Just bought a Porter Cable 314 Trim Saw

[jgromada]

Hi everybody, just wondering if anyone on here owns on of these. I had been reading up on these, of course noting these are probably 10 years out of production. If you have one how do you primarily use it?

Just bought one off ebay for a somewhat reasonable price and just received it yesterday. It is very complete, clean and fairly clear internally of any oily residue or sawdust. I had plans to check the brushes and and change the worm-drive oil before really using it but i wanted to fire it up to make sure it worked. The switch seems to come on only about half way through the switch's travel and for those that have one of these I was wondering if this is normal? I suppose you don't really want a hair trigger (or is it hare trigger) on a power tool but just wanted to know. The motor is very smooth but then again this is no load. At least bearings were very quiet for a saw. (much better than an old, old Black & Decker circ saw i had.

For those that do not know this is considered a Trim Saw. I has a 4.5" circular saw type blade and it is worm drive, about 7 lbs. The motor is 4.5 Amp max, 120v corded and i am told can rip a 2x4 pretty well. (excellent torque for a little saw) I have included a picture although that is not my saw. It is about 10 years out of production. Mostly US made although I think series 6 (last series) might be made in Mexico. It actually started out labeled as Rockwell and not totally sure what the relationship was between Rockwell and Porter Cable (pre-1981). There are units popping up on ebay and they all seem to sell. A mint boxed one just went for like $340.

not sure there is a proper modern equivalent. If you had a 20v cordless alternative that would be great, but not sure it could match the torque then. But the 4 1/2 in saws have this handheld grip which i really don't care for much. Like a Rockwell Tools (new Rockwell read Worx) model and a Porter Cable model https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRBDZDX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

not quite the same thing.

 

[wrenchguy]

i like mine, got it new 20-25-30 years ago.

 

[spike99250]

Yeah the switch is like an on/off deal. Blades at a decent price are the problem. I got some odd brand off the bay but had to have a bushing made to get them to work.
If you find a good source for blades let me know.
Enjoy the saw, I love all my older P-C stuff

 

[JRC3]

I have one somewhere. I think it's in my parent's basement. They were great at the time.

Did yours come with the metal case? Remember the case?

I might have to go over and dig it out.

 

[jgromada]

Yeah the switch is like an on/off deal. Blades at a decent price are the problem. I got some odd brand off the bay but had to have a bushing made to get them to work.
If you find a good source for blades let me know.
Enjoy the saw, I love all my older P-C stuff

I found some Diablo 36 pt blades on Amazon. I think I might buy that one that includes the bushing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002TUFAO/?tag=atomicindus08-20


No i did not get one with the case. The ones that had the metal case had exorbitant shipping and at least for the ones I would consider were in pretty poor shape. If i wanted a nice case that would have been a restoration project in itself and I didn't buy this as a collectible I want to use it. I plan on finding an acceptable case that is not too big , but i will look locally. I found a really nice case for my circular saw at my local ReStore for like $5 and it fits the saw snugly and has room for some extra blades. I just want something like that for this trim saw too.

I'm not a tradesman so pack-out or the Dewalt is just too rich for me. I included some pics i had found when i was in the buying process. I don't have the wrench , the worm-drive lubricant or the insert either, but hoping i can find suitable substitutes.

 

[spike99250]

Thanks, I haven't looked for blades in awhile. The gear lube you can get at HD they have the skill brand.

 

[jgromada]

Thanks I didn't know they had it there. I have to change the gear lube in my Skilsaw worm drive as well.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

I've had mine for a couple years, I've wanted one for a long time after starting woodworking regularly a couple decades ago. Watching Norm on New Yankee Workshop was my biggest motivator, he always had the coolest tool. Given that I wanted it and didn't really need it, I couldn't justify most ebay prices and locally they came up about once every couple years. At any rate I scored mine off CL for $10 and while it does need an armature shaft oil seal, everything else is in excellent condition. Can you find it in my collection? (Yes I know I might have a problem)

 

[Git]

I primarily used mine as a track saw before they really came out with track saws.

I had one of those 8' aluminum guides. It worked ok, but nothing compared to a real track saw.

Worm drive was great. I gave mine to my son, but I would like to get it back from him someday

 

[jgromada]

I've had mine for a couple years, I've wanted one for a long time after starting woodworking regularly a couple decades ago. Watching Norm on New Yankee Workshop was my biggest motivator, he always had the coolest tool. Given that I wanted it and didn't really need it, I couldn't justify most ebay prices and locally they came up about once every couple years. At any rate I scored mine off CL for $10 and while it does need an armature shaft oil seal, everything else is in excellent condition. Can you find it in my collection? (Yes I know I might have a problem)

WOW nice collection! yes $10 is a real score, bet that took persistence.

I spy some really old Skilsaws and old Porter Cables what is your oldest Circular saw??

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Oldest is probably a blue label Skil 77 or 825. I haven't done the research on the serial numbers as some of the really old stuff didn't have very good record keeping and the numbers didn't correlate to the age of the tool.

 

[Toolfool]

i like mine, got it new 20-25-30 years ago.

Same here. I use mine regularly to rough-cut in the shop. It also comes in handy when you need to cut a slight radius in plywood.

 

[Farmall450]

Here's the new atomic 20v, which looks like a match.

https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-atomic-cordless-circular-saw/

 

[toolmiser]

I purchased one about 10 years ago or so used. I was building kitchen cabinets. They are a nice little saw. Since then I was at a couple garage sales and acquired two more very cheap. Sold two of them last year on ebay with a nice profit. I would get a good blade to get a great cut, but it's like that on all saws.

 

[jgromada]

Here's the new atomic 20v, which looks like a match.

https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-atomic-cordless-circular-saw/

I saw that, that's about the first new model that has some potential and a proper grip. I heard it might not be until fall till it ships. There is dust collection which is a nice touch.

 

[jgromada]

So some updates since last time

I got the worm drive lubricant and changed that.
Found some NOS brushes and replaced those.
Got some new blades including a 36 point Diablo (pictured)
Since my saw didn't have the original box I found a perfect (at least for me) replacement. I bought a HF Tactical Ammo box and fabbed a wooden base for saw to sit on (like in original metal case) . Perfect size and room for the extra blades in the box.

Here are some pics.

Gonna fix these pics. Why did they show up upside down??

 

[JRC3]

Nice. Way better than the old metal case.

 

[Farmall450]

Your case turned out good.

 

[JRC3]

The metal case is cool and nostalgic, but that basic ammo can will be so much better. You could forget it in the pickup bed and the rain won't hurt anything.

I've been thinking of a way to store my angle grinder/wire wheels and I think that might be it.

 

[jgromada]

The metal case is cool and nostalgic, but that basic ammo can will be so much better. You could forget it in the pickup bed and the rain won't hurt anything.

I've been thinking of a way to store my angle grinder/wire wheels and I think that might be it.

I'm not a trades person who needs to lug this tools to a job site so the Packouts & Tstaks , etc look terrific but i don't want to spend that kind of money storing my tools. I do like the idea of storing them with whatever accessories that i use with them. I found this really nice plastic container for instance that stores my full size circular saw and its blades. I want to do the same thing with my plunge router. Store the router and all the router bits in the case.

 

[Cooter Brown]

So some updates since last time

I got the worm drive lubricant and changed that.

Those are nice little saws. Porter Cable's tools were top notch at the time.

Where did you find the lube?

 

[jgromada]

Those are nice little saws. Porter Cable's tools were top notch at the time.

Where did you find the lube?

Its the same lube you would use for Skilsaw worm drive. p/n 80111

I got mine on Amazon, but i think you can get that at Home Depot as well

 

[Cooter Brown]

Its the same lube you would use for Skilsaw worm drive. p/n 80111

I got mine on Amazon, but i think you can get that at Home Depot as well

Thanks. I tried to find some at the Depot the other day and couldn't. The woman who was working there thought I'd lost my mind when I asked about gearcase lube for a saw.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Thanks. I tried to find some at the Depot the other day and couldn't. The woman who was working there thought I'd lost my mind when I asked about gearcase lube for a saw.

Home Depot isn't likely going to get you the best help just walking in. Search your closest store online, if they have it in store it should give you an isle location. Amazon always has it for $5 or $6 for a tube. I have a few worm drive saw and usually have a few in some stage of restoration so I always keep a couple on hand.

 

[davethorik]

Thanks. I tried to find some at the Depot the other day and couldn't. The woman who was working there thought I'd lost my mind when I asked about gearcase lube for a saw.

In most HD, the Skil parts ( lube, cord, brushes) are in the same aisle as corded electric power tools & saw blades.

 

[Cooter Brown]

Home Depot isn't likely going to get you the best help just walking in. Search your closest store online, if they have it in store it should give you an isle location. Amazon always has it for $5 or $6 for a tube. I have a few worm drive saw and usually have a few in some stage of restoration so I always keep a couple on hand.

In most HD, the Skil parts ( lube, cord, brushes) are in the same aisle as corded electric power tools & saw blades.

Thanks, gents. I looked for it for a while but didn't see it. Probably easier to just order it.

 

[rlitman]

Thanks. I tried to find some at the Depot the other day and couldn't. The woman who was working there thought I'd lost my mind when I asked about gearcase lube for a saw.

It will be in the tool aisle somewhere near the grinding discs in a tube that looks like this:

 

[jgromada]

yep, that's what i bought. I did see that my local Home Depot stocked it although I got mine from evil Jeff Bezos (jk)

 

[Cooter Brown]

It will be in the tool aisle somewhere near the grinding discs in a tube that looks like this:

According to HD online it's unavailable at any store within 100 miles of my zipcode and "delivery is unavailable". It doesn't even list a price. It'd be interesting to see if it shows up available in other regions. I know the wormgear saws were more popular out west than around here.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/SKILSAW-8-oz-Tube-Worm-Drive-Saw-Oil-80111/100183039

I did manage to find the Porter Cable lube:

https://www.burnstools.com/tube-grease-801945-48230

Hopefully they actually have it.

PC specced two different viscosities, one for the "locomotive" belt sanders and one for most saws. My 8 1/4" sidewinder wants the 801945 grease, which is thicker than the stuff I use in my sander. I was hoping the Skil stuff was the same viscosity and available locally.

 

[jgromada]

Porter Cable does have a place for parts https://servicenet.portercable.com/Home
where you would basically put in the parts number. They still have some parts available like the brushes or worm gear itself and even a blade (if you care to spend $30 for it). I did not see a listing for the PC gear lubricant so i assumed the Skilsaw stuff would be acceptable. Unfortunately none of the other accessories like the rip guide seem to be available. There was an original splinter guard that went right next to the blade that came with the saw. Mine did not come with my saw but i am thinking i can fabricate something.

 

[SAA44-40]

I recently picked up a A4 Porter Cable trim saw- the predecessor of the 314. I got a bit carried away with sanding and polishing. Note the May 1954 date stamp

 

[Skiff Builder]

Same here. I use mine regularly to rough-cut in the shop. It also comes in handy when you need to cut a slight radius in plywood.

I've got to look into one of these. I've been using an old skil 8-1/4 for my radius cuts

 

[Bigblockyeti]

I've got to look into one of these. I've been using an old skil 8-1/4 for my radius cuts

Have you thought about a jig saw?

 

[Skiff Builder]

Have you thought about a jig saw?

Sure Yeti, have them and use them. Above was just a fun way of saying you can accomplish a task in many different ways. All I had available that day was the Skil.

Question for you: If you had to cut these 32' blanks to the curve pictured,which tool are you going for? They are 3/4 ply stacked 2 high.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Sure Yeti, have them and use them. Above was just a fun way of saying you can accomplish a task in many different ways. All I had available that day was the Skil.

Question for you: If you had to cut these 32' blanks to the curve pictured,which tool are you going for? They are 3/4 ply stacked 2 high.

Mafell portable bandsaw.

 

[jgromada]

I recently picked up a A4 Porter Cable trim saw- the predecessor of the 314. I got a bit carried away with sanding and polishing. Note the May 1954 date stamp

wow thanks for sharing that! You have done a fabulous job. Any tips on how you got it so shiny? I assume some sort of machine polisher.....

 

[SAA44-40]

Thank you jgromada-
I completely disassembled the tool. Incredibly it looked to have barely been used. I started with 220 grit and hand sanded through 1500. Once I was done hand sanding, I hit it with my 1/3hp baldor. Started with black and finished with white. Once reassembled I applied several thin coats of Johnson paste wax. Basically, I tried to copy Don Longs instructions. This was my first attempt at polishing. Thank you for your interest

 

[jgromada]

thanks that's a very impressive job. You can clearly see how that A4 evolved into the 314 from a design standpoint.

Porter Cable was quite impressive back in the day. There stuff was built to last. It is a shame that SBD has squandered that heritage in woodworking.

Someday I would like to find one of their old full size circular saws (my wife will kill me as i have like 6 already)

 

[Petescag]

FYI - I have three (3) of these saws, just great. The problem you may have some day is that the switch will go and you'll find out that it is no longer made. That happened to me, the switches went on 2 of my saws.

I experimented and found out that Ridgid Switch A0812 works perfectly. It is a little longer but you gain space because this switch does not come with leads.
You connect directly to it and also save on the connecting nuts previously needed.

Made my day saving these saws. Take care and be safe.

 

[Toolfool]

FYI - I have three (3) of these saws, just great. The problem you may have some day is that the switch will go and you'll find out that it is no longer made. That happened to me, the switches went on 2 of my saws.

I experimented and found out that Ridgid Switch A0812 works perfectly. It is a little longer but you gain space because this switch does not come with leads.
You connect directly to it and also save on the connecting nuts previously needed.

Made my day saving these saws. Take care and be safe.

Excellent first post sir.