Replies

1. 
   basswood | May 31, 2009 02:58am | #1

   I would say so. I have an old PC 7-1/4" that won't die.

   My 8-1/4" saw is a Makita. Nice to have the capacity (cuts a 6x6 in 2 passes (no cutting all 4 sides and finishing with a hand saw).

1. 
   levelone | May 31, 2009 08:29pm | #2

   Good thought on the 6x6.  I was thinking of it as a possible candidate for the EZ Guide (if I ever go that route).

   I'm wondering specifically about this particular Porter Cable model.  It seems like a heavy duty saw that will go many miles but has been discontinued.  It actually has a greaseable bearing on the blade side.  Maybe that's why they quit making them; nobody wants grease on their wood.

   Anyway, thanks for the reply.  Wonder if there are any tool historians out there?

1. 
   hammer1 | May 31, 2009 09:31pm | #3

   I have an old Rockwell 368. It's a workhorse. Mine has a shoe that is on one side of the blade only, which allows getting up closer to adjacent surfaces. There is no worry about grease getting on your lumber, the cup just lubricates the gear. One issue is that there is no brake, the blade will continue to spin for quite a while. It also uses the star clutch on the arbor bolt. You can't use thin kerf blades. Availability of blade choices is limited. These are all metal saws and not double insulated. Some are painted gray while others are polished aluminum.They aren't quick start either and draw a few amps getting up to speed. These older saws are built heavy duty and all the parts are repairable. No plastic motor housing where a seized bearing might gaul the pocket. There isn't any provided adjustment to align the shoe with the blade. If it's out, it won't follow a straight edge. You will have to elongate a mounting screw hole and hope for the best. It's front mounted to the telescoping depth adjustment, typical older PC. I only pull mine out when I'm doing something nasty, masonry cutting, for example. The spinning blade isn't something I want around my toes. I have larger saws for big work. Although this is an HD saw and will last a lifetime, it still shows it's age in terms of design, weight and safety features. A fall off a roof isn't going to hurt it, though.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   popawheelie | May 31, 2009 11:53pm | #4

   I am the original owner of a PC 315-1 type 2 if you are interested in it.

   I've used it for cutting plywood in the past and don't use it anymore.

   It is in a case with an edge guide and an extra blade.

   When I wanted extra depth of cut for multiple sheets of ply I would take the guard off and you could put a 8 1/4" blade on it.

   Not having a guard on it isn't a big issue for me when I'm cutting sheet goods. Everything is pretty controled.

   If you are interested I'll take it out, dust it off, fire it up, and take pics of it.

   I bought it specifically for cutting sheet goods.

   Grease doesn't come out of it that I can remember. You just give the grease cup a turn once in a while.

   "There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."
   Will Rogers

   
   

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   Edited 5/31/2009 4:56 pm by popawheelie

1. 
   Sawdaddy | Jun 01, 2009 03:18pm | #6

   Popawheelie,If Levelone isn't interested in that saw, I might be. I like them.Let's see those pictures...

1. 
   levelone | Jun 02, 2009 03:54am | #7

   Thanks for all the info guys.

   Popawheelie--I appreciate the offer, but I have this one that needs a base if I decide it is worth it.  It sounds like it is.

   I picked it up used for $30 then found out it had the wrong base.  The blade cut indicator notch is off about 3/8" and I'm not sure if the edges are parallel to the blade.  I might mess around with fixing it or maybe just buy a new one.  Other than that the saw is like new, hardly any paint worn off.

    

2. 
   popawheelie | Jun 02, 2009 08:20am | #8

   I fired it up and it sounded fine.

   I dropped it once and broke a part between the motor and the base so bought one to fix it and a spare.

   The bottom is flat and smooth.

   It has all the wrenches and an edge guide.

   I made the arm on the guard so a carpenter's pencil fits in it.

   I made the box so the saw, extra blades, and tools are with it.

   Like I said, I don't use it any more."There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."Will Rogers

3. 
   Sawdaddy | Jun 01, 2009 03:15pm | #5

   Levelone,

   I've got a 368-1. It's a great saw. Basically a 315-1 with an 8 1/4" blade. I keep my eyes open for these saws all the time since they stopped making them. It's definetely worth it.

   That grease cup has never spit out any grease whatsoever on any of my PC saws. The last time I had one of the 315's rebuilt, the service guy from PC told me you should only be turning that about one full revolution in a years time. So not much grease could squeeze out of that.

   That star washer someone was talking about is easily replaceable with a different washer that allows you to use thin kerf blades if that 368-1 has the old star washer.

   -Sawdaddy