Every once in a while we get to see prototype tools that blow us away. It's the best part of this job. When senior editor Mark Clement and I got our hands on Porter-Cable's top-secret Tiger Claw recip saw, the only word that came to mind was "extreme."

The Tiger Claw is derived from Porter-Cable's Tiger Saw platform. But the rounded section on the new model's forward body is only a hint of the surprises to come. The Tiger Claw's body articulates in the middle; the front half of the tool swivels 90 degrees up and down (180 degrees total adjustment). It creates new cutting positions to help users caught in tight or awkward spots. The prototype's easy-to-use lock-switch frees the body to move. Detents every 15 degrees lock it into new positions.

And not only does the tool body swing 180 degrees, the nosepiece holding the blade rotates 360 degrees. To adjust the nose and blade you press a well-placed button on the nosepiece and turn the nose clockwise or counter-clockwise. Detents set every 15 degrees work here as well, so there's hardly a cut you can't make easier with the tool's range of cutting positions. You also can adjust the swiveling and rotating features while the tool runs.

The new features don't add significant weight; the Tiger Claw weighs about 9 pounds. And it uses the same tool-less blade change system its cousin uses.

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