Porter Cable has recently announced a new heavy-duty circular saw (PC15TCSMK). The new saw has been developed with an improved weight distribution and balance for greater comfort and better handling. There are a few other enhancements that make this a pro-level tool, including a lighter cast magnesium shoe, 10-foot high-grade cord, 15-amp 5600RPM motor, integrated dust blower, and soft grip handle.
This saw was designed and built with professionals in mind, and it doesn’t look like Porter Cable took any shortcuts with the saw’s features or specs. Lightweight with improved balance and ergonomics? Sounds great! The new saw is scheduled to hit stores next month withan MSRP of $100.
Looks a lot like the Hitachi C7SB2.
In what respect? I just took a look at that Hitachi saw on Amazon, and I see far more differences than I do similarities.
Just the overall look really, seems like it has the same base (with 0-55 degree angle bevel), grip, and roughly the same motor size and RPMs. Maybe that’s because it’s targeted at same price bracket with the Hitachi and the Ridgid, I dunno. Good looking saw, though, I’d definitely consider one.
I do see where you’re coming from, but there are still too many differences. The base is constructed differently, and from magnesium, whereas the Hitachi is aluminum. The handle geometries are drastically different, and the guards are different.
Motor speeds should be similar for most circular saws, which doesn’t really say too much about the motor.
With that said, you are right about the 55° bevel looking very similar. I didn’t look at that first though – with circ saws I often check out the base to see if it’s stamped or cast, and how thick and robust it is.