Welcome to my guide on the best worm drive saws to use in your home workshop.
Traditionally worm drive saws have been used by carpenters and professional wood workers, but in recent years many of my favorite brands have brought their products to the consumer market.
I have tried to filter through all of the different products and come up with the 10 best worm drive saws to buy in 2019.
For those unfamiliar with worm drive saws or who are unfamiliar with the term 'worm drive' they are simply circular saws that use a worm-like spiral gear to impart a clock-wise rotating motion to the saw blade as it moves through the saw kerf.
A worm drive has an external motor-housing, which is what gives it its characteristic shape.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Circular Saw Kit | Best Overall |  |
| SKILSAW SPT77W-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Aluminum Worm Drive Circular Saw | Budget Pick |  |
| SKILSAW SPT70V-11Super Sawsquatch 16-5/16" Worm Drive Circular Saw | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Circular Saw Kit
Pros:
- Comes with an extra battery with the DEWALT DCS577X1 saw
- Clear saw-to-battery interface
- Lightweight and rugged design
- LED light to help you see when it’s dark
- Perfect for both home and professional use
- Adjustable shoe
- Affordable for both pros and homeowners
- High-quality power cord
- Can cut through a wide range of materials
- Great for both newbies and experienced users
This saw from DEWALT is an upgraded version of its previous models. We love the wider blade (7-1/4”) that allows for faster and more even cutting. This is great for both cutting down trees and cutting wood for your Christmas tree.
It has a lightweight design paired with a pistol grip handle, making it easy to maneuver throughout your projects. The saw is easy to start, and we love that it comes with an extra battery! It’s powered by 4 amp-hours, with a 50-minute runtime.
2. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw
Pros:
- Super lightweight and easy to handle
- Comes with a laser guide for accurate cuts
- Comes with an onboard wrench to screw the blade securely
- Features a magnetic guide for precise cuts
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
It only makes sense that I include this ultra lightweight worm drive saw in my worm drive saw review article. The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is a very lightweight saw that’s easy to use in a wide range of applications.
Weighing just 7.7 pounds, this saw can cut through material as thick as 2" x 12". It comes with an onboard wrench for secure attachment of your blade and a laser guide for precision alignment. For safe and effortless cutting, the saw has an innovative and groundbreaking magnetic guide.
This guide captures any ferrous metal in its path and produces a powerful magnetic field that prevents any dangerous kickback. I’ve been using this saw at home for over a year now and can say that it’s an ideal choice for home improvement projects. It comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
3. SKILSAW SPT70V-11Super Sawsquatch 16-5/16" Worm Drive Circular Saw
Pros:
- Variable speed trigger to adjust the saw according to the material
- Balanced saw for maximum accuracy
- Cord retention feature keeps blade from overloading
- Can hold up to 18-inch wood
- Ergonomic handle design
- Padded handle grip for maximum comfort
- Very affordable price point
Worm saw reviews should definitely be something you should take a look at before making any final buying decisions.
SKILSAW SPT70V-11Super Sawsquatch 16-5/16" Worm Drive Circular Saw has a very impressive motor that can be used for either wood or electric. The motor is equipped with circuit protection technology to ensure maximum safety, but you should still take care to avoid the cord when not cutting through material.
The worm drive provides you with smooth and easy blade replacements, and the collapsible design enables dual blade changes. The saw operates on a speed range between 0-4,800 RPM.
4. Makita 5377MG 7-1/4" Magnesium Hypoid Saw
Pros:
- Magnesium base for added strength
- Exceptional speed and life from an 80 tooth chain
- Can be used with Makita’s Chip Shield, which prevents contact between the chain’s teeth and the surface of the lumber being sawn
- Tool-less adjustable depth
- Comes with a carrying case
Cons:
- The magnesium reduces the saw’s overall weight, which might make it harder to keep steady when you’re sawing
- The saw’s base, despite being made from magnesium, is a little on the light side
- The blade can require frequent sharpening
With Handle, Magnesium Base.
The Makita 5377MG is a moderately priced chainsaw, made to be lightweight and easy to use. While it’s not as cheap as the other saws on this list, it’s not exorbitantly expensive either, and it provides a great value. This chainsaw for a home owner is also feature packed, with a magnesium base (great for reducing vibration) and the ability to attach the Makita Chip Shield to the bar, which reduces hang-ups.
5. Bosch 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw CSW41
Pros:
- Has a 7.25-inch saw blade
- Easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces
- Runs at 4,800 RPM
Cons:
- No laser guide
- No base plate
- No gauge measurements
Here’s one product that you’ll definitely be able to put to good use. This Bosch Worm Drive saw is an excellent way to tackle all sorts of projects around the home.
The Bosch CSW41A has a 7.25-inch blade that makes it easy to cut through just about any material you can think of. This saw utilizes a 4,800 rpm motor that is powerful enough to bust through all sorts of wood and metal.
The Bosch Worm Drive has a built-in LED light that allows you to see through those dark corners. It also features a trigger that’s designed to keep your fingers off the blade, so you can keep working faster and safer.
6. SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 15 Amp 10-1/4" Magnesium SAWSQUATCH Worm Drive Circular Saw
Pros:
- Series: Worm Drive
- Max Diameter: 10-1/4 in
- Arbor: 5/8 in
- Toolless Blade Changes
- Rip Capacity at 90 Degrees: 24-1/4 in
- Rip Capacity at 45 Degrees: 15 in
- Rip Capacity at 0 Degrees: 10-1/4 in
- Bevel Capacity: 0 Degrees
- Amperage: 15 amp
- Voltage: 120V
7. SKILSAW SPT77W-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Aluminum Worm Drive Circular Saw
Pros:
- Excellent cutting power
- Lightweight
- Cuts through the toughest materials
- Comes with a laser guide
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bit is a bit thin.
The manufacturer says that the SKILSAW is the best worm drive saw, and I say they’re most likely right. I wasn’t expecting the SKILSAW to manage my every request with ease, but it absolutely exceeded my expectations. This saw is powerful enough to handle the toughest materials while also not weighing too much. It’s the perfect match.
For being a worm drive, I’m amazed at how light the design is! I can grip it with one hand and still hang on to the rest of my tools with the other. If you like it, too, just right-click on the product and select “add to cart.” This is definitely a product that will make you feel proud to be a homeowner.
8. Makita 5477NB 7-1/4" Hypoid Saw
Pros:
- Longer lasting
- Faster cutting
- More power
- Cuts deeper
- Saves money on blades
- Cuts through most materials
Now a days buzz saw is a very useful tool used in all kinds of applications in carpentry, auto shops, and construction, but the best thing about it is this this is a sturdy tool that is really dependable. You don’t have to worry about it jamming, breaking, or bending. Whatever you are working on this saw has enough power to get the job done.
The blade is the feature that gives the saw its name which is an unusual insert blade that has teeth that point backward for better cutting action. There are two additional blade guards, a spade and an adjustable guard.
The blade is a bit thinner than the regular blades but is halfinch narrower. This makes it one of the strongest blades made. The speed of the blade is listed at 5,949 rpm. The blade runs smoothly and nicely as it is designed for cuts on wet, slimy, or rough wood. It can make clean cuts smoothly.
9. DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Pros:
- The flexing gear guard protects users from hitting their hands on any material
- The tool is very easy to use and the handle is well-shaped
- The carrying case is light but strong
- The price is very affordable, yet the quality is very good
The model has a built-in dust-blower which makes it easy and comfortable to use it.
The mechanism and the blade that comes with it are durable.
In some cases the power cord has been reported to heat up when the saw is being used.
10. Milwaukee 6477-20 7-1/4-inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
The 7-1/4 Worm Drive Circular Saw from Milwaukee comes with a strong engine. The blade rotation is very fast. It balanced well and the ergonomic design gives it a comfortable grip.
This saw has a metal base that makes it very stable. For a stronger and longer lasting product, it is advisable that you use only genuine replacement parts.
The saw performs faster than other saws, making it a great product. It can cut through a hardwood tree with ease.
Conclusion
There are many different things to consider when shopping for a worm drive saw. But with a guide to help you, you can cut through that overwhelming sea of information and find the best worm drive saw for you. Let us help you eliminate the confusion and focus on what matters most to you: getting the right tool from the start.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Circular Saw Kit | Best Overall | |
| SKILSAW SPT77W-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Aluminum Worm Drive Circular Saw | Budget Pick | |
| SKILSAW SPT70V-11Super Sawsquatch 16-5/16" Worm Drive Circular Saw | Upgrade Pick | |