Porter Cable’s new ClampSaw is part of their introductory 12V Max Li-Ion cordless tool lineup. The ClampSaw, a compact reciprocating saw, looks pretty handy with its pivoting handle, but how well does it perform? We received a review sample and tested the saw on a number of different materials to find out.
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Design & Ergonomics
The ClampSaw has three handle positions – 0°, 45°, and 90°, allowing it to be used in corners and tight work areas. For the review we used the saw in all three positions, but the 45° and straight handle settings were the most comfortable. The user manual showed a few examples of the saw used vertically in the right-angle handle position with the blade inserted upside down for a near-flush cut.
Our first (and lasting) impression was that the ClampSaw has great ergonomics and was very thoughtfully designed.
Whether by function or design, the motor housing is slightly narrower on the top and bottom, providing a perfect fit for my left supporting hand. A comfortable rubber material lines both the motor housing and the handle, allowing for a very secure grip. There is a physical stop near the front of the tool close to the shoe which helped prevent my hand from slipping.
A top-mounted toggle switch allows users to quickly and easily change the tool’s handle position. The pivot-lock engages when the handle reaches a new handle position with a very satisfying ‘click’. For safer blade changes and tool storage, a safety lock push-button prevents the saw from powering on. For the safest operation, we removed the battery before changing or cleaning blades.
The saw also features a variable-speed trigger and an electric brake which stops the motor as soon as your finger lifts off the trigger. There is also a single LED light used for workpiece illumination, but it doesn’t throw a bright or wide enough beam for my liking.
Adjustable Shoe Clamp & Blade Change
The ClampSaw’s adjustable shoe can be extended to “clamp” onto thinner materials, pipes and similar workpieces. An allen key (included) is required to loosen and lock the shoe, and can be stowed on the side of the saw. While not a true clamp, the shoe helps minimize the vibration transfered to smaller workpieces and allows for greater cutting control.
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Blade changes are quick and easy with the tool-free blade clamp collar.
Performance
Compared to pro-grade 18V cordless reciprocating saws, the ClampSaw has a similar stroke speed (0-3,000 strokes per minute) but has a shorter stroke length (5/8 inch). This shorter cutting stroke is somewhat noticeable and results in longer cut-times, but I did not find it to be much of a problem.
For the review the ClampSaw was used on PVC and copper pipes, sheet aluminum, 1×2 pine, various pieces of 2x lumber, and an odd shaped piece of scrap hardwood (~2″ x 3″). As expected, some of these cuts took a little longer than anticipated. However, as advertised, the ClampSaw was lightweight, ergonomic and compact, and provided exceptional control when used on smaller workpieces and when used overhead.
Conclusion
Does the ClampSaw perform as well as a corded reciprocating saw or even a cordless 18V model? No, but it still managed to perform reasonably well for light to medium duty cutting tasks. It provides a surprising amount of power for its size, and as mentioned its ergonomics are superb. We recommend it for general purpose DIY and homeowner use, and for installers/professionals as a handy lightweight complement to heavier duty 18V and corded saws.
The ClampSaw kit comes with two 4-inch blades, 2 lithium-ion batteries, a 30-minute charger, and a long soft toolbag. At $129, the ClampSaw is quite reasonably priced.
Porter Cable ClampSaw via Amazon
Product Info via Porter Cable
Taking a quick look at Amazon, there are plenty of 4-inch recip saw blades available. The ClampSaw’s user manual says that 4-inch blades are recommended, but does not prohibit the use of longer blades if necessary.
Thank you to Porter Cable for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or in some cases kept for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes. This sample was returned to Porter Cable.
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clueless
Thanks for the Clamp Saw review! Do you think it is capable of cutting Unistrut?
Stuart
The saw should work on Unistrut beams although I don’t have any around to test it saw on. For more than a few cuts, I would recommend a heavier duty saw.
uthscsaedu
I couldn’t find the clamp length capacity on the Porter Cable site. If you used regular length saw blades can you extend the clamp that far?
Also, can the clamp be removed completely?
Stuart
The clamp does not extend enough to completely cover the length of regular-length 6″ saw blade. However, with the clamp fully extended, it will be safer to use a 6″ blade over a 4″ blade. The blade should always extend past the clamp to avoid collision.
You cannot completely remove the clamp, but why would you want to? It does not have to be extended at all and at its innermost position it acts as an ordinary shoe.
Ken
Clamp lenth is ~ 2″
Rich Bastille
If you are electrician cutting Unistrut on a regular basis, I would not recommend using this tool. Instead, invest in a cordless metal cutting saw or step up to the Milwaukee corded 6370-21 model. I have both and they each have their applications. The issue with cutting metal is that it heats up the batteries which in turn ramps down the performance.
Brad L'lee
@Rich Bastille – Cutting metal does not “heat up the batteries” – Putting the saw under any sustained load (regardless of what you’re cutting) will cause faster discharge of the battery – which in turn generates heat. The heat isn’t what’s killing the battery – it’s the byproduct of discharging the battery more quickly. Bottom line though – if you’re cutting materials that are constantly making the tool strain (so the battery gets hot) – then you’re correct – you probably need a bigger, badder saw. There is no battery-powered saw on the market – none – at any voltage – that can keep up with a corded tool, so if you’re stuck in one spot all day doing repetitive cuts (and assuming there is power available) – pull out the corded version.
fm2176
I’ve been eyeballing one of the “survivors” at Lowes. Actually, it is the kit with ClampSaw, drill, two batteries, and charger. The website shows that it only two are available, but every time I visit the store (a few hours from me), there are three, including one that was a display. This is the same store where I bought my PC drill and impact kit from for $36 and the price is slowly dropping on the ClampSaw kits: they were $129 earlier this year and are now $89. Also, I actually found an 18v close quarters drill and the thermometer at this store. I passed on the drill (store offered it to me for $70, but I didn’t have a real use other than adding to the PC collection), and wasn’t too interested in the thermometer.
On one hand, I’d be buying a four year old cordless kit (I believe the date on the boxes is 2011). Also, I’d have little need for another drill, but for the “right” price (I’m thinking @$50), it would be well worth it to get two more batteries and the 12v ClampSaw to supplement my 18v reciprocating saw.
My local Lowes has a couple 18v ClampSaw bare tools left. It’s a small town store, though, so the price keeps fluctuating. Earlier this year they were on clearance for $62, then back up to $89. I checked yesterday and found they are now on clearance for $85.