What kind of ac (mains) powered small, compact circular saw do you use?

[Ken Nagrod]

So I'm posing this question mainly to our European members because they may be using something not available here that works better, but anyone can give their input.  I'm wondering if you guys have something smaller than the TS55 that's powerful enough to cut out things like floor boards or trim or siding and sheathing or even cutting out parts of a cabinet for modification.  I use a Porter Cable 314 trim saw.  It's got a great feel and compact size, worm drive, but the base plate is a poor design in my opinion - too easy to throw out from 0 and a pain to setup at a bevel.  I know Makita makes a couple of small circ saws, but I just didn't like the feel of them in use and the one has such a side weight bias from the big motor.  So let's hear your opinions!

[thanks]

 

[Holzhacker]

My go to saw is the PC model 345 6" Sawboss as a smaller saw. Never bogs down, doesn't care, just cuts, easy to handle. If I need smaller I use the 18V Dewalt. Dewalt batteries of course don't last long under heavy load but 2 batteries and small cuts, it works. If I need really small I go to my antique 12V Skil. I have tile and wood blades for it. Batteries are pathetic by todays standards though.
Usually use a hand saw or Trion to get into the corners. Hope that helps.

 

[jmbfestool]

I often use my Milwaukee M18 but u said mains so I would say the mafel kss my mate has one and I like it I'm thinking of getting on dead handy.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/mafell-mafell-ksp40f-flexistem-circular-saw-and-14m-flexi-rail-prod807319/?src=froogle

http://www.axminster.co.uk/mafell-mafell-kss300-maximax-saw-system-with-14m-flexi-rail-and-short-rail-prod807335/?src=froogle#
JMB

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I have the TS55 and the TS75, the latter does not see much use but when it is needed it does very well.

The TS55 is great though I hate always lugging the rails around - they are light but always in the way when both hands are busy with them other 'tainers.

So, I purchased the Mafell KSS300 using the 30 day return policy and ended up on the fence. To keep or not to keep? In Sweden Mafell is way overpriced, and even more expensive than Festool for similar items (sanders, saws etc) so on the last day of the return period I did return it for a few reasons:

The not so great part:

It does not cut 40mm with the rail, almost but not quite. More like 38/38.5mm.  As the requirement for me is 40mm this was a bummer, on a 40mm oak countertop I ended up having to sand down one open end = losing time which I would not have had to with the TS55.

The fixed base/rail is too short. Or maybe it isn't? It works well for flooring but for fitting kitchens you often need to trim down sheet material on the fly and 400mm/40cm would be nice - or a base that would allow around 65cm.

The Flexirail is too long. Or is it? One of the most common cut lenghts for me is 60

 

[jmbfestool]

I have the TS55 and the TS75, the latter does not see much use but when it is needed it does very well.

The TS55 is great though I hate always lugging the rails around - they are light but always in the way when both hands are busy with them other 'tainers.

So, I purchased the Mafell KSS300 using the 30 day return policy and ended up on the fence. To keep or not to keep? In Sweden Mafell is way overpriced, and even more expensive than Festool for similar items (sanders, saws etc) so on the last day of the return period I did return it for a few reasons:

The not so great part:

It does not cut 40mm with the rail, almost but not quite. More like 38/38.5mm.  As the requirement for me is 40mm this was a bummer, on a 40mm oak countertop I ended up having to sand down one open end = losing time which I would not have had to with the TS55.

The fixed base/rail is too short. Or maybe it isn't? It works well for flooring but for fitting kitchens you often need to trim down sheet material on the fly and 400mm/40cm would be nice - or a base that would allow around 65cm.

The Flexirail is too long. Or is it? One of the most common cut lenghts for me is 60

 

[Kevin Stricker]

Ken,
  I saw this mini circ saw at Rockler the other day.  Mastermind I think was the name.  Check it out it might be what you need.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Thanks Kevin.  Definitely too small for what I was looking for, but a good find.

 

[billg71]

Ken,

I've had my Skil 5-1/2" saw for so long I wondered if they still make it, but they do.

Light, easy to handle and plenty pf power for plywood and 1x. It's pricey but if they still make them like they used to it's definitely a quality tool that'll stand up to hard use. Here are a couple of photos with the TS55 for comparison:

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And having a left-tilt saw on the job comes in handy every now and then. About the only drawback is the difficulty of finding good 5-1/2" blades....

Best,
Bill

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Thanks Bill.  That comment about the blades is true.  I can't remember when I last saw a 5 1/2" er.

 

[billg71]

Thanks Bill.  That comment about the blades is true.  I can't remember when I last saw a 5 1/2" er.

Yeah, you can get them but you have to hunt. Amazon has an Oshlun 24 tooth with a 5/8 arbor and a 5/8-1/2 bushing. My favorite was always the Makita 24-tooth but you had to hunt your own bushing. Makita still lists that blade and a 120-tooth plywood version as well but you'd have to order online, I've never seen one on a box-store shelf. But they are still available.

Nice little saw, though. I used to use mine a bunch(as if you couldn't tell  [blink] ).

Bill

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I'm fortunate to have a Bosch factory facility in South Plainfield, NJ.  Bosch owns Skil and I'm sure they have all the blades.  Half of the front half of their facility is devoted to Skil.

 

[peter halle]

Ken,

There is also the Porter Cable 6" SawBoss.  A lefty.  I think that I threw away an Acme Tool flyer yesterday that had reconditioned ones at a good price.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Ken,

There is also the Porter Cable 6" SawBoss.  A lefty.  I think that I threw away an Acme Tool flyer yesterday that had reconditioned ones at a good price.

Yes.  A favorite of my buddy Tom S.  It's probably re-branded in yellow now.  [big grin]  A.W. Meyer still had them new last October.  That's when I was looking at the Makita versions that are similar.

Thanks Peter.

 

[peter halle]

Ken,

Then there is the venerable Delta / Porter Cable 314 if it hasn't been compromised by the manufacturer.  I remember that basic model way back in the 1980's.

Peter

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Ken,

Then there is the venerable Delta / Porter Cable 314 if it hasn't been compromised by the manufacturer.  I remember that basic model way back in the 1980's.

Peter

I've owned that in the metal case for about 10 years now.  I've always hated the base plate.  It can easily change on you because of the flimsy design, even though it's locked in place, your bevel changes from 0 to anything.  See my first post in this thread.

 

[peter halle]

OOPS!  Ken, good luck in your search.

Peter

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I appreciate the help!