
What is a worm gear on a circular saw?
A worm gear consists of two parts where one is called worm screw and another is worm wheel. As you can see one in the picture, this allows the motor of the circular saw to be placed just behind the blade parallelly. So, why is it called a worm drive? It is called worm drive because of the meaning of the word ‘worm’.
What is a worm drive?
A worm drive is a gear arrangement in which a worm (which is a gear in the form of a screw) meshes with a worm gear (which is similar in appearance to a spur gear ). The two elements are also called the worm screw and worm wheel. The terminology is often confused by imprecise use of the term worm gear to refer to...
How fast does a worm drive saw go?
This arrangement of gears results in less speed — around 4500 RPM and more torque. A worm drive saw is named so, because it consists of a ‘worm drive’ which is an arrangement of gear. In this arrangement, a worm (which is a gear in the form of a screw) meshes with a worm gear (similar to a spur gear).
Is a sidewinder the same as a worm drive circular saw?
Actually, no. While sidewinder circular saws (or more appropriately, direct drive) and worm drive circular saws perform the same function, there are some important differences. We’re here to cut through the confusion about sidewinder vs worm drive circular saws!

What makes a saw a worm drive?
What is a Worm drive saw? A worm drive saw has the motor attached at the rear. This is very powerful and its power is driven through two gears each set at 90 degrees. This setting implies that the engine produces more torque but less Rotation Per Minute (RPM) of about 4,500.
Why is it called worm drive?
Worm drive saws are the older type of saw and are so named because they incorporate a 'worm drive' to turn the blade. What this means is that the motor is located at the back of the saw and the blade is at the front.
Why are worm drive saws better?
Advantages of a Worm Drive Circular Saw 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.
Why are worm drive saws left handed?
Traditionally, all worm drive saws operated in a blade-left orientation. Furthermore, this orientation likely places the weight of the saw over the portion of the material the user wants to keep, making it easier to stabilize the saw during the cut.
Why are there no worm drive saws in the UK?
Why are there no worm drive saws in the UK? Worm drive circular saws do not comply with the European Health & Safety regulations, so they are not very common in the UK.
Can you cut metal with a worm drive saw?
Using the Skilsaw Metal Worm Drive The Skilsaw Outlaw is very smooth and easy to use; it cuts through steel like wood.
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 is better worm drive or Sidewinder?
Quick Article Summary. Cordless sidewinder and rear-handle saws have surpassed corded worm drive saws in both speed and power (torque).
Does Dewalt make a worm drive saw?
The DWS535 7-1/4" Worm Drive Circular Saw has a 15 Amp motor that delivers 4,800 rpm and features 53° bevel capacity for advanced applications. Lightweight and durable magnesium construction for optimum user handling, comfort, and strength includes electric brake which stops blade after the trigger is released.
What happens if you put a circular saw blade on backwards?
You can run a saw blade backwards and it cuts pretty well. However it is not at all a good idea. The two big reasons not to do this is that saw tips are much more likely to come off if the saw blade is run backwards and that the whole saw blade is much more likely to come apart if it is run backwards.
What do you use a worm drive saw for?
1:543:19How to choose between worm-drive and sidewinder circular sawsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe extra length of the tool also makes it handy for gang cutting wide stacks of lumber. Or forMoreThe extra length of the tool also makes it handy for gang cutting wide stacks of lumber. Or for ripping cheat codes. Its shape also makes plunge cuts much.
Does it matter what side the blade is on a circular saw?
1:167:52Left-Blade vs Right-Blade Circular Saws - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a right side blade uh there's a couple things you're gonna know uh one is it's it's great forMoreUsing a right side blade uh there's a couple things you're gonna know uh one is it's it's great for two-handed. Use neither of your arms are crossing over the blade. So it's a little safer.
What is the difference between worm drive and Sidewinder?
Motor Position – As we discussed above, a Worm Drive has the motor behind the blade (behind the center point of the blade). A Sidewinder has it inline with the center of the blade. Blade Position – Not always but usually the Worm Drive has the blade on the left while a Sidewinder has the blade on the right.
Can a worm wheel drive a worm gear?
Worm gear sets can be self-locking: the worm can drive the gear, but due to the inherent friction the gear cannot turn (back-drive) the worm. Typically only in ratios above 30:1.
What is a worm gear drive?
A worm gear, also called a worm drive, is a gear configuration in which a screw or worm meshes with the teeth of a gear. Worm gears are typically used when substantial speed reductions are required.
Can a worm gear go both directions?
Worm drives can be designed with right-hand or left-hand gearing, to turn either clockwise or counter-clockwise. With an internal helical gear, both parts must be the same hand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why are worm drivers useful?
Another benefit of the extra weight worm drivers is, they come along the rear-biased weight distribution and it is easier to manage the kickback.
Where are sidewinder 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 ...
What is a worm drive saw?
That is the reason it is called a direct-drive or sidewinder circular saw. On the other hand, a worm drive saw has a mechanical design where the motor is right behind the blade. So, instead of connecting directly, the motor and the blade is connected by a worm gear.
What is worm drive on a circular saw?
Worm drive on a circular saw means that it has a motor connected to the blade by a worm gear. A worm gear consists of two parts where one is called worm screw and another is worm wheel. As you can see one in the picture, this allows the motor of the circular saw to be placed just behind the blade parallelly.
What are the advantages of a direct-drive circular saw?
The higher RPM makes it perfect for cross cuts and crafting softer woods.
What is the difference between a circular saw and a worm saw?
The first big and most important difference is in the mechanism of both types. A regular circular saw has a design where the motor is placed beside the blade. Or you can say they are perpendicular to each other, and the motor is directly connected to the blade. That is the reason it is called a direct-drive or sidewinder circular saw.#N#On the other hand, a worm drive saw has a mechanical design where the motor is right behind the blade. So, instead of connecting directly, the motor and the blade is connected by a worm gear.
How fast is a circular saw?
The facts are that regular circular saw has average speed of 6000 RPM and worm drive saw provides around 4500 RPM. But the torque is higher in the worm drive because of the worm gear mechanism. For powerful cutting, low RPM and high torque is the clear winner and worm drive can get serious industrial projects done.
How much lighter is a direct drive circular saw than a worm drive saw?
If you are looking for a lightweight circular saw, direct drive circular saw is the one, and it is approximately 2-5 pounds lighter than the worm drive saw.
Why is a worm drive called a worm drive?
It is called worm drive because of the meaning of the word ‘worm’. In a mechanical dictionary, it means something spiral and the screw-shaped top part has spiral linings. That’s all about worm drive and a thorough discussion on worm drive saw vs. direct drive saw is the next item on the menu.
What is a worm drive?
A worm drive is a gear arrangement in which a worm (which is a gear in the form of a screw) meshes with a worm wheel (which is similar in appearance to a spur gear ). The two elements are also called the worm screw and worm gear. The terminology is often confused by imprecise use of the term worm gear to refer to the worm, the worm wheel, ...
Who invented the worm drive?
The worm drive or "endless screw" was invented by either Archytas of Terentum, Apollonius of Perga, or Archimedes, the last one being the most probable author. The worm drive later appeared in the Indian subcontinent, for use in roller cotton gins, during the Delhi Sultanate in the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries.
What type of gearing is used for worms?
This type of gearing can support the highest loading. An enveloping (hourglass) worm has one or more teeth, and increases in diameter from its middle portion toward both ends. Double-enveloping worm gearing comprises enveloping worms mated with fully enveloping worm wheels. It is also known as globoidal worm gearing.
What are the different types of worm drives?
Types. There are three different types of gears that can be used in a worm drive. The first are non-throated worm drives. These don't have a throat, or groove, machined around the circumference of either the worm or worm wheel. The second are single-throated worm drive s, in which the worm wheel is throated.
How does gear reduction work on multi-start worms?
For a multi-start worm, the gear reduction equals the number of teeth on the wheel divided by the number of starts on the worm. Both the sliding and the rolling actions of the worm and the wheel come into play during the meshing of the gears. The sliding contact dominates at high reduction ratios.
What is a plastic worm drive?
Plastic worm drives are often used on small battery-operated electric motors, to provide an output with a lower angular velocity (fewer revolutions per minute) than that of the motor, which operates best at a fairly high speed. This motor-worm-drive system is often used in toys and other small electrical devices.
What was the final drive of the 1930s?
Truck final drive of the 1930s. Worm drives have been used in a few automotive rear-axle final drives (though not the differential itself). They took advantage of the location of the worm being at either the very top or very bottom of the differential crown wheel.
When was the worm drive saw invented?
Well, the first worm drive saw was created by SKILSAW, in the mid-1920s, by founder Edmond Michel who looked to develop an alternative to the backbreaking work of manually cutting through sugar cane. Fast forward 90+ years and the worm drive saw is what it is today.
Where is the worm drive on a saw?
The threaded worm drive runs down the shaft, and the gears of the worm drive connected to the saw’s blade arbor, which is located in front of the motor. This results in more torque than that of a sidewinder motor, making the worm drive preferred to tackle tougher materials.
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.
When was the worm drive saw invented?
Skilsaw developed the first worm drive saw in the mid-1920s. The motor sat behind the blade, making the tool relatively long and narrow. Worm drive saws still carry this design today. The centerline of the motor sits in-line with the handles, parallel to the plane of the saw blade. A narrow foot lets users—like remodelers, for instance—get into more confined spaces. The longer distance between the handle and the blade also extends a user’s reach while making a cut, which is helpful for jobs such as framing a roof.
What makes a worm drive saw narrower?
That makes a worm-drive saw narrower but longer than a sidewinder saw. A spiral gear (the worm gear) turns another gear oriented at 90-degrees, which turns the blade. This increases the torque of the blade, making these saws very powerful.
How fast is a worm drive saw?
Worm drive saws spin slower than sidewinders. You’ll usually find worm drive saws at about 4,250 RPM while direct drive saws carry speeds of 6,000 RPM or higher. You can count them all, or just take our word for it! This makes up for the (typically) lower torque in sidewinders (read on).
What is a cordless sidewinder saw?
Corded direct drive (sidewinder) saws operate at higher blade speeds. Worm drive saws typically weigh more than sidewinders. Cordless sidewinder and rear-handle saws have surpassed corded worm drive saws in both speed and power (torque). No, we’re not kidding. For cordless tools, it is now a handle- and motor-orientation preference.
Which is better, worm drive or blade left?
The narrower, longer, blade-left worm drive saws give right-handed users a better sightline. Of course, blade-right saws give left-handed users a better sightline. Keep in mind that a clear sightline happens with one-handed use. Using the non-dominant hand on the pommel handle can obscure the line. Rear Handle Worm Drive – Blade Left.
Why was the sidewinder saw developed?
Due to different design ideas or patent constraints or a combination of both , the direct drive saw (sidewinder) was later developed featuring the motor next to the blade. This made the saw wider, but also shorter and lighter, than a worm drive saw. It also provided more control for the less experienced user.
Can you use a worm drive for a cross cutting saw?
Because of this, many Pros who carry both saws consider the worm drive a rip-cutting saw and the direct drive a cross-cutting saw. In truth, you can use either one for both tasks once you get a feel for it. And with cordless technology—all bets are off. More and more, handle- and motor-orientation has become simply a matter of preference!
