While the standard or ‘sidewinder’ saw is what most people think of when they think of a circular saw, the worm drive saw is another handheld circular that’s a little larger and heavier, but delivers more power overall. “Our #1 top pick for the best worm drive saw goes to the 7 ¼” Makita Magnesium. SKILSAW has developed a reputation for being the go-to brand when it comes to circular saws, and this new magnesium ’77’ model is advertised as the most lightweight worm drive on the market – definitely one the most comfortable, easy-to-use – and not to mention best performing – worm drives you’ll find. Although functionality-wise these are worm drive saws, Makita markets them as hypoid saws because of the heat-treated hypoid steel gears that they use, as opposed to the bronze-alloy gears that are used in most other brand’s worm drives. This saw is a bit more bulky and not quite as user-friendly as the SKILSAW, so if you’ve never operated a worm drive circ saw before, it’ll likely take some getting used to. “So all in all, our #1 recommendation for the best worm drive saw is, like we already mentioned, the Makita 7 ¼” Magnesium. This saw isn’t quite as light as the SKILSAW, but its engineering, quietness – and not to mention its power – set it over the top as the best performing, best all-around worm drive in our book.
Cordless rear handle circular saws meet the needs of Pros looking to cut the cord on worm drives and the field is becoming more crowded this year. For two years, it topped our charts as the best overall cordless rear-handle circular saw until Flex finally managed to eek ahead in 2022. We need to get the saw in our hands to know for sure, but there’s every indication that Makita can challenge Flex for the number one overall spot as the best cordless rear-handle circular saw.
Worm drive circular saws were the original version and now there are many on the market. This is another worm drive saw from Skilsaw but this time one for a very specific use – according to the manufacturer, this is the world’s first fully integrated worm drive saw for scoring and cutting concrete accurately. If you are looking for a worm drive saw for cutting concrete or similar materials, this model should be high on your list of possibilities.
We look at the best worm drive saws to see what makes them so different. Narrowing down the best worm drive saws was a challenge because there are so many types available. Comparing a worm drive saw with a sidewinder saw, or a direct drive variety is a bit like comparing a car of today with a vehicle from the 1970s.
worm drive circular saw reviews Related Question:
Is a worm drive circular saw better?
Worm drive saws offer more durability and power because they have larger teeth which have a more loading capacity than regular circular saws. This feature enables the user to handle loads with high shock. It can handle tougher projects because it has great muscle to pitch cut.
What makes a worm drive saw better?
Advantages of a Worm Drive Circular Saw The longer distance between the handle and the blade extends your reach while making a cut, which is helpful for crosscutting sheet goods. A worm drive also has larger gear teeth with more load-carrying capacity than a direct drive, which provides more power but also adds weight.
Who makes the lightest worm drive circular saw?
Lightweight Worm Drive Skilsaw. The latest and lightest Worm Drive continues the long tradition of SKIL quality, rugged durability and consistently exceptional cutting performance. Weighing in at just 11.5 lbs., its 4 lbs.
Why are worm drive saws left-handed?
Traditionally, all worm drive saws operated in a blade-left orientation. Furthermore, this orientation likely places the weight of the saw over the portion of the material the user wants to keep, making it easier to stabilize the saw during the cut.
What is the benefit of a rear handle circular saw?
Because of the placement of the motor, Rear Handle Circular Saws get a heck of a lot more torque than a standard Sidewinder Circ Saw. Sidewinders get more RPM’s, but the torque and power beats speed when you’re cutting into hardwoods with a Worm Drive (rear handle) saw.
What is the difference between worm drive and Sidewinder?
Motor Position – As we discussed above, a Worm Drive has the motor behind the blade (behind the center point of the blade). A Sidewinder has it inline with the center of the blade. Blade Position – Not always but usually the Worm Drive has the blade on the left while a Sidewinder has the blade on the right.
What is a worm drive on a circular saw?
Worm drive saws have the motor at the rear of the power tool, with gears oriented at 45° angles. The blade speed is slower but the torque is improved. A heavier and longer saw, a wormdrive model will usually have the blade on the left side. Worm Drive Circular Saws Torque Durability.
Is there a left and right handed circular saw?
From what I’ve seen these past few years, corded circular saws are mainly right-handed saws. There are some brands, such as Milwaukee, that offer both right- and left-handed saws. Worm drive saws are typically left-handed. Cordless circular saws are typically left-handed as well.
Is a circular saw the same as a skill saw?
Circular Saws vs. All skill saws are circular saws. They all have circular blades that spin rapidly to bite through wood. However, not all skill saws are circular saws. Circular saws can be gas-powered, have sidewinder or hypoid designs, or even be fixed to radial arms, which skill saws commonly aren’t.
How much does the DeWalt worm drive weight?
Popular 7-1/4″ worm drive circular saws range from around 11-1/2 pounds to a little over 14. The DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw settles in at 13-3/4, so it’s not a lightweight, nor is it overweight. Compared to other sidewinders, it’s heavy, but that’s what you expect from a worm drive style saw.
How much does a worm drive skilsaw weigh?
The latest and lightest Worm Drive continues the long tradition of SKIL quality, rugged durability and consistently exceptional cutting performance. Weighing in at just 11.5 lbs., it’s 4 lbs.
What is the lightest skilsaw?
Designed with the framer in mind the SPT77WML-01 is the lightest saw in its class, weighing only 11.6 lbs.
Can I buy a worm drive saw in the UK?
Worm drive saws don’t comply with European H&S regulations and are therefore illegal to use.
Does Dewalt have a left-handed circular saw?
This 7 1/4″ saw is just a cordless version of the corded right side sidewinder. And Dewalt makes a left side blade circular saw that is basically a cordless worm drive if you need that bid of a saw to have the blade on the left side. 2 of 2 found this helpful.
Does Milwaukee make a worm drive circular saw?
The Milwaukee 7-1/4″ Worm Drive Circular Saw provides the power contractors demand innovative features designed to make their jobs easier. The 15.0 amp, 4,400 rpm motor delivers maximum cutting performance and does not bog down, even under heavy loads.
