Porter-Cable has experienced many changes over the past few years. We take a look at this company that has had to evolve despite its strong track record for inventing and producing high-quality products.
A competitive market certainly hasn’t halted this company's ability to create and compete with a wide range of products. Let’s look at their table-saw range.
Comparison of the Best Porter-Cable Table Saws
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What Makes Porter-Cable Products Stand Out From the Competition?
Porter-Cable is a brand name that’s been around for generations that produce innovative, high-quality products trusted for reliability, quality, and performance.
If you’re looking for a company that’s budget-oriented and has great features, it's the right choice.
They offer consumers a three-year warranty, which is a good way for Porter-Cable to maintain after-sales. They consider the consumer first, upholding their brand’s quality and reputation.
For lightweight and basic use products, Porter-Cable won’t disappoint. Their knowledge and experience reflect the quality of their merchandise.
Reviews of the Best Porter-Cable Table Saws
The Contractor's table saw and the PCB2270TS model is very similar with one significant difference. The PCB270TS has a Doda capability. Differences aside, let's take a look at the pros and cons of each machine.
Best Overall:
Porter-Cable 3812
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers state that this is a great saw. For the price, it’s hard to beat. It’s very accurate right out of the box, and it has all the power needed to deliver great results. It’s affordable and a great choice. Overall, this is a great saw.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Despite this model being recommended for DIY use, it boasts a pretty decent motor capable of cutting 3" straight cuts and 2.5" miter cuts. From hardwood to regular pine, your DIY projects can now take on a more professional approach.
A riving knife moves with the blade separating the timber, preventing it from pinching the blade, and reducing the risk of kicking back towards the operator. Chute blades keep dust out of the working area.
On top of the measurements being clearly marked and easy to read, the bevel and height adjustment with a crank-wheel handle for more precise adjustment. The standard out-of-the-box quality isn’t lacking, considering the price range. The miter gauge reads degrees and on the fence, it reads millimeters.
Despite the steel, it’s lightweight, and the construction makes the machine stand level and stable. The stand utilizes a one-step Castor system for easy mobilization.
Bottom Line
This table saw is more than capable of handling industrial workloads; with its decent motor, it’s a strong piece of equipment.
Runner-up:
Porter Cable PCB270TS
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers say that the PCB270TS performs well. However, the noise level might be something you’ll have to endure. The tabletop area is spacious, and the unit has a built-in arbor lock that is responsible for allowing you to change the blade. If you don’t have massive projects, this is a worthy investment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The crank adjustable wheel and lock for Bevel cuts prevent the blade from dropping down when released but more accurately adjust the crank wheel. The easy-gliding rip fence gives even more accuracy.
This compact design won’t get in the way, and its size doesn’t make the saw weak. The 15 amp, 5,000 rpm industrial grade motor gives you a small package with excellent cutting power under load.
The care is given to the safety of the product with a three-way, tool-free guard system. The chute blade and dust port are included as is standard, collecting the dust for better visibility. It prevents dust from being inhaled while operating.
Bottom Line
For DIY projects, the PCS270TS has excellent safety features and an industrial-grade motor. It’s light-weight, making it easily manageable. Should you need to cut Dado cuts, this is the perfect table saw for you.
Who is Porter-Cable?
Porter-Cable is an American company founded in New York in 1906. They’re well known for pioneering the portable belt sander, the portable band saw, and the helical-drive circular saw. In 1926, the CEO invented the portable electric belt sander followed by the helical-drive circular saw in 1929. These saws come in a compact, lightweight design.
Over the years, the company has gone through many forced changes; in 1960, it was bought by Rockwell International and moved operations to Jackson, Tennessee. They started to create a lower end of power tools, which had reliability problems and harmed the company’s image.
In 1981, Pentair took over and restored the Porter-Cable name, repositioning as a professional power manufacturer. They then introduced the first electric random orbital sander in 1981.
In 2000, they consolidated with Delta Machinery. Pentair acquired DeVilbiss Air Power Company, leading Porter-Cable to expand their line in 2002 to include generators, air tools, air compressors, and pressure washers.
In 2004, the Pentair Tools Group, comprised of Porter-Cable, Delta Machinery, DeVilbiss, and others, was purchased by Stanley Black & Decker. Porter-Cable has endured and adapted for over a century and is now going back to its roots of quality and ingenuity. The future of this great company looks bright.
Types of Saws from Porter-Cable
Porter Cable makes several types of table saws. Here are a couple of examples:
8.5 Amp Orbital Reciprocating TigerSaw®
It’s an excellent addition to your demolition toolset. This powerful little tool delivers 3,200 spm at a selected speed and remains comfortable with the soft, moulded grip design. The adjustable pivoting shoe allows you to maneuver around obstacles easily. This power tool features a tool-free adjustable design for the blade and shoe to break down for storage or maintenance.
Photo credit: protoolreviews.com
PCE300
This 15-amp 7 1/4'' corded circular saw is a durable, portable cutting option featuring a 45° bevel capability with adjustable depth managed on top of a steel base with metal upper and lower safety guards. At 5,500 rpm, this power won't run away with you either, as the auxiliary handle gives you comfort and control.
PCE605K 3.0 Amp Corded
This oscillating multi-tool kit is excellent for cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding in those tricky-to-reach places. This multi-tool delivers an impressive 2.8° oscillating angle, 10,000 - 22,000 opm from a three-amp motor with ease and comfort as the design incorporates a three-point grip system.
Photo credit: toolguyd.com
All of your applications are streamlined with tool-free blade changes, not to mention the bucket load of attachments that Porter-Cable includes in this kit.
How Do Porter-Cable Table Saws Compare?
With many table saw brands, where does Porter Cable fall? Here's how they stack up against some other popular brands.
Porter-Cable vs Ridgid Table Saw
Similarities
Neither Ridgid nor Porter-Cable is ideal for daily heavy-duty use. They’re compact, lightweight, reasonably priced with the right level of quality.
Both saws are Made in China. These tools are comfortable to use and functional, although they may not be the most durable tools around.
Differences
Porter-Cable offers a one-year limited warranty, with some tools coming with a three-year limited warranty. Ridgid offers limited lifetime warranties on many of its tools. Some of their tools are generally covered by a three-year limited warranty.
Ryobi vs Porter-Cable Table Saw
Similarities
Both companies are well established with years of experience in power tools. Both manufacture a full line of different power tools with the same three-year guarantee. They have the same safety features.
Both brands make quality power tools that are ideal for DIY and craftspeople. However, if you’re looking for high-end commercial tools, then both are likely to fall short of what you need and expect. They both offer features you need and the power to get the job done right.
Why Should I Choose a Porter-Cable Saw?
This machine is of excellent value. Prices aside, the standard design features included are pretty good. Most top brands will only have similar features on their larger models, costing you more, considering that the brand markets towards DIY enthusiasts.
The features, quality, and accuracy out of the box make it a practical choice for a backup or a cheaper portable, onsite machine. It offers a three-point safety feature, plus a dust-port that works to drop the dust to the saw rear. It helps keep your work area clean and safe.
Who Shouldn’t Choose a Porter-Cable Table Saw?
Now, this is easy to answer. Don’t buy this machine if its purpose is to run all day or use under-excessive loads; it’s designed for lighter use. Even if a Porter-Cable can handle some abuse, there are better professional-grade options.
Since this saw is designed for DIY, certain parts may not weigh up on some professional-grade machines. The table and extensions, for example, are made with stamped sheet metal as opposed to cast-iron like their professional counterparts.
Conclusion
You can't take away Porter-Cable’s experience and durability. Having faced many challenges and changes during takeovers, the company has managed to maintain a semblance of quality and ingenuity. With the most recent purchase by Stanley Black & Decker, the power-tool manufacturer seems to be taking its power back.
Photo credit: toolsinaction.com
People Also Ask
Porter-Cable has been around for a long time, but ownership changes might have left some consumers in the dark as to past and future details of the company. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.
Where are Porter-Cable Products Made?
Porter-Cable tools are primarily made in Mexico and China. They are headquartered in Jackson, Tennessee. The premises, originally a production plant, is mainly used as a distribution center.
Who Makes Porter-Cable Products?
Stanley Black & Decker bought Porter-Cable in 2004. This purchase subsequently meant that the entire product range is now made by Stanley Black & Decker.
Who Owns Porter-Cable?
Stanley Black & Decker owns many top power tool brands. Porter-Cable has been part of their portfolio since 2004.
How Long Has Porter-Cable been Around?
Porter-Cable has been around since 1906, successfully run by CEO and innovator Art Emmons. After his retirement, the company was sold to Rockwell International, with purchases occurring in 1960. In 1981, Rockwell Tools was acquired by Pentair, Inc.
In 2000, Pentair consolidated with Delta Machinery. In 2002, they acquired DeVilbiss Air Power Company, thus starting its new range of compressors and pneumatic tools. In 2004, the company was finally purchased by Stanley Black & Decker.
Why Are Porter-Cable Products So Popular?
Porter-Cable tools are generally regarded as an intermediate between DIY and professional level. They have a wide range of products for many types of contractors. After some setbacks, the company is finally back to producing the quality tools that founder Art Emmons innovated.
What Kind of Warranty Does Porter-Cable Offer?
Porter-Cable offers a three-year limited warranty. This means repair will be carried out free of charge from the date of purchase if you still have a three-year warranty statement. The limited warranty covers factory defects but doesn’t cover part failure due to abuse. Porter-Cable will also maintain the tool for the first year after purchase. They also offer a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Which Porter-Cable Table Saw Was Recalled?
The Porter-Cable Model PCX362010 Table Saw was recalled in 2018. The reason for the recall was due to the motor overheating, which was a fire hazard. Not too much has been revealed about this failure, but all affected models have been replaced.