tool advice- saw, sander, planer

[Middle Bay]

So I'm gonna buy a few tools soon, and I trust you guys a lot more that reviews in magazines- they have advertisements- you know...

I'm asking if anyone has experience with the Porter-Cable left cut, 7.25", 15amp circular saw. ($119) I've got some Christmas gift card to the big home improvement houses and am considering a few tools. That saw seems very high quality, and reasonbly light for a hunking motor. The left blade just seems like a great idea.

I've heard that the Porte-Cable 6" random orbit sander ($109) is great for fairing hulls- any experince here? I have the 5" quicksand- but it's a little small for doing a hull.

And I've heard good things about the DeWalt [plastic] planer. It's got a $50 rebate so it;s like $300, I'm really only comparing it to the Craftsman Pro that's on sale for $529 that has a belt drive and weighs like #130 [it heavy], but the craftman model moves the work up to the cutters and not the blades to the work.

All help is appreciated- FYI I don't have lots of space and basically have not 'shop' I can work in covered environments, like carports and garages. I also do some light general stuff- like home repair, just cutting things up and the like.
I am currently making some shutters for a friend, nothing fancy, but the price difference in rough vs. dressed cypruss for this justifies a planer.
Plus I need on for my own stuff
Thanks

[Middle Bay]

So I'm gonna buy a few tools soon, and I trust you guys a lot more that reviews in magazines- they have advertisements- you know...

I'm asking if anyone has experience with the Porter-Cable left cut, 7.25", 15amp circular saw. ($119) I've got some Christmas gift card to the big home improvement houses and am considering a few tools. That saw seems very high quality, and reasonbly light for a hunking motor. The left blade just seems like a great idea.

I've heard that the Porte-Cable 6" random orbit sander ($109) is great for fairing hulls- any experince here? I have the 5" quicksand- but it's a little small for doing a hull.

And I've heard good things about the DeWalt [plastic] planer. It's got a $50 rebate so it;s like $300, I'm really only comparing it to the Craftsman Pro that's on sale for $529 that has a belt drive and weighs like #130 [it heavy], but the craftman model moves the work up to the cutters and not the blades to the work.

All help is appreciated- FYI I don't have lots of space and basically have not 'shop' I can work in covered environments, like carports and garages. I also do some light general stuff- like home repair, just cutting things up and the like.
I am currently making some shutters for a friend, nothing fancy, but the price difference in rough vs. dressed cypruss for this justifies a planer.
Plus I need on for my own stuff
Thanks

[Middle Bay]

So I'm gonna buy a few tools soon, and I trust you guys a lot more that reviews in magazines- they have advertisements- you know...

I'm asking if anyone has experience with the Porter-Cable left cut, 7.25", 15amp circular saw. ($119) I've got some Christmas gift card to the big home improvement houses and am considering a few tools. That saw seems very high quality, and reasonbly light for a hunking motor. The left blade just seems like a great idea.

I've heard that the Porte-Cable 6" random orbit sander ($109) is great for fairing hulls- any experince here? I have the 5" quicksand- but it's a little small for doing a hull.

And I've heard good things about the DeWalt [plastic] planer. It's got a $50 rebate so it;s like $300, I'm really only comparing it to the Craftsman Pro that's on sale for $529 that has a belt drive and weighs like #130 [it heavy], but the craftman model moves the work up to the cutters and not the blades to the work.

All help is appreciated- FYI I don't have lots of space and basically have not 'shop' I can work in covered environments, like carports and garages. I also do some light general stuff- like home repair, just cutting things up and the like.
I am currently making some shutters for a friend, nothing fancy, but the price difference in rough vs. dressed cypruss for this justifies a planer.
Plus I need on for my own stuff
Thanks

[Dick Millet]

I can't comment on the Porter Cable tools, don't have any of 'em, but you won't be sorry if you get the Dewalt planer. Really the only plastic is the motor housing, it's pretty solid for a portable. I still wonder how I managed to build two boats without one.

Dick

[Dick Millet]

I can't comment on the Porter Cable tools, don't have any of 'em, but you won't be sorry if you get the Dewalt planer. Really the only plastic is the motor housing, it's pretty solid for a portable. I still wonder how I managed to build two boats without one.

Dick

[Dick Millet]

I can't comment on the Porter Cable tools, don't have any of 'em, but you won't be sorry if you get the Dewalt planer. Really the only plastic is the motor housing, it's pretty solid for a portable. I still wonder how I managed to build two boats without one.

Dick

[JimConlin]

I highly recommend the right-angle styles of Porter-Cable sander. Models 7335, 7336, etc.

http://www.porter-cable.com/newproducts/7335.jpg

The upright models are strictly finishing sanders.

[JimConlin]

I highly recommend the right-angle styles of Porter-Cable sander. Models 7335, 7336, etc.

http://www.porter-cable.com/newproducts/7335.jpg

The upright models are strictly finishing sanders.

[JimConlin]

I highly recommend the right-angle styles of Porter-Cable sander. Models 7335, 7336, etc.

http://www.porter-cable.com/newproducts/7335.jpg

The upright models are strictly finishing sanders.

[Ron Williamson]

I can recommend a 7336 6" RO.Nine years hard use,three sets of brushes and a couple of sanding pads.Oh yeah and I had to clean out the switch a few times.
The 347/743(left cut or right cut,from my failing memory)seemed great when Tim bought one,but it didn't last very long....
Have fun
R

[Ron Williamson]

I can recommend a 7336 6" RO.Nine years hard use,three sets of brushes and a couple of sanding pads.Oh yeah and I had to clean out the switch a few times.
The 347/743(left cut or right cut,from my failing memory)seemed great when Tim bought one,but it didn't last very long....
Have fun
R

[Ron Williamson]

I can recommend a 7336 6" RO.Nine years hard use,three sets of brushes and a couple of sanding pads.Oh yeah and I had to clean out the switch a few times.
The 347/743(left cut or right cut,from my failing memory)seemed great when Tim bought one,but it didn't last very long....
Have fun
R

[ken mcclure]

I've had little or no trouble with Porter-Cable tools. And the small problems I have had have been taken care of by Porter-Cable with no hassles.

As for the planer, a lot depends on how much you are going to use it. If the machine is going to get a lot of heavy-duty production use, you need a heavy-duty production machine. If not, you can usually get by with a light-duty model just fine. I don't know that the differences between brands are significant enough to outweigh a really good price at this level of tool. I don't own any DeWalt tools, but a lot of people seem to like them.

If you don't have dedicated shop space and you have to move tools around to use them then you definitely want one of the small planers. Note that you can also find benchtop band saws (I built a whole kitchen with a little Delta benchtop) and benchtop drill presses.

[ken mcclure]

I've had little or no trouble with Porter-Cable tools. And the small problems I have had have been taken care of by Porter-Cable with no hassles.

As for the planer, a lot depends on how much you are going to use it. If the machine is going to get a lot of heavy-duty production use, you need a heavy-duty production machine. If not, you can usually get by with a light-duty model just fine. I don't know that the differences between brands are significant enough to outweigh a really good price at this level of tool. I don't own any DeWalt tools, but a lot of people seem to like them.

If you don't have dedicated shop space and you have to move tools around to use them then you definitely want one of the small planers. Note that you can also find benchtop band saws (I built a whole kitchen with a little Delta benchtop) and benchtop drill presses.

[ken mcclure]

I've had little or no trouble with Porter-Cable tools. And the small problems I have had have been taken care of by Porter-Cable with no hassles.

As for the planer, a lot depends on how much you are going to use it. If the machine is going to get a lot of heavy-duty production use, you need a heavy-duty production machine. If not, you can usually get by with a light-duty model just fine. I don't know that the differences between brands are significant enough to outweigh a really good price at this level of tool. I don't own any DeWalt tools, but a lot of people seem to like them.

If you don't have dedicated shop space and you have to move tools around to use them then you definitely want one of the small planers. Note that you can also find benchtop band saws (I built a whole kitchen with a little Delta benchtop) and benchtop drill presses.

[Middle Bay]

Thanks guys for the info. More comments are welcome, but ya'll are reinforcing what I've already heard.

Thanks

[Middle Bay]

Thanks guys for the info. More comments are welcome, but ya'll are reinforcing what I've already heard.

Thanks

[Middle Bay]

Thanks guys for the info. More comments are welcome, but ya'll are reinforcing what I've already heard.

Thanks

[Jim H]

Originally posted by Middle Bay:
I'm asking if anyone has experience with the Porter-Cable left cut, 7.25", 15amp circular saw. ($119) The left blade just seems like a great idea.I own that saw and bought a left-hander for just that reason. Before the PC saw, I only had experience with my father's 25yr old Craftsman saw, the difference is night and day. First time I used my PC saw I was cutting 3/4" ply set up on a old B&D Workmate, without realizing it I cut through the ply & the end of the table (ply & aluminum). The saw dust port throws waste away from you and the saw. It almost pulls itself through some workpieces. I use it with a 60 tooth planing blade. It is easier to cut to a line when you do not have to hover over the top of the saw. I have used it constantly over the last 3 years for renovating a house at the bay without one problem or complaint.

[Jim H]

Originally posted by Middle Bay:
I'm asking if anyone has experience with the Porter-Cable left cut, 7.25", 15amp circular saw. ($119) The left blade just seems like a great idea.I own that saw and bought a left-hander for just that reason. Before the PC saw, I only had experience with my father's 25yr old Craftsman saw, the difference is night and day. First time I used my PC saw I was cutting 3/4" ply set up on a old B&D Workmate, without realizing it I cut through the ply & the end of the table (ply & aluminum). The saw dust port throws waste away from you and the saw. It almost pulls itself through some workpieces. I use it with a 60 tooth planing blade. It is easier to cut to a line when you do not have to hover over the top of the saw. I have used it constantly over the last 3 years for renovating a house at the bay without one problem or complaint.

[Jim H]

Originally posted by Middle Bay:
I'm asking if anyone has experience with the Porter-Cable left cut, 7.25", 15amp circular saw. ($119) The left blade just seems like a great idea.I own that saw and bought a left-hander for just that reason. Before the PC saw, I only had experience with my father's 25yr old Craftsman saw, the difference is night and day. First time I used my PC saw I was cutting 3/4" ply set up on a old B&D Workmate, without realizing it I cut through the ply & the end of the table (ply & aluminum). The saw dust port throws waste away from you and the saw. It almost pulls itself through some workpieces. I use it with a 60 tooth planing blade. It is easier to cut to a line when you do not have to hover over the top of the saw. I have used it constantly over the last 3 years for renovating a house at the bay without one problem or complaint.

[warthog5]

I opted for the PC 6in Sawboss [circular saw] blade on left. This is a more expensive saw and the blades are too. It's ausome! Very lite and cuts curves with ease. The blade is large enough to cut 2X4's, but it really shines on plywood. It has very fine adjustment to dial in the shoe plate exact and has a 10ft cord.Glad I got it, good investment. I did a serch on-line for best price. Local hardware store was $200.00. No way!

[warthog5]

I opted for the PC 6in Sawboss [circular saw] blade on left. This is a more expensive saw and the blades are too. It's ausome! Very lite and cuts curves with ease. The blade is large enough to cut 2X4's, but it really shines on plywood. It has very fine adjustment to dial in the shoe plate exact and has a 10ft cord.Glad I got it, good investment. I did a serch on-line for best price. Local hardware store was $200.00. No way!

[warthog5]

I opted for the PC 6in Sawboss [circular saw] blade on left. This is a more expensive saw and the blades are too. It's ausome! Very lite and cuts curves with ease. The blade is large enough to cut 2X4's, but it really shines on plywood. It has very fine adjustment to dial in the shoe plate exact and has a 10ft cord.Glad I got it, good investment. I did a serch on-line for best price. Local hardware store was $200.00. No way!

[BrianR]

I'm in love with the circular saw you're fix'n to get - you won't be sorry.......

[BrianR]

I'm in love with the circular saw you're fix'n to get - you won't be sorry.......

[BrianR]

I'm in love with the circular saw you're fix'n to get - you won't be sorry.......

[capt jake]

I also have the Saw Boss, it is the saw I use more often than my 7 1/4. I got it reconditioned through Harbor Frieght a number of years ago, about $120 if I recall. If you do any amount of cutting, you will like the reduces weight, plus it is very precise.
Saw Boss (http://www.porter-cable.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?method=byid&prod_id=345)

[capt jake]

I also have the Saw Boss, it is the saw I use more often than my 7 1/4. I got it reconditioned through Harbor Frieght a number of years ago, about $120 if I recall. If you do any amount of cutting, you will like the reduces weight, plus it is very precise.
Saw Boss (http://www.porter-cable.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?method=byid&prod_id=345)

[capt jake]

I also have the Saw Boss, it is the saw I use more often than my 7 1/4. I got it reconditioned through Harbor Frieght a number of years ago, about $120 if I recall. If you do any amount of cutting, you will like the reduces weight, plus it is very precise.
Saw Boss (http://www.porter-cable.com/cgi-bin/products.cgi?method=byid&prod_id=345)

[Middle Bay]

Thanks again for all the replies, but now I'm a bit conflicted- That saw boss sounds pretty darn good. I'd like a little more imput from those of you that have it.
Comparing Power to the 7incher is 15amps compared to the 9amps of the 6inch Saw Boss.
I love power, but have never used a hand held tool that drew 15amps!
Can that 6inch handle hardwood, or have you guys ever bogged it down. I like the idea of it being lighter.
In the near future I'll be cutting some rock-maple, maybe some 8/4 oak, and some teak 5/4. Can the Saw Boss handle all this.
It would be nice to have a chop-style saw, but that will be another year...

Thanks

[Middle Bay]

Thanks again for all the replies, but now I'm a bit conflicted- That saw boss sounds pretty darn good. I'd like a little more imput from those of you that have it.
Comparing Power to the 7incher is 15amps compared to the 9amps of the 6inch Saw Boss.
I love power, but have never used a hand held tool that drew 15amps!
Can that 6inch handle hardwood, or have you guys ever bogged it down. I like the idea of it being lighter.
In the near future I'll be cutting some rock-maple, maybe some 8/4 oak, and some teak 5/4. Can the Saw Boss handle all this.
It would be nice to have a chop-style saw, but that will be another year...

Thanks

[Middle Bay]

Thanks again for all the replies, but now I'm a bit conflicted- That saw boss sounds pretty darn good. I'd like a little more imput from those of you that have it.
Comparing Power to the 7incher is 15amps compared to the 9amps of the 6inch Saw Boss.
I love power, but have never used a hand held tool that drew 15amps!
Can that 6inch handle hardwood, or have you guys ever bogged it down. I like the idea of it being lighter.
In the near future I'll be cutting some rock-maple, maybe some 8/4 oak, and some teak 5/4. Can the Saw Boss handle all this.
It would be nice to have a chop-style saw, but that will be another year...

Thanks

[Middle Bay]

Once again, thanks to everyone for the input. I wanted to share with you guys some pictures of these fantastic tools! It's been awhile since I solicited your advice, but I wanted to show some pictures!

This Planer is very nice, very controlled, quite managable, of course this cypruss is soft, but even cutting hard maple seems easy!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p15bb23754f9b81e19739568a4d19b893/fca46a0a.jpg

And this circular is something serious! The difference between a REAL tool and a FAKE tool is obvious. My 15amp saw, where have you been all my life! Same story- Cypruss- is like cutting air, Maple, the saw doesn't hesitate, it will cut as fast as you push- just better make sure the work is secure. WOW!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p5c7e4ce9a57b9eb0c1f2a7cbdc149d48/fca46a32.jpg
Disclamier- I do used appropriate safety gear, but I wanted all of you the see the pure joy in my eyes!

[Middle Bay]

Once again, thanks to everyone for the input. I wanted to share with you guys some pictures of these fantastic tools! It's been awhile since I solicited your advice, but I wanted to show some pictures!

This Planer is very nice, very controlled, quite managable, of course this cypruss is soft, but even cutting hard maple seems easy!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p15bb23754f9b81e19739568a4d19b893/fca46a0a.jpg

And this circular is something serious! The difference between a REAL tool and a FAKE tool is obvious. My 15amp saw, where have you been all my life! Same story- Cypruss- is like cutting air, Maple, the saw doesn't hesitate, it will cut as fast as you push- just better make sure the work is secure. WOW!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p5c7e4ce9a57b9eb0c1f2a7cbdc149d48/fca46a32.jpg
Disclamier- I do used appropriate safety gear, but I wanted all of you the see the pure joy in my eyes!

[Middle Bay]

Once again, thanks to everyone for the input. I wanted to share with you guys some pictures of these fantastic tools! It's been awhile since I solicited your advice, but I wanted to show some pictures!

This Planer is very nice, very controlled, quite managable, of course this cypruss is soft, but even cutting hard maple seems easy!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p15bb23754f9b81e19739568a4d19b893/fca46a0a.jpg

And this circular is something serious! The difference between a REAL tool and a FAKE tool is obvious. My 15amp saw, where have you been all my life! Same story- Cypruss- is like cutting air, Maple, the saw doesn't hesitate, it will cut as fast as you push- just better make sure the work is secure. WOW!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p5c7e4ce9a57b9eb0c1f2a7cbdc149d48/fca46a32.jpg
Disclamier- I do used appropriate safety gear, but I wanted all of you the see the pure joy in my eyes!

[redonebyme]

I have a porter cable 6" random orbit sander that should be up for an emmy
I bought it in 1990? or so. I bet it has gone thoruogh 10,000 sheets of sandpaper. Probably sanded a football field worth of wood, a steel fishing boat worth of metal etc. etc. The brushes have never been replaced, it's had at least 20 foam pads replaced.

I don't think they've changed anything in their manufacturing process si buy one.

[redonebyme]

I have a porter cable 6" random orbit sander that should be up for an emmy
I bought it in 1990? or so. I bet it has gone thoruogh 10,000 sheets of sandpaper. Probably sanded a football field worth of wood, a steel fishing boat worth of metal etc. etc. The brushes have never been replaced, it's had at least 20 foam pads replaced.

I don't think they've changed anything in their manufacturing process si buy one.

[redonebyme]

I have a porter cable 6" random orbit sander that should be up for an emmy
I bought it in 1990? or so. I bet it has gone thoruogh 10,000 sheets of sandpaper. Probably sanded a football field worth of wood, a steel fishing boat worth of metal etc. etc. The brushes have never been replaced, it's had at least 20 foam pads replaced.

I don't think they've changed anything in their manufacturing process si buy one.