There's a serious interest in certain older tools. They may not be vintage, but they are classic tools all the same, seeing as they're Made In USA.
Initially, the Porter Cable 743 Type 1 Saw was made in the US. But in 2004, Stanley Black & Decker bought Porter Cable and production of the 743 was moved to China.
Over time, I've seen a number of 743 Type 1 saws offered online. Some were either suggested or even outright claimed to be USA made, when they were not.
Those that actually were, I'm thinking could be one of the last circular saws made in the US.
A few years back, I ran across one of these National Treasures. Immediately, my eye took notice of the "PROUDLY MADE IN USA" decal. Well, there wasn't anything about where it was made on the Nameplate. As far as decals are concerned, a Texas Flag decal would fit there just as nice. And through the magic of decals, I could make a Winchester or Smith & Wesson saw.
Turns out it was genuine, but after that sad day in 2004 the US made decal disappeared, same as that "FRAMESAW" decal on the edge of the shoe. For a time a "15 Amp" sticker was put on there. And then nothing at all.
First shot shows the saw some years back, right after I got her. That undersized plastic case did a real number on the cord and boot as the 743 languished in it for years. I put a new one on there.
Then some time later ( pictures) that FRAMESAW decal is already wearing. And that brings up a point about well used saws having decals long since worn off.
I'll tell ya, the answer to the whole identity thing is the Serial Number on the Nameplate. If it's a six digit number only, the saw is American made. My saw's Nameplate, pictured below, has a serial number; 114280. If a saw's number in itself is less than 100,000; the serial number's first digit is 0.
Bottom picture is of a Nameplate that has a longer, complex Serial Number. There's the addition of an "A"; followed by more numbers still. It's from a like new saw with no decals and no mention of where it was made. I think anyone is entitled to believe whatever they want, but if someone tried to tell me this saw was not made in China, I would not fall for it.
This 743 of mine is a real sweet saw. I found that out when I first cut with her.
I'm even happier on account of being made in the USA.
