When doing some hardwood project or construction work, you will need the best worm drive circular saw to get the best outcome. These saws have the most visible cut line, powerful motor, bevel, and torque capacity to beat the most intense woodcutting jobs.
However, not all saws have the same capability. So, we have picked the top seven worm drive saws. Some are capable of ripping through the lumbers, where some can cut through concrete. There is a maintenance-free version as well for the hassle-free workers.
Let’s have a look to find out which one is best for your job.
What Is A Worm Drive Circular Saw?
A worm drive circular saw is a saw commonly used in woodworking and construction works. In a worm drive saw, the motor is at the rear of the device. The gear of a worm saw requires oil. The blade of the saw is on the left side.
This saw design is longer than the direct-drive saw and typically heavier. The power is transferred to the blade with a pair of gears located at a 90-degree angle to each other. The setup reduces the blade speed keeping it around 4500 RMP. However, the torque is great.
What Is Worm Drive Circular saw Saw Used For?
The worm drive circular saw is used for cutting woods and concrete materials. It is a handy tool to cut wide stacks of lumber, to cut a plunge, or rip through a sheet board.
This saw has large teeth to cut hard materials, like- sheet metal, hardwood, and concrete.
Key Advantages of a Worm Drive Saw
There are some key advantages that you can get when you buy a worm drive saw. Here are some significant points-
Better Torque And Cutting Power: Due to its better torque capacity and cutting power, the worm drive saw benefits the professional even though it is a little heavier than the sidewinder.
The saw has an average weight of 13 to 15 pounds. So, it is not carriable by most DIYers, but the professionals are benefitted from its ultimate torque capacity.
Longer Reach: The worm drive saw has a great distance between the handle and the saw blade. This extra gap is useful when cutting sheet materials.
Powerful: The powerful saw can cut metal sheets and concrete with its big teeth. The strong worm drive saw motor delivers higher capacity saw jobs without any failure.
Quiet and Smooth: The worm drive saw runs smoothly without making any noise. The gear runs fast and smooth, making it easier for the worker to produce faster delivery.
Longer Service Life: The worm drive saw has a larger gear. Hence it performs better and lasts longer than other saws. And with proper care and maintenance, it can last a lifetime.
Others benefits: A worm drive saw is easy to operate. It is super easy to follow the cut line when you use a worm drive saw. Also, its heavyweight is a plus when you cut the board in a handheld position.
1-Min Quick Summary
Review Of The 7 Best Worm Drive Circular Saw
It is doubtless to say how effective a tool a worm drive circular saw is. The detailed review of the seven top-rated worm drive circular saw is given below-
Product comparison Chart
DEWALT DWS535B 15-Amp 7-1/4 Inch Corded Worm Drive Circular Saw
The Ultimate Choice
The Dewalt 7 is a battery-powered corded circular drive saw which features a Lithium-ion battery. The package comes with DWS535 w/grounded plug, a 7-1/4" Carbide blade, and a blade-changing wrench.
This worm drive saw weighs about 13.8 pounds. It does not come with an onboard wrench holder. However, it has a pretty affordable price. The electric brake system is included.
Quick Features
- Manufacturer & Brand: Dewalt
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimension (LxWxH): 8.88 x 21.81 x 8.63 inches
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Speed: 4800 RPM
Factors to consider
- DEWALT DWS535 features a circular saw with an extra-wide saw hook which can cut up to 2-¾ inches.
- For optimum user convenience, Dewalt uses an electric brake system for instant brakes by releasing the trigger.
- It has up to 53-degree bevel cutting capability with detents at 45 and 22.5 degrees.
- Offering plenty of cutting capacity, it comes with a 15 amp motor with 4,800 rpm.
- It has a lightweight yet durable construction featuring aluminum and lightweight magnesium, including a magnesium footplate.
- The cord is protected with ToughCord protection providing four times better cord jerk protection.
Why Should You Buy?
The Dewalt DWS535B has a powerful motor that produces enough torque to do all the cutting jobs done effortlessly. Therefore, you can choose this worm saw for its compatibility at a reasonable price.
SkilSaw SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Silver Worm Drive Circular Saw
Editor’s Pick
SkilSaw is the pioneer in making the worm drive saw. They introduced the worm saw to the woodworking world. Except for the big brand name, SkilSaw produces the top-quality worm drive saw.
The SkilSaw is lighter than a typical worm saw, weighing only 11.5 pounds. It requires a 120 volts power outlet to run. It comes with four cut-ready depth adjustments- 1/4 ply,1/2 ply, 3/4 ply, and 2 plies.
The Dual-Field Motor keeps the engine cool when operating. This feature also extends the lifetime of the worm saw. The maximum cutting capacity of this drive saw is 2-3/8th inches.
Quick Features
- Brand: Skil
- Manufacturer: Chervon - SKIL
- Item Dimension (LxWxH): 20.5 x 7.75 x 8.75 inches
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Number of Teeth: 24
- Color: Silver
Factors to consider
- It allows you to give a wider variety of cuts to the lumber with a 53° bevel.
- Superlightweight built with a magnesium casing, making it convenient for professionals and DIYers to carry and use for a longer time.
- A 15 amp powerful motor ensures faster and efficient work.
- It has a cut-ready depth measurement system to get a fast and accurate cut.
- To cut the small wood pieces, there is an anti-snag guard that can be lowered for smooth operation.
Why Should You Buy?
You should buy the SkilSaw SPT77WML-01 for its super lightweight and cut-ready depth adjustments. The ready depth adjustment is especially suitable for bulk cutting.
Makita 5377MG 7-1/4" Magnesium Hypoid Saw
Maintenance-Free Worm Drive Saw
This is a corded saw from Makita. It has a magnesium casing. The worm saw features a built-in fan to cool down the gears. It has a wide bevel capacity at three different levels- 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees.
The worm drive saw weighs around 13.2 pounds. It has 4500 RPM speed provided from a 15 amp industrial motor and comes with an Ultra-Coated C.T. saw blade.
The blade can cut up to 2-3/8" depth. This 7-1/4" Makita Hypoid saw features heat-treated hypoid steel gears. It has a 10-feet reinforced power cord that can endure onsite damage. It comes with a 1-year warranty ensuring high-quality production.
Quick Features
- Brand: Makita
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimension (LxWxH): 21.75 x 11.75 x 12.5 inches
- Color: Teal
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Factors to consider
- It is a Hypoid saw which gives you precise and smooth operation.
- 100% oil surface coating for reduced maintenance.
- It is a versatile saw. You can enjoy a variety of cutting capacities at three different angles.
- Seal-gear housing does not require any oil changing.
- High-quality gears do not wear out easily.
- Rubber grip for comfortable handling and retractable hook to keep it away from the workbench.
Why Should You Buy?
It is a maintenance-free worm saw. So, if you prefer fewer hazards during the work, Makita 5377MG may be a good fit for you.
BOSCH CSW41 7-1/4-Inch Blue Worm Drive Circular Saw
Also Good
The Bosch CSW41 has a mighty 15 amp motor that provides 5,300 no-load rpm. The saw runs on one Lithium-ion battery. It has two handles with rubber pads for comfortable handling and grip.
It weighs about 15 pounds. Its built-in tool hook is super convenient to store the tool when not in use. The saw offers an anti-snag lower guard. It helps when you need to cut small pieces of wood.
Quick Features
- Manufacturer: BOSCH
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimension (LxWxH): 20.75 x 7.75 x 8.88 inches
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Color: Blue
Factors to consider
- Its better torque capacity and high no-load RPM deliver you the power you need for intense cutting jobs.
- It has a magnesium casing for durability and is extra lightweight.
- It offers an onboard wrench for multifunctional uses. So, the user can use it for lever adjustment, blade changing, brush removing, and also for blade diamond knockout.
- Left-side blade design gives you a clearly visible cut line. Hence the worm drive cuts with accuracy and precision with low vibration.
- Its convenient design increases its usability.
Why Should You Buy?
The Bosch CSW41 is not in the general category of worm drive saw. Its powerful motor makes it a high-ranking worm saw. If you want a worm saw drive with more capability, this is a saw you can go for.
SKILSAW SPT79-00 15-Amp 7 Inch Medusaw Worm Drive Saw for Concrete
Best for Concrete Cutting
Our second pick from the SkilSaw is a worm drive saw that can cut through concrete. It has a dust management system compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Silica Dust Standard.
This saw is used for cutting concrete, asphalt, landscape blocks, granite, limestone, bluestone, and CMU. Also, it can be used for scoring as well. The max cutting capacity is 2 inches at a 90° angle, being ideal for concrete cutting.
It has a Dual-Field motor that remains cool under an intense workload. This concrete-cutting saw has a slightly high price, though that is completely reasonable for the benefit it provides. It is slightly heavy; weighs about 16.9 pounds.
Quick Features
- Brand: Skil
- Blade Length: 7 Inches
- Item Dimension (LxWxH): 19.5 x 7.75 x 7.5 inches
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Color: Silver
Factors to consider
- This powerful saw has a cut-ready plunge lock that you can adjust according to your need.
- It offers a wet and dry dust management system taking the dust out of the way.
- Extended motor life with Dual-field protector.
- Specialized for concrete cutting.
- Precision cutting capacity.
Why Should You Buy?
This Medusaw from SkilSaw is compatible with cutting concrete and other constructional items. This is perfectly suitable for professional saw operations with a wet and dry dust management system.
So, if you want something that is capable of doing a heavy-duty concrete cutting job, this SkilSaw worm drive is possibly the best option.
DEWALT DWS535 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
Best For Bevel Cut
It is our second pick from Dewalt. The DWS535 is a 7-1/4" Worm DR Circle Saw that offers optimum user convenience. It is a saw from Dewalt that weighs about 13.8 pounds.
The saw offers a 4800 rpm no-load speed. The cutting specification is versatile. It cuts 2-7/16-inch at 90° and 1-7/8-inch at 45°. This is a powerful saw for doing all types of roofing work.
The saw has a cast magnesium footplate. The bevel bends at 3 different angles- 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. It comes with a 3-years warranty, backed by a 1-year free service warranty.
Quick Features
- Brand: DEWALT
- Item Dimension (LxWxH): 9.5 x 22.3 x 9 inches
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Item Weight: 14 Pounds
- Color: Yellow
Factors to consider
- The saw ensures durability with the cast magnesium construction.
- The cord has 4 times cord protection featuring the ToughCord to avoid workplace damage.
- Extended cutting capacity up to 2-1/2 inches.
- Extended 53° bevel position up to three different angles.
- Includes a solid cutting platform with the magnesium footplate.
Why Should You Buy?
If you want an easy-operating yet powerful worm saw drive, then the DEWALT DWS535 can be a good consideration.
SKILSAW SPT77W-01 Aluminum 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
Best Budget Worm Circular Saw
Our last worm drive saw is the SKILSAW SPT77W. The saw has cut-ready depth adjustment- for ¼ ply, ½ ply, ¾ ply, and 2 plies. The saw has an aluminum body that is suitable for professional work. Additionally, it includes an aluminum guard and a steel footplate.
This version of the SkilSaw has a 51° bevel capacity that lets you cut at different angles. It is a 7-1/4 inch saw with a cutting capacity of 2-3/8 inches at a 90-degree angle. Also, the bevel has a positive stop at 0 degree and 45 degrees.
This SkilSaw worm drive weighs about 14.2 pounds. It comes with an 8-feet cord and 4 inches blade length. And its dual handle makes the job easy to do.
Quick Features
- Bran: Skil
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimension (LxWxH): 19.5 x 6.75 x 7.25 inches
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Color: Multi
Factors to consider
- The 15 amp motor gives enough torque to rip through the lumbers faster and effortlessly.
- Cut-ready depth system offers quick and accurate measurement and cutting capacity.
- Anti-snag lower guard. The guard helps to cut smaller pieces of wood.
- The saw offers a cut system with cut-ready depth that lets you conveniently do the job without doing much hassle.
- Dual-Field motor keeps it cool during operation and extends service life.
Why Should You Buy?
This is one of the best worm drive circular saws on the market with the most compatibility. You should give it a look if you want to buy a durable and powerful worm drive saw.
A Buying Guide To The Best Worm Drive Circular Saw
What Should You Consider When Buying A Worm Drive Circular Saw?
In the first part of the article, we have brought you a comprehensive review of the top 7 saws of the market. So that you can realize the importance of factors when buying. And can pick the right one. Now here we provide Exclusive Buying Guide for you. We have arranged the buying guide for 2 different groups.
- Hardware
- Other Features
Hardware: The Main reason for a worm drive saw
Motor
Look for a powerful motor when you choose a worm drive. Typically the motors are 15 amp and are capable of producing 4000 to 5000 rpm, which is compatible with DIYers as well as professional workers.
RPM
Revolutions per minute or RPM indicate the rotation of the blade per minute. In the worm drive saw, an RPM provides efficiency where lower RPM puts pressure on the motor and is not capable of high-intense work. Therefore, always choose a higher RPM rating.
Construction/ Housing
As the casing of the saw adds up to the total weight, one has to choose a material that is not fragile but also light to handle. The toughest yet lightweight option for housing the saw is magnesium.
Plastic might seem a very lightweight material, but you should avoid it when it comes to the construction of heavy tools.
Cutting Line Visibility
A worm drive circular saw has a blade on its left side. This device is more convenient to operate by right-handed persons than the left-handed users since you have better visibility on the cutting line as the blade is on the left side. If you are a left-handed person but still want to get the worm saw, you need to consider this factor.
Cutting Capacity
If you are into cutting works requiring you to cut thicker wood pieces, you should get this part right. Your saw must have the cutting capability at a 45 and 90-degree angle. Having a compatible cutting depth is a mandatory attribute to look for when you are buying a worm drive saw for certain jobs.
Blade Size
A large saw blade can make deeper cuts. Most worm drive saws with a blade size bigger than 6 inches can easily cut through 2-inch lumber at a slanted angle. However, the most common blade size for a worm drive circular saw is 7-¼ th inches.
Weight
You may not think about the weight of the drive saw in the first place, but it is an important factor. Since you would be working on various projects for a different time duration, you must find a device that is light to carry and won’t burden your hands.
The worm saws weigh around 13 to 15 pounds. There is a great chance of getting hand fatigue if you carry that thing for eight straight hours.
Dust Blower
Keeping the cut line visible is vital. Dust blower blows off the dust created when cutting the wood pieces so that you can see the cut line and make an accurate cut.
Features: What makes a worm drive saw great
Safety Features
The saw blade should include a blade protector to make the safe work. It is a major safety concern for a worm saw. The saw blade runs for a while after making the cut. Therefore, the blade guard has to auto-fit to the blade as soon as the cut is made.
LED Work Lights and Laser Guides
Though not super significant, this factor is still important if you are to work in a dark or shadowy place. Laser guide lights or LED lighting on the saw make it visible for the user.
Blade Change
If you use the saw frequently, the blade will get dull faster. Also, it needs replacement more frequently when you work with denser pieces. Hence, you will require a fast blade-changing feature in the saw with a simple lock to make the job easier.
Beveling
Beveling is the capacity to make a cut at an angular position. The higher the bevel capacity, the more versatility your worm drive saw has. Also, bevel stops are additional attributes that make the adjustment easier for the user.
You can also check out the best worm drive blades for choosing the best category blades for your worm drive circular saw. Here is another article about the best miter saw blades.
Why You Can Trust Our Tools Reviews
We are trying to provide you with the most accurate information. We compare the top-rated products with renowned brand names and take the cream from that list.
Also, in our reviews, we clearly mention if the product has any drawbacks. Therefore, you can trust us and our review without having any doubt in your mind.
What Special Maintenance Do The Worm Drive Saws Require?
The worm saw has a pair of gears that delivers the power from the motor to the blade. The gear train on the worm drive saw requires oil though a sidewinder does not have this hassle. Therefore, you have to take care of the worm drive saw by replacing the oil occasionally to keep the gear revolving.
The drive saws work fast and cut things within seconds. The oil gets contaminated through use. So, one should change the oil after the first 10 hours of use.
Then every 50 hours to keep the gears rolling. For most worm drive saws, that is almost a year of use.
Made For Right-Handed People
Since most of the people in the US are right-handed, the worm drive circular saw is made considering those customers. However, about 13% of people are left-handed. They can use the direct-drive saw.
The worm drive saw is a suitable gear for the right-handed people than the lefties. This drive saw has its blade on the left side. So, the user gets a clear sight of the cutting. Therefore, it is only convenient to use by right-handed people.
How To Change The Oil Of A Worm Drive Saw?
Before you change the oil, you need to warm it up. To do so, first, heat the oil by free-running the saw for about three minutes. Then use a ½ inch wrench to remove the oil-filler lock.
Tip the tool on its side to gather the oil in one place. Pour out the oil into a container. You can save the oil for recycling and reuse. Then take a 1/4th inch funnel and refill the tank up to the mark.
Make sure you find out whether the saw needs any specified oil for that particular brand of saw
FAQs
The worm saw has its handle at the back, which helps to resist kickback. However, the drive saw can kickback if you lower the blade than necessary. Also, a dull blade can make the saw kickback. Otherwise, the worm drive circular saws are not prone to kickback.
Worm drive circular saws have the blade on the left side. The design makes it easier for the worker to see the cut conveniently. Where in a sidewinder, the position of the blade is at the right side of the motor, making it difficult to see the cutline.
Another reason to keep the blade on the left side is considering the usability for the huge right-handed population as customers. Also, the proportion of the weight makes the saw stable during a cut.
In worm drive saws, the motor and the blade are in one line. And the gears transfer energy from the motor to the blade. The setup, however, reduces the overall speed, increasing the torque in return. The worm drive produces enough torque to cut through hard lumber or concrete, making it an ideal drive saw for framing.
In short, the hypoid saw and the worm drive saw are made for different perspectives. However, the worm drive saw is better if you want to use it for heavy-duty work.
What Should You Consider When Buying A Worm Drive Circular Saw? A Buying Guide To The Best Worm Drive Saw
As there are so many sensible features to consider, what are the most significant attributes you should look for when buying a worm drive saw? Let’s have a look!
Final Words
We hope that this best worm drive circular saw review has come in handy for you to choose the best worm drive saw for your work. Therefore, go pick your worm saw and do some more projects.
Happy working!
