For the purposes of these worm drive saw reviews, I have spent the last several months testing a wide variety of different products. The saws featured on our list today have been vetted on the basis of their durability, their reliability, and their overall performance.
There is something on the list for buyers of every budget and skill level. Whether you want the best worm drive saw or simply affordable to the buyer on a budget there is sure to be something that suits your needs.
That being the case read on for some worm drive reviews.
Contents Recommended Worm Drive Circular Saw | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Bosch 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw CSW41 |  Editor’s Choice |
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Makita 5377MG 7-1/4″ Magnesium Hypoid Saw |  All Rounder |
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SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw |  Best Value for Money |
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What to look for when Buying Best Worm Drive Saw
You’ve read ten reviews but the decision just hasn’t gotten much easier has it? That’s kind of how it works when you look at ten great products.
If you don’t know what you are looking for yet then read on for some buying considerations that may make the final decision a little bit more straightforward for you.
Weight
Worm drive saws are often held which puts a big premium on finding a tool with a light bodyweight. Granted, powerful tools do tend to have a heft to them—mostly for the fact that there has to be a little bit more muscle in the motor. However, you should still be able to find something that is just a few pounds even if you are looking for a really tough saw.
Safety Features
Safety is obviously of the utmost importance when it comes to working with power tools. Fortunately, there are a variety of different features that can make a power tool safe to use. For example, my favorite safety-driven feature is electric brakes.
With electric brakes, your saw will completely deactivate the moment you stop activating the blades. This means that if something unexpected happens you will have no trouble stopping the tool.
Power Cord
Many worm drive tools are corded. This means that you will need to factor the length of the cord into your buying decision. Naturally, the longer your cord the better access you will have to the workpiece.
Granted, you can always use an extension cord, but the less often that is necessary the better off you will ultimately be.
The length of the power cord is probably never going to be a make or break consideration but I si always something that is nice to keep in mind as you look to make your purchase.
Consequently, you may also want to factor fro the strength of the cord. Some cords are specifically optimized to stand up well to job site conditions. This is a valuable feature to get your hands on because if a cord gets damaged your tool is essentially rendered useless.
Durability
Naturally, durability is always going to be a key consideration when it comes to the world of power tools. You want something that will be able to survive a drop and stand up to the wear and tear of your average job site.
Consequently, you may be able to find some products that are fortified by a metal housing. This feature will add a little bit of weight to the body of the tool but it will also save you a big headache in the long run.
Power
Power is measured in amps when it comes to worm drive saws. The more amps you have the more power the tool will be able to generate. Does this mean that you need the most amps you can get your hands on?
Not necessarily. It really depends on your intentions for the tool when you get right down to it. If you are a contractor or someone that is likely to work with a wide range of materials, including hardwoods, a high amperage is definitely advisable.
Of course, keep in mind that power tools are more versatile so if you want to keep your options open investing in something with a lot of power is advisable.
However, high amp motors tend to cost a good deal of money. If you are a more moderate user you can definitely get away with selecting a tool in the ten amp range. This will give you enough power to tackle most jobs but it will also keep the price moderate.
RPM
RPM stands for rotation per minute. People often conflate a high RPM rating with a high level of power and while there is certainly a correlation the two things are not precisely the same. It is true that pretty much all-powerful motors are able to generate a high RPM level.
However, just because a tool has a high RPM level does not mean that it has a great motor. There are some mediocre saws that boast a fairly impressive RPM.
And what is the benefit of a high RPM? Higher RPM moors tend to make really clean cuts with tough woods. It’s not always necessary but it a handy feature to have for people that demand the utmost levels of quality form their work.
Best Worm Drive Circular Saw Reviews
Top 10 Roofing Nail Guns
1. SKILSAW SPT70V-11 SUPER SAWSQUATCH 16-5/16″
The Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch is an extremely durable and powerful piece of equipment that does well to rise to the needs of the pro. It features a huge cut capacity and it has enough juice behind it to work through just about any material.
To ice the cake the unit also includes a fairly lightweight build that will allow you to use the saw for longer periods of time without getting terribly fatigued.
Unfortunately, though, it is also one of the most expensive products you are likely to come across in the world of worm drive saws.
If you have some money to spend this will be a product to consider. Otherwise, you’ll probably favor something a little bit more affordable.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Square Cuts Every Time
- Weight: 27.3 pounds
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Motor Speed: 2500 RPM
- Blade Size: 16- 5/16-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
2. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch
The Skilsaw is a fifteen amp motor that features up to 5800 rotations per minute. The lightweight build and the powerful motor combine for a tool that is easy to handle and extremely effective when in action. Meanwhile, the magnesium construction treats you to a high level of portability and workability. Thanks to the reliably tough construction you can count on using the Skilsaw for a long time to come.
In addition, it features a scale ruler that helps to improve the overall utility of the product. In short, all of the features combine well to provide you with an extremely reliable user experience.
However, the high-end features do correlate with a high-end price tag. This is an expensive piece of equipment that you probably won’t’ be able to swing if you’re on a restrictive budget.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Restrictive Budget
- Weight: 14.2 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Motor Speed: 5,300 RPM
- Blade Size: 7-1/4-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
3. DEWALT DCS577B Flexvolt 60V Max 7-1/4″
The DeWalt comes from one of the best companies out there. It is an extremely powerful tool that is specifically optimized for the job site. Rafter hooks make it easy to store while the massive bevel capacity makes it a good fit for performing a wide range of different cuts.
If you are looking for a versatile piece of equipment that will perform well in petty much any setting this will be a product to zero in on.
However, there are a couple of issues to bear in mind. .for one thing it is very pricey. DeWalt tends to make expensive gear and this saw is no exception.
It is also regrettably heavy. Buyers that need something lightweight will have to look elsewhere.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Smooth, Accurate Cuts
- Weight: 10.9 pounds
- Voltage: 60 Volts
- Motor Speed: 5800 RPM
- Blade Size: 7-1/4-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
4. DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw, 15-Amp, Worm Drive
I like this next product a lot. It is basically a smaller version of the last DeWalt that we looked like. And while it isn’t necessarily well suited for the professional job site it will do well to suit the needs of doing it yourself.
The lightweight build and the powerful motor combine for an extremely useful piece of equipment. It also features electric brakes that maximize the safety factor and a very fair price tag that won’t be inaccessible for the budget buyer.
Unfortunately, though it just won’t quite suit the needs of the pro. For one thing, it isn’t quite powerful enough. It is also rather limited by a short cord that gives you only limited access to your worksite.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Lightweight
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Motor Speed: 4800 RPM
- Blade Size: 7-1/4-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
5. SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 10 In. Portable Worm Drive Saw
The Skilsaw features an exquisite set of hardware that will be great for prolonged use. The unit is fitted with brass hardware that produces a ton of torque and won’t degrade against moisture. Meanwhile, the body of the tool is made out of aluminum which keeps it lightweight and durable.
It’s also extremely powerful and features a large cutting capacity that will add a lot of versatility to the saw.
Unfortunately, there are some issues that you will need to keep in mind. For one thing, it is not quite as portable as the name suggests. The heavy-duty hardware adds quite a bit of weight to the saw.
It also comes at a price. This is a fairly expensive piece of equipment.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Ripping
- Weight: 49 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Motor Speed: 5300 RPM
- Blade Size: 10-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
6. Bosch 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw CSW41
The Bosch is a great tool for the buyer that needs a high performing piece of equipment at a great price. It comes with a good fifteen amp motor, easy to use onboard controls and a lightweight build that hovers around just ten pounds.
The weight, as well as the ergonomic grip, both make the tool very comfortable to use even over long periods of time.
Unfortunately, though, there are some issues that the heavy-duty user is sure to come up against. For one thing, the motor won’t hold up so well against harder materials.
Some users have also reported that the motor will short out when put under a lot of pressure.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Smooth Operation
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Motor Speed: 3, 100 RPM
- Blade Size: 7-1/4-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
7. Makita 5377MG 7-1/4″ Magnesium Hypoid Saw
The Makita features a moderate price tag and an extremely durable build. The reliable motor and the lightweight design concept (roughly ten pounds) make it a great product for the buyer that needs a reliable piece of gear that is good for amateur use.
However, that is pretty much where the utility of this saw ends. It’s just not tough or powerful enough for professional use. That said, though not the best worm drive circular saw, it gives plenty of bang for the buck.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Optimum Cutting Performance
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Motor Speed: 4500 RPM
- Blade Size: 7-1/4-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
8. Professional Circular Saw TECCPO 10Amp
The TECCPO is a good piece of equipment for the buyer on a budget who is trying to get something reliable and affordable.
The unit includes a decent RPM rating, an onboard scale ruler that is included for precision and a lightweight build that makes it easy to haul around the job site. These features all make it a good piece of equipment for the amateur that is trying to keep a well-stocked workshop.
However, if you need something that is powerful enough to work with a wide range of material this won’t be the saw for you. Its ten amp motor simply can’t stand up to the demands of a tough worksite.
Additional Specification
- Best for: DIY & Woodworking Lovers
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Motor Speed: 5500 RPM
- Blade Size: 7-1/4-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
9. MILWAUKEE M18 Brushless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw
The Milwaukee features a brushless motor that will help to ensure it enjoys a long life. It also features a lightweight build and a decently cut capacity that will give the amateur user plenty of utility.
This is another saw that will do well to suit the needs of an amateur. However, it won’t be so good for people that use their saws daily. The motor simply is not tough enough, and may even stop working altogether if put under enough stress.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Smooth, Powerful Cutting
- Weight: 7.20 pounds
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Motor Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Blade Size: 7-1/4-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
10. Ryobi P506 One+ Lithium-Ion 18V 5 1/2 Inch
The Ryobi features an ergonomic build and a light bodyweight—both features that have been optimized for comfort.
The unit also comes with an easy to use interface that will benefit the beginner. Indeed, the beginner is who this tool has been made for. While it will probably suit the buyer with a very limited range of needs it won’t do so well for people that need to use their gear regularly.
The motor is not powerful enough to work with particularly hard materials. It has also been known to short out when exposed to excessive amounts of dust. In short, it’s not the best worm drive circular saw, but it still accomplishes plenty for the price.
Additional Specification
- Best for: Working with Wood
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Motor Speed: 4700 RPM
- Blade Size: 5-1/2-Inch
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
Worm Drive Circular Saw Comparison Chart
| Name | Best for | Weight | Voltage | Motor Speed | Blade Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKILSAW SPT70V-11 SUPER SAW | Square Cuts Every Time | 27.3 pounds | 120 Volts | 2500 RPM | 16- 5/16-Inch |
| SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Worm Drive Saw | Restrictive Budget | 14.2 pounds | 120 Volts | 5,300 RPM | 7-1/4-Inch |
| DEWALT DCS577B Flexvolt Saw | Smooth, Accurate Cuts | 10.9 pounds | 60 Volts | 5800 RPM | 7-1/4-Inch |
| DEWALT Worm Drive Circular Saw | Lightweight | 1.6 ounces | 120 Volts | 4800 RPM | 7-1/4-Inch |
| SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Worm Drive Saw | Ripping | 49 pounds | 120 Volts | 5300 RPM | 10-Inch |
| Bosch Worm Drive Circular Saw CSW41 | Smooth Operation | 15 pounds | 120 Volts | 3, 100 RPM | 7-1/4-Inch |
| Makita 5377MG Hypoid Saw | Optimum Cutting Performance | 13.2 pounds | 120 Volts | 4500 RPM | 7-1/4-Inch |
| Professional Circular Saw TECCPO | DIY & Woodworking Lovers | 11 pounds | 120 Volts | 5500 RPM | 7-1/4-Inch |
| MILWAUKEE M18 Circular Saw | Smooth, Powerful Cutting | 7.20 pounds | 18 Volts | 5,000 RPM | 7-1/4-Inch |
| Ryobi P506 One+ Worm Drive Saw | Working with Wood | 2.2 pounds | 18 Volts | 4700 RPM | 5-1/2-Inch |
Frequently Asked Questions & Answered
CAN I USE THIS SAW WITHOUT THE STAND?
Yes, you definitely can. The Hitachi C10RJ comes with a portable stand, but can be removed and fixed onto another solid surface. We recommend bolting the machine to your worktop if you plan to use it without a stand.
CAN THE C10RJ ACCEPT DADO STACKS?
Yes. This table saw is compatible with dado stacks of 8 x 13/16 inches and is suitable for performing simple dado cuts.
CAN I USE A MOLDING HEAD CUTTER ON THIS SAW?
Yes. This table saw has been designed with the professional framer or woodworker in mind. As such, it is compatible with a wealth of accessories, including molding head cutters.
Conclusion
So, which worm drive saw is it going to be? If you want the best piece of equipment you can get your hands on you will probably appreciate the utility of the Skilsaw. However, you should keep in mind that there are also good products that are available at a great price
For example, the DeWalt is an excellent saw that is available at a very reasonable price. However, the bottom line is that all ten products on our list are pretty great at what they do. Buy from this list and I can pretty much guarantee that you will love the product you wind up with.
