Rockwell compact circular saws

[Robert Chapman]

Anyone have experience with either of Rockwell's compact circular saws? I'm looking for something other than my jig saw for ripping sheet goods using a straight guide.

[George Bokros]

You may have some limitations on choice of saw blades for it.

[Dan Rude]

I have the C-Man version. It works fairly well. Dust collection is good. I am limited in blades though, since it is 3/8" arbor. There are I think more blades for the Rockwell. If it has a 1/2" arbor. I am going to try making a reducing bushing out of a 10 mm fender washer to the C-Man. I just have to drill a 3/8" hole. Dan

[John McClanahan]

I looked at the Rockwell saw. It didn't seem to have very good balance when holding. Also, the blades seem to be a bit of an odd size and harder to find.


John

[Kent A Bathurst]

You can get blades from Forrest. But then, your blade will have cost nearly as much as the saw. :eek:

How-some-ever - I have the iconic PC 314 worm drive. I use the Forrest blade when I need a top-quality cut. Works beautifully.

4-1/2" blades are not hard to find on-line. Dunno about in stores.

[Robert Chapman]

Thanks for the responses. Just bought a Rockwell RK3441K. Seems OK. Test cuts are fine. Smooth running. Push button safety switch is a little awkward. May need to get a Forrest blade - another $65.

[John Densmore]

Why did you go with a compact over a normal sized circular saw?

[Robert Chapman]

I have a normal sized circular saw which I have used to rip 4X8 sheet goods but it is heavy and cumbersome. I also sometimes use my jig saw to rip sheet good with mixed success using a straight edge guide. My last attempt with the jig saw was a disaster which for some unknown reason resulted in a bent blade - was using a straight edge guide which I have done in the past. So I thought that I would try the Rockwell trim saw. Besides I haven't bought any new tools in a while.

[Lee Reep]

I bought one last year for remodeling. I got it to cut drywall, both new sheets, and to cut access holes in existing walls. I own several circular saws (corded and cordless), as well as a Festool track saw, but I wanted a small, lightweight saw -- one that I could hold on a wall or ceiling if needed, to make a cut. I think it is very well built. I have not looked at replacement blades since I cannot imagine my narrow usage for it will ever require one. However, if Forrest makes one, that's great news. I love their blades, although they are expensive.

I have a lot of respect for Dremel (and have a healthy assortment of their tools), and wanted to buy their mini circular saw. But the reviews were not very positive. The Rockwell I just happened to see on a quick walk-thru at Lowe's one day. I never buy power tools at Lowe's, so it was just dumb luck that I spotted it. I found a fitting for the saw's hose, in my ridiculously vast array of dust collection fittings, that fits my portable shop vac. It does help a little to control dust.

[Kent A Bathurst]

Why did you go with a compact over a normal sized circular saw?

Easy to hold and use - much more compact and "agile" if you will. Will cut 3/4" ply @ 45* - just barely, though. I still have my 25 yr-old Crapsman 7-1/4" stuck in the way-back for those times I need a deeper cut - which last happened in spring 2012 - dadoes in some treated 4x4 for garden shelving I had been drafted - I mean delighted - to make.

[Curt Harms]

You can get blades from Forrest. But then, your blade will have cost nearly as much as the saw. :eek:

How-some-ever - I have the iconic PC 314 worm drive. I use the Forrest blade when I need a top-quality cut. Works beautifully.

4-1/2" blades are not hard to find on-line. Dunno about in stores.

That size and form factor are useful indeed. I guess B&D/Stanley weren't selling 500/day so couldn't be bothered to continue producing them.

[lowell holmes]

You can find used Porter Cable 314 saws on the auction site. I would buy one of those. I have one that I love. It is absolutely unavailable.

My recent experience with a Rockwell tool was not good.

I should say unavailable new!

[Dan Rude]

Wanted to add Menards Perfomax brand has blades that fit the Rockwell. Fairly cheap. These are the ones I am trying to make a bushing for. Dan

[Kent A Bathurst]

You can find used Porter Cable 314 saws on the auction site. I would buy one of those. I have one that I love. It is absolutely unavailable.

Unavailable new, I think you meant.

I looked for a long time at auction items, but I have never been comfortable buying things with motors from there.

Then, in thread here a couple years ago, one guy posted that he had one but hardly used it.

PM blitz launched - took very little time to find the number where he was happy and I was comfortable. Like new. Classy steel case included.

In normal use, I cannot see how it will not last well beyond my lifetime, I also have its cousin - the PC 548 bayonet saw. Same compact design, steel case, and worm gear drive. These tools were clearly designed for the construction trades - able to take bounces off the floor - the first floor, from the 2d floor rafters.

[Mike Schuch]

I also have a Porter Cable 314 worm drive mini saw (I couldn't pass it up at $40 on Craigslist). It is a great saw in all ways until you have to replace the blade. Because of the price of blades for the 314 I almost always grab my 7 1/4 Milwaukee worm drive saw. The Porter Cable is nicer to use than the Milwaukee but the blades cost 4 times as much.

[lowell holmes]

The Porter Cable is nicer to use than the Milwaukee but the blades cost 4 times as much.???


Check the link below.

http://www.toolup.com/freud_d0436x_4-38-x-36-cordless-trim-saw-blade.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=paid_search_google_pla&scid=scplp1063152&gclid=CjwKEAiAoo2mBRD20fvvlojj5jsSJABMSc7jMWYZPeFp lEWzPGuU8yUcBYUNb4u3ifoW7L2abhrQlxoClV_w_wcB

$14.42.

I have that blade on my saw. It will last a long long time.

It is probably a one time purchase. It gives an incredibly smooth cut.

[John Conklin]

+1 on the Porter Cable 314

I've had it for years and love it. Save it for breaking down sheet goods and have an extra blade in reserve. I admittedly done use it as much since I bought my Dewalt track saw.

The carbides on the 4 1/2" blades are small but I wonder if they couldn't be sharpened at least once.

[Mike Schuch]

That is a good price for that blade and I have always been a Freud blade fan. How does it do on plywood? Specifically how bad is the tear out?

It would be nice to get more use out of my 314 and that price fits the bill. Thanks!

[lowell holmes]

Specifically how bad is the tear out?

It would be nice to get more use out of my 314 and that price fits the bill. Thanks!

I haven't experienced any tear out with the blade. It gives a finished cut. The blade is 4 3/8", not 4 1/2"
I have not found that to be an issue.