PORTER-CABLE 6.0-amp Jig Saw (PCE345)

The PCE345 is PORTER-CABLE’s entry into the corded jig saw scene.  It does well with all the features we’d expect in this saw class.

The 6.0-amp motor provides sufficient power that will satisfy most weekend warrior tasks.  Paired with a respectable blade, the PCE345 shouldn’t have any problem with the majority of tasks.  The 7-speed dial is located within the trigger, which allows for quick and easy adjustment of speeds for any material you’re cutting.  Also very useful: the lock button directly above the trigger,  Once you depress the trigger, you can engage this lock to keep the saw on cruise-control for prolonged cutting jobs.  This helps with hand fatigue during the more strenuous workshop sessions.  It’s one of those features you don’t know you need until you don’t have it.

Keyless blade changes are a breeze and can accept both T- and U-shank blades.  The four orbital settings allow for multiple adjustments to cut aggressiveness.  We at WWC find this useful for both rough cuts and finer cuts right up to the line.  There’s no integrated light or blower, which is fine considering PORTER-CABLE’s price for this unit.  At 13/16″, the stroke is just under the industry-standard 1″, but we didn’t notice any issues with standard cuts.

The tool body is beefier than some of the competition which makes for more confident cuts.  Also, the base can be pivoted from the default flat to 45 degrees for miter cuts.  We tend to save these cutting operations for the table saw but it’s nice to have this capability available for those unique job requirements.