3" Cirular Saw ??

[Jim Eller]

Does anyone have any experience with this saw, http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00910872000P?

What do you mainly use if for?

Are there any others on the market by different manufacturers? I have seen a 3" Makita battery operated one.

Thanks,
Jim

[Dick Bringhurst]

I have the Makita. Use it for roughing out laminate to approximate size. 5 x 12 sheets are hard to handle otherwise. Dick B.

[lowell holmes]

PC hase one that has been around for awhile. It is a bit pricey, but an excellent tool. It is good for making drawer cut outs on cabinets, small plywood cuts and so forth . . .
Norm has one and so do I. :-)

[Peter Quinn]

I have used the makita for weaving in siding repairs in clapboards and trimming cedar shakes, not enough power or precision for hardwood or material much thicker than 3/8", but the light weight is an asset when on a ladder or scaffolding.

I know guys that use the porter cable 314 for trim jobs where a 7 1/4" skill saw would be heavy after a while.

[Jim Eller]

Thanks.

I've looked at the Porter Cable.

The 3" I mentioned is a plunge design.

Jim

[Steve Flavin001]

numerous parties is designed for trimming out windows, window sill (stool moulding) and door casing etc. Pretty light stuff but very handy for such small scale work.

[Steve Kolbe]

I have the craftsman version. The plunge is GREAT.

Used mine recently for trueing (sp?) up the bottom of a long privacy fence prior to attaching the kickboards.

Works like a charm!

[J. Z. Guest]

Check out the 5-1/2" Skil for $3 more at Menards. It seems much more versatile and nearly as handy. I've got one and it use it for breaking down all kinds of stock to rough size, including 5/4 hardwood. Used in conjunction with a carpenter's rafter square, it is just brilliant.

[Jim Eller]

Thanks to all for your input.

Jim

[David G Baker]

Jim,
It may not be the best way to use the small saw but when doing Sheetrock the little battery operated Makita that I have sure comes in handy for making cuts that are hard to do with a knife. The price is around what the Makita is selling for.
Jeremy,
I keep looking at that 5-1/2 inch Skil every time I visit Menard's. Looks like it would come in handy in many situations where a heavier duty saw isn't needed.