Hey guys, it is about time I get a new circular saw. I have been looking at craftsman pro-series, dewalt, and porter. They all have 15 amp motors and carbide blades. Which of these three would you recommend and why. Thanks for any input .
If they are any others I should look at, please feel free to recommend.
I changed from a Craftsman to a Dewalt and could not believe the differences. The Dewalt is much quieter -- so quiet you almost don't need hearing protection. It also does not bog down like the Craftsman when cutting 3/4" mdf. It almost doesn't change pitch at all when first starting the cut. Haven't tried the porter cable circle saw -- only the plunge router, which is great as well.
I bought a Porter Cable with the blade on the left side. Though I'm right handed, I find it much easier to see the line while I'm sawing. I think it cost about $100.
I've got a porter and love it. The foot is very beefy and will never warp. It's a pretty light saw as well. I'm sure the dewalt is a good choice too. Pay attention to the ease of setting the depth of cut and the angle adjustment. They make a bit of difference in how convenient the saw is to use. I don't think craftsman is in the same class, pro series or not...
If you're looking for a circular saw, pay attention to the drive mechanism. There are standard drive and worm drive or spiral gear saws. The worm drive saws give more torque as I understand it. Better for framing, if you're cutting thicker lumber, and especially treated lumber.
I myself don't do a lot of framing so I have a standard drive porter cable 447K that has the electric brake. The brake is a feature that I would suggest looking for. The Dewalt DW378G seems to be a highly recommender as a worm drive framing saw.
Thanks guys for all the input and what to check for. Looks like its down to the porter and the dewalt. I just need a good standard drive. Hopefully I will be in mdf dust heaven by this weekend. If you guys have any particular model porter or dewalt, let me know.
I have a Porter-Cable 743 with the blade on the left (like worm drive saws). This gives me better visibility while I'm cutting (a good thing when accuracy is a concern). I also like the adjustable dust port (you can direct the dust in any direction). This tool replaced a Craftsman saw that I owned for 1 year (the blade arbor warped after minimal usage) and the difference is night and day (PC is _way_ better). Buy quality and only buy once...
I think you will do well with any of the major ones: PC, Milwaukee, Makita, Skill Worm Drive, Dewalt... Check with Sam's Club who tends to carry Porter Cable or Costco too.
. 
