Circular saws are one of the most common and versatile tools in woodworking and carpentry. They can cut through various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and concrete, with ease and precision. But not all circular saws are the same. There are two basic types of circular saws: sidewinder and worm drive.
Sidewinder circular saws are also known as in-line or direct-drive saws. They have the motor mounted on the same axis as the blade, which makes them lighter and more compact than worm drive saws. Sidewinder saws are the most popular type of circular saws in the US, as they are affordable, easy to use, and suitable for most cutting tasks.
Sidewinder saws have a blade diameter of 6 to 7.5 inches, and a maximum cutting depth of 2.5 to 3 inches. They can spin the blade at speeds of up to 6,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), which makes them ideal for fast and smooth cuts. Sidewinder saws are also available in corded and cordless models, which offer different levels of power and portability.
Some of the advantages of sidewinder saws are:
They are lightweight and balanced, which reduces fatigue and improves maneuverability.
They are easy to operate and maintain, as they have fewer parts and less friction than worm drive saws.
They are cheaper and more widely available than worm drive saws.
Some of the disadvantages of sidewinder saws are:
They are less powerful and durable than worm drive saws, as they have smaller motors and gears.
They are less stable and accurate than worm drive saws, as they have a higher center of gravity and a shorter distance between the blade and the handle.
They are more prone to kickback and binding than worm drive saws, as they have a higher blade speed and a lower torque.
Worm drive circular saws are also known as hypoid or gear-reduced saws. They have the motor mounted at a right angle to the blade, which makes them heavier and bulkier than sidewinder saws. Worm drive saws are more popular in Europe and Australia, as they are more powerful, durable, and precise than sidewinder saws.
Worm drive saws have a blade diameter of 7 to 10.25 inches, and a maximum cutting depth of 3 to 4 inches. They can spin the blade at speeds of up to 4,500 RPM, which makes them ideal for tough and thick materials. Worm drive saws are only available in corded models, which offer consistent and reliable performance.
Some of the advantages of worm drive saws are:
They are more powerful and durable than sidewinder saws, as they have larger motors and gears.
They are more stable and accurate than sidewinder saws, as they have a lower center of gravity and a longer distance between the blade and the handle.
They are less prone to kickback and binding than sidewinder saws, as they have a lower blade speed and a higher torque.
Some of the disadvantages of worm drive saws are:
They are heavier and bulkier than sidewinder saws, which increases fatigue and reduces maneuverability.
They are harder to operate and maintain, as they have more parts and more friction than sidewinder saws.
They are more expensive and less widely available than sidewinder saws.
Conclusion
Circular saws are essential tools for any woodworker or carpenter, but they come in different types and features. The two basic types of circular saws are sidewinder and worm drive, which have their own pros and cons. Sidewinder saws are lighter, cheaper, and faster, while worm drive saws are heavier, more expensive, and more powerful. The best type of circular saw for you depends on your budget, preference, and project.
To learn more about circular saws, check out our other articles on how to choose, use, and maintain them. We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between the two basic types of circular saws, and how to make the best decision for your needs.
