Are you in need of a drive saw? Probably you are. However, not any worm drive saw can do the job. Only the best worm drive saw can raise the productivity of your workshop.
It is more than a handy tool and marks the differences between efficiency and poor functionality. Due to the many choices in the market currently, it is difficult to make a perfect choice. However, this choice becomes easier once you realize what you need in your worm drive saw. Although they seem alike, the worm drive saw is the one that fulfills your basic needs.
The worm drive saw should have an ergonomic design that allows easier handling and also lowers fatigue. The rotations of the blade per minute also differ with the choices of the worm drive saw. The higher the RPM, the more influential the saw, but the user also dictates the choice. The source of power and the portability and ease of mobility are other crucial factors that you should evaluate when looking for the right kind of drive saw. Therefore, if you are looking for the top worm drive saw, this is a place to start.
Check out more of our product reviews on the best beginner table saw, the best circular saw, the best cheap chainsaw.
Top 10 Best Worm Drive Saw for the Money
01. DeWalt DCS577X1, Worm Drive Saw
Product Features
- A 7 ¼ inch cutting depth
- 5800 rpm engine
- Magnesium shoe (Durable)
- 53-degree bevel range
- Flexible battery easily paired with other DeWalt models
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: DeWalt
- Brand: DeWalt DCS577X1
- Dimension: 14.57 x 19.69 x 8.07 inches
- Weight: 10.9lbs
Product Description and Performance
The starting choice for the worm drive saw is the DeWaltFlexvolt. This is a smart choice between cost, portable saw, and a powerful tool for your home or work workshop. The saw provides a deep cutting depth of 7 ¼ inches, loaded by a whopping 5800 rpm. Further, it is not a heavy saw nonetheless and weighs a portable 11 lbs. Its versatility also peaks its performance since its battery can be paired seamlessly with other DeWalt worm drive saws.
Pros
- Powerful blade with 2400-watt output
- Battery-powered hence easily portable
- Embedded dust blower for clarity
- Long life of the battery
- Durable Magnesium Shoe
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- Separate batteries
02. Milwaukee 6477-20, Best Worm Drive Saw
Product Features
- Motor-driven lade at 4400 RPM
- Composite shoe
- Durable and lightweight magnesium body
- Transparent oil window for instant monitoring
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Brand: Milwaukee 647720
- Dimension: 7 – 14 inches
- Weight: 15lbs
Product Description and Performance
A defining feature of this choice of the worm drive saw is it’s an excellent cut. However, it also comes with a powerful performance of high torque at 4400 RPM. One of the suitable worm drives saw since it does not bog down, especially under heavy loads. It’s a hardened steel gearing, which allows the maximum torque. Besides, it comes with a heavy-duty shoe made up of composite material.
Pros
- Powerful motor 15 Amp
- A composite shoe for durability
- Lightweight magnesium body
- Hardened steel gearing
Cons
- Very heavy
- No ergonomic design
- A bit expensive
03. Skilsaw SPT70V-11
Product Features
- Dual field motor
- 6 ¼ inch cut
- Bevels angle of 00 and 450
- Blade rotation at 2500 RPM
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Chervon- SKIL
- Brand: Skilsaw SPT70V-11
- Dimension: 24.5 x 10 x 17.5 inches
- Weight: 27.3lbs
Product Description and Performance
Also known as the Super Sawquatch, this is the most appropriate worm drive saw that you should consider. It is made entirely of magnesium to keep consistency with its lightweight and durable build. Also, it is corded, which provides constant power to its powerful motor at 2500 RPM. Moreover, this product offers a 6 ¼ inch clean cut even at challenging projects. Furthermore, it has a dual field motor that allows cooling for peak performance. Its bevel angel ends at 0 degrees and 45 degrees.
Pros
- Strong and powerful dual field motor
- Sturdy and durable body
- High blade rotation
- Deep cutting capacity
Cons
- Heavy for high ground projects
- Lacks dust clearing
04. Makita 5477NB
Product Features
- Hypoid gear
- Oil bath technology
- 450 and 51.50
- Powerful 15 amp motor
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Makita
- Brand: Makita 5477NB
- Dimension: 21 x 9 x 12 inches
- Weight: 15lbs
Product Description and Performance
When the choice of the top worm drive saw comes to price, the Makita Hypoid saw provides the best return. Its technology differs in the form of a hypoid gears, enabling more surface contact than conventional ones. Further, its power is maximized by the 15 amp motor and an oil bath technology for cooling and lubrication. The bevel stops at 450 and 51.50, which are both ideals for rafter and trust cutting.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ergonomic design
- Hypoid gears for more surface area
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Powerful vibrations
- Plastic parts are not durable
- Less accurate cuts
05. Skilsaw SPT77WML-01, Best Worm Drive Saw
Product Features
- Blade rotation at 5300 RPM
- Dual copper windings
- 15 amp motor
- 530 Bevel stop
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Chervon-SKIL
- Brand: Skilsaw SPT77WML-01
- Dimension: 20.5x 7.75 x 8.75 inches
- Weight: 11.5lbs
Product Description and Performance
This is a suitable worm drive saw in terms of ergonomic design. It is made to provide less user fatigue for extended periods. However, it has a 53-degree bevel, which allows different types of cuts. Moreover, its 15 amp motor drives a powerful blade at 5300 RPM. It is also made of dual copper windings that are meant to keep the motor cool during operation, hence ideal for long projects.
Pros
- Relatively lightweight
- Dual copper winding for better cooling
- Ergonomic design for less fatigue
- High blade rotation at 5300 RPM
- Anti-snag lower guard
Cons
- High vibrations
- Relatively expensive
- No comfortable grip
06. DeWalt DWS535
Product Features
- 15 amp motor
- High Blade rotation at 4800 RPM
- Magnesium construction
- 7 ¼ inch Circular Saw
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: DeWalt
- Brand: DeWalt DWS535
- Dimension: 8.88 x 21.81 x 8.63 inches
- Weight: 17.95 lbs
Product Description and Performance
As you may have noted, DeWalt is notable for making the top worm drive saw suited to personal projects. This one packs a relatively high blade RPM at 4800. This is a high torque that does not struggle even under severe loads. Also, you can change the blade to suit different needs without much trouble. Furthermore, its lightweight build is ensured by the high use of magnesium in its body, allowing high ground projects.
Pros
- Lightweight build for high ground projects
- High blade rotation
- Easy blade changes
- Long-lasting and rugged motor
- Electric brake
Cons
- Too lightweight for heavy project
07. Makita XSR01PT
Product Features
- Powered by two 18V Lithium-Ion batteries
- Blade rotation at 5100 RPM
- Brushless motors
- Automatic change of speed and torque
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Makita
- Brand: Makita XSR01PT
- Dimension: 10.7 x 23.6 x 14.2 inches
- Weight: 12.4 lbs
Product Description and Performance
As a choice for the top worm drive saw, this one provides maximum portability. It is powered by two batteries, which provide full power with a blade rotation of 5100 RPM. Further, it has a shallow but adequate cut depth of 2 9/16 inches. Also, it has a brushless motor hence more cooling for prolonged durations. Moreover, it is capable of adjusting cutting speed and torque automatically.
Pros
- Highly portable
- Powerful batteries
- Best worm saw for 2x planks
Cons
- Stressful to charge the batteries
- Shallow cutting depth
- Misaligned cut gauge
- Constant blade bog down
08. Bosch CSW41
Product Features
- Blade rotation at 5300 RPM
- 15 Amp motor
- Multi-function Wrench for blade and burhs changes
- Tool hook
- Anti-snag lower guard
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bosch
- Brand: Bosch CSW41
- Dimension: 20.75 x 7.75 x 8.88 inches
- Weight: 15 lbs
Product Description and Performance
Its ergonomic design allows long durations of work with less fatigue as expected from the worm drive saw. Its worm drive design is made for peak accuracy with a left blade side design that gives a clear sight for the cut line. Moreover, it has a high rotation rate of 5300 RPM that delivers high torque. At 13.2 pounds, it is lightweight enough to operate on high grounds. Also, it comes with an anti-snug lower guard that is smooth when cutting small cut-offs.
Pros
- Provides a smooth cut
- Relatively cheap
- Very strong
- Ergonomic Design
Cons
- Fast engine decline
- No oil; hence hard to lubricate
- Ships with no casing or protection
09. Skilsaw SPT70WM-01
Product Description and Performance
This an offshoot of the great worm saw from the Sawsquatch line. It packs a bigger saw compared to the super squatch examined earlier. It has a powerful torque at 4600 RPM and provides a cutting depth of 3 11/16 inches. Further, the magnesium build enhances its durability. A 15 amp dual field motor gives more power and is more durable than a standard worm drive motor. An anti-snug lower guard is ideal for smooth operation coupled with a 51-degree bevel for broader cuts.
Product Features
- 15 amp dual field motor
- High blade rotation of 4600 RPM
- Anti-snag lower guard
- 510 bevels stop
- Dual Field Motor
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: SKIL
- Brand: Skilsaw SPT70WM-01
- Dimension: 25 x 8.75 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 16.45 lbs
Pros
- Anti-snag lower guard for small cut off pieces
- Dual Field Motor for more power and durability
- 4x cuts in a single pass
- Relatively light compared to its power
- No bogging down
Cons
- Poor pre-installed blade
- Shallow cutting capacity
10. Makita 5377MG
Product Features
- Blade rotation at 4500 RPM
- 15 Amp motor
- Hypoid gears
- Oil bath technology
- Retractable tool hook
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Makita
- Brand: Makita 5377MG
- Worm Drive Saw Dimension: 21.75 x 11.75 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 13.2 lbs.
Product Description and Performance
This is one of the most suitable drives saw from Makita. This specific brand combines most of the best technologies that we have looked at in other worm drive saws. It has a 15 Amp motor with an impressive 4500 RPM. This product is made of magnesium, which lowers its weight while making it more durable. Moreover, a retractable hook is ideal for keeping tools very close. A hypoid steel gear prevents wear and tear while using an oil bath technology keeps well lubricated and cool. Large rubberized levels are ideal for long work durations.
Pros
- Lightweight hence ideal for high ground projects
- Hypoid gears and magnesium construct
- Well balanced
- Portable
- More torque
Cons
- Low-quality components
- Blade drifts after heavy work
Buying Guide
RPM
The best worm drive saw will provide a high rotation of the blade without a load. The more the rotation, the powerful the motor, which translates into more power. Most of the most fantastic worm drive saws that we have examined range between 4100mto 5400 RPMs, which is ideal. However, the rotation should not diminish significantly under load, which allows more torque.
Portability
You also need to evaluate the weight of your selection. The worm drive saw should give you a range of movement. The ideal worm drive saw is lightweight and portable. This allows you to climb with the saw for high-ground projects and also work on inclined projects. Worm drive saws with a battery pack provide the best mix between weight and portability. Further, you should consider this when you need to be moving to different sections of your workshop.
Cutting Depth
The blade comes with a shoe, which means that only a portion of the blade is one for cutting. The depth of this cutting part is a significant determinant. Certainly, the worm drive saw should give you the maximum depth for your projects. The type of project determines the cutting depth. Thin woods do not call for a deep cutting edge. Moreover, you can focus on other qualities such as portability or even ergonomics. However, cutting depth matters when you are cutting thick woods or strong ones.
Lubrication
We saw one worm drive saw without lubrication. This is not ideal for a worm drive saw since it increases the rate of wear and tear. The top worm drive saw comes with a lubrication mechanism inbuilt in the saw. The best technologies offer an oil bath that keeps the saw constantly lubricated and cool. Poor lubrication can damage the blade and the gears, thus reducing the life of the worm drive saw.
Power
The source of power is another significant consideration for the worm drive saw. Most comes with an extended cord that draws power from the mains. The length of the cord limits the range of movement but provides a constant supply of power indefinitely. However, if you work in remote places, carrying your capacity is ideal. Therefore, you need a battery-powered worm drive saw that is lightweight, portable, and reduces fatigue.
Motor Technology
The motor is the engine of your worm drive saw and should be carefully considered. Brushless motors offer the best performance without being limited by friction or excess heat. This not only reduces fast wear and tear but also increases the performance of the worm drive saw. Dual Field Motors provides better cooling for your worm drive saw, making for the ideal motor technology for the suitable worm drive saw. Always consider the costs of running the worm drive saw since it may determine your projects’ progress most of the time.
Blade Shoe
The blade shoe is the primary safety feature in the worm drive saw. It is mainly made of magnesium to protect against wear and tear while keeping the worm drive saw as lightweight as possible. Magnesium is compact, challenging, and durable, which provides the best safeguard and protection while working. The worm drive saw should always protect the user, and thus you should select one that provides a durable blade shoe that is resistant to corrosion.
Construction Material
The best worm drive saw is made up of magnesium or a composite of tough and durable materials. Steel is heavy but makes for sturdy material and is used for some parts. You should always avoid plastic components since they are less stable and pose a safety hazard given the nature of the work drive saw. The handles should also be rubberized to ensure maximum comfort while allowing for a firm grip on the worm drive saw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a worm drive saw safe?
Yes, it is safe to use as it comes with a saw shoe that protects you from contact with the blade. It is also housed, which reduces the possibility of any contact with the worm drive saw’s internal components.
How does a worm drive saw work?
A worm drive saw works through a motor that is attached to the rear end of the blade. This motor gets power from the cord or battery pack at the back. The motor is levered by gears, which allow more torque during the blade’s rotation with fewer RPMs. Two gears are attached to the motor, and they are set at 900 to allow more torque and fewer RPMs.
What is the difference between worm drive and hypoid saws gears?
The main difference between these two types of gears used in a worm drive saw is the assembly. The different assemblies are used to turn the motor, and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. The worm drive gear uses a right-angled assembly of the gear to turn the blade. However, it is similar to the steering wheel of a car. The hypoid gear on the hand is cornicle in shape and use this arrangement to turn the blade. It is similar to the ack gears of a car.
What is the advantage of a worm drive saw?
It packs additional force that provides high pressure and more torque. This allows it to tear cuts that would be a struggle for a regular circular saw. The compact design is also ideal for enclosed spaces, and it is portable and lightweight to allow mobility. Some designs take different types of blades, which increases the versatility of the worm drive saw.
What is one of the top worm drive saws?
The best worm drive saw should be portable, pack a high torque, and be durable. Many brands fit this category, but their differences will allow you to make the right choice depending on the project type. If you work for extended periods, you should consider one with the best ergonomic design to reduce fatigue. Durable parts ensure that you get a good return for your money and also ensures that projects run uninterrupted for a long time.
What maintenance do I need for my worm drive saw?
Most worm drive saws come with a compact design, and mainly, they have housed bearings. This is complemented by oil baths that keep them well lubricated and cooled. This reduces maintenance for the worm drive saws to a minimum. However, you should always ensure that the blade and other parts are clean to prevent the blade from being stuck.
What causes the blade of a worm drive saw to spin backward?
A backward spinning blade is terrible news, and you should proceed with the setting of the saw until it has been rectified. A worm blade saw uses electrical motors that rotate depending on the direction of the current. This may be caused by an electrical fault and should be corrected immediately.
Conclusion of the best worm drive saw
Are you looking for the best worm drive saw? If yes, then you should take into account the qualities mentioned earlier. However, the best quality is relative since your specific requirements determine it. Thus, not every saw will be ideal for your particular use. Understanding this is key to selecting the appropriate drive saw. One factor that has been overlooked is the costs, and it matters a lot to you.
Further, some worm drive saws require constant maintenance while others are more prone to wear and tear. You should find one that provides the right mix between the two, and thus you will be able to enjoy using your drive saw. The success of your project is hinged on the tools you use. Therefore, choose the suitable worm drive saw for your workshop and minimize the level of regret and improve your productivity.
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