What is a Worm Drive Circular Saw?

Last Updated On February 10, 2023

People who do carpentry know how handy a saw can become. Whether it’s cutting, shaping or installation, a saw will always have its use. Throughout the history of crafting and tool reviews, people have worked with woods and seen professionally in the power tool industry and out of a hobby. Many Sultans and Kings were, in fact, skilled carpenters!

With the times and the advances of science and technology, power saws have improved to make the craftworks easier and better. 

With the right guidance, anyone can get used to modern tools. In this world, any expert will know what is a worm drive circular saw. If you are new in this world, be not afraid. We will dig up all there is to know about the worm drive circular saw! 

What Is A Worm Drive Circular Saw?

Before we answer this, let us first resolve a misconception. People usually think that regular circular saws/direct drive saws and worm drive saws are two saws that are different. That is not true. In fact, a worm drive saw is a special type of direct-drive circular saw. So, what is special about it?

Here, you will have a very powerful motor attached to the rear of the worm gear. Driving through two gears, each set at 90 degrees, the spinning blade and the worm drive motor produces a torque and blade speed of more than 4500 Rotation per Minute (RPM). Moreover, the saw is longer and bulkier than any direct-drive saw.

The Key Features Of Worm Drive Circular Saw

Every saw has the same job- cut-through material. But some are famous for special specifications. Here are three features of the Worm drive circular saw that made it well-known for accurate cuts.

• More confined spaces– In the worm drive circular saw, the centreline of the motor is parallel to the plane of the saw blade with predominantly magnesium construction. Consequently, a narrow profile is produced. This will give you more confined space.
• Best for cross cutting sheet goods– The distance between the blade and the handle is long. As a result, your reach is extended while making a cut, helping to tack tight spaces during rip cutting and cross cutting in DIY projects, if you are a less experienced user who could use some maneuvering.
• More load-carrying capacity– It has larger spur gear teeth giving it a more load-carrying capacity that gives you a higher torque that is useful during tougher jobs, like while cutting through knotty wood you need more control and more power.

Safe Handling Of Worm Drive Circular Saw

No matter where you work, if you are working with machines, you must learn how to properly use them and hold the blade right, whether you fall in the category of left handed users or right handed users. The same logic goes for Worm Drive Circular Saw. 

You can learn more about it on the user manual that comes with buying the specific models. Here, we will have a take into key features of Worm Drive Circular Saw that must be handled in a proper way.

Rear Motor

Let us first focus on where the motor and the blade are located. In the front, you will find the blade, and at the back, you will find the motor, and as a result, you will find low speed. 

The speed is usually lower in comparison with the regular circular saw, so this will be a great choice for amateurs and newbies.

Using the Torque

When you are dealing with wood, torque is the most important factor to consider. If the torque is good, you will have a better output from the saw, and your performance will be seamless.

Long Saw

A worm drive saw is a long saw. This will come to great use for the newbies or amateurs as it will be easier to cut. So, do not worry about it. Moreover, most Worm Drives Saw have a simple design- having the blade in the front and the motor on the rear. It might give you an impression that the blade is longer than it is.

The Weight

It’s true, Worm Drive Circular Saw carries extra weight than its other circular saw counterparts. This gives the machine more strength and durability, but at the same time, it comes with caution. 

You will have put more than average strength on the saw while operating. Otherwise, you might lose control of it and get hurt. If you are not physically strong enough, it is advised not to use these models.

How to Change the Oil in a Worm-Drive Circular Saw?

Well, circular saws like hypoid saws and sidewinder circular saws do not require oiling or maintenance. The case is different for Worm Drive Circular Saw. Because of an oil-bath gearbox to provide cooling and lubrication that transfers motor power to the saw blade, it needs to be oiled on a regular basis. 

This oil, in turn, will get contaminated through use. The steps for changing the oils is given below;

• Free run the saw for about three minutes. This will warm the oil.
• Using a wrench, remove the spindle lock/oil-filter.
• Next, tip the saw on its side and pour out the oil into a container for recycling.
• Refill the crankcase to the level specified with a funnel of ¼ inches or smaller.
• Use the sight glass for checking and refilling easier.

Are Worm Drive Circular Saws Expensive?

Based on the versatile functionality of a circular saw, the price of this tool is quite low. You will find a good quality circular saw within $50. 

The price of the saw and the blades can vary based on their size and quality. Also, if the circular saw is bigger, you might need to pay a higher price.

Is it Safe to Use a Worm Drive Circular Saw to Cut Metal? 

Worm drive circular saw is a powerful tool that you can use to cut different materials and shape them. The portability and lightweight characteristics of this saw make it possible to handle properly without any difficulty. 

For the right type of blade for your work, you can start even strong metal using your worm drive circular saw. Worm drive circular thor’s are easy and safe to handle. The type of blade you want to use depends on the metal you are going to cut. 

You can use carbon steel or high-speed steel blades to cut through metal sheets efficiently. You can also use steel blades to cut thin sheets of metal.

Can you Use a Circular Saw in Place of a Table Saw?

No. A circular saw won’t cut as smoothly as a table saw. 

But you can make it work. With a couple of techniques and adaptations, you can cut with a table saw almost as accurately as a circular saw.

What type of Blades is Suitable for Cutting Wood?

Usually, we have standard circular saw blades that are typically used to cut wood or wood composites. The speed, type, and finishing are determined by the number of teeth on the blade.

Final Words From Gears Guider

If your craftwork includes cutting or furnishing a material, a saw is a must for you. When you have the right tool and feel comfortable using it, it’s no surprise that you will create something beautiful and amazing in no time.

That is why you should know what is a worm drive circular saw. It has a high load-carrying capacity, allows you more confined space, and is best for cross cutting sheet goods. 

If you are an amateur or a newbie, I can not think of a better tool that would be more suitable for you. So, pick up your gadget and start creating today!