The Best Worm Drive Circular Saw: A Trusty Tool to Invest In

If you are a passionate woodworker or DIYer, you will know that it is very important to have the best equipment for the job. One tool that has significantly contributed to the ease of woodworking tasks over the decades is the circular saw. It comes in different designs, such as worm drive and sidewinder.

For many woodworkers out there, worm drive circular saws are a much better option. They are a little bit heavier and more expensive than the traditional circular saw, but they are more versatile and you can achieve a whole lot with them. Since this is a significant investment, you only want to settle for the best worm drive circular saw in the market. As such, we have selected the best of the best on the market so you can pick the one that suits your needs and budget.

The Best Worm Drive Circular Saws Are:

Product	Details
1. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw		No-load speed: 5,300 RPM Blade: 7.25 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade Weight: 11.6 pounds Power Source: Corded-electric	Check Current Price
2. DEWALT DWS535 Worm Drive Circular Saw		No-load speed: 4,800 RPM Blade: 7.25 inches, Carbide-tipped blade Weight:13.8 pounds Power Source: Corded-electric	Check Current Price
3. Makita 5477NB Worm Drive Circular Saw		No-load speed: 4,500 RPM Blade: 7.25 inches, Carbide-tipped blade Weight: 14.3 pounds Power Source: Corded-electric	Check Current Price
4. Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Circular Saw		No-load speed: 5,300 RPM Blade: 7.25 inches, Carbide-tipped blade Weight: 13.2 pounds Power Source:Corded-electric	Check Current Price
5. Makita 5377MG Magnesium Worm Drive Circular Saw	Our Top Pick	No-load speed: 4,500 RPM Blade: 7.25 inches, 24T ultra-coated Carbide-tipped blade Weight: 13.2 pounds Power Source:Corded-electric	Check Current Price
6. Rockwell RK3440K Versacut Ultra-Compact Worm Drive Circular Saw		No-load speed: 3,500 RPM Blade: One 24T CT blade, one 44T HSS blade, and one diamond blade Weight: 4 pounds Power Source:Corded-electric	Check Current Price
7. DEWALT DCS577B Flexvolt Worm Drive Circular Saw		No-load speed: 5,800 RPM Blade: 7.25 inches, Carbide-tipped blade Weight: 10.9 pounds Power Source:Battery-Powered	Check Current Price
8. Hitachi C7WDM Worm Drive Circular Saw		No-load speed: 5,000 RPM Blade: 7.25 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade Weight: 15 pounds Power Source:Corded-electric	Check Current Price
9. Milwaukee 6477-20 Worm Drive Circular Saw		No-load speed: 4,400 RPM Blade: 7.25 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade Weight: 15 pounds Power Source: Corded-electric	Check Current Price

1. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw

The first worm drive circular saw on our list is the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw. SKILSAW is a highly reputable brand in the power tool manufacturing industry, and this worm drive circular saw is one of the best tools the firm has made. This machine comes with a 15-amp dual field motor that delivers a no-load speed of 5,300 rotations per minute. The motor also comes with dual copper windings to prevent it from overheating and to increase surface area by 40 percent.

This worm drive circular saw comes with a 7.25 inches carbide-tipped blade with 24-teeth that provides a great cutting depth. The cut-ready depth of this machine allows for quick adjustments for ¼, ½, ¾, and 2x ply. The blade is on the left side of the motor. This tool is incredibly light, as it weighs only 11.6 pounds. It also comes with sturdy and durable lower and upper blade guards. This worm drive circular saw offers a bevel capacity of 53 degrees and a maximum cutting depth of 2.375 inches.

The handle is sturdy and comfortable, but it is not completely rubberized. You would also need a wrench to change the blade and oil. This tool is easy to operate and it is ideal for both beginners and professionals. It is ideal for applications such as ceilings, sidings, framing, and decking. You can also use it on hard, soft, and engineered woods.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. DEWALT DWS535 Worm Drive Circular Saw

The Dewalt DWS535 Worm Drive Circular Saw is one of the best worm drive circular saw in the market. Dewalt offers top-quality products, excellent service, and guarantees that tend to stand out from what other brands offer. This worm drive circular saw comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, one-year free service, and a limited 3-year warranty. It comes with a powerful motor that delivers up to 4,800 rotations per minute. This great speed allows you to cut up to 2.44 inches at a 90-degree angle, and up to 1.9 inches at a 45-degree angle.

It comes with a 7.24 inches carbide-tipped blade that is designed to stand the test of time. The blade is strong, tough, and it can cut through a wide range of heavy and thick materials. The hooks of the saw are pretty wide and you can use it to cut through materials that are 2.5 inches wide. It also comes with the Toughcord Cord Protection System that helps to keep the tool stable and guard against the cord jerking. The shoe is very strong, as it is made from magnesium with double-cast.

The changing of the blade is also pretty simple and quick, thanks to the spindle lock that is positioned optimally. This tool weighs only 13.8 pounds and it provides optimum user handling, thanks to its magnesium construction.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. Makita 5477NB Worm Drive Circular Saw

If you are looking for an inexpensive worm drive circular saw with great performance, you should consider the Makita 5477NB Hypoid saw. For increased productivity, this tool comes with a 15-amp motor that cuts through any material with ease. The motor offers a maximum no-load speed of 4,500 rotations per minute, which is great to accomplish any woodworking task. This tool also offers a great combination of precision and stability; this makes it suitable for even beginners and DIYers.

One unique feature of this tool is that it uses a gear system. This tool works through gears with more significant surfaces than the conventional circular saw. It is a bit pricey, but it offers great power and surface contact. The ergonomic design of this machine also makes it unique and different from other circular saws. It is a perfect combination of plastic and rubber.

This worm drive circular saw comes with a rubberized handle that provides a comfortable and firm grip. The design of the handle also helps to reduce vibration, which increases precision and accuracy while cutting. It comes with a Makita 7.25 inches General Contractor Framing Blade with advanced tooth design. For less maintenance, this machine comes with sealed gear housing and oil bath technology. It offers a bevel capacity of 0-50 degrees with positive stops at 45 degrees and 51.5 degrees.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Circular Saw

If what you are looking for in a worm drive circular saw is comfort, stability, and control, then the Bosch CSW41 is what you need. This worm drive circular saw is exceptionally lightweight and functional and it comes with many great features at a reasonable price. One of the major reasons why this model is very popular is its advanced lubrication system. This feature helps to keep the gears and part in perfect condition automatically; this helps to increase the durability of the tool. The 15-amp motor of this tool delivers a no-load speed of 5,300 rotations per minute; providing torque for a wide range of applications.

This worm drive circular saw provides better control and comfort. The magnesium construction of the worm drive circular saw also delivers a lighter weight tool to enhance productivity and reduce user fatigue. This saw weighs only 13.2 pounds. The worm drive design also offers increased precision and accuracy. Changing the blade and brush of this tool is not an issue, as it comes with an onboard multi-function wrench. With this feature, it only takes a few seconds to change the blade.

It comes with a large bevel capacity of up to 53 degrees and a positive stop at 45 degrees. The bevel and depth adjustment levers are also easy to access, allowing for quick and easy modifications for multiple cuts. The soft grip on the handle also makes the tool very easy to use. The size of its blade is 7.25 inches and it can cut through 2x materials with ease.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

5. Makita 5377MG Magnesium Worm Drive Circular Saw

This is another lightweight worm drive circular saw that delivers great performance. This machine weighs only 13 pounds, thanks to its magnesium construction. The Makita 5377MG is one of the best worm drive circular saw on the market. This tool uses dense windings to create a compact and maneuverable saw that uses a precision-machined, maintenance-free, hypoid gearing system. The gearing system of this machine is heat-treated to prevent them from wearing quickly.

This worm drive circular saw comes with a 15-amp motor that delivers up to 4,500 rotations per minute. It is suitable for professional applications, as it comes with well-balanced magnesium components. The Makita 5377MG comes with a 7.25 inches 24-tooth ultra-coated C.T. saw blade (A-94530-A). With a large cutting capacity, this tool offers a maximum bevel capacity of 5.1 degrees and positive stops at 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 51.5 degrees. This tool comes with an ergonomic handle that offers a better grip when you are using gloves.

For less maintenance, this tool features oil bath technology with an inbuilt fan and sealed gear housing to ensure 100 percent oil surface coating. The rubberized, large levers of this worm drive circular saw also allow for one-handed, quick adjustments. It also has a large cutting capacity of 2.34 inches at a 90-degree angle. The blade also offers clean and fast cuts, thanks to its “M” shaped tooth design.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

6. Rockwell RK3440K Versacut Ultra-Compact Worm Drive Circular Saw

If you are looking for the best compact circular saw with a worm drive design, then you should consider the Rockwell RK3440K Ultra-Compact Worm Drive Circular Saw. This tool is ideal for both homebuilders and professional carpenters and you can use it to cut through several types of materials such as wooden tiles, plastic, metal, and of course, woods. This is a versatile tool that comes with an ergonomic design, which helps to reduce fatigue and save your time while working on different surfaces.

It comes with a powerful 4-amp motor that delivers a no-load speed of up to 3,500 rotations per minute. It comes with a carry case a three-blade kit that is perfect for a wide range of applications. The slim grip handle and ergonomic design enhances comfort and improves grip and control. It also supports a one-hand operation, which means the other hand would be free to support or hold the material you are cutting.

It comes with an inbuilt laser guide that provides you with precise and accurate cuts. Featuring a 120-inch long power cord, this tool provides you with ultimate freedom during use. Your cut-line will also be free from sawdust, thanks to its dust extraction adapter. This provides you with improved visibility when cutting. It also lets you adjust the depth when cutting through hardwood as well as other surfaces. This worm drive circular saw prevents accidental starting, thanks to its lock-off feature.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

7. DEWALT DCS577B Flexvolt Worm Drive Circular Saw

The DCS577B is another great power tool from DEWALT. This is one of the best worm drive circular saws out there and it comes with some great, unique features. This tool comes with a left-side blade design, providing you with an optimized line of sight. It comes with an efficient brushless motor for accurate, smooth cuts and long runtime. For faster and clean cuts, the motor of this tool delivers up to 5,800 rotations per minute, which is powerful enough to cut through various types of materials.

For durability and high-performance, this worm drive circular saw comes with a high-grade magnesium shoe. It also comes with an electric hand brake that stops the blade from rotating immediately you release the trigger. This is a very important safety feature that will also save you time while working. The bevel capacity of this worm drive circular saw is 53 degrees and it has positive stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees. If you need something truly cordless then make sure to get a good cordless circular saw.

The 7.25 inches blade of this machine offers a cutting depth of 2.44 inches at a 90-degree angle. It is also pretty easy to use, thanks to its rafter hook. Thanks to its onboard wrench storage, you can change the blade conveniently and easily. This worm drive circular saw can cut through various materials such as lumber, plywood, hardwood, and more.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

8. Hitachi C7WDM Worm Drive Circular Saw

If you are looking for worm drive circular saw for woodworking, efficiency, and power, you should consider the Hitachi C7WDM Worm Drive Circular Saw. This robust worm drive circular saw comes with a well-made and solid metal housing. It also comes with a powerful 15-amp motor that produces a no-load speed of 5,000 rotations per minute. The motor is powerful enough to cut through several types of materials.

This tool is a bit heavier, as it weighs about 15 pounds. It comes with a 7.25 inches, 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade. This tool offers a maximum cutting depth of 2.4 inches. It also offers a cutting depth of 1.88 inches at 45 degrees. This machine comes with durable gears for longer life and professional results. The depth and bevel adjustment levers enhance toughness and real-world usability.

For easy storage and safer rafter placement, this tool comes with a three-position rafter hook. It also comes with a soft grip handle that provides comfort and reduces vibration. For an added bonus, this tool comes with two blades. It is also covered by the 5-year tool warranty of Hitachi.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

9. Milwaukee 6477-20 Worm Drive Circular Saw

The Milwaukee 6477-20 is the last worm drive circular saw on our list and it is another great option to consider. This machine is highly durable and it performs very well under heavy load. It comes with a 15-amp motor that delivers a maximum no-load speed of 4,400 revolutions per minute. The blade of this tool can also drive through tough materials with ease, thanks to its hardened steel gearing system.

Monitoring the oil levels of this machine is also easy and hassle-free, thanks to its in-house oil site glass. It comes with a composite shoe that prevents it from warping or bending. This tool features a full magnesium construction, which contributes to the durability and high-performance of the tool. It features a left-hand design and a maximum bevel capacity of 51.5 degrees.

This worm drive circular saw is durable and easy to use. However, it is on the higher end of the weight spectrum. This tool might not be our pick, but it comes with a lot of great features that tend to please many customers.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Buyer’s Guide: Things to Look Out For When Buying a Worm Drive Circular Saw

Like any other saw, worm drive circular saws come with a series of features and functions. However, not all the features will actually be useful. Many worm drive circular saws are designed for a specific purpose or task. Even if they can handle a wide range of tasks that does not mean that they are best suited for it.

There are certain features and functionalities you need to consider when buying a worm drive circular saw. Putting these factors into consideration will save you a lot of money, time, and stress in the long run. Here are some of the things you need to look out for before investing in a worm drive circular saw.

The Size of the Saw

Worm drive circular saws come in different sizes and shapes, which means they are all not applicable to the same task. Larger tools are capable of cutting through more materials in a single pass than smaller tools. They are also stronger. However, they are weightier. Average models offer more precision than larger models do. The bigger the size of the tool, the larger the blade, and the more the weight.

However, they are much easier to maneuver and transport. Average models also feature great maneuverability and they are capable of performing a wide range of tasks.

So we recommend you go for an average-sized saw. However, this still depends on your choice and your intended use for the tool. Your budget will also play a part in this one.

Motor

One of the most important things you should put into consideration before picking out a worm drive circular saw is the motor. You need to pay close attention to the motor of the tool. In fact, the motor is the most important part of a worm drive circular saw. The last thing you want is to settle for a tool with an unreliable and weak motor.

These days, for a full-sized worm drive circular saw, it is easy to find a 15-amp motor that delivers a running power of about 4,500 to 5,400 rotations per minute. This is a considerably large amount of power to cut through various materials.

As such, we recommend that you should not settle for anything less than 4,000 rotations per minute. If you settle for something below that, you might likely end up with an unpowered tool. However, there is an exception to mini or compact worm drive circular saws. These models often come with RPMs lower than our recommended figure, but they are designed for specific purposes, and they perform greatly.

Safety Features

Safety is one of the most crucial aspects of purchasing any kind of tool. Fortunately, worm drive circular saws already feature great safety designs, with grips behind and above the blade itself. The saw design prevents you from danger.

However, there are other safety features you need to look out for, such as electric brakes. This feature is very important, as it helps to stop the blade from spinning when you release the trigger of the tool. This will keep you and your workers safe and also save you time.

Bevel Capacity

Another thing to put into consideration before picking out a worm drive circular saw is the bevel capacity. All worm drive circular saws do come with the ability to cut at a bevel angle. Nevertheless, the best worm drive circular saw will provide you with a larger bevel capacity, which means you can make cuts at greater angles. Some tools also feature bevel stops at frequently used angles.

With this feature, you can lock the machine into position and cut without worrying that you make a mess of the cut. Worm drive circular saws usually come with at least 45 degrees bevel. Nevertheless, some models can go over 50 degrees. Some of the most common bevel stops are 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 51.5 degrees.

Cutting Depth

The cutting depth of a worm drive circular saw is another important aspect. However, the depth of cut varies from model to model. It also depends on the size of the blade as well as its positioning.

You can even find some models with higher cutting depth. In all, you should go for a model that is suitable for the task you want to use it for.

Dust Blower

This is considered an extra feature that comes in pretty handy when cutting. Many models lack this feature, especially those with a very low price tag. It is now seen as a standard among top models.

This feature helps to remove sawdust from the line of cut, keeping the work area free and clean. This would provide you with a better line of sight, resulting in faster and cleaner cuts. Some of them also come with a dust extraction adapter that does not just blow dust but collects dust and wastes from materials, keeping the workspace clean always.

The Weight of the Saw

Circular saws are handheld devices. As such, weight plays a major role in the usability of the tool. For quick tasks, weight might not really be an issue. However, for bigger projects, the weight of the tool will be noticeable. Using a heavy tool for a long period of time will result in fatigue and pain. Hence, we recommend you opt for a lightweight option if you would be using this tool for a long time.

Conclusion

Worm drive circular saws are there for jobs that are beyond the traditional sidewinder saw. They are more durable, with more cutting power and reach. Nevertheless, they are a little bit heavier than other saw designs and they require more strength to wield. However, when you settle for the best worm drive circular saw in the market, you will have the right balance of weight, cutting power, durability and more.

Our top pick is the Makita 5377MG because it is easy to use, lightweight, and offers great balance, smooth operation, and power.