Best Worm Drive Circular Saws with Reviews & Buying Guide 2024

Taking the top spot, the Skilsaw SPT77WML-01 is a versatile saw backed by the respected ‘Skilsaw’ brand name that has been synonymous with cutting enthusiasts since the 1920s.

It features a 15 amp dual field motor with dual copper windings to increase the surface area by 40% and keep the motor from overheating. The cut-ready depth of cut system enables quick on the fly adjustments for 1/4, 1/2, ¾ and 2x ply. Blade sits to the left.

Sturdy upper and lower blade guards. Incredibly light for a circular saw which makes it great for overhead use. Maximum cutting depth of 2-3/8’’, 53-degree bevel capacity. The grip isn’t completely rubberized and a wrench is required for blade and oil changes.

If you’re looking fora lightweight and affordable saw with plenty of torque that will stand up to repeated use, the Skilsaw SPT77WML-01 is a great choice. It is easy to operate for inexperienced users while delivering enough performance to satisfy tradesmen.

DeWalt are very well known in the industry for their line of high-quality power tools, so how does the DeWalt DWS535B hold up?

Features include an electric brake to stop the blade once the trigger has been released. Lightweight aluminum and magnesium build, including a magnesium footplate. Toughcord protection system for 4 times better cord jerk protection for added user safety. Spindle lock for easy blade changes. Blade sits to the left.

The cutting depth at a 45-degree angle is 1-7/8’’ and at a 90-degree angle is 2-7/16’’. 53-degree bevel capacity with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. Comes with a brilliant 3-year warranty. There may be a slight learning curve to first-timers and the saw will need lubricating before the first use. Cord may be too short for some.

For the number of features you get for the price, the DeWalt DWS535B is worth picking up. There is no question the DeWalt DWS535B lives up to the name.

Not officially a worm drive as Makita opted to use heat-treated hypoid steel gear system, as opposed to traditional bronze alloy worm gears instead. The steel hypoid gear system has a slight advantage in that they do not wear as quickly.

The hypoid gears supply consistent power to the blade making this saw very powerful and great for sawing through hardwood and other tough materials. Oil bath technology ensures 100% surface coating for less lifetime maintenance. Rubberized levers allow for easy adjustments and a rubber grip handle offer the user comfort during long jobs.

Features a max cutting depth of 1-3/4’’ at 45 degrees and 2-3/8’’ at 90 degrees. Bevel capacity of 51 degrees. No dust collection port and initial torque on startup may take some getting used to.

Professionals who require a high performing and long-lasting circular saw should look no further. Upon picking up the Makita 5377MG you will be shocked at how light it is for such a powerful saw – thanks to its magnesium construction. The unique hypoid steel gears make this saw one you can rely on for many years to come.

The Milwaukee 6477-20 is a highly durable worm drive saw that performs extremely well under heavy load. The 15 amp motor delivers a no-load blade maximum speed of 4,400 rpm.

A hardened steel gearing system allows the blade to power through tough material with ease. In-house oil site glass gives the user a clear way to monitor oil levels without having to perform maintenance. The composite shoe prevents it from bending or warping. Full magnesium construction. Blade sits to the left. Maximum bevel capacity 51.5 degrees.

Although there is no dust blower, some air from the fan is diverted to the cutting area of the blade which removes the sawdust and improves visibility while cutting. This saw is on the heavier end so not ideal for extended use, however, the added weight can help with guiding during cuts. Could be priced slightly cheaper.

 It may not be at the top of our list but the Milwaukee 6477-20 still offers some great features that are sure to please many customers. More suitable for those in need of a heavier saw that can tackle tougher jobs.

One of the most functional and user-friendly circular saws out there. The Bosch CSW41 includes a 15 amp motor capable of delivering no-load blade speeds of up to 5,300 RPM. The rigid motor housing minimizes blade movement for an accurate cut every time.

A huge plus to this saw is the advanced oil lubrication system that will reduce the amount of maintenance and increase its lifespan. The on-board multi-function wrench allows for lever adjustments, blade and brush changes in mere seconds. Blade sits to the left.

Also featured is a thick rubberized handle to minimize vibration as much as possible for a more pleasant experience. Built-in hook for convenient storage. 53-degree bevel. It could benefit from a few extra safety features and some customers have found the odd workmanship issue.

If you are shopping for your first-ever circular saw, we highly recommend the Bosch CSW41. The lightweight design and affordable price tag will ease you into the world of worm drive saws.

Due to the direct drive system that powers the motor, the DeWalt DCS577X1 is not officially a ‘true’ worm drive saw. Neither the less, this does not stop it from delivering a massive 2400 watts of power. Furthermore, the inclusion of the brushless motor ensures this is a saw that will last you many years into the future.

The in-built dust blower maintains clear cutting visibility throughout cutting. Cutting depth is easy to adjust and the gauge is super visible. An electric brake to help stop the blade when needed. Blade sits to the left.

Bevel capacity of 53 degrees with convenient stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees. Max cutting depth is 1.875’’ at 45 degrees and 2.438’’ at degrees. Also includes a raft hook for hanging the saw while not in use. Unfortunately, this saw will set you back slightly more due to the addition of the brushless motor. The spindle lock is slightly exposed and may take some getting used to.

Despite the DeWalt DCS577X1 carrying a slightly higher price tag than other saws, what you get for the extra money is well worth it. Comfortable in the hand, cordless and delivering unrelenting power, this is a saw aimed at serious users only.

As with the above model, the Makita XSR01PT is not a true worm drive saw. Don’t let you put this off however, as this is still as a wonderfully powerful saw that can be used absolutely anywhere.

It features a special helical gear design that brings the gears together at a 45-degree angle rather than 90. Also, the motor is brushless, benefits of which include longer run times and reduced heat buildup.

Inbuilt speed change technology allows quick alterations to the torque and cutting speeds during a job. Cordless, so you aren’t restricted to where you can work. Slightly lighter than the worm drive saws featured on this list. Blade sits to the left.

53-degree bevel capacity with stops at 22.5, 45 and 53. Maximum cutting depth at 90 degrees of 2-9/16’’. Also included are two 36V LXT lithium-ion batteries. Priced marginally higher than worm drive saws. Doesn’t have a cut line dust blower.

The best way to describe the Makita XSR01PT is ‘efficient power’. This is a professional quality tool that knows exactly how much power you need at any given moment to make sure the task at hand is made no harder than it needs to be.