Thanks to a tip by Creighton (thank you!), we learned of a new Porter Cable miter saw (PCXB115MS) that has an unusual feature – the entire top half of the saw folds over to make the saw more compact for transport and storage.
It always pleases me to say this: well, that’s new!”
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Who could use a more compact miter saw? Lots of folks. The product listing says:
Space savings design allows the saw to be stored flat, reducing space required for storage in garage or work truck.
It seems to have typical non-sliding 10-inch saw specs. Compared to the Dewalt DW713 ($219 via Amazon), the speed is slightly lower, and the miter range somewhat different.
- 10″ blade
- 15A motor
- 4500 RPM
- 0-47° bevel left (this is a single bevel saw)
- 0-47° miter left and 0-55° miter right
- Max cutting capacity of 2″ x 6″ or 4″ x 4″ at 0°
- Max cutting capacity of 2″ x 4″ at 45°
- Weighs 27.24 lbs
- 2-1/2″ dust port
- Tool-free adjustable laser for cut line guidance
it comes with a “support base,” starter blade, blade wrench, work clamp, and dust bag.
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From the images, the saw does look to fold down pretty compactly.
There’s a user-adjustable laser for cut line guidance. It’ said to be tool-free, and the images show thumb wheels. Hopefully there’s a lock that sets adjustments in place so as to prevent an accidental touch from inadvertently skewing the calibration.
The saw also comes with a “support base,” which:
Provides platform for storage of saw, which also provides additional support for long work pieces during operation.
I can see how this is intended to be used as a work support base, at least on flat work surfaces such as a workbench, but what does that other part mean?
The underside of the support base looks to make with the saw. Ah – it allows for vertical storage of the saw when the saw head is folded over!
In his tip email, Creighton wrote: Folds for compact transportation…. Seems sorta interesting, and I completely agree with him.
I’m not quite sure how to describe it other than interesting.
Price: $179 (at launch)
Buy Now(via Lowes)
First Thoughts
Does Porter Cable make miter saws? A quick search shows that yes, they do, or at least they did.
To be perfectly honest, I’m not quite sure what to think about this new Porter Cable offering. On one hand, it’s very unique, and I can see that it does address a problem or concern that some users have.
One of the reasons I liked Bosch’s GTS1031 portable table saw so much is because it’s flexible in how it can be stowed away – even vertically underneath a workbench.
But on the other hand, is this a saw I would consider buying or using? My first impression is that it’s a consumer-focused model, or otherwise aimed at budget users.
I can see the appeal of a fold-down head, but how will that affect its cutting precision? The movable work support can be useful, but what happens if the work surface is uneven. Or what if someone’s placing the saw on their inclined driveaway? Or an old and wavy deck?
How stable is it when stored vertically in its plastic-looking support base?
What about the laser – it looks easy to adjust, but that mean accidental misalignment is just as easy?
Despite my strong desire for compact and easy to store benchtop power tools, I’d sooner buy a Hitachi or Dewalt 10″ miter saw than this one.
This saw looks to compare to Ryobi, Sears Craftsman, and similar DIYer or value Pro brands’ miter saws, but at higher pricing.
If you ask me, it’s perhaps more fitting in Black & Decker’s lineup, or as one of SBD’s first Craftsman tools. I find myself judging the design more critically because of its Porter Cable branding than I would have if it were branded under Stanley Black & Decker’s other brands.
Although not quite suited for my miter saw needs and wants, I’m optimistic that Porter Cable’s new miter saw is indeed a distinct model that will serve some users’ needs.
Nathan
My first thought was if they sacrificed cut accuracy for compact storage. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Nathan
I doubt they sacrificed accuracy – but they did give up on what’s becoming common features of today’s saws.
Now I don’t want one – but I see the appeal to the traveling handy man or even trimmer. but you know what it needs – a flexvolt battery. seriously this feature set on a cordless job – would be all sorts of win – maybe put the battery at the base – etc.
Nathan
oh and different nathan
Anton
Thats what I was going to say. This thing would make %200 more sense if it was battery powered or better yet hybrid.
I wonder if you can rig it to do 50+ degree bevel cuts but probably not since it actually bevels the opposite way normally.
fred
Interesting indeed. Not something I would buy but they may have created a new niche market. Not sure why you would want to – probably dangerous too – but can it operate (intentionally or by accident) while in the folded position?
Bolt
Assuming it cuts accurately this would be great for guys working out of their garage that shares space with a car and all their kids bikes and toys. Being able to hang it on the wall is a great space saver just like an electric mower.
Tim
Genius.
Tom
Looks like a great idea for your average diyer who may want to have a saw to use just a few times a year.
ktash
Having a small workspace, and having to lug things out of the basement to work outdoors, I love all things compact. But I’d wait and see about the reviews before replacing what I have.
I agree about having a battery. That would be even more tempting in replacing what I have.
Cr8on
Porter Cable seemingly is becoming SBD’s outlet for new ideas(Restorer and their compact circular saw). Maybe that’s the brand identity they are starting to formulate? By the way Stuart, Cr8on is just short for Cr(eight)on.
fred
I don’t think that you can lump the Restorer in – as it is a licensed product from an independent developer/company.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/5-things-to-know-about-the-porter-cable-restorer-surface-prep-tool/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Cr8on
Sure it can be, does it say Porter Cable on the box? the product? the owners manual? SBD could have just put a Black + Decker or DeWalt label on it but chose PC.
Stuart
If true, is that a good thing?
Porter Cable’s brand identity has been getting cloudier and cloudier.
But I do share in feeling that it’s good to see Porter Cable come out with new tools, and interesting ones at that.
Troy Woods
This comment was left on a YouTube video and may explain why the saw in NLA.
krmcc01 20 Jan 2019
3 months ago
Man you had better check with porter cable they have been letting a company called Chang Type use their name they have already recalled a quarter of a million table saws because the motor catches fire.
Corntonio
3 months ago
@BigBadDad I bought one of these POS saws from Lowe’s Canada, in January. It felt under powered but OK. Did not act like a 15amp. It broke a few weeks ago (shaft connecting blade to motor sheared) and I sent it in for warranty. The warranty center says they can’t fix it. They said it is NOT a Porter Cable product. It’s NOT in the Porter Cable catalog. There are no parts. I now have a broken, worthless, fake Porter Cable saw. I’m waiting to hear back from the store management.
Stan Lagod
Mine works fine remember blade speed has to be at max rpm,also correct blade teeth count for material and don’t force any tool or you will end up breaking something and possibly injury to yourself or others.
Mike
Wish they would come out with cordless miter saw using dual batteries
Farid
“Does Porter Cable make miter saws? ”
I have had the 12″ version for around 20 years or so. I believe it’s model 3802. Its a beast to carry, but its a great saw. At the time, the Dewalt was probably my firs choice but it was a little bit more money than I could justify at the time, but this one had great features – some were better than the Dewalt : A a locking miter setting with quick-lock preset positions, adjustable fence, table extender, clamps, a good dust collection system, etc.
I don’t have the laser on mine, but the dual line laser looks like a nice feature as well.
Noah
I like it! Cant wait to see it translate into the higher end.
Mr. Gerbik
Its about time that pc came out with a new tool. They’ve been out of the game for a while. Its good to see that they’re still the only company trying to make unique power tools. Very cool in terms of storage, especially in a truck. If it were a slider, it would be great. Is there any idea as to when the sbd craftsman is going to start making tools?
Stuart
There’s been no word about SBD’s Craftsman activity. I’ve been asking, but everything’s been hush hush.
glenn
While it may take up less vertical space it will take up more horizontal space the way it folds back, so I cant see any real advantage. A bit of a solution to a problem that doesn’t really exist.
Stanley A. Lagod
Problem never existed it is just a feature that is a selling point.
Davida1
You wrote “Compared to the Dewalt DW713 ($219 via Amazon), the speed is slightly lower”. You didn’t include a picture of it l, but they have a unique motor placement (to let it fold flat). I’m assuming that extra gearing is why it’s slower
Stuart
Sorry, I didn’t see any images of the rear of the saw.
My implication is that the saw seems to be nearly comparably spec’ed to my go-to when it comes to 10″ saw comparisons.
Davida1
Ah thanks. By the way the picture is on Lowe’s website, pretty interesting configuration of the motor
Doug
I have one of these and I like it, it does a good job. I am an average wood worker. I bought this to replace an ageing 30 year old B&D with a bad bearing. The price is what got me to buy it ($129.00 sale) not the fact of the fold down housing although this has come in handy in storing it under my work bench. I also have a 12 in Dwalt on a rolling stand I use when needed. I think it is well forth the price but if I had not seen it on sale I might of just bought something else.
Blythe
I don’t know what the “normal” price that lowes carries this for is, but it’s a deal of the day for $129 today
Tom
This is down to $99 now on Lowes.com
Stuart
Thanks!
Those user reviews, though…
SteveT
Looks like Lowes has put this on sale. https://www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CABLE-10-in-15-Amp-Single-Bevel-Laser-Folding-Compound-Miter-Saw/1000212097
JasonB
I bought this saw to be used for installing laminate flooring during my kitchen renovation. If my flooring planks were actually 6″ it would have suited my needs perfectly. I have to double cut each plank as they are 6-5/8″
However, i don’t have a lot of space for additional tools and the fact that this one folds to store away, it was an easy sell to the wife unit. It cuts accurately, even after folding it up a dozen times to demonstrate its folding ability to my buddies. It will come in handy for the trim work that is coming up soon as well. The ONLY things i would change would be battery power, and offer it in a 12″ version.
Dave McCann
Went to Lowes to replace my broken (30yr old and too heavy) Delta miter saw that I use as a backup to my Bosch sliding model mounted on a cart in the shop. I’m no professional just a serious home user. I was fully expecting to pickup a $99 Hitachi 10″ since it was lightweight then I saw the PC 10″ on sale for $99 with the ability to fold down! Wow. Space and weight are an issue in my shop and the ability to take with me and save storage space were the killer selling points. So far this exceeds my expectations. Besides the compactness and ability to fold and carry (via handle) the other selling points were that it had a somewhat deep base for better stability and included a laser (which can be switched on, and adjusted for accuracy) I didn’t have to mount my blade mounted laser. Seems to have plenty of power, I believe it is worm drive like some of the Makita’s. I would have paid $149 but at $99 I feel this is a steel!
Stanley A. Lagod
I noticed comments about having a battery option that’s good for small jobs I mean small jobs but doing to jobs where power is not furnished the cost of extra battery packs would justify a small 2500 – 3000 watt Honda generator it would take up a lot less space than a bunch of batteries for all the other tools you operate on batteries plus charging stations while alot of the newer trucks offer AC/DC power ports who wants to run their truck to charge battery/ batteries for a job that might have a Change in completion date. And just how much time it takes to change batteries although it may seem faster just add up the seconds, minutes and you will be surprised how much time it takes from production time. Just an opinion. Thanks to whomever reads this