Worm Drive Saw vs Circular Saw – Is There a Difference?
Contents
- Worm Drive Circular Saw vs Regular Circular Saw Reviews
- 1. Skilsaw SPT77W-01 Worm Drive Saw – Overall Best
- 2. Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Saw – Best Tough Cord Protection
- 3. Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Saw – Best Soft Grip Handle
- 4. Dewalt DCS570B Circular Saw – Overall Best
- 5. Craftsman CMES510 Circular Saw – Best Magnesium Shoe
- 6. Skil 5280-01 Circular Saw – Best Beam Laser Guide
- How To Pick The Right Tool
- Blade Capacity
- Depth Of Cut
- Bevel Capacity
- Cutting Speed
- Safety
- Worm Saw Vs Circular Saw (Sidewinder): Making The Choice
- Motor Orientation
- Weight
- Torque and Speed
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Photo by U.S. Navy photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Worm Drive Saw vs Circular Saw: aren’t they the same thing, really? Well, they are related.
A worm drive saw is a type of circular saw. So you can say that all worm drive saws are circular saws, but not all circular saws are worm drive saws.
Circular saws come in two basic styles. One is a worm drive saw with the blade in the front of the motor, and the other one is the regular circular saw or a sidewinder with the blade in the side.
A sidewinder circular saw usually (though not always) has the blade on the right side of the motor so you’ve got a clear view of the right side of the cut. While in a worm drive saw, your clear view would be on the left side.
Framers, carpenters, and other woodworkers would prefer one type over the other, depending on their handedness and working style.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top worm drive saw pick is Skilsaw SPT77W-01. This saw combines jobsite-proven corded power and torque, superior cutting capacity, and versatility.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top sidewinder saw pick is the Dewalt DCS570B. The brushless motor boasts excellent runtime and performance for cutting 2x material as well as ripping sheet goods.
Worm Drive Circular Saw vs Regular Circular Saw Reviews
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Skilsaw SPT77W-01 Worm Drive Saw | 1. Skilsaw SPT77W-01 Worm Drive Saw Top Worm Drive | - Electric corded design - Features a dual-field motor - Lighter construction - 51-degree bevel capacity - Anti-snag lower guard | Check Current Price |
| 2. Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Saw | 2. Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Saw | - 15-amp motor - 7-1/4-inch blade size - Tough cord protection - Extra bevel options - Electric brake stop | Check Current Price |
| 3. Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Saw | 3. Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Saw | - Magnesium construction - Side blade design - 5300 no-load rpm - Onboard accessories provided - Anti-snag lower guard | Check Current Price |
| 4. Dewalt DCS570B Circular Saw | 4. Dewalt DCS570B Circular Saw Top Regular Saw | - Powerful brushless motor - 7-1/4-inch blade capacity - Bevel capacity of up to 57 degrees - 2-9/16-inch depth of cut - Electric brake | Check Current Price |
| 5. Craftsman CMES510 Circular Saw | 5. Craftsman CMES510 Circular Saw | - High performance motor - Durable magnesium shoe - Tool-free beveling shoe pivots - Contoured overmolded handle - Metal upper and lower guard | Check Current Price |
| 6. Skil 5280-01 Circular Saw | 6. Skil 5280-01 Circular Saw | - Powerful 15-amp motor - 7-1/4-inch carbide tip blade - Integrated dust blower - Bevel capacity of 51 degrees - Spindle lock | Check Current Price |
1. Skilsaw SPT77W-01 Worm Drive Saw – Overall Best
The Skilsaw SPT77W-01 Worm Drive Saw is a jobsite workhorse that delivers the superior power and torque you need for rugged applications.
Specs
- Electric corded design
- Features a dual-field motor
- Lighter construction
- 51-degree bevel capacity
- Anti-snag lower guard
The motor sits in line with the blade, which gives the saw a long, narrow profile and extra reach for crosscutting sheet goods.
Another good feature is the great position of the blade, which improves blade visibility and enables you to stop a bad cut before you ruin your workpiece.
The saw; however, doesn’t come with any accessories and it is a little bit heavier compared to other models.
Pros
- In-line motor gives a long reach
- Thick aluminum shoe plate is durable
- Superior blade and cut line visibility
- Blade guard operates smoothly
- Oil reservoir is properly filled
Cons
- No accessories are provided
- May be heavier for some users
Conclusion
The Skilsaw SPT77W-01 is a complete cutting masterpiece that will last a long while before you think of another model.
Overall Rating – 4.8
2. Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Saw – Best Tough Cord Protection
If you are looking for a powerful worm drive saw that has extra bevel options, look no further than the Dewalt DWS535B.
Specs
- 15-amp motor
- 7-1/4-inch blade size
- Tough cord protection
- Extra bevel options
- Electric brake stop
The saw has a 15-amp motor and worm drive gearing that turns the 7-1/4-inch blade at 4,800 rpm. It bevels to 53 degrees, with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees.
It also has an electric brake that stops the blade after you release the trigger, plus DeWalt’s Toughcord cord-jerk protection.
Magnesium and aluminum construction keeps the weight down for a worm drive, but it is still heavier than a sidewinder.
Pros
- Generates superior power and torque
- Electric brake stops the blade quickly after trigger release
- Made of durable material
- Superior cord jerk protection
- Front and rear handle improve control
Cons
- Heavier than a sidewinder
- No wrench holder on the saw
Conclusion
If you can overlook the weight factor, the Dewalt DWS535B packs the features you need at the jobsite.
Overall Rating – 4.7
3. Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Saw – Best Soft Grip Handle
The Bosch CSW41 may not give you the portability you want, but it gives you the power, torque, and speed you need for tough applications.
Specs
- Magnesium construction
- Side blade design
- 5300 no-load rpm
- Onboard accessories provided
- Anti-snag lower guard
This saw has an all-magnesium housing, which is great because it makes the saw lightweight and easy to manipulate and work with.
I really appreciate the fact that the blade is on the left side of the motor housing because I can easily and comfortably see the blade.
What I don’t like, though, is the lack of power cord jerk protection, which means the cord durability is limited.
Pros
- All-magnesium construction is lightweight
- Makes superior bevel cuts up to 53 degrees
- Line guides on the foot improves accuracy
- Blade and cut line are highly visible
- Soft hand grip improve comfort
Cons
- Lacks power cord jerk protection
- May not be the ideal model for left handed users
Conclusion
With the Bosch CSW41, you get a lightweight saw that delivers superior accuracy, torque, convenience, and comfort.
Overall Rating – 4.6
4. Dewalt DCS570B Circular Saw – Overall Best
The Dewalt DCS570B features advanced electronics for extended runtime and faster application speeds for extreme performance.
Specs
- Powerful brushless motor
- 7-1/4-inch blade capacity
- Bevel capacity of up to 57 degrees
- 2-9/16-inch depth of cut
- Electric brake
The Dewalt DCS570B is sold as a bare tool, so you supply a DeWalt 20V MAX battery. Runtime depends on the pack you use, and a higher amp-hour battery lasts longer.
Another awesome feature is the electric brake, which turns the blade off immediately within moments of releasing the trigger.
My only biggest concern is the blade stability. It is possible to receive a model with a blade that moves side to side.
Pros
- Cordless convenience improves maneuverability
- Maintains speed under load effectively
- Delivers one of the fastest rotational speed
- Uniquely designed bottom plate improves blade visibility
- Good choice for plunge cuts
Cons
- Terrible side to side play in the blade
- Could be better with a magnesium base plate
Conclusion
The Dewalt DCS570B has plenty of torque and an almost instantaneous electric brake, which is exactly what you need at a jobsite.
Overall Rating – 4.8
5. Craftsman CMES510 Circular Saw – Best Magnesium Shoe
The Craftsman CMES510 Circular Saw is suitable for trimming sheet wood, creating long straight cuts, or making quick and accurate crosscuts.
Specs
- High performance motor
- Durable magnesium shoe
- Tool-free beveling shoe pivots
- Contoured overmolded handle
- Metal upper and lower guard
This saw has a 15-amp motor that runs at 5,500 rpm and comes with a 7-1/4-inch 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade, a good general-purpose blade for framing lumber and plywood.
The magnesium shoe bevels from 0 to 55 degrees without tools, with detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees.
But the thing is, you may receive the Craftsman CMES510 without an edge guide as well as a carrying bag.
Pros
- 15-amp motor runs at 5,500 rpm
- Very durable and lightweight magnesium shoe
- Tool-free bevel angle adjustments
- Carbide-tipped blade stays sharp much longer than a steel blade
- Overmolded handle adds comfort
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an edge guide
- No carrying bag is provided
Conclusion
The Craftsman CMES510 is a good circular saw for the money. The easy adjustments and superior versatility make it great for DIY home projects.
Overall Rating – 4.7
6. Skil 5280-01 Circular Saw – Best Beam Laser Guide
If you are looking for a quality circular saw that comes with advanced features, reliable performance, and versatility, look no further than the Skil 5280-01.
Specs
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- 7-1/4-inch carbide tip blade
- Integrated dust blower
- Bevel capacity of 51 degrees
- Spindle lock
Embedded with a heavy-duty 15-amp motor, the Skil 5280-01 has the power, speed, and performance you would need for cutting sheet goods or lumber.
Another good feature is the beam laser guide, which will help you make straight cuts while the large bevel capacity allows you to make a wide variety of bevel cuts.
My only problem with this model is the lack of an electric brake, which would stop the blade within seconds.
Pros
- Easy to make straight cuts with laser guide
- Smooth blade guard operation
- Includes a carbide-tipped blade
- Dust blower keeps the cut line sawdust free
- Anti-snag lower guard allow for easy narrow cut-offs
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an electric brake
- Possible for the blade to jam
Conclusion
The Skil 5280-01 is a lightweight and versatile circular saw that’s ideal for DIYs and professionals.
Overall Rating – 4.6
How To Pick The Right Tool
Between a worm drive circular saw vs regular sidewinder saw, which one should you choose? The choice is pretty simple as long as you know the features to look for, which include:
Blade Capacity
Whether you choose a worm drive or a regular circular saw. The first important thing you need to consider is the blade capacity of the saw, which helps determine the cutting capacity of the saw.
The larger the blade diameter, the greater the cutting capacity. Saws that take blades in the size range of 5-1/2-inch to 6-1/2-inch are lightweight and perfect for small to medium cutting jobs.
If you want a saw that will be suitable for a wider range of applications, look for one that takes 6-1/2-inch blades or higher. Circular saws with 7-1/4-inch blades are the typical size, nowadays.
Depth Of Cut
Regardless of which type you choose, make sure it provides a large depth of cut at 45 and 90 degrees. This will allow you to make clean cuts on your workpiece.
Bevel Capacity
The best saw should have a clear bevel scale with reliable positive stops, so you can return to common angles quickly and accurately.
Look for stops at 22-1/2 and 45 degrees. Some saws bevel past 45 degrees, up to 53 to 57 degrees, for steeper cuts.
Cutting Speed
Corded 7-1/4-inch saws in this guide run from 4,800 rpm (the DeWalt DWS535B worm drive) to 5,500 rpm (the Craftsman CMES510 sidewinder).
Worm drive gearing trades blade speed for torque, so sidewinders usually spin faster.
Safety
Whichever saw you choose, OSHA notes that portable circular saws must have an upper guard and a lower guard that returns automatically to cover the blade. Never pin the lower guard back, and unplug the saw before changing blades.
Worm Saw Vs Circular Saw (Sidewinder): Making The Choice
The worm drive saw vs circular saw debate is really worm drive vs sidewinder, since both are circular saws.
I will help you determine the better option by taking into account the following factors:
Motor Orientation
With a worm drive saw, the motor sits behind the blade and runs parallel to it. That creates a long, narrow profile with extra reach.
A sidewinder circular saw has the blade located beside the motor. It is shorter and wider, with more of its weight on the motor side.
Weight
The next point of comparison in this battle is weight. Worm drive circular saws are heavier because they have larger gear teeth and longer profile.
So, these may not be the most ideal choice for novice users to handle. An average worm drive model weighs about 13 to 14 pounds.
A regular sidewinder circular saw, on the other hand, weighs less because of its compact direct drive design. An average sidewinder weighs about 9 to 10 pounds.
Torque and Speed
The other consideration in the worm drive vs circular saw comparison is torque and speed. Worm drive saws use worm gearing that slows the blade and multiplies torque. That makes them strong in thick lumber, wet wood and other demanding cuts.
Sidewinders spin faster and have plenty of power for most jobsite tasks, though they give up some torque to worm drives.
Final Thoughts
Worm drives deliver superior power and torque you need for the toughest cutting jobs. But they are considerably heavier in weight.
Regular circular saws (sidewinders/direct drives) are lightweight and have higher rpms, making them ideal for the less demanding applications.
The Skilsaw SPT77W-01 Worm Drive Circular Saw wins hand in superior power and torque, which are needed for tougher cutting jobs.
However, the lightweight design and efficient motor and speed of the Dewalt DCS570B Circular Saw win in providing you with a portable and efficient unit for small to medium applications.
Sources
- Worm Drive Circular Saw vs Direct Drive: Which One's Best for You?, Family Handyman
- DWS535B 7-1/4 in. Worm Drive Circular Saw, DeWalt
- CMES510 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw, Craftsman
- Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), OSHA
