Porter Cable 18V Ni-Cad 2 Tool Combo Kit for $57 shipped (refurb)

I'm crossed if I should by this. I've been looking for a good battery-powered circular saw and you really can't beat this price.

Has anyone used these before?

I am not sure about the battery life on the nicad ones, but the li-ion ones are brilliant, well worth buying.

Crap tools and the demise of porter cable for me! Gave my 4 piece kit to a family member.

Good job OP. Repped.

Quote from knoche : Has anyone used these before?

I have both the drill and the saw. I haven't used the saw that many times, but it always works fine when I need it. It's been my experience that saws in sets like this generally have limited utility, since they drain batteries quickly. However, for cutting thin material like paneling these saws are very handy and the battery lasts much longer...cutting through thick materials is another story. The drill has more miles on it than the saw and has performed well for me. If you're a light to moderate user this is a very good set. I also have the Porter Cable impact driver, which I recommend as a worthy add-on to a set like this.

The drill is good. The saw is junk unless you're using it for paneling like the above poster talked about. Got the set for like 45 bucks last year. I use the drill daily and like it quite a bit (light use). The saw has been used twice. Both times it made it about 1 inch into a 2x4 before locking up. Battery doesn't provide enough power. Everything the guy posted before me is true.

Quote from Corwin76 : I have both the drill and the saw. I haven't used the saw that many times, but it always works fine when I need it. It's been my experience that saws in sets like this generally have limited utility, since they drain batteries quickly. However, for cutting thin material like paneling these saws are very handy and the battery lasts much longer...cutting through thick materials is another story. The drill has more miles on it than the saw and has performed well for me. If you're a light to moderate user this is a very good set. I also have the Porter Cable impact driver, which I recommend as a worthy add-on to a set like this.

I can second everything he said.
The saw will do okay for some cuts in 3/4" plywood, but it is slow and the blade binds up easily and it eats the batteries fast. So you need patience or just use it for thinner material. It does NOT replace a corded circular saw.

The drill is decent. Perfect for the homeowner, DIY'r or light contractor.
The impact is an awesome awesome addition and worth buying if you are getting this set. You will use the drill for drilling only and the impact for ALL fastener driving. Impacts are amazing.

Thanks guys, I'll steer clear for now.

Quote from knoche : I'm crossed if I should by this. I've been looking for a good battery-powered circular saw and you really can't beat this price. Has anyone used these before?

I have the Drill, Impact Driver, Router, Spotlight, work light, Sawzall, Jig saw, all are very VERY will built tools!
I like them, they take a beating and keep going!

Ordered mine - can't wait for the skill saw - this is worth it for 2 batteries and a charger!!!!!!!

Quote from thelnel52 : Porter Cable is selling their 18V Ni-Cad 2 Tool Combo Kit PC218C-2R [ebay.com] for $56.99.

I could not find warranty terms on the eBay listing; did anyone else locate warranty terms? And, don't forget, Discover Card doubles the manufacturer's warranty, even on refurbished products.

Found what I was seeking: http://stores.ebay.com/portercabl...ty/_i.html Porter-Cable offeres a one-year warranty on factory reconditioned items.

Quote from boydumber : Crap tools and the demise of porter cable for me! Gave my 4 piece kit to a family member.

Would you mind being a bit more specific regarding your "crap tools" comment?
Thank you.

Quote from boydumber : Crap tools and the demise of porter cable for me! Gave my 4 piece kit to a family member.

Read this, boydumber: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1J9...A9BP5K5KDI

Yeah I believe the "crap" comment was just a meer thread crapping by a troll.

I have just about every 18 volt cordless Porter Cable tool I've used them regularly for home capentry for 3-4 years. The only issue is the battery life of the circular saw for thick cuts as outlined earler. I can cut about 12-24'' through 1'' thick butcherblock oak before I need to switch batteries. Go corded if you need longevity -I use this one and love it for home use: Skil 5480-01 13 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw Kit ($45 @ amazon)

Nickel Cadium vs. Lithium ion - I don't see a huge difference in performance/longevity - just a weight drop.

The only "failure" I think I may see out of these tools is on the drill - after 4 years I started hearing a "clicking" as the drill slows down so the drill may be on its way out.

Assuming refurbed properly -definitely a good buy. I may buy the set just for the extra batteries and in case my drill actually dies. Batteries can run $30+ each