In our broad experience tests tools, though, we’ve noticed that worm drive circular saws are unparalleled in their capability to create exact cuts and take care of huge volumes of wood. Which is why we have place together this listing of reviews for the greatest worm drive saws, total with a useful buyer’s guidebook to fill you in on almost everything you want to know before acquiring your first worm drive saw.
Summary of our Favorites (updated in 2022)
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Makita 5477NB |
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CHECK PRICE |
| Best Value
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DEWALT DCS577X1 |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Milwaukee 6477-20 |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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SKILSAW SPT70V-11 |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Worm Drive Saws
1. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Worm Drive Saw
The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is a potent saw that’s properly-outfitted for even the most hefty-duty positions all around. If it ended up a lot more ergonomically sound, it may possibly well have stolen our leading spot – especially considering that it is virtually 3 pounds lighter than many other worm generate saws in our assessment!
That includes a magnesium-laden design and strong fifteen-amp motor – with a optimum blade speed of 5,300 RPM – the SPT77WML certainly implies business. Plus, it’s geared up with twin copper windings that hold the motor cool even throughout extended operation, making it a perfect noticed for expert jobsites.
You will need to have instead strong fingers and forearms to operate this worm travel observed precisely. The vibrations it creates are much more intense than practically any other noticed we tested, and the absence of comfortable gripping surfaces on the take care of produced it tough to keep onto for any significant amount of time.
All round, we think this is the best general worm generate round saw of the calendar year.
- 5,300 RPM blade speed
- Dual copper windings keep the motor cooler during operation
- Big 2⅜-inch maximum cutting capacity at 90 degrees
- 53-degree bevel with a positive stop at 0 and 45 degrees
- Easy blade changes thanks to the onboard wrench
- Expensive
- Excessive vibrations and lack of a comfortable grip
2. Makita 5477NB 7¼” Hypoid Saw – Best Value
That includes what could be the most comfortable design of any worm generate saw we have tested, the Makita 5477NB Hypoid noticed is satisfying to use regardless of its virtually fifteen-pound bodyweight. Offering a sturdy 15-amp motor, it is run by hypoid gears that improve surface area speak to, and therefore torque as effectively.
All of that is sufficient to grab anyone’s consideration – but when you see the price tag, you could not believe your eyes. Significantly significantly less pricey than any other worm drive observed in our overview, it is an exceptional option for anyone on a tighter price range.
As considerably as downsides, this observed has very a couple of plastic factors that really do not always honest so well on the work web site, and its mix of a heavier create and strong vibrations can make it hard on your shoulders. At a price this very good, even though, it is straightforward to see why we think about the Makita 5477NB the ideal worm push noticed for the money, flaws and all.
- Hypoid gears give it even more torque than most worm drive saws
- 15-amp motor provides enough power for any job
- Amazing power for the price
- Comfortable, ergonomically designed handle
- On the heavy side
- Plastic components aren’t very durable
- Strong vibrations can make accurate cuts more difficult
3. DEWALT DCS577X1 Worm Drive Saw – Best Value
The DeWalt DCS577X1 (also known as the DeWalt Flexvolt) is the ideal worm push round noticed for the money. For considerably significantly less than you’d expect, you get a 7¼-inch cutting depth and an motor able of 5800 RPM unloaded.
The whole thing weighs no more than 11 lbs, making it the ideal combination of portability, energy, and a funds-helpful price tag. The “flexvolt” name arrives from the truth that this saw’s battery can energy numerous DeWalt types — you can use it in any of their saws that run at 20V, 60V, or 120V, preserving you even more money in the lengthy term. When we examined it, the battery ran for 5 several hours of large use, multiple times above.
The saw alone has a durable magnesium shoe and a 53-degree bevel variety. The blade cuts by way of practically any wood in sensible time, and regardless of getting a little bit heavier than typical, it’s even now no issue to have it up to your roof or out to the woods.
Our only grievance is that the dust port does not seem to be straight, and blows particles into your eyes sometimes. Also, it doesn’t appear with a situation.
- Cordless and battery-powered for maximum portability
- Powerful 2400-watt output produces 5,800 RPM blade speed
- Dust blower makes it easier to see cuts, increasing accuracy
- Long battery life
- 3-year warranty protects your investment
- Quite expensive
- Heaviest worm drive saw we’ve used
- Batteries sold separately
4. Milwaukee 6477-20 Worm Drive Circular Saw
At 1st look, the Milwaukee 6477-twenty would look to give any other worm generate noticed a run for its income. Its torque-large 15-amp motor delivers up to four,four hundred RPM of blade pace, and the magnesium development is built to previous. Toss in a composite shoe for good evaluate, and it would seem like a realistic competitor for your attention.
That’s about exactly where our good analysis of the 6477-twenty ends, however. Even however it is created in China, this observed is no significantly less high-priced than any other on our listing. And at almost 19 kilos, it’s as weighty or heavier than any saw on our list – such as the battery-powered observed from DeWalt.
In brief, there are too numerous other fantastic worm generate saws for us to strongly suggest this one particular for most customers.
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- Composite shoe and magnesium construction
- On the expensive side
- Far too heavy
- Uncomfortable handle design
5. SKILSAW SPT70V-11
The Skilsaw SPT70V-eleven, also called the Tremendous Sawsquatch, is a worm-travel round noticed with a 6¼-inch chopping capacity which is designed to take care of large work. It may possibly not reduce as deeply as some of the competition, but it is in a position to preserve going by means of all way of tough cuts.
At 27.three kilos, it is not the kind of saw you can carry up to your roof. On the floor, though, it puts all that fat to great use. With its motor operating at 2500 RPM, the Super Sawsquatch can lower by way of woods as challenging as oak and beech in one particular pass, and a lot more challenging woods — all the way up to walnut — without having taking all working day.
The other best thing about this saw is that its physique is produced totally out of robust magnesium. Plenty of saws use magnesium for just the footplate, but Skil isn’t leaving anything at all to chance.
Any downsides? Regrettably, it is dreadful at clearing sawdust. If it will get bogged down, count on it to be due to the fact your lower loaded with particles.
- Deep cutting capacity
- Powerful motor
- Strong body construction
- Doesn’t clear sawdust
6. Makita 5377MG
The Makita 5377 Magnesium Hypoid Noticed is generally in contrast to the Skilsaw and DeWalt models on this list, and for very good explanation — it matches and usually beats them for sheer torque. With a 15-amp, 4,five hundred-RPM motor, there is a great deal of sheer electrical power packed into a modest space on this worm push observed.
It offers a slicing depth of 7¼ inches and an all-magnesium entire body that cuts its whole bodyweight down to 13.two kilos. This is a work internet site observed that won’t spend considerably time accumulating dust in your workshop.
The factor that struck us when we place the Makita 5377 to the check was its harmony. Of all the worm generate saws on this record, it is a single of the easiest to keep to a straight line. Easy adjustments and a hassle-free rafter hook add to the total feeling of user-friendliness.
The drawback is that, whilst the blade is calibrated to reduce straight, it’s not virtually so excellent at keeping sq.. You will recognize it start off to drift off the 90-diploma line right after a handful of times of weighty use. It doesn’t render it useless, but it is bothersome extra function to straighten it regularly.
- Lots of torque
- Balanced well
- Relatively light and portable
- Blade doesn’t stay square
- Some low-quality components
7. SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 Sasquatch
Below we’ve acquired the 3rd Skilsaw from their Sawsquatch line. In contrast to the SPT70V-11 Tremendous Sawsquatch, the SPT70WM-01 is a even bigger round saw that’s especially created for slicing 4x workpieces.
The SPT70WM-01 worm drive round noticed weighs a total of sixteen.45 pounds. Its fifteen-amp motor goes challenging, maxing out at 4600 RPM. Its three 11/sixteen inches of reducing depth make great use of that energy. This observed is able to lower practically the total variety of wood hardness at the 4x dimensions. And, as they declare, it’s virtually often accomplished in one particular go.
We do want to clear up some misleading marketing, though. When we say “4x,” we imply the same factor Skil does: any boards bought as 4x one thing. That is in fact a little bit less than four inches, so 3 11/16 inches of slicing is sufficient — but if you’re doing work with the raw wood, you’ll find this observed is not deep ample.
The manufacturing facility-installed blade is an additional big downside. It wobbles so difficult we don’t even advise utilizing it. Purchase a substitute at the exact same time you purchase this observed.
- Cuts any 4x lumber in one pass
- Never bogs down
- Very light for its power level
- Shallow cutting capacity
- Terrible pre-installed blade
8. Bosch CSW41
If you have been seeking for a 7¼-inch worm generate noticed for a truly price range-friendly cost, scroll no additional: the Bosch CSW41 is the a single you want. It does not offer you really the worth that the DeWalt Flexvolt does, but it’s less costly total.
This observed weighs 13.2 lbs . and has a roaring 5300-RPM motor. The worm drive grants it adequate torque for any novice occupation, whilst the workable bodyweight means you can get it fairly considerably everywhere. It even will come with an onboard wrench for blade changes in the field.
We located it to be comfy, rapidly, and an general joy to use. It feels just like you dreamed a round noticed would, the initial time you observed your dad employing one particular.
In a pair of ways, however, you do get what you spend for right here. For one point, it ships with no case, or any other protections in any way. For another, the motor wears down fast if you do not diligently oil it — and since this noticed arrives without any oil, it is tough to lubricate it enough to gradual that decline.
- Extremely strong for its size
- Cheap
- Cuts smoothly
- No oil included
- Engine declines quickly
- Ships without protection
9. Makita XSR01PT 7-1/4 Worm Drive Circular Saw
The Makita XSR01PT is driven by two 18V batteries. Remembering to demand the two of them is considerably less than perfect from a usefulness standpoint, but it does deliver more power. At only 12.sixty eight factors, this circular saw’s motor can attain 5100 RPM without having a load.
Its cutting depth, at 2 9/16 inches, would seem a little bit modest, but it’s considerably a lot more than what you need to reduce 2×4 (or 2x anything at all else). This is a properly balanced noticed: weighty ample for more challenging woods, mild enough to arrive with you anywhere.
If all you’re performing is chopping 2x4s, this Makita worm travel noticed is almost everything you need, but it fails in the flexibility section: do not count on to be able to rip up your kitchen flooring with this. The integrated blade also has teeth that are marginally thicker than its kerf, so if you are working with anything at all other than a clamped board, it’s most likely to lavatory down. Lastly, be warned that the reduce gauge is usually misaligned.
- Lots of power from two batteries
- Great for 2x planks
- Cut gauge up to 1/8-inch off
- Shallow cutting capacity
- Factory blade bogs down constantly
- Have to charge two batteries
10. DEWALT DWS535 Worm Drive Saw
DeWalt constantly produces electrical power tools that are the envy of residence DIYers and specialists alike – and their DWS535B worm generate round observed is definitely no exception. Very lightweight for a worm push saw, it’s a single of the best to use and most correct and stable round saws we’ve ever experienced the enjoyment of testing.
The DWS535B’s strong 15-amp motor makes an impressive four,800 RPM blade speed under no load, with sufficient torque to effortlessly take care of even the hardest of hardwoods. A fast blade adjust system enables it to very easily change to functioning on drywall, plastic, or metallic without skipping a beat.
A good portion of magnesium factors in this worm travel saw’s building make it lighter than nearly any other observed in this overview. But really do not feel that signifies it will be any considerably less tough: Magnesium is more difficult and much more resistant to corrosion than the aluminum employed in less expensive saws.
All round, there’s practically nothing that the DeWalt DWS535B doesn’t do properly. It’s just not an exceptional saw compared to all the other folks on this listing.
- Rugged and long-lasting 15-amp motor
- Quick blade changes
- Electric brake
- Might be too light for some jobs
- Average performance
Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Worm Drive Saw
Who Can Benefit from a Worm Drive Saw?
Equipped with significantly greater torque than a sidewinder round observed, the worm push saw is normally far better suited in direction of weighty-responsibility design and woodworking employment. The well balanced motor placement tends to make them create a lot more exact cuts, as effectively as cleaner edges on every reduce created.
Worm travel saws are a potent and flexible addition to any woodworker or Do it yourself enthusiast’s toolkit and can do much far more than just make rapid rips and crosscuts. In the palms of a competent person, the appropriate worm travel circular noticed can be utilized for slicing framing lumber, roofing, steel, and sheet products, or making swift work of demolition projects.
What to Look for In a Worm Drive Saw
Just simply because worm generate circular saws are regarded an choice suitable for expert use does not imply that they’re all created equally. In our quest to locate the ideal worm generate saws out there, we found the adhering to characteristics to be the most significant determinants of overall worth:
- Power, in the form of both maximum blade speed and torque, is the easiest way to differentiate one worm drive saw from the next. Only the best saws will consistently deliver excellent power from reliable motors.
- Ergonomics can make or break your experience of using a worm drive saw. Because they often weigh in on the heavier side, you should always look for designs that reduce or limit vibrations, as well as saws that leave off excess accessories that only serve to add to the weight.
- Cutting Capacity is where a worm drive saw can really shine, both in overall depth and degree of bevel. A 45-degree bevel is standard, and any cutting capacity that nears 2 inches is excellent.
- Accuracy may be the hardest quality to measure in a worm drive saw, as it is a result of the combination of several features. A stable metal foot, low vibration, and powerful dust blower will all contribute to the overall accuracy of the saw.
SEE ALSO: Our testimonials of the greatest round saws this calendar year
What Is a Worm Drive, Anyway?
Created particularly to create increased torque, the worm generate is composed of a worm – a gear in the form of a screw – that meshes with a worm equipment. This equipment configuration allows for an indirect transfer of drive that differentiates it from a direct generate noticed.
Worm drives have the gain of demanding a significantly more compact gearbox than those used for spur gears, which is what makes it possible for them to be placed straight behind the blade in worm drive circular saws.
Worm Drive vs Direct Drive Circular Saws
When determining on the correct noticed for your needs, it’s valuable to understand the unique positive aspects and drawbacks of each worm drive and immediate generate round saws.
In quick, worm travel saws have a higher slicing capacity and create more correct cuts but are also heavier and pricier. Immediate travel saws are light-weight, economical, and easy to use, but not almost as correct or powerful.
For a comprehensive dialogue of the distinctions between these two kinds of saws, examine out our article on worm travel vs direct travel round saws.
Relevant Reading through: Worm Drive Saw vs Round Saw
Conclusion
For the ideal in reducing electrical power and unstoppable toughness, no other noticed in our evaluations can conquer out the SKILSAW SPT77-WML. It’s a beast of a circular noticed, very easily able of slicing through the densest hardwoods and gentleman-created boards thanks to its 5,300 RPM blade speed. If you are seeking for the complete best worm push observed close to, it’s absolutely deserving of becoming your initial thing to consider.
Home Diy lovers with scaled-down budgets may enjoy the Makita 5477NB 7¼” Hypoid Observed as a low-expense substitute to our best pick. It is incredibly strong and carried out will on rips and crosscuts in our testing, generating it possibly the greatest worm drive noticed for the cash. Anybody with far more informal needs for their worm generate observed will get pleasure from its value-efficiency and versatility.
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