Worm Drive Circular Saws

Best Worm Drive Circular Saws

Wood work is not an easy task or job. There are times when you would need help from tools that offer extra power. One of these tools is worm drive. A worm drive comes with a gearing system that produces great amount of torque compared to the standard circular saw. This tool is perfect for both professionals and serious home DIYers.

However, choosing the best model and brand could be difficult, confusing and tricky. Do not worry as through this article, we shall feature the best work drive available in the market and a guide which you could use in order to make a sound decision in choosing one that would best suit your needs. 

Top Quick Picks

Best Worm Drive

Skilsaw SPT77WML-01 7-1/4” Worm Drive Circular Saw

Skilsaw is a popular, reliable, trustworthy and reputable brand. They have been in the industry since 1920s and all of their products are top of the line. SPT77WML-01 is not an exception. This worm drive circular saw comes with a 15-amp dual field motor with dual copper windings. It could increase surface area by 40% and ensures that the motor does not overheat. Its cut-ready depth cut system cater ¼, ½, ¾ and 2x ply. Its blade guards are sturdy and the saw itself is light. Its maximum cutting depth is 2-3/8”, 53-degree bevel capacity. This worm drive circular saw is affordable as well. 

Specs:
  • 15 AMP dual field motor delivering a no-load blade speed of 5,300 RPM
  • Dual copper windings
  • Cut-ready depth of cut system
  • 53-degree bevel capacity
  • Anti-snag low guard
  • Weighs 11.6lbs
Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight
  • Reputable and trustworthy brand name
Cons: 
  • Grip is not rubberized
  • Wrench required for blade and oil change 

DeWalt DWS535B 7-1/4” Worm Drive

DeWalt is another known brand. They are famous for their high-quality tools such as the DWS535B 7-1/4” worm drive. This worm drive saw comes with an electric brake which allows the blade to stop as soon as you hit the trigger. It is lightweight and it is made of aluminum and magnesium build. It also includes a magnesium footplate plus it also offers toughcord protection system which ensures 4-times better cork jerk protection. Its spindle lock is also something you could expect with this worm drive saw. Its cutting depth is at 45-degree angle is 1- 7/8” and at 90-degree angle is 2-7/16”. Its 53-degree bevel capacity is at 22.5 and 45-degrees. This worm drive offers 3-year warranty. 

Specs:
  • 15 amp motor produces a no-load blade speed of 4,800 RPM
  • Electric brake
  • Aluminum and magnesium construction
  • Toughcord cord protection system
  • Weighs 13.8lbs
Pros:
  • Strong build quality
  • Powerful
  • Built-in break
  • 3-year warranty
Cons:
  • Heavier compared to Skilsaw
  • No wrench holder on the saw
  • Needs to be lubricated before first use
  • Cord is short

Makita 5377MG Magnesium 7-1/4” Hypoid Saw

Though this model is not a real worm drive, Makita uses heat-treated hypoid steel gear system instead of bronze alloy which worm gears often use. The steel hypoid gear system has a slight advantage over the bronze alloy as steel hypoid gear does not wear quickly. It also comes with consistent power which makes the blade very powerful and effective in sawing hardwood and other tough materials. 5377MG has a max cutting depth of 1-3/4” at 45 degrees and 2- 3/8” at 90 degrees. Its bevel capacity is 51 degrees. Unfortunately, it does not have dust collection port and initial torque on startup. 

Specs:
  • 15 AMP motor delivering 4,500 RPM
  • Heat-treated hypoid steel gears
  • Oil bath technology
  • Rubber grip handle
  • Lightweight magnesium construction
  • Weighs just 13.2lbs
Pros:
  • Powerful
  • Durable 
  • Hypoid gear system 
Cons:
  • No dust collection port
  • Initial torque could be too much

Milwaukee 6477-20 7-1/4” Worm Drive Circular Saw

If you want a durable worm, Milwaukee 6477-20 7-1/4” is your best bet. It has 15-amp motor which delivers a no load blade maximum speed of 4,400rpm. It also comes with a hardened steel gearing system which allows you to use this machine with ease. Aside from that it also has in-house oil site glass which allows you to monitor the oil levels without any problems. The only downside of this machine is it does not have any dust blower. 

Specs:
  • A 15-amp motor delivers 4,400 RPM
  • Oil site glass
  • Hardened steel gearing system
  • Heavy-duty composite shoe
  • Weighs 14.3lbs
Pros:
  • Performs well even under heavy loads
  • Easy to use
  • 5-year manufacturer warranty 
Cons:
  • Heavier compared to other saws on the market
  • A bit more expensive

Bosch CSW41 7-1/4 Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw

This worm drive saw is a user-friendly saw. It comes with 15-amp motor which has the ability to deliver no-load blade speeds up to 5,300 RPM.  This means, you do not need to worry of not having accurate cuts. It also comes with advanced oil lubrication system which means maintaining this tool is not that difficult. Furthermore, through its thick rubberized handle, you will be more comfortable as it minimizes the vibration experience. 

Specs:
  • 15-amp motor that delivers 5,300 RPM
  • On-board multi-function wrench
  • Soft grip handle
  • Weighs 13.2lbs
  • Automatic oil lubrication system
  • Anti-snag lower guard
Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Minimal vibration
Cons:
  • Comes with minor workmanship issues

DeWalt DCS577X1 7-1/4” Cordless Worm Style

This cordless worm style saw has a direct drive system which powers its motor. It could deliver 2400 watts of power and it comes with a brushless motor. This means, you could be assured that this saw will serve you for a very long time. Furthermore, this saw also comes with an in-built dust blower which could provide a clear cut output. Its bevel capacity of 53 degrees offers convenient stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees. Max cutting depth is 1.875” at 45 degrees and 2.438”. The only downside of this worm style saw is it is a bit more expensive compared to others. 

Specs:
  • Brushless motor delivers a no-load speed of 5,800 rpm
  • Uses FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Batteries
  • Electronic brake
  • Bevel capacity of 53 degrees
  • In-build dust blower
  • Rafter hook for easy storage
  • Weight with battery: 13.1lbs
Pros:
  • Long battery life
  • Comfortable to use
  • Powerful
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Spindle lock is in an awkward position

Makita XSR01PT 7-1/4” Cordless Worm Style Circular Saw

Though this is not a “true” worm drive saw, it is a very powerful saw. It comes with special helical gear design which has put all the gears together at 45-degree angle. Its motor is brushless which means, it is durable and would last long. Aside from that, it has a built-in speed change technology which allows quick changes to the torque. Furthermore, XSR01PT is cordless which makes it very portable. This saw has two 36V LXT lithium-ion batteries included. 

Specs:
  • Electronically controlled brushless motor
  • 53 degree bevel capacity
  • Automatic speed change technology
  • Max RPM of 5,100
  • Weight with both batteries installed: 12.68lbs
  • Runs on 2x 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries
  • 5.0Ah Runtime
Pros:
  • 50% longer run time per charge
  • 2 x LXT batteries are included
  • Cordless
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • No cutline dust blower

Buyer’s Guide 

Key Factors to Consider 

Motor 

This is one of the most important factors you would need to consider. If you have a weak motor, your saw would be unreliable. The usual and standard power of motor is 15 amp which could deliver about 4,500 to 5,400 RPM. If you find something lesser than this, we highly discourage you in choosing it. 

Cutting Depth 

This is another factor you should pay attention to. If you ignore this, you could be stuck especially when you need to cut particular type of material. 

Bevel Capacity 

This will help you with the type of cut you will be able to do. The wider the range or your bevel capacity, the more flexible you could have when it comes with material and angle. 

Weight

This plays a huge role. Imagine using a heavy saw for a very long time. This would not only tire you, it could also be an issue when you are working on larger projects. 

Dust Blower 

This feature would help you a lot when you are trying to make a perfect cut. It makes the line more visible. 

Cord Length 

This is another factor which you should check. But, do not worry if the cord is short, you could always use an extension cord. 

Warranty 

This is very important. You will not have to worry if your saw breaks down especially if it has 1 to 3 years warranty. 

Word about Cordless Worm Style Saws

It is said that cordless models are usually not true worm drive saws. The reason behind this is because of the gearing system that drives the motor. Worm drive saw use worm gears. Cordless models on the other hand tend to use direct drive system. 

Direct drive’s load is connected directly to the motor. It avoids gear backlash and friction loses. It is very efficient. 

Worm drive could transfer motion 90 degrees and it has increased torque. It is often smooth and quiet. 

Brushless Motors

If you wish to go for cordless circular saws which are more portable, we recommend that you go for brushless motor. Brushless tools come with the ability to adjust their power output depending on your current task. Once it detects more resistance, the saw will compensate this with more power. It also has increased lifespan and zero motor maintenance unlike brushed motors. 

Worm Drive Circular Saw Vs Standard Circular Saw 

 The difference between worm drive circular saw and standard circular saw is its increased torque. Also, worm drive saws could use larger blades compared to standard circular saw. Aside from that, it comes with extra power and added weight and price. 

Conclusion:

That concludes our article on best worm drive circular saws. We hope we were able to provide you useful information that would help you make a sound decision in choosing the best worm drive circular saw that would best suit your needs.

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