Best Worm Drive Saws in 2023 – Top Picks, Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Woodworkers know that different types of jobs require various tools, depending on the complexity of the work. If you are handling projects that need more power, then you need to have the best worm drive saws.

These are unique saws that have a gearing system, so they produce more torque as compared to other regular circular saws. Worm drive saws are perfect for professionals and people who are serious about DIY jobs.

There is a multitude of worm drive saws on the market today. So, how do you ensure that you get the right tool for your workshop? What are some of the most vital factors that you should consider when buying a worm drive saw?

To make your selection work easier, we have sampled some of the top worm drive saws that you can find on the market today. We have also given you a detailed buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Why Worm Drive Saw

As mentioned before, worm drive saws have more torque than any other circular saw. The blade is positioned on the left side, making it easy to make right-handed cuts. A worm drive is also rigid and does not give room for any wobbling giving you precise and accurate cuts all the time.

The great torque power of this saw allows it to make great and swift cuts even on dense materials. These are some of the features that make the worm drive saw so popular with most carpenters.

The worm drive saw design also lasts up to four times longer than most conventional saw designs. The saw gives more torque, the best accuracy, and power than any other saw.

It is the best when it comes to making cuts. It may be heavier than most, but it gives you such good performance that it makes up for the bulkiness of the saw. Some saws have been made lighter, which is even better and ensures for longer use.

There are many benefits that you will enjoy from a worm drive saw. Some of them include the following:

• They are easy to use and can cut a wide range of materials.
• The saws are powerful and provide fast cutting speed.
• Offers a better capacity as compared to normal circular saws.
• The saws are sturdy and durable.
• You can easily view the cutting line hence achieve accurate results.

Best Worm Drive Saws – Quick Table

10 Best Worm Drive Saws – Reviews for 2022

With all these benefits, worm drive saws are becoming popular among many people. After testing a wide range of products, the following are our recommended worm drive saws that you can consider investing in.

1. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Worm Drive Saw

This worm drive saw is one of the lightest saws in the market. It allows you to make cuts for a long time without tiring you out with the weight. It has a powerful 15 amp dual-field motor that gives you the best speed and power to handle tough projects. The dual-field motor also cools itself during long days at work to prevent overheating.

The saw has a maximum cutting capacity of 2-3/8 inches at 90-degrees. It also has a maximum bevel capacity of 53-degrees with positive stops at 0 and 45-degrees. Moreover, it comes with a multi-function wrench that allows you to change blades easily. The saw has a 24-tooth blade that is carbide-tipped for accurate and precise cuts.

The SKILSAW worm drive saw has a blade guard that offers protection to the blade when it is not in use. It also ensures that the blade won’t snag when making cuts on thinner materials. The saw has a rugged magnesium housing that helps cool the engine when in use. The motor cuts at 5300 RPM making it one of the most powerful motors available.

What we liked

• Light magnesium housing to reduce fatigue while List.
• Provides quick and accurate cuts.
• Anti-snag blade guard for smooth operation.
• Powerful motor for quicker cuts and high cut precision.
• Powerful 24-tooth blade for cutting thick material.

What we didn’t like

• Is not shipped with lubricating oil.
• Bends easily making it hard to make cuts.

2. DEWALT DWS535 7-1/4 Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw

This worm drive saw by DEWALT, the world-leading expert on power tools. As you can expect, it has the best properties that you could ever get. The saw has magnesium construction that makes it good for consumer handling. Its design is lightweight, making it easy to use. The saw makes fast and accurate cuts for the best results.

Don’t let the lightweight design fool you. This machine is heavy-duty enough to handle difficult tasks to perform. The magnesium construction makes the saw durable and has a cast magnesium shoe that makes for a solid and rigid platform. It gives a speed of 4800 RPM and a depth cut of 2-7/16″ at 90 degrees.

The saw has a top, easily accessible spindle lock. This allows for easy and quick blade change that saves time. It can accept a wide range of materials, up to 2-1/2 inches wide. It has a long cord with a Cord Protection System that protects against jerking and ensures you operate safely. The saw also has bevel detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees for quick and accurate cuts.

What we liked

• Easy to set up and use.
• Lightweight construction with magnesium housing for easy user handling.
• Cast magnesium footplate for a solid and tough cutting platform.
• Cord protection that offers jerk protection when the machine is in use.
• Versatility.

What we didn’t like

• Not suitable for smaller jobs.
• Is a bit heavy.

3. DEWALT DCS577B Flexvolt 60V Max 7-1/4″ Framing Saw

Here is yet another masterpiece from DEWALT. The saw features an optimized line of sight. It also has a left-side blade. The handle is located at the back of the saw, so it gives you a clear line of sight when making cuts. It also makes smooth, accurate, and precise cuts. This worm drive saw has a high-grade magnesium shoe and gives longer runtime for continued use.

The saw also has an electric hand brake, and the brake stops the blade after releasing the trigger for safety purposes. It has a bevel capacity of 53 degrees with positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. It can cut materials with a depth of 2-7/16 inches at 90 degrees. It also has a rafter hook that makes for easy use.

There is also onboard wrench storage that makes it easy and convenient when changing blades. The saw can be used in a variety of materials like plywood, hardwood, and lumber. It is used by professionals due to its versatility and different uses.  The saw also has multiple bevel stops at 22.5, 45, and 53 degrees.  The brushless motor makes for smooth and accurate cuts.

What we liked

• Offers versatility in cutting.
• An electronic brake that stops the blade once the trigger is released.
• Has a dust blower that removes the dust and leaves a clear line of site during cutting.
• Has a brushless motor that offers long runtime.
• Powerful, long-lasting battery.

What we didn’t like

• Heavy and bulky.

4. Bosch 1677M 7-1/4-inch 120-Volt Worm drive Saw

Here is another amazing worm drive saw from Bosch. The saw has a left-side blade design famous for offering a clear line of sight and unmatched blade visibility. It features a built-in hook for storage when making cuts and has an anti-snag lower guard. This guard minimizes snagging when making cuts.

Powerful 15 Amp motor that makes it easy to make cuts. It also delivers powerful torque that makes smooth, precise, and accurate cuts. The motor is long-lasting, ensuring you get continuous use from the saw. It uses electric power with a cord for continuous use. The motor has ball bearings with a worm drive train for accurate cuts.

The saw has a die-cast magnesium footplate. This footplate gives a rigid and strong platform for great stability. It has a great bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45 degrees.

The great motor gives a strong cutting power that can cut through any material, plywood, lumber, or even hardwood. It has a strong blade that can withstand hardwood, even one with nails on it. The saw is also designed to handle great stress. You can drop it on a hard surface, and you won’t get even a dent on it.

What we liked

• Made from hard, durable material that can withstand pressure.
• Perfect weight balance for easy use.
• Anti-snag lower guard to reduce snagging.
• Powerful motor that can cut through any material.
• Powerful blade for clean and accurate cuts.

What we didn’t like

• The blade can easily bend.

5. Ridgid R3210 Saw 7-1/4-inch Circular Worm Drive

Ridgid R3210 Saw is a lightweight tool that is easy to use and provides smooth and accurate cuts. Its carbide blade has 24 teeth that make smooth cuts and can stay sharp for a long time. It has a magnesium build with an aluminum base for durability and ease of use.

The saw has easily accessible external brushes that offer convenience when working. The heavy-duty design gives high material torque and higher power. It also has a powerful 15 amp motor that gives up to 4400 rpm.

This power enables the machine to handle heavy-duty work without tiring you out. This one also has a left side blade that gives a clear line of vision when cutting.

It also has a spindle lock design that allows for easy blade change. It also has a large lever that allows for easy depth and bevel cuts. It has a bevel angle of 51.5 degrees for making a wide range of cuts. It has a high visibility scale that makes it easy to make accurate readings.

What we liked

• 24 tooth carbide tipped blade for smooth, accurate cuts.
• Spindle lock design for easy blade change.
• Magnesium builds with an aluminum base that makes it lightweight and durable.
• Left side blade for a clear line of sight visibility.
• High torque and power.

What we didn’t like

• Hard to find the specific lube for the saw.

6. SKIL 5480-01 7-1/4-inch Circular Saw Kit

This saw is lighter than previous designs and provides more power that makes the saw easy to use and works quickly. The SKIL saw has a stable foot that allows you to make accurate cuts easily. It has a 13 amp motor that gives more than enough power to rip through different types of wood. The saw allows you to handle heavy-duty work like building decks and sheds.

Its foot is wider than other designs that lending it more stability for clear and smooth cuts. The saw also has trigger safety locks for safety. The lock prevents accidental starts and provides protection when the saw is not in use. Its motor has a ball bearing design that ensures that the saw lasts for a long time.

This saw is perfect for DIYers. It is easy to use so that even those who are not professionals can figure out how to use the saw. It also has a rear lever depth adjustment that allows you to make quick depth changes for great accuracy. It has an 18 toothed blade that makes the smoothest cuts and a wrench for easy blade change.

What we liked

• Stable foot for accurate and precise cuts.
• More power and lighter design.
• Wide foot for added stability. 
• Trigger lock safety design that prevents accidental start-ups.
• Easy to use by professionals and DIY-ers.

What we didn’t like

• The blade might be lost and give inaccurate cuts.

7. Milwaukee Circular Worm Drive Saw

This saw has the perfect blend of cutting power, control, and comfort. It has a 15 amp motor that gives good cutting power. It gives the power of a worm-drive saw but is one-third lighter. Has a left-side located blade that gives right-handed users clear sight visibility.

It also has an adjustable Tilt-Lock handle that provides comfort when making cuts.  It also has a thick aluminum shoe that can tilt up to 50 degrees for making bevel cuts. It also has a carbide-tipped blade for smoother and precise cuts.

Using this tool provides you with accurate results. It features a left-mount blade that provides a clear line of visibility when you are handling your projects. For easy storage, it includes a blow-molded storage case.

What we liked

• Adjustable handle for a good ergonomic grip.
• Both handles have cushioned grips for comfort when working.
• Powerful motor for quick and precise cuts.
• Lightweight.
• Anti-bending aircraft aluminum shoe.

What we didn’t like

• Not suitable for left-handed people.
• The saw might slide around which makes it hard to make accurate cuts.

8. Hitachi C7WDM 7-1/4 Worm Drive Circular Saw

This is a quality worm drive saw that is designed for power. It has a 15 amp motor that makes an easy job of cutting through tough materials. It gives quick and easy cuts on different materials. It also has a soft-grip handle that reduces vibrations and provides comfort when working.

Its worm drive gears are constructed for longer use and give the most accurate results. The saw is suitable for handling tough and heavy jobs. It also has steel levers and a rafter hook that increase the rigidity of the saw.

If you need a worm drive saw that is durable, this one is the right model. It is designed with durable components making it ideal for professionals. You will also love the 3-position hook that offers an easy time when you want to replace the rafter.

What we liked

• Powerful motor for great power and precise cutting.
• Steel and depth adjustment levers provide toughness. 
• The rafter hook has 3 positions for a safe placement.
• Soft handle for reduced vibrations.
• Heavy-duty construction for durability and long use.

What we didn’t like

• Heavy and bulky design.
• Not as much power as other saws.

9. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw

SKILSAW has been making quality tools for quite some time. Their products are designed with the needs of users in mind. In their series of worm drive saws, the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 can be a great addition to your tool. This saw features a powerful 15 amp motor that provides the right amount of power for simple and tough applications. You can cut through the lumbar without taking too much time.

Even when you are handling difficult jobs, the motor of the saw remains cool; hence it will last longer. This worm drive circular saw provides you with a large cutting capacity of 2 3/8 inches at 90 degrees. You will also have a bevel capacity of 53 degrees and positive stops at 0 degrees and 45 degrees.

Another great aspect of this worm drive saw is the lightweight construction that makes it simple to use. The saw has a light magnesium construction so you will not experience fatigue when working. You can get the best results with this tool when dealing with applications such as framing, siding, ceiling, and decking, among others.

When you are looking for a worm drive saw, you need to consider a saw that provides smooth and accurate results. This is exactly what this tool provides you. It features an anti-snag lower guard to guarantee a smooth operation.

What we liked

• Has a powerful motor.
• The tool is lightweight.
• Offers a smooth operation.
• Provides accurate cutting.
• Easy to change the blade.

What we didn’t like

• The saw bends result in poor cuts.

10. DEWALT DWS535B  7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw

A circular saw is an essential and versatile tool that you need to handle a wide range of cutting tasks. If you are looking for worm drive saw recommendations, try DEWALT DWS535B7-1/4-Inch, and I know you will love it. This is a high-quality saw that will help you do your work with accuracy. The saw features a lightweight yet strong aluminum construction for durability.

This is among the right worm drive saws that offer strength, comfort, and easy handling. In regards to the cutting power, it has a 15 amp motor that provides 4800 RPM hence faster cuts. You can enjoy a bevel of 53 degrees when using it for advanced applications.

When it comes to safety, the manufacturer had that in mind. The saw is designed with an electric brake that stops the blade when you release the trigger. This ensures that you are safe all the time when using this saw. Another aspect of this saw is the tough cord protection system that has four times better cord jerk protection as compared to other worm drive saws.

What we liked

• Lightweight and easy to use.
• The saw offers strength.
• Safe to use.
• Made with durable materials.

What we didn’t like

• Doesn’t have a wrench.

Buyer’s Guide

A worm drive saw is ideal if you intend to handle demanding jobs that need more power. How do you select the right worm drive saw? There are a few things that you need to know of before buying a worm drive saw, and these include:

The Motor

One of the essential features of any saw is the motor. This is what drives the saw and gives it its cutting ability. The motor in worm drive saws is usually placed at the back. This allows the saw to transfer power faster and reduces the blade speed allowing you to get more torque. Most of the saws have a 15 amp motor. This provides the right type of power for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Ergonomics

Ergonomic designs allow you to have control over the machine when you are working. The design reduces vibrations when you are working, making it easy for you to work without constant movement. Find a saw that has the perfect balance between power and ergonomics. This ensures that you will get a powerful tool that is also easy to use.

Cordless or Corded

Choosing whether the machine you want will be corded or cordless is one of the hardest decisions. Both designs have their advantages, and you will need to get a design that will suit your needs.

The cordless design gives you great mobility since you won’t have a cord hindering your movements. This design, however, has a lot less power than a corded saw, but that is a sacrifice you can make for the added comfort of flexibility.

A corded saw is one that is more equipped to handle heavy jobs. It has much more power and torque than a cordless saw. But as you can guess, it offers less mobility since the area you cover will depend on the length of the cord.

Worm Drive or Hypoid Gearboxes

This is one of the important questions to ask yourself. So how do you decide? Well here’s how; a worm drive saw uses a combination of a high-speed motor and a reduction gear for more torque. They are more powerful and can reach speeds lower blade speeds making it easy to cut through hardwood.

Now the difference between a worm drive gearbox and a hypoid gearbox comes in at this point. A worm drive gearbox requires regular servicing and maintenance for it to stay in good working order. A hypoid gearbox, on the other hand, is sealed when it is manufactured. This ensures that you don’t need to service the gearbox regularly.

YouTube Video Credit This Old House

Type of Blade

Most worm drive and hypoid saws have a versatile blade. This blade is designed to make rip and crosscuts. This might come in handy sometimes, but it does not give the same cut that you would get from a specialized blade. Some of the different blade saws with different cutting purposes include;

Fine-tooth finishing– fine tooth blades are more suited to make clean cuts due to their many teeth. This makes them good for finishing jobs.

Paneling– paneling blades are the best when it comes to dealing with light materials like plywood, laminates, and plastics. They are, however, not suitable for dealing with heavier materials.

Cutting nails– this blade is specifically designed to cut through wood that has nails and other materials embedded in it. The blades are normally carbide-tipped to withstand this condition.

Ripping– this is a special ripping blade that allows you to cut with the grain.

Crosscut– this type of cut will need a blade that can cut across the grain. This kind of blade makes for poor ripping because it may overload the saw.

Blade Quality

When looking for a good quality blade, you might also want to consider the price. Don’t just buy expensive blades because you believe they are of good quality. Find affordable but good-quality blades because cheaper blades might dull out easily.

Number of Teeth      

Blades that have more teeth make cleaner cuts. They are, however, more expensive as the number of teeth directly correlates with the price of the blade.

Blades with fewer teeth might be cheaper but may clog due to the bigger chunks that create wider cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

Different saws come with different features. Some are more equipped to handle heavy work while others are better for doing easy and light work. The saws mentioned above are the best worm drive saws.

They will give you the most power that you can get out of the saws. They also come at affordable prices and can withstand heavy work. They are easy to use by both professionals and amateurs. Get yourself one of these, and you will be making the smoothest and most accurate cuts ever.

Relevant Resources:

• The 8 Best Compact & Mini Circular Saws in 2022 -Reviews & Buying Guide
• The 8 Best Circular Saw reviews in 2022 –Top Picks & Buying Guide