- The worm drive circular saw has the advantage of being perfect to use when you find yourself working in confined spaces. This is especially due to its narrow profile and the distance of the handle to the blade.
- With its larger than the standard circular saw gear teeth, the worm drive is able to deliver a higher torque.
What are the disadvantages of a circular saw?
Disadvantages Of Cordless Circular Saws
- Requires A Battery. As much as batteries allow for better portability and convenient work, it still limits the cordless saw.
- Requires Constant Replacements. If batteries are damaged, it’ll cost you extra money to replace them. ...
- Has Limited Operational Time With a Heavier Saw. ...
- Lacks Enough Power and Strength. ...
What's the advantage of worm drive saws?
The main advantage of a worm drive saw is that it provides more torque which makes it a great choice for cutting hard and dense materials. However, let's see some more advantages. Due to it's more length, it becomes simpler to make plunge cuts. This means that you can easily cut shapes or do carvings inside a piece of wood.
What circular saw blade should I buy?
The diamond circular saw blade is mainly used for masonry works. These blades can cut through very hard materials like concrete, bricks, stones, and tiles. 1. Continuous rim blades. These blades have no teeth, which is the main thing that differentiates them from standard circular saw blades.
What are the uses of a circular saw?
What Materials Can Be Cut with a Circular Saw?
- Wood. The most common material to be cut with a circular saw is wood. ...
- Plastic. Circular saws can also be used to cut plastic, particularly hard and rigid plastic such as PVC piping.
- Metal. ...
- Masonry. ...
What is the point of worm drive saw?
Worm drive saws offer more durability and power because they have larger teeth which have a more loading capacity than regular circular saws. This feature enables the user to handle loads with high shock. It can handle tougher projects because it has great muscle to pitch cut.
Are worm drive saws worth it?
The worm drive is the number one go-to ripping and cutting tool for professionals and advanced DIYers when power and balance are crucial. Although heavier and more expensive than other types of circular saws, the worm drive can deliver accurate cuts in confined spaces without wasting time.
Is a worm drive table saw better?
The extra torque from a worm drive is excellent for the higher-stress rip cuts that a table saw has to endure by nature.
What is better worm drive or Sidewinder?
A worm drive saw has larger gear teeth with more load-carrying capacity than a sidewinder, offering more power and durability. It also allows the saw to handle higher shock loads. It has more muscle to plunge cut and handle tougher jobs.
What is the pros and cons of a worm drive circular saw?
Longer lasting, great sightlines for many users, more torque, accuracy and power – these are top advantages of the worm-drive power saw. The main drawback is the weight issue.
What are the disadvantages of worm gear?
The main disadvantage of worm drives is their low performance offered by these gearbox stages, which can be close to 15% due to the high friction and associated axial stresses.
Why are worm drive saws more expensive?
The extra metal required for the worm drive, however, significantly increases the weight of the saw. This can lead to fatigue in the hands and shoulders on long workdays. The worm drive saw is thus heavier, more powerful, and more expensive than a regular saw.
Do worm drive saws kick back?
Thought I might add my 2 cents: Kickbacks do happen even if we are careful to let the cut off end drop free. There are several elements that make a kickback not so dangerous with a wormdrive saw. 1. Make sure you are using a quality saw—like Skil, Bosch, Rigid.
How deep does a worm drive saw cut?
Cutting Capacity The Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch worm drive saw does just that. With a max depth of 6-1/4” at 90° and 4-5/16” at 45°, you can rest easy knowing this saw cuts almost any conventional lumber in one pass.
Are WORM drives self locking?
Worm gears are often used for their ability to provide large speed reduction and high torque multiplication. But their self-locking properties can also be beneficial in many applications.
Are worm gears back drivable?
Due to the friction between the teeth of the worm screw and the worm wheel, a worm gear cannot be backdriven.
How efficient is a worm gear?
Worm gears typically have a 5:1 to 60:1 ratio range. The efficiency of a single worm set varies with ratio and speed; this efficiency can vary from 40 to 93%.
Why are worm drive saws more expensive?
The extra metal required for the worm drive, however, significantly increases the weight of the saw. This can lead to fatigue in the hands and shoulders on long workdays. The worm drive saw is thus heavier, more powerful, and more expensive than a regular saw.
What are the main losses in the worm gear drive?
These machine elements cause power losses in the transmission. Therefore the losses in worm gear drives can basically be traced back to four reasons; tooth friction Pltf, oil churning Plchur, bearings Plbear and shaft seals Plseal losses.
What is the difference between a hypoid saw and a worm drive saw?
Worm gears are the most common gear type. But when it comes to efficiency, the hypoid gear set is generally better over a given ratio range and efficiency does not vary with rotational speed. The hypoid gear also has better torque density, due to the material used and the geometry of the tooth itself.
Do worm drive saws need oil?
Worm-drive saws need their gear-oil changed regularly because it gets dirty through use. Once it's sufficiently dirty, it's lubricating ability is compromised and the internal gears will wear out faster than they would with fresh oil.
What makes a circular saw different from other saws?
The features of a circular saw are what makes it different from other power tools found on the market. These components are vital to the overall performance of the saw, and both the circular saw and worm drive saw feature similar internal components. The blades of a circular saw are quite powerful and can be found in many different forms ...
What is the difference between a worm drive saw and a circular saw?
Firstly, it’s important to answer the important questions; what is the difference between a worm drive saw and a circular saw? The main difference between these types of circular saws are the location of the blade in respect of the motor
What is a circular saw called?
To start off our guide, it’s important to note that this guide will be focusing on what’s known as the ‘standard’ type of circular saw, which is known as the sidewinder saw, (or direct drive saw as it’s often known as). The worm drive saw, like the sidewinder, is another class of the circular saw.
What is a worm gear?
The worm gear, also known as a spiral gear, is located above another gear, which is positioned at 90°. This allows the blade to rotate and provides speeds of up to 4,200 RPM – which is significantly less than the direct-drive circular saw, but it provides it with more torque – allowing denser materials to be cut.
Why are sidewinder saws called sidewinder saws?
Why are they called sidewinder/direct drive saws? Well, the names refer to the position of the blade in relation to the motor.
How much does a SPT77WML weigh?
Total weight of 11.6 lbs makes it the lightest model in the worm drive saw class, and it’s also powerful – with 15-amps of power and fantastic no-load speed of 5,300. The SPT77WML features an impressive ready-set adjustment level, which allows you to make adjustments of depth up to 10x faster, thanks to its preset settings.
How fast is a circular saw?
A circular saw is made powerful thanks to its motor. Commonly, motors on a circular saw will reach speeds of up to 5,300 RPMs. This is considerably higher than a worm drive saw, however, will provide less torque. In cordless versions, circular saw batteries have great longevity during sessions – which is perfect for those contractors who need ...
What is the difference between a circular saw and a worm drive?
Worm Drive Expectations. There are many expectations about the circular saw worm drive but it is large. A sidewinder drive will have the blade on the right side whereas the worm drive saw will have the blade on its left side. Based on whether you work on the right hand or left hand, using these drives will sightlines and working habits.
What do carpenters use for circular saws?
In the field of geography, there are many things to do with the circular saw by carpenters. Most of the times carpenters will choose worm drivers to do their circular saw works. Other than worm drivers, the Sidewinders are also taking a remarkable place in circular saw usage. Many carpenters have anyone these drives or both with them for using different applications.
What is worm drive on a saw?
On the other hand, a worm drive motor position at the rear part of the saw and its power is transferred to the blade using pair gears which are oriented at a 90-degree angle. This setup of gear position will reduce the speed of the blade normally in the neighborhood of 4500 RPM speed, but it also increases torque. Hence this motor position will lead to a longer saw, with a heavyweight design.
How fast does a circular saw spin?
By nature of this gear, the motor must be in line with the spinning blade, and this means the blade spins fast, in the neighborhood of 6,000 rpm. Another thing to note about these type saws is the motor position permits a very compact model of lightweight circular saw-like reviewed in this article.
What is a worm drive circular saw?
The worm drive circular saw models are heavier and they have more power. They are useful if you are cutting via big, longboards, wet timber, concrete or some other difficult stuff cuttings.
Why is my circular saw binding?
While you work with the circular saws, even when you are using the best mini and compact circular saw, then you should know that one common cause for binding is a bent or misaligned footplate.
Where are circular saw blades located?
Most of the models with excellent circular saw blades are located to the left of the motor are easier for right-hand users. Generally, the Sidewinder model circular saws are favored in eastern Canada whereas the carpenters out west tend to select a worm drive saws more often. The worm drive circular saw models are heavier and they have more power.
What are the main applications of worm drives?
Worm drives have a number of practical applications across several fields, though it is in industry where they see the most use. They are, for example, commonly used to move the jaws of vises and clamps, as well as to cause the linear motion of different carriages in milling machines and lathes – which commonly use a double-screw system.
What are the advantages of worm drives?
And this versatility is even higher since, unlike other drive systems, worm drives generate no noise. They require minimal maintenance, which is inexpensive.
What is CLR’s experience with worm drives?
CLR has used worm drives in every speed reducer where the application called for it. CLR is highly experienced in the manufacture of this type of component .
What is a throated worm drive?
A ‘throated’ worm drive refers to a worm drive where the worm wheel has a groove at the center of its teeth, while the outside diameter of the worm screw remains unmodified. There is also a type of worm drive that is ‘double throated’, where both parts have grooves and mesh better as a result. Then there are ball screws, which are used in vehicle ...
Why use worm drives?
One of the main advantages of using worm drives is that they offer a high speed reduction in minimal space. Since their gear ratio is quite low, it allows for a high reduction in reduced spaces . In addition, it can be used to design non-reversible drives – in other words, drives that can only be driven in one direction.
Why do you need a spacer ring between nuts?
In this latter case, a spacer ring is placed between the two nuts, which allows for increased rigidity and reduced axial slack. If there is a risk of the shaft becoming unstable, recirculating balls with rotating nuts are used, where only the shaft rotates.
What are ball screws used for?
Then there are ball screws, which are used in vehicle power steerings, for example. These devices have a ball bearing system by which the sliding motion is replaced by a rotary motion. Its main advantage is that they suffer less wear, since both the friction and sliding are lower.
Why use a worm drive?
The longer distance between the handle and the blade extends your reach while making a cut, which is helpful for crosscutting sheet goods. A worm drive also has larger gear teeth with more load-carrying capacity than a direct drive, which provides more power but also adds weight.
What is a sidewinder saw?
The blade on a direct drive saw (often called a sidewinder) is next to the motor, creating a wider profile but shorter overall length . Because the handle is closer to the blade the reach is reduced, but this can provide more control for a less-experienced user. Direct drive saws are lighter ...
What is the most important feature of a saw?
One of the most important features of a saw is how it feels. When choosing a new tool, try it out whenever possible. Feeling comfortable and safe using a tool is more important than any spec sheet.
Who is Gregg Mangialardi?
Gregg Mangialardi is a SKILSAW Product Manager with over 40 years of experience in the power tool industry. During his time at SKILSAW, he’s contributed to a variety of SKILSAW products. Most recently, he’s been a part of the development and launches, for the worm drive, sidewinder, metal and concrete saws. Gregg holds several patents spanning multiple products.
Which side is the blade on a circular saw?
Whether a user is right or left-handed does not confine him or her to one type of circular saw, but consider this: The blade on a worm-drive saw is on the left side, so it’s easier for a right-handed operator to see the cutline.
Is a direct drive saw better than a sidewinder?
A direct-drive saw is lighter, more compact and easier to manage, making it ideal for DIY users, but a pro-grade sidewinder will still have plenty of power for most jobsite tasks.
Is every editorial product independently selected?
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
What is a Makita 5477NB?
Makita 5477NB 7-1/4″ hypoid saw is another convincing hypoid saw you can discover from our worm drive circular saw reviews. It comes with a sound combination of strength and precision – the reason why beginner like it most get the job done with facing trouble.
How many stops does a Dewalt circular saw have?
With the powerful motor and well-thought-out engineering allows the saw for bevel cutting. You can have up to 45-degree bevel cu ts with two positive stops at 45-degree and 22.5-degree. On top of that, the Dewalt worm drive circular saw is further optimized with a line of sight putting the blade at the left. It makes it easier to monitor the cutting line through the position of the rear of the handle.
What is a Dewalt DCS577X1?
DeWalt DCS577X1 flexvolt circular saw kit is our premium pick for the incredible capacity of smooth and accurate cuts. Coming from a world’s leading power tool manufacturer, it keeps us satisfied with sawing by the ease of use and safe by its protective initiative making it an ideal circular saw for framing.
How much does a Skilsaw spt77wml weigh?
Weighing only 11.6 lbs. , Skilsaw spt77wml-01 became the lightest worm drive saw in the market. And its engineering process is done by a renowned manufacturer. All components are made of magnesium that serve the saw for both weight and durability equally that is best for overhead use. Besides, this feature will minimize user fatigue.
What is a SPT77WML-01?
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15- amp 7-1/4-inch lightweight worm drive circular saw takes the pride of winning the first position and woodworkers’ heart with well-designed and built-materials. A saw is an option for those who think a worm drive can’t be so powerful yet lightweight. Thanks to its well-thought engineering and magnesium components.
Why do saws come with magnesium housing?
Get a saw that comes with magnesium housing to protect your saw and its motor.
What is a worm drive saw?
The worm drive saw is a common prototype of a popular “circular saw”, but not as same as you guess. You can get double benefit with a qualified worm drive. The worm drive cuts any materials with increased torque faster, smoothly and quietly. However, it depends on to what extent your saw fits your woodworking projects.
How does each type of saw handle?
There are exceptions, but by and large, a sidewinder will have the blade on the right and a worm drive will have the blade on the left. Depending on whether you are righty or lefty, this will affect sight lines and working habits. Let’s assume you’re a righty…
What side is the blade on a sidewinder?
With a sidewinder, the blade is on the right side and the weight of the tool is on the left. This design keeps the weight of the tool on the solid part of the board rather than the cutoff. The tradeoff is that it’s more difficult to see the cutline. Typically cuts are made on sawhorses or right on the stack of lumber.
What is a sidewinder?
A sidewinder uses a motor with what’s technically called a spur-gear. By nature of this gear, the motor must be in line with the spinning blade, and this means the blade spins fast, in the neighborhood of 6,000 rpm. As you can see, the motor position allows for a fairly compact lightweight saw.
What is worm drive on a saw?
A worm-drive motor is at the rear of the saw, and its power is transferred to the blade with a pair of gears that are oriented at a 90 degree angle. This gear setup reduces the speed of the blade, typically in the neighborhood of 4,500 RPM, but increases torque. Obviously, this motor position leads to a longer saw, but it’s also significantly heavier.
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How to know which circular saw fits your needs?
The best way to know for sure which saw fits your needs is to try one of each style and feel the difference for yourself. The next best thing would be to head down to your local tool retailer and at least test out the grip, weight, and sight lines of both types of saws. Luckily these days most local retailers will sell both types of circular saws, but if not, online retailers certainly bridge the longstanding geographical biases, so that means the decision is all yours.
Is a worm gear saw better than a sidewinder saw?
The truth is that one saw isn’t better than the other, it just depends on how you prefer to work and what feels comfortable and safe based on the type of cutting you typically do. Balance, weight, and sight lines are the key details to consider.
Torque vs. Rpms
Portability
- Worm-drive and circular saws are both highly portable tools. It’s one of the most appealing things about them–taking these saws to a job site or just moving them across the shop is no trouble at all. That said, there are still significant differences between the two. The worm drive saw’s extra torque comes at a price: weight. A worm drive engine weighs significantly more than a circular s…
Price
- Worm drive saws are usually much more expensive than circular saws. Their powerful motors are expensive to produce, although the difference isn’t as large as the one between circular saws and other, larger tools. A typical circular saw costs between $50 and $100, whereas worm drive saws cost between $150 and $200. This is what serious enthusiasts and even many professionals sp…
Maneuverability and Ergonomics
- Both circular saws and worm drive saws are highly maneuverable. They’re prized because it’s easy to take them around a job site and get work done wherever it is. You can cut lumber on a sawhorse, leaning against a wall, or even plunge cut into a standing wall. Of course, weight affects maneuverability similarly to portability. The heavier worm drive saw may be more difficult to ma…
Types of Cuts
- Because you can move them around freely, circular saws and worm drive saws can make cuts of almost any kind, from almost any angle. This becomes especially easy when you buy attachments and accessories for your circular saw and worm drive saw.