There are several factors a user should consider when buying a worm drive saw. For you to have the most satisfaction from your investment, these factors should be an important part of your decision.
A good worm drive saw will ensure that you do not have to buy another one for quite some time. It is also important as it saves you money in the long run.
If you are looking for a worm drive saw, this guide helps you know what features to be taken into account. It will make it easier for you to find a worm drive saw that will perfectly meet your needs.
Top 9 Worm Drive Saws Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Speed | Blade Size | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. BOSCH CSW41 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw | 5,300 RPM | 7-1/4 inch | 4.7 |
 | 2. DEWALT DWS535B 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw | 4,800 RPM | 7-1/4 inch | 4.8 |
 | 3. SKILSAW SPT70V-11 SUPER SAWSQUATCH 16-5/16" Worm Drive Circular Saw | 2,500 RPM | 16-5/16 inches | 4.8 |
 | 4. Prazi PR7000 Beam Cutter for 7-1/4 Inch Worm Drive Saws | 5,800 RPM | 7-1/4 inch | 4.3 |
 | 5. SKILSAW SPT77W-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Aluminum Worm Drive Circular Saw | 5,300 RPM | 7-1/4 inch | 4.8 |
 | 6. Big Foot Tools SC-1025SU BF-UG 10-1/4-Inch Wormdrive Magnesium Circular Saw | 5,300 RPM | 10-1/4 inch | 4.7 |
 | 7. Milwaukee 6477-20 7-1/4-inch Worm Drive Circular Saw | 4,400 RPM | 7-1/4 inch | 4.3 |
 | 8. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw | 5,300 RPM | 7-1/4 inch | 4.8 |
 | 9. SKILSAW SPT79-00 15-Amp Medusaw Worm Drive Saw for Concrete | 5,100 RPM | 7 inch | 4.7 |
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Worm Drive Saws
Weight
Worm drive saws are handheld and, that’s why one should go for a lightweight machine. The weight of the worm drive saw determines how long you can work with the tool.
For small projects, the weight may not hold much significance. However, if you are working on a time-consuming project, you should go for a lightweight machine.
Motor Specifications
The specifications of a motor are of incredible significance. The motor determines how well your saw is going to operate.
If you mess up on the motor sector, you may end up having one that will not provide sufficient power to operate on the tools. To put more emphasis on this, a motor is technically the core of the saw that can either make it or break it.
- Power Output. Most motors come with an output of 15 amp and 4400-5400 RPM. So if you get one that has less amperage and rpm, it will probably not fulfill the roles you want it to. Make sure that the worm drive saw you purchase has this amount of power or even more.
- Brushed vs Brushless. One thing you need to understand is that going for a brushless motor is an incredible move. This is because they require no maintenance. You can easily adjust the power output. It will provide more power if they detect higher resistance. The good thing about brushless motors is that they last longer than the conventional brushed ones.
Bevel Capacity
If you are searching for a saw that will allow you to make many cuts, you should go for something that comes with a higher bevel capacity. It will determine the kind of cuts you can get as well as the angles you can get them at.
If your saw has a small bevel capacity, you will not be able to get much freedom when operating it at different angles.
Therefore, when buying a worm drive saw, go for one with a higher bevel capacity. It will offer the flexibility of the cuts you make on the project you are undertaking.
Dust Blower
For you to get better visibility of the cut lines, you should go for a tool that comes with an integrated dust blower.
What happens is that when you are working, dust and other particles will spread all over the object you are working on.
It will give you a difficult time tracing the indent line you are cutting. A blower will be significant as it will help you keep getting rid of all the dust and particles helping you get better shapes of your workpieces.
Safety Features
When buying a worm drive saw, you need to consider the safety features it comes with. Safety is a critical thing especially when it comes to working with power tools.
The good thing is that there are a variety of features that can help make a power tool safe for use. For instance, electric bakes will increase the safety of a power tool significantly.
If your worm drive saw has electric brakes, you can deactivate and stop the blades from running if something happens.
Power Cord
The majority of the tools for a worm drive saw are usually corded. What this means is that you will have to consider the length of your cord while buying a worm drive saw. So, if you get a longer cord, you will have better access to the workpiece.
To be honest, the length of the cord is never going to be a make-or-break consideration. However, it is a nice thing to keep in mind though. In addition to this, you should consider the cord’s strength as well.
There are codes designed perfectly to do well in the conditions presented at a workstation. You need to go for a cord that is strong and can’t get damaged easily.
Durability
This is a critical factor to consider when choosing a worm drive saw. You want that will resist wear and tear it will be subjected on your workshop. You would like a machine that can not break down after a fall.
One feature that will increase the durability of the machine is a fortified metal housing.
It will add a little bit of weight to the body of the tool but will come in handy in ensuring the machine is protected from breaking down with ease.
Top 3 Best Worm Drive Saw Reviews
1. BOSCH CSW41 Worm Drive Circular Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 20.75 x 7.75 x 8.88 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Motor: 15 amp
- Speed: 5,300 RPM
- Blade Diameter: 7.25 inches
The BOSCH CSW41 Worm Drive Circular Saw is a circular saw known for providing better comfort and control. The tool is made of a magnesium construction and that makes it lightweight. It means you can use it for a long time.
The machine features a worm drive design that helps increase precision and accuracy. The blade is located on the left side and this allows you to use your right hand to grip the handle better as you use the left hand to control its exact position.
This saw offers an incredible 5,300 RPM and still weighs only 15 pounds. The motor provides incredible torque and power making it ideal for different applications.
In addition, this worm drive saw features an onboard multi-function wrench for brush and blade changes, bade diamond knockouts, and lever adjustments.
It also features an anti-snag lower guard that ensures the circular saw provides smooth operation for small cut-off pieces.
2. DEWALT DWS535B Circular Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8.88 x 21.81 x 8.63 inches
- Weight: 17.8 pounds
- Motor: 15 amp
- Speed: 4,800 RPM
- Blade Diameter: 7.25 inches
The DEWALT DWS535B 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is a circular saw made of aluminum and magnesium construction and that makes it lightweight for easier operation. It also comes with a durable magnesium footplate.
It features an extra-wide saw hook of the coded circular saw that accepts materials with a width of up to 2.75 inches. It has a TOUGHCORD cord protection system of the compact circular saw that ensures it is strong.
It is fitted with an electric brake system that enhances safety. It immediately stops the trigger once the trigger is released.
3. SKILSAW SPT70V-11 Worm Drive Circular Saw
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 10 x 17.5 inches
- Weight: 27.3 pounds
- Motor: 15 amp
- Speed: 2,500 RPM
- Blade Diameter: 16-5/16 inches
- Voltage: 120 Volts
The SKILSAW SPT70V-11 Worm Drive Circular Saw has a 6.25-inch cutting capacity for one-and-done. It is a powerful machine that is durable and will help anyone carry out their projects with perfection.
It features a huge cut capacity and has what it takes to cut through any type of material. It’s a lightweight machine that allows you to use the saw for longer periods without feeling any kind of fatigue.
It features a tough durable magnesium die-cast footplate that ensures you get accurate cuts every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Use a Worm Drive Saw For?
A worm drive saw is primarily used for cutting hard materials like wood, stone, and concrete. It helps you achieve accuracy and productivity while working.
Of all the saws out there, it is the most versatile tool that allows you to do many kinds of work effortlessly.
To be able to cut, you need to retract the blade guard then pull the trigger with even pressure. After that, you need to lower the blade and carefully make bevel hands with two hands. You can control the depth of the cuts with the triggering hands.
What are the Benefits of a Worm Drive Saw?
There are many benefits one can get from using a worm drive saw. These power tools offer more power and their durability is exceptional.
They do have larger teeth that have more loading capacity as compared to regular circular saws.
This incredible feature enables the user to handle loads with high shock. It can effectively handle tougher projects because it has a great muscle to pitch cut the project.
What is the Difference Between Worm Drive and Sidewinder?
The appearance of these two saws is different. This difference comes by in the position of the gearing and motor.
A sidewinder uses a motor with something technically referred to as a spur-gear. Like this gear, the motor is required to be in line with the spinning blade. What this means is that the blade spins real fast at 6000 RPM.
In addition to this, the positioning of the motor ensures that the machine is a lightweight saw.
A worm drive saw has its motor at the rear of the saw. Its power is transmitted to the blade with a pair of gears that are set at a ninety-degree angle.
The gear is incredible and effectively reduces the speed of the blade significantly to around 4500 RPM while at the same time increasing the torque.
One thing about this motor positioning is that it leads to a longer saw and at the same time making the power tool heavier.
What is the Difference Between a Hypoid Saw and a Worm Drive Saw?
First, lets us look at what is a hypoid saw? The name of this power tool comes from its hypoid gear structure. The hypoid gear’s axes are non-intersecting and not parallel.
The gear is only used when torque and high rpm are needed because it can allow a 200:1 gear ratio. That’s how it gets the name hypoid saw. The gear, motor, and blade are set at an angle that provides the best rpm. The gear is incredible as it has 80 to 90 percent efficiency.
Another difference between these two is that the worm drive circular saw needs oil change while the hypoid saw does not require any sort of oil maintenance.
Additionally, the word drive saw features a bronze blade whereas the hypoid saw has a blade made of steel. Because of this, a hypoid saw has better durability as compared to the worm drive saw.
It is also worth noting that a worm drive saw is a little heavier compared to a hypoid saw. It gives the worm drive saw an upper hand.
Can I Use Synthetic Automotive Oil in my Worm Drive Saw?
Well, the answer to this question is no. this is because automotive gear oils, whether synthetic or not, have sulfur-based additives in them. Therefore one should not use synthetic automotive oils on a worm drive saw.
This is because the purpose of the worm drive saw is to cut quickly with a minimum of friction and wear. If you’re cutting a lot of wood these additives are going to create a lot of friction and wear on your worm drive gear.
This will cause you to have to replace parts much more often than if you were using just a basic mineral lubricant.
Conclusion
A worm drive saw is an incredibly powerful tool that will help anyone with their project. For anyone who wants a circular saw that is easier to handle, quieter, and has more torque, then the worm drive saw is the ideal choice.
For any experienced woodworker, getting a worm drive saw will be an incredible decision worth every penny. It is a powerful machine that will help you craft your projects to your satisfaction.
In case you are want to purchase a worm drive saw, you can go for the ones discussed in this article. You will be pleased with the features each one of them has. The kind of power these tools have will intrigue you.
