Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Barry Gray
So, you’ve decided that you’re in need of a worm drive saw – whether it be for work or home-use purposes. Yet, in your search for the best worm drive saw, you’ve come to the conclusion that there are just way too many to choose from.
This is why this article has been created – to eliminate the work done for you and provide you with five of the best worm drive saws currently available to purchase – all within a price range that’s suitable for your budget and needs – whatever they may be.
Want to read the entire article to find the best worm drive saw, but don’t have the time at the moment? We’ve listed the five models reviewed today, so you can come back at a time when you’re ready to read:
- DeWalt DCS577X1 Worm Style Saw & Kit
- SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Worm Drive Saw
- Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw
- Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Saw
- Milwaukee 6477-20 Worm Drive Saw
My Recommendations
As you’ve probably come to find, there are many models of worm drive saws available for you to purchase, yet what’s the perfect one for you? You’ll find that this article covers five different types of models – so no matter your experience or needs in a worm drive saw, there’ll be a perfect one out there for you.
DeWalt DCS577X1 Worm Style Saw & Kit
Starting off our review into the best worm drive saws is the DCS577X1 from DeWalt.
The DCS577X1 Is perfect for framing jobs – yet works exceptionally well as a worm drive saw, with a depth of cut that can reach 2-7/16” at 90°.
The electric brake function means that your blade will instantly stop once the trigger is released – a function that protects both your work, and also enhances the longevity of the worm drive saw itself. Yet one of the best features is perhaps the brushless motor – to which we explain in more detail later in the article.
If you’re a professional contractor, (or even like to work occasionally on the weekends on projects around the home), you’ll love the onboard wrench storage, which is incredibly convenient when you’re looking to interchange blades.
There’s plenty of things to enjoy about the DCS577X1 from DeWalt – and you can read on to see these impressive features and added specs at length in the section below:
- 60V Max with 2400 max watts out
- Faster cutting with up to 5,800 RPM
- Brushless motor
- Interchangeable with 20V, 60V and 120V lithium Ion batteries, as part of the FLEXVOLT system
- Left side blade for a clearer line of sight
- Bevel stops of 22.5, 45 and 53
- Capacity at 90° cut is 2-7/16” and 45° is 1-⅞”
- Dust blower integrated into the model
- High-grade magnesium shoe
- Onboard wrench storage
What’s Included?
- 1 x DeWalt DCS577X1 FLEXVOLT framing saw
- 1 x DCB609 20V/60V MAX FLEXVOLT 9.0Ah battery
- 1 x FLEXOVIT carbide tipped 7-1/2″ circular saw blade
- 1 x DCB118 20V MAX* fan-cooled fast charger
- 1 x Blade wrench
- 1 x Contractor bag
My Favorite Feature: Brushless Motor
- Increased durability of the saw thanks to no physical brushes found in the motor
So, why exactly is a brushless motor such an impressive feature, especially in the DCS577X1? Well, a brushless motor allows the worm drive saw to provide you with many years of service without wearing down, thanks to the lack of physical brushes found in the motor, unlike that of brushed motor models.
This means your motor won’t feel the stress as much as an alternative model would, and can also maximize the runtime you receive from every use. You’ll be the envy of those on the worksite, as you tackle your jobs with ease – whether it’s two days with your new DCS577X1 or two years in.
What are your thoughts on brushless motors? Let us know in the comments below.
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Worm Drive Saw
The SPT77WML-01 rates so highly on our list due to a number of reasons, with one of those being the incredible ease you’ll feel when making cuts, as well as the user-friendly design which caters for all experience levels.
As well as this, the price of the SPT77WML-01 from SKILSAW is quite friendly when compared to other worm drive saws – yet this doesn’t mean quality of the components used to manufacture the model are bad.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The SPT77WML-01 is constructed with light magnesium – which allows you to minimize fatigue when on the job, meaning you can work for longer periods of time. The saw is powered with 15 amps of power, so you won’t have to worry about cutting through stocks – this worm drive saw will make easy work of it for you.
Power and construction aside, what other features have SKILSAW added in the SPT77WML-01? Check out these, as well as some added features, in the list below:
- 15 amp power with a no-load RPM of 5,300
- Total weight of 11.6 lbs – lightest in the worm drive saw class
- The total length of saw is 7-¼”
- Cutting capacity of 2-⅜” at 90°
- Maximum 53° bevel capacity with indents on 0° and 45°
- Dual-field motor
- Cut-Ready Depth adjustment level
- Anti-snag lower guard
- Overall balance with soft-grip, ergonomically friendly handles
What’s Included?
- 1 x SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Worm Drive Saw
- 1 x On-tool multi-function wrench
- 1 x 24T carbide-tipped SKILSAW blade
My Favorite Feature: Cut Ready Depth Adjustment Level
- Make adjustments 10x quicker thanks to this feature which allows for set depth levels to be chosen on the go
Making adjustments with your worm drive saw, and any saws for that matter can often be difficult – especially if you’re working with some tricky stock, or aren’t too familiar with the tool you’re using.
This is one of the reasons the SPT77WML-0 is so friendly to all user levels, as the Cut-Ready system allows for you to work on the worm drive saw and its adjustments, without worrying about wasting time.
The Cut-Ready system is especially useful if you’re cutting at depths quite often – so if you’re finding yourself getting sick of making these adjustments, or perhaps you’re still new to the woodworking game and aren’t a professional yet – the SPT77WML-0 will be able to assist you in taking your work and the quality to the next level.
Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw
The Makita 5477NB is perhaps one of the heaviest worm drive saws to be reviewed on our list today, yet there’s a good reason for this. The 5477NB houses a 15 amp motor, constructed with ball-bearings with an aim to improve productivity on the job.
The 5477NB uses oil bath technology and sealed gear housing to minimize maintenance, as well as what can be seen as the prime quality of the saw itself – the hypoid gears.
Makita have built this saw with the user in mind, thanks to an array of user-friendly features. Such examples of these features include the push-button spindle lock and the on-board blade wrench, which makes blade changing almost effortless.
Want to know more features Makita have included in the 5477NB? Find out for yourself by reading through our list below:
- 15Amp/2.4 HP motor
- Total weight of 14.3 lbs
- Max cutting depth of 2-⅜” at 90°, and 1-¾” at 45°
- Max bevel capacity between 0 and 51°
- Positive stops at 45° and 51.5°
- Heat-treated, hypoid gears
- Oil bath technology with a sealed gear housing
What’s Included?
- 1 x Makita 5477NB 7-1/4-Inch hypoid saw
- 1 x Carbide tipped blade
- 1 x Wrench
My Favorite Feature: Hypoid Gears
- Heat-treated hypoid gears provide a better performance and superior cuts
One of the most important things to note about the 5477NB is that it technically isn’t a worm-drive saw, as it doesn’t contain a worm-drive. The difference between the 5477NB and standard worm drive saws is the hypoid gears.
These gears are made from steel, and are heat-treated – meaning they will provide you with a longer performance when in use. However, this isn’t the only pro when looking into these gears.
hypoid gears have a greater surface than alternative worm drive saws, and because of this – they deliver more power, and constantly at that. This will result in superior cuts, which you’ll notice as soon as you make your first cut with the 5477NB.
Have you used this saw before? Let us know what you thought of it by dropping your thoughts in the comments section below.
Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Saw
The CSW41 is another familiar product from Bosch that combines their well-constructed design and high-quality components.
One of the best features of the CSW41 is its lightweight construction, which allows the saw to provide you with hours of service without worrying about fatigue. As well as its’ design, is the power the CSW41 puts out, thanks to its 15-amp motor that allows you to rip through woods of different sizes without worrying about either yourself or the saw struggling.
The well-balanced design of the CSW41 means it’s even easier to sue – which is why it’s perfect for both the professional contractor, or the beginner using a worm drive saw for the first time.
The whole list of specs and features can be found in the list below:
- 15-amp motor
- Total weight of 13.2 lbs
- Worm drive gearing
- Left side blade design for clearer cut line sight
- Magnesium construction
- 5,300 no-load RPM speed
- On-board multi-function wrench for brush and blade swaps
- Lever adjustments and blade diamond knockout included within on-board multi-function
- Built-in tool hook
- Anti-snag lower guard
- Soft grip, ergonomic handle
What’s Included?
- 1 x Bosch CSW41 worm drive
- 1 x Multi-Function blade wrench
- 1 x Carbide blade
- 1 x Built in saw hook
My Favorite Feature: Magnesium Construction
- Magnesium Construction build allows you to work for longer periods and reduce fatigue
Worm drive saws aren’t the lightest of saws to use, which heavily affects energy levels when working. Thankfully, ergonomically-built power tools have become more common in the last fifteen years, and one of the results of this increasing blend of ergonomics, power and user-friendly features in this model.
The CSW41 is constructed with magnesium, as well as a magnesium footplate – all of which combine to provide years of reliable use. The motor is well protected, and the lightweight design means you’ll be pulling off fast and powerful cuts without putting yourself under stress.
Five ball-bearings are found within the CSW41, which provides added stability for the saw – and an advanced oil lubrication system will enhance the overall life of your gears.
Milwaukee 6477-20 Worm Drive Saw
To round up our list of the best worm drive saws, we’ll be finishing off with the Milwaukee 6477-20 worm drive saw.
6477-20 features a motor that can reach speeds of 4,400 RPM – which is one of the highest in the class. It’s constructed with magnesium, and as a result, is lightweight and durable for many years of service it will be providing you with.
Milwaukee have also added a nifty feature in their exclusive oil site glass, which will instantly provide you with the levels of oil, making it easier to maintain and service. The worm gears are made from steel and provide an exceptional level of torque – which is perfect for the toughest of applications.
What else can you find in 6477-20? We’ve listed these below for you:
- 15-amp, 4,400 RPM motor
- Total weight is 15 lbs
- Magnesium construction
- Heavy-duty composite shoe
- Oil site glass to gauge oil levels
- Hardened steel worm gearing
- Inclusive spindle lock
- Max bevel capacity of 51.5°
- Depth of cut at 45° – 1-25/32”, 50 1-9/16”, 90° os 1-9/16”
What’s Included?
- 1 x Milwaukee 6477-20 Worm drive saw
- 1 x Carbide tipped blade
My Favorite Feature: Heavy-Duty Composite Shoe
- The heavy-duty composite shoe will stand against any material and application
The shoe of a worm drive saw is one of the most affected areas when it comes to damage, as it’s constantly being pressed against the material in order to give the highest quality cut.
As it’s the first in line to touch the material, it can be worn over time, which reduces your quality of work. However, this won’t occur with the heavy-duty composite shoe – which is designed to prevent warping and bending from occurring, as well as not kicking up a burr.
This means you’ll have use of your 6477-20 for a longer period of time – and can tackle the heaviest of applications.
Our Verdict
So we’ve had a look into the five best worm drive saws currently on the market – and what’s the verdict?
Our verdict sees our favorite model is the DEWALT DCS577X1, thanks to its’ incredible user-friendly features, as well as its power when cutting, and the ability to interchange between other power tools that share batteries within the FLEXVOLT system.
There are many great features and pros, as well as cons, to all of the models we’ve reviewed today, and depending on your level of use and your budget – there may be one that sticks out in this article for you. Let us know what this is by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
