In the ever-demanding world of construction, landscaping, and DIY craftsmanship, the right cutting tools can make all the difference. After our initial review and performance breakdown in the original Portland Cutting Test, expectations were high for the sequel—Portland Cutting Test II. This time, we pushed the equipment even further, analyzing performance across a broader range of materials, stress conditions, and operational settings.
This second round of testing wasn’t just about seeing how well Portland tools cut—it was about pushing them to their limits, examining durability, accuracy, ergonomics, and value over time. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our findings.
What’s New in Test II?
In the first round of tests, we focused mainly on standard wood and PVC materials using a baseline model of the Portland Electric Chainsaw and corded reciprocating saws. For this round, we introduced a variety of new challenges:
- Hardwoods (oak, hickory)
- Reinforced concrete with rebar
- Brick and cinder blocks
- Laminated plastics and composites
- Metal piping (copper and aluminum)
We also added longer operational durations and continuous-use stress tests to evaluate thermal performance and fatigue.
Equipment Lineup: Updated Portland Models
The tools tested included upgraded or newly maintained Portland equipment, such as:
- Portland 14-inch Electric Chainsaw
- Portland Corded Reciprocating Saw
- Portland Circular Saw with carbide-tipped blades
- Portland Portable Angle Grinder
Each tool was equipped with both stock blades and high-performance third-party blades to compare capability with and without aftermarket enhancements.
Test 1: Hardwood Endurance Cut
The first test involved continuous cuts through 4×4 and 6×6 blocks of oak and hickory. Each tool was run through a 15-minute cutting sequence with timed breaks every 5 minutes to simulate real-world use.
Results:
- The Portland chainsaw managed 20 clean cuts through oak without overheating. However, it struggled slightly with hickory, bogging down unless constant pressure and proper blade alignment were maintained.
- The reciprocating saw performed surprisingly well, especially when fitted with a premium bi-metal blade. It delivered consistent cuts but showed signs of vibration fatigue by the 10-minute mark.
Takeaway: For hardwoods, the stock Portland blades are adequate but upgrading to higher-grade blades yields noticeably smoother and faster results.
Test 2: Concrete and Brick Cutting
One of the most difficult materials to cut without specialized tools is concrete, especially when reinforced with metal. We used 3-inch concrete slabs, some embedded with ½-inch rebar, and red bricks for this test.
Results:
- The angle grinder, fitted with a diamond masonry disc, performed exceptionally. It cut through both brick and slab in under 30 seconds per piece, though the motor heated significantly after 10 cuts.
- The circular saw was only moderately effective on concrete, requiring careful technique and blade replacement after just 7 minutes of continuous cutting.
Takeaway: Portland’s angle grinder is the superior tool for small-scale masonry work, especially with a quality disc. Regular cooling breaks and protective housing are necessary to prevent overheating.
Test 3: Plastic & Composite Sheeting
Next, we evaluated how Portland tools handled tough plastics and composite materials such as high-pressure laminate (HPL), PVC pipe, and acrylic sheets. These materials tend to melt or chip if tools are poorly matched.
Results:
- The circular saw, using a fine-tooth blade, gave clean and precise cuts in laminate sheets with minimal edge chipping.
- The reciprocating saw excelled in cutting PVC pipes of various diameters, especially with slower speeds to reduce plastic burning.
Takeaway: Portland tools offer reliable performance in plastic-based materials when used with the correct blade and speed setting. This makes them ideal for household installations and hobbyist projects.
Test 4: Metal Cutting Challenge
Our most demanding test involved cutting through 1-inch aluminum rods and ½-inch copper tubing. These metals can be tough on electric tools due to heat build-up and blade wear.
Results:
- The angle grinder made quick work of aluminum rods, completing each cut in under 10 seconds. However, the tool required a cooldown after 15 minutes of continuous operation.
- The reciprocating saw handled copper well with a specialized metal-cutting blade, though it was not as efficient as the grinder.
Takeaway: For small-scale metalwork, Portland’s tools are capable but benefit greatly from high-efficiency blades and limited-use periods to avoid motor wear.
Ergonomics and Usability
Power isn’t everything. We closely examined user comfort, grip, tool balance, and safety features.
- Weight distribution: The chainsaw and grinder both felt well-balanced in hand, reducing wrist strain.
- Vibration: The reciprocating saw had noticeable vibration after prolonged use, suggesting users take frequent breaks or wear padded gloves.
- Noise: All tools operated at tolerable levels with ear protection, but the circular saw was the loudest.
- Safety features: Automatic shut-off features and well-designed blade guards added a layer of safety across the board.
Takeaway: Portland’s designs are generally user-friendly and ergonomic, especially for mid-length tasks. Longer projects might require supplemental gear like padded gloves or extension handles.
Value and Durability
Portland tools are known for affordability. But do they hold up under repeated stress?
- After over 20 hours of cumulative testing, none of the motors burned out or showed permanent performance loss.
- Tools required blade replacements and occasional cleaning, but maintenance was minimal.
- Compared to high-end brands, Portland offers 80-90% of the performance at a significantly reduced cost—ideal for homeowners or occasional builders.
Final Verdict: Portland Cutting Test II
Portland Cutting Test II reinforced our appreciation for these value-driven tools. While not on par with commercial-grade equipment from brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee, Portland products stand out as a durable, dependable option for small-scale and intermediate projects.
Best Uses:
- Home renovation and landscaping
- DIY woodworking
- Light metal or masonry work
- Plumbing and piping adjustments
What Could Improve:
- Heat dissipation in the grinder and chainsaw
- Reduced vibration in the reciprocating saw
- More robust blade options included in the base kit
Overall Rating: 8/10
Portland tools deliver where it matters most: consistent performance, fair pricing, and dependable safety. Test II confirmed that these tools aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re battle-tested and ready for serious work.
