Toolbox: Latest Trends in Circular Saws

Porter-Cable recently introduced a new circular saw that weighs in at 101/4 pounds — a couple of pounds less than many other circular saws. The new Model 347 (Porter-Cable, P.O. Box 2468, Jackson, TN 38302; 901/668-8600) has been slimmed down by substituting a magnesium-alloy gear case (instead of an aluminum or plastic one) and shoe (instead of the typical stamped steel plate). A lighter tool means it’s easy to maneuver and it wears you out less, right? Or does it mean the tool is flimsier and won’t last as long? While most contractors like the idea of lightweight tools, there’s always a question of whether a lighter tool will hold up as well. So in addition to testing