10 Best Worm Drive Circular Saw with Track To Buy in 2022

Woodworking projects are evergreen as every home or commercial space is going to have a portion of the wood. And if you’re a professional or a beginner in the search of the best worm drive circular saw then you’re at the right place. Worm drive saws or rear handle circular saws are best for heavy-duty woodworking. From making window frames to cutting thick lumber a good quality worm drive saw can handle it all with ease.

But before with the best worm drive circular saw reviews, let us first understand what is a worm drive saw and do you really need it?

What is a worm drive circular saw?

The location of the blade is what makes a worm drive saw different than a regular circular saw. A worm drive saw has a motor attached to its rear, generally, on the right side of the blade. Such positioning of motor provides high torque for smooth cutting of thick lumbers. While the torque is high, the RPM(rotation per minute) is less. While the rear positioning of the motor provides excellent torque, it also adds to the weight. A good balance between blade and rear-motor makes the tool ideal for cutting thick sheets of wood.

Best Worm Drive Circular Saws with Tracks

1) SKILSAW SPT70V-11 SUPER SAWSQUATCH 16-5/16″ Worm Drive Circular Saw

Cuts clean through 6x material, Skilsaw 16-5/16″ worm drive circular saw is ideal for everyday woodworking. Thanks to the biggest worm drive construction of the tool that cuts clean through various materials. Skilsaw’s 15-amp dual-field motor delivers an impressive torque for efficient cutting.

Skilsaw corded warm drive saw is ready to use out of the box. It comes with a 16-5/16-inch blade that makes perfect cuts right from the first use. Besides, the tool offers a 56-degree beveling capacity, with bevel stops at 0 and 45 degrees. This means you can use the same wood cutting tool for making straight and angles cuts.

The electric brake of the Skilsaw corded saw increases job site productivity as well as reduces risk. This stops the motor in case of sudden kickbacks or skin-to-blade contact. Not only does it ensure safe working but also increases the life of the motor. Other than that, durable magnesium construction and brass worm drive gearing account for the lightweight of the tool. And a lightweight worm drive circular saw is easy to maneuver for cleaner cuts.

2) Bosch 7-1/4-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw CSW4

Generally, worm drive saws are heavier. And if you’re not comfortable with the extra pounds of the tool then go for the Bosch 7-1/4-inch worm drive circular saw. Weighing just under 20 pounds, this is one of the highest warm drive saws in the market. And thanks to the lightweight of the tool that makes it perfect for beginners and DIYers.

In addition to the lightweight, the dual handle design of the tool helps with perfect straight cuts every time. A soft grip on the main handle delivers unmatched comfort for flawless cuts. Also, better control over the grip gives you the confidence to work with a wide variety of appliances. For example, the tool is good for woodworking, concrete form-building, bridge building, framing, deck building, etc.

Different projects require different cut depth and angles. So Bosch 7-1/4″ circular saw features metal adjustment levers for bevel and depth adjustments. These metal levers are far more durable and reliable than hard plastic ones. Besides, the Bosch CSW41 offers a large bevel capacity of up to 53 degrees and a positive stop at 45°.

3) Makita 5377MG 7-1/4″ Magnesium Hypoid Saw

Affordable and efficient, the Makita magnesium hypoid saw is a great tool for construction sites. Although it is a hypoid saw, the working mechanism of the tool is similar to a worm drive. Powered by a 15-amp motor, the tool delivers a no-load speed of 4500 RPMs. The compressed winding technology keeps the overall size of the motor small. This ultimately cuts down tool size for better handling.

The well-balanced design of the Makita rear handle circular saw makes it perfect for both home and job site use. The use of magnesium in construction accounts for the lightweight and durability of the tool. Plus, the high-quality heat-treated hypoid steel gears stay tough and do not rust or wear out easily like cheap bronze-alloy worm drive gears. Besides, a greater clearance between the rear handle and blade case provides a better grip for larger hands or if you prefer wearing gloves.

Proper oiling of the tool is a must for flawless operation. But in this case, you do not need to stop the motor in between the work to add oil. Thanks to Makita’s oil-bath technology created with a built-in fan and sealed-gear housing that ensures 100% oil surface coating. In short, the hypoid gears are in an oil bath for consistent oil coverage.

4) DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw, 15-Amp, Worm Drive (DWS535B)

If you’re a DIYer that loves to take on many small and big woodworking projects then here’s a perfect tool for you. Dewalt 7-1/4-inch worm drive circular saw is compact, lightweight, and most importantly, budget-friendly. Costing under $200, Dewalt DWS535B is the right beginner tool for homeowners.

With blade location on the left side, the worm drive saw lets you see pencil marks on the wood or other materials easily. This hep in the straight cutting of various materials in one go. Other than that, the rear located motor delivers 4800 RPM speed which rips off thick lumber in seconds. You can also change the blade angle as the tool offers a 53° bevel capacity for advanced applications. Plus, the bevel detents at 22.5° and 45° offers fast and accurate cuts.

Better quality of cord is important especially if you wish to buy a corded worm drive circular saw. And to ensure the same, Dewalt DWS535B features a Toughcord(TM) protection system. This provides 4x better cord jerk protection, plus, less tear and wear.

5) SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw

Tackle all the sorts of heavy-duty work with Skilsaw 15-amp lightweight worm drive circular saw. Made with the lightest magnesium material, the tool reduces fatigue and stress on the wrist. Therefore, the machine is perfect for long hours of use. Besides, the cut-ready depth of the system helps with quick and accurate depth measurements so you can flawlessly cut different types of materials in one go.

Powered by Skilsaw’s dual-field motor, the tool delivers unmatched power of 4700 RPM. The closely winded wires cut down the tool’s size, while the high-quality wire material keeps the motor cool. Besides that, Skilsaw’s user-friendly features like large easy-to-read bevel and depth-of-cut scales ease marking and cutting of wood.

Adjustable depth cuts allow you to cut 2-3/8 inched at 90°. Adjust the blade to 45 degrees and you can still cut the material 1-15/16-inch deep. The included carbide-tipped blade comprises 24 teeth that are sharp and effective to cut thick lumbers and wide plywoods.

6) Milwaukee 6477-20 7-1/4-inch Worm Drive Circular Saw with Track

Make everyday woodworking job easier with Milwaukee electric worm drive circular saw. Similar to many tools in the list, Milwaukee 6477-20 also features a 15.0 amp motor that delivers 4400 of no-load speed. With such a high torque and impressive speed, the circular saw maximized cutting performance. It does not bog down even under heavy loads, thus, making it one of the best tools for construction site use.

Safety is important while operating heavy and sharp machinery. So Milwaukee heavy-duty worm drive circular saw features an electric brake. The brakes are applied automatically once you release the trigger to stop the rotation of the blade. Not only does this increase job site productivity but also keeps your hands safe.

Many worm drive saws use oil for flawless operation and so does Milwaukee 6477-20. But unlike an opaque exterior, Milwaukee features exclusive oil site glass. This eases monitoring the current oil level without having to stop or open the oil tank lid. In addition to a clear oil window, a stable guide ensures all the cuts you make are straight and to the point.

7) 3M SPT77W-22 Worm Drive Heavy Duty Corded Circular Saw, 7-1/4″

All professionals, woodworkers, and DIYers seek a tool that rips off material in one go. And this 3M heavy-duty worm drive corded circular saw can rip various materials smoothly without leaving a rough burry surface. Thanks to durable worm drive gears ensure long life and cleaner cuts. Also, a 15-amp motor provides unmatched power that cuts through a variety of materials.

Marking on plywood is common for precise cutting. And so, this corded worm circular saw offers a 3-position rafter hook. Using the hook, you can safely rafter place the tool in between wood marking or hang the tool at a safe place once the work is done. Okay, enough tool storage, and let’s talk about the tool’s cutting efficiency.

This electric-powered worm drive saw comes with a diablo blade to tackle heavy-duty works. The 24-tooth diablo blade can bevel to 51° for framing, decking, and roofing projects. Besides, the saw features cut-ready depth adjustments for quick, accurate rippings. In short, this powerful little tool is great for multiple uses.

8) Big Foot Tools 10-1/4-Inch Wormdrive Magnesium Circular Saw w/ Skil Motor

Finish large projects quickly and accurately with Big Foot worm drive magnesium circular saw. With a blade diameter of 10-1/4″, Big Foot can easily rip large and thick wood sheets in one go. While the blade was originally designed to cut 2 plates in one pass, the tester found that it can also cut 4x materials. So cutting hardwood will not be a problem with Big Foot SC-1025SU.

The large 10-1/4″ blade can cut 4x headers, double 2x sandwich headers, exposed beams for decks, 4×4 fence post, 1/2″ plywood, plus, multiple sheets for roofing or decor. Besides, the 36 carbide-tipped teeth blade offers a 3-7/8″ depth of cut at 90°. And 3-inch deep cut at 45°. The depth of the cut it offers is more than the regular 7-1/4-inch blade size and is perfect for framing projects.

Assembled in the USA, Big Foot offers a universal handle design that eases maneuvering the rotating wheels. Also, the well-balanced foot design of Big Foot helps in the clean cutting of various materials. However, the cutting majorly depends on the blade which is best in its class. made with high-carbon steel material and heat-treated, it serves different purposes effortlessly.

9) Ridgid 15 Amp 7-1/4 in. Worm Drive Circular Saw

It is common for the motor to heat up after long hours of use. But prolonged use of heated motor only damages it. And you would not like to see such a high-value tool stop suddenly. So Rigid circular saw features a 7-1/4-in worm drive that has upgraded to a Thrucool motor for optimized performance.

This Throughcool motor technology allows air to flow through the center of the motor and out from the sides. Such a good ventilation design keeps the motor cool for a longer duration. Therefore, you’ll not have to take frequent long breaks just to cool the motor. In addition to excellent ventilation, Rigid uses top-of-the-line technology to improve speed and performance.

Rigid R32104 is equipped with a rafter hook for easy storage and transportation. Also, there’s a skyhook that lets you store the tool conveniently in between cutting. Apart from these, the tool has a visible oil sight to let you have a glance at current oil levels. This clear window eliminates the need to stop and check on the oil levels frequently.

10) Hitachi C7WDM 7 1/4″ 15-Amp Worm Drive Circular Saw

Experience power that cuts through thick sheets of plywood and hardwood with Hitachi 15-amp worm drive circular saw. Thanks to its maximum no-load speed of 5000 RPM that cuts through dense materials like butter. Within no time you can get a wide sheet cut into two. Besides, you can easily adjust cut-depth according to the thickness of the material for safe and better cuts.

The soft-grip handle design of Hitachi C7WDM eases users to maneuver the tool for customized cuts. Unlike other tools, this Hitachi worm drive saw comes with two 7-1/4″ 24T premium VPR framing blades. The tool also comes with a blade wrench for you to easily replace the old worn-out blade with a new fresh one.

Other highlights of the tool include its steel levers and rafter hooks that increase productivity and eliminates storage problems. Also, the included blade wrench conveniently stores at the foot of the tool. This eases blade change, plus, reduces the risk of misplacement.

How to choose the best worm drive circular saw

While it’s easy for a pro to select the best worm drive circular saw, finding a perfect model can be quite challenging for a DIYer, homeowner, or beginner. But why worry when we’ve already eased things for you. Check the below points/features that will help you pick the right model.

Visible Cutting Line

The placement of a rear handle circular saw blade is such that it gives a clear vision of the cutting line. Also, worm circular saws offer right and left-hand blade positions. Besides that, many high-end tools comprise a built-in laser guide that eliminates the need to pre-mark the material.

Motor

Motor of a worm drive circular saw is placed at the rear. This directs power right into the motor that generates powerful torque for the smooth cutting of dense materials. Generally, a worm drive saw features a 15-amp motor that delivers powerful torque with max RPM around 3500-4500. And such tools are excellent for both home and job site use.

Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy is the key no matter what workshop tool you use. And worm drive circular saw are equipped with a footplate that helps in the straight and accurate cutting of materials. Good clearance between the rear handle and blade lets you see the marked line clearly for precise cuts every time.

Maximum Cutting Depth

Cutting depth of the tool depends on the blade diameter. Generally, the diameter of the blade is 7-1/4-inch which can cut deep up to 7 inches at 90°. The cutting depth reduces on beveled angled. However, some tools come with a 6-1/2-inch blade that cuts a bit shorter.

Beveling

Bevel cuts are an important part of woodworking. And thankfully, worm drive circular saws offer a wide beveling range of up to 50 degrees or more. This lets you cut the wood at a beveled angle for proper finishing. Beveling cuts are most helpful while doing framing, fencing, roofing, cutting PVC pipes, etc.

Easy to Carry and Use

Worm drive circular saws are heavy as the motor is placed in the rear. One cannot say they are highly portable but yes, built-in sky hooks make storage easy. If your work requires you to shift from place to place then go for a unit that comes along a carrying case.

Are worm drive circular saws better?

Again, the rear placement of the motor makes worm drive circular saws better than a regular saw. This is because the motor delivers direct power which offers high torque. And with a sharp blade attached, a worm drive saw can easily rip dense hardwood, thick plywood sheets, and other similar materials. In short, worm drive saws are a good investment for the people who take a lot of woodworking projects.

Who uses a worm drive circular saw?

The larger gear teeth of the rear handle worm drive saw are perfect for jobs that require great cutting power. And such a high torque is required at job sites and construction sites especially with framing, roofing, deck, and other woodworking projects. So it is easy to spot a worm drive circular saw in the hand of a professional or a local woodworking shop. However, many DIY enthusiasts also invest in a good quality budget worm drive saw to tackle woodworking jobs around the house.

Conclusion

Long-lasting and powerful, a worm drive circular saw is the best investment for people who take their woodworking job seriously. This tool is equipped with a sharp, long carbite tooth blade that rips thick lumber and plywood in seconds. Plus, a well-balanced foot design ensures straight or clean cuts every time. Just like a regular circular chop saw, a worm drive saw also offers bevel capacity to let you make beveling cuts easily.