PORTER-CABLE® has added six new cordless tools to their 20V MAX LINKED SYSTEM ™ and we’ve had the chance to put a couple to the test on the job.
The new cordless tools include the Reciprocating Tiger Saw®, 6-1/2 inch Circular Saw, Oscillating Tool, Cut-off Tool/Grinder, Jigsaw, and Pivoting Flashlight.
The PORTER-CABLE MAX* Linked System maximizes a lithium ion battery platform that provides the performance, ergonomic design, and features needed to complete an extensive range of applications on the job site. The lithium ion batteries maintain a charge for up to 18 months, so the tools are ready to go when you are.
The first tool to make it into the back of our truck was the ¼” HEX LITHIUM IMPACT DRIVER equipped with the new 20V 4.0ah battery, charger and case. READ THE IMPACT DRIVER REVIEW
Next up for daily testing was the new 20V MAX LITHIUM RECIPROCATING SAW. (PCC670B).
First Impressions:
We received the Tiger Saw as a “Bare Tool” and as the label implies, when you open the box you’ll only find the tool. No Battery, no charger, no accessories; just a tool. In this case you’ll find a compact recip. saw that looks rugged and feels light in your hand.
Notable Features:
This compact saw measures in at only 14.5” in length, making it one of the smallest reciprocating saws we have used (other saws may be smaller or similar in size but have a non-typical design whereas this looks and feels like a typical recip. saw)
You find, like its competitors, this saw has a tool free blade release for quick and easy blade changes. The variable speed trigger is responsive, and the contoured handle is comfortable in your hand.
Just as the Impact has the built-in spring assist =for battery removal, so does the Tiger Saw
How Does It Stack Up?
We have to admit that whenever we test tools on the job, first impressions whether positive or negative, tend to fade as more time with the tool reveals other characteristics that either wow us or annoy us. With the Tiger Saw we have a couple wows that stuck and one annoying trait that reminds us each time we use it that there’s room for a minor change.
The combination of having only a 1” cutting stroke along with a fixed position (pivoting) shoe will limit any user to cutting materials that are either not much thicker than 2x dimensional lumber or at least far enough away from the blade at its farthest stroke point as to not get damaged.
Having an adjustable shoe would be a very nice improvement to this rugged, fast cutting compact reciprocating saw. Maybe the next edition will show this as an improvement?
The Tiger Saw is on par with the Impact Driver from our last review; Porter-Cable has designed a set of 20V tools that are lightweight and easy to use.
Here is a short video showing just how easy the saw is to use with only one hand (overhead). Shown is the cutting of heavy duty 1/2″ galvanized water supply piping in a typical removal/change-out project.
http://youtu.be/uCf5SlsZ4p4
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