Porter Cable has added a new corded oscillating multi-tool to their lineup, the 3.0-amp PCE605K. We reviewed the previous 2.5A model, and while it was a great performer, the blade change mechanism required a bit more hand strength to operate than we’d like.
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The new PC oscillating multi-tool seems like a modest upgrade to the 2.5A model, but under the surface there are some very neat redesigns and upgrades.
New Features
- 3.0 amp motor
- depth and cutting guide
- three-position overmold grip for improved comfort
- improved blade change mechanism?!!
A bump up from a 2.5-amp to a 3.0-amp motor doesn’t mean all that much; we’re more interested in the new functionality and improved features.
Porter Cable says that their new depth and cutting guide provides greater stability when making longer cuts and control when making plunge cuts. This seems like a reasonable claim, and it makes us wonder why other multi-tool makers haven’t thought of something similar sooner.
Three-position overmold seems a bit inappropriate to describe the radical new grip conponents. Judging from the product images, Porter Cable gave their product managers and ergonomics specialists full control to experiment and go wild with the grips. That would definitely be a good thing from our point of view. A gripper tool – what could go wrong?
We could not find any mention of this, but it looks like Porter Cable lengthened their blade-change handle slightly. If you recall from our hands-on review of the PC250MTK predecessor, the lever required a bit of force to operate. A lengthier squeeze-handle on the new 3.0-amp model’s blade change mechanism would mean increased leverage and thus reduced user effort.
The overall construction of the grip looks to be slightly tweaked as well. *Thumbs up* if it reduces the effort required for blade and accessory swaps.
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Additional Features
- 10-foot power cord (hopefully soft and rubbery like before)
- 10,000-22,000 OPM
- tool-free blade change (seemingly improved)
The PCE605K multi-tool kit comes with 31 accessories including the depth and cutting guide. MSRP is $129.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
jesse
The depth stop is a nice feature.
John
I love the depth stop idea. I might have to fabricate one for my existing multi-tool.
James
It looks great, especially the depth stop. I will buy, is my first oscillating tool.
Neeta
Depth stop is a feature worth spending extra bucks on. Is it really possible to fabricate one for the existing model? Wish Porter Cable would make it available as a part for the existing model.
fred
The depth stop is interesting – but in all the years we’ve been using Fein Multimasters, and Supercuts – I don’t recall anyone saying “gee I wish it had a depth stop”. Because this is a tool where you control the cut by hand feel – it may not be as much an issue as say with a circular saw – but if I start hearing folks say “how did I live without this before” – then I may give one of these a try if we need to buy a replacement tool.
Dennis Mathias
Depth stop..not so much. But a horizontal guide for cutting straight on the horizontal would be neat. Also, these blades go dull too quickly. Need different tips materials.
Mark Keeler
I just wanted to say that your review is much more useful than any I have read so far about this model. Most others just rehash the company press release; cord length, amperage, tool-free blade change, etc. Nice to see someone go into more depth. Now I just want a test done comparing several brands.
Stuart
Thanks for the kind words, and I am glad you found the post to be helpful! I am actually still working on reviewing the oscillating tool; this was just a hands-off preview. Even so, I do try to discuss new tools in context and with added insight beyond what press releases spit out.
My experience with the new 3 amp multi-tool has been quite positive thus far, and it is clearly better than its predecessor.
As far as comparison tests go, I’m not sure that’s something you’ll see here. There are simply too many differences between tools to be able to say brand A is better than brands B and C.
If I had to rank oscillating tools in terms of preference, the (higher priced) Bosch and Fein models are possibly the only ones I would recommend above this one.
Kirk
I bought one of these (the 3.0 amp model) last year. It is awesome.
One of my top five favorite tools.
elias huerta
Need to know if I can buy an adapter to use other brand blades. I have some other brands, and I see the ones for my new Porter Cable have the slot open on all the accessories . tks. I haven’t unpack my new tool yet, not sure if I should keep it, Would be nice to be able to use more of the brand blades out there.
Janie Ausborn
We are looking for a depth and cutting guide for the porter cable oscillating tool. Is this something that can be purchased separately?
Stuart
I don’t think so. You could try checking with Porter Cable to see if it’s available as a spare part. But I also believe that it comes with all of the tools that it’s compatible with. If your Porter Cable tool shipped without one, it might not be compatible.
Claudionor Cepinho
Where to buy this tool
Stuart
In the USA! Check out the big “buy now” link button at the bottom of the post. Outside the USA? Check with your Porter Cable dealer, or contact Porter Cable to help find one that serves your locale.
troy gibbner
My wife bought me a 3amp a year ago for Christmas and today is the first I used it and it quit . It won’t move the blades, sounds like a gear is striped out. Don’t have the receipt so I guess I’m SOL or pay to have it fix out of pocket . If this is as long as it is going to last I may through it in the trash, not a good impression for the first time using it. It wasn’t used hard only to cut door casing of to put tile under the casing. For a tool costing over $100.00 you would think you could get more then 10 minutes work with out costing you a bunch.
Nurmansyah
I am interest to buy model PCE605K multi-tool kit that comes with 31 accessories including the depth and cutting guide.
Could you guide me. Thanks
Don Weninger
I recently purchased a PorterCable PCE605k Oscillating multitool at our local Lowes on sale for $90.00. I am very pleased w/the tool but the reason for the sale price was no cut or depth gauge was included. I have gone on Amazon & Google to no avail trying to locate/purchase both a cut & depth attachment. Our local stores ( Lowes & Menards) do not have these items. Any suggestions ? DLW
Beamer
I am looking for a porter cable oscillating tool Depth and cutting guide. Its a 3 amp. I bought I on 07/21/2018 and it did not come with one. For some reason I can’t seem to locate one. Can I get one or do I have to buy the tool that already comes with one???
Thanks
Stuart
Was it the same 31 accessory set?
I can’t locate it as a separate accessory, so it might not be available. If it’s supposed to come with one, you can return the kit for a replacement, or try contacting Porter Cable to see if they have a replacement part they can send you.