been a game-changer in my workshop. Let me share what I’ve found to be the good and not-so-good about the Porter-Cable PCE700.
Pros
- Powerful motor: The 15-amp motor packs a punch. I’ve cut through various metals with ease.
- Easy to use: The quick-release clamp is a time-saver. I can swap out materials fast.
- Versatile: The miter adjustment lets me make angled cuts up to 45 degrees. It’s handy for different projects.
- Safe: The spark deflector keeps things safe and lets me see what I’m cutting clearly.
- Good value: For the price, it’s a solid tool that gets the job done.
Cons
- Blade quality: The included blade isn’t great. I had to replace it with a better one for cleaner cuts.
- Accuracy: It’s not the best for super precise cuts. I sometimes need to clean up the edges after cutting.
- Build quality: Some parts feel a bit flimsy, especially the shields. They move around more than I’d like.
- Set-up required: The guide wasn’t square out of the box. I had to adjust it before using the saw.
- Slows down on thick materials: When cutting thicker metal, the saw can bog down a bit.
I’ve found this Porter-Cable chop saw to be a good fit for my home workshop. It’s not perfect, but it handles most of my metal cutting needs well. For the price, it’s a decent tool that gets the job done. Just be ready to make some adjustments and maybe upgrade the blade for better results.
Real Users’ Insights
I’ve been using this chop saw for a while now, and I’m impressed. It’s a solid tool for home projects and occasional use. The motor is strong, cutting through metal easily. I found it great for angle iron and small pipes.
Just remember to square the guide to the blade before you start – mine needed adjusting out of the box. The included blade is okay, but swapping it for a better one made a big difference.
While it’s not for super precise cuts, it gets the job done quickly. The shields are a bit floppy, but that doesn’t affect its performance. For the price, it’s a good deal. If you’re a casual user like me, this saw is more than enough for your needs.
Conclusion
I’ve put this chop saw through its paces, and I’m pretty impressed overall. For the price, it’s a solid choice for DIY projects and occasional use. The motor packs a punch, slicing through metal without breaking a sweat. I did swap out the stock blade for a better one, which made a big difference in cut quality.
While it’s not the most precise tool, it gets the job done for most tasks. The guards are a bit flimsy, but that doesn’t affect performance. If you’re a casual user like me, this Porter-Cable saw is a great value. Just remember to square up the guide before your first cut!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been using the Porter-Cable chop saw for a while now, and I’ve got to say, it’s a solid tool for DIY projects and light professional use. Let’s dive into some common questions I’ve heard about this saw.
What are the standout features of the PCE700 Chop Saw?
The PCE700 packs a punch with its 15-amp motor, spinning at 3,800 RPM. I love the quick-release clamp – it makes swapping out materials a breeze. The adjustable fence is great for angled cuts up to 45 degrees. Plus, the spark deflector keeps things safe and helps me see my cut line clearly.
Can a beginner easily use the Porter-Cable PCE700 Chop Saw?
I think beginners can handle this saw with proper safety precautions. The controls are simple, and the setup is straightforward. Just remember to square the guide to the blade before you start – mine wasn’t perfect out of the box. Take your time, wear safety gear, and you’ll be making cuts in no time.
How does the Porter-Cable Chop Saw PCE700 handle tough materials?
In my experience, this saw cuts through various metals pretty well. I’ve tackled 1/2 inch steel without issues. It might slow down a bit on thicker materials, but it gets the job done. For really tough stuff, you might want to swap out the stock blade for a higher-quality one.
What safety features are included with the PCE700 Chop Saw?
Safety is key with any power tool. The PCE700 comes with a spark deflector to protect your eyes and face. The blade guard covers most of the blade when not in use. The quick-release clamp helps keep your workpiece secure during cuts. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when using this saw.
How does the durability of the Porter-Cable PCE700 compare to other chop saws in its class?
For its price range, I find the PCE700 to be pretty durable. The motor has held up well for me over time. Some parts, like the blade guards, feel a bit flimsy but don’t affect performance. It’s not built for heavy-duty production work, but for occasional use or light professional tasks, it’s solid.
What is the price range for the Porter-Cable PCE700 Chop Saw and is it worth the investment?
The PCE700 typically falls in the sub-$200 range, making it a budget-friendly option. For DIY enthusiasts or pros who need a reliable backup saw, I think it’s worth the money. It’s a step up from the cheapest options out there without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind you might want to upgrade the blade for better performance.
