Any woodworker knows how important a circular saw is in a workshop, but not everyone can discern the difference between sidewinder and worm drive circular saws. And while some say it’s just a regional preference, the reality is these tools carry different capacities.
In this worm drive vs. sidewinder comparison, we’ll explore their main uses to see which circular saw is right for you.
A Quick History of Worm Drive and Sidewinder Circular Saws
Back in 1924, a tool company called Skilsaw popularized the usage of worm drive saws. These circular power saws have gained massive attention on the West Coast and Midwest, acquiring the famous moniker of “The Saw That Built America.”
As our team scanned today’s market, we spotted the modern successor of the worm drive saw called Model 77. Given that its design extends the user’s reach, it’s no wonder that this circular saw is still sought after by professional carpenters and DIYers.
Meanwhile, sidewinder saws are preferred by workshop owners on the East Coast. After worm drive saws were introduced to the public, Arthur N. Emmons invented sidewinder models in 1928.
These tools are so common that their design is the first thing you’ll think of when you hear the word circular saw. In today’s market, it’s technically called a direct drive saw rather than a sidewinder.
You may not know, but its name is derived from its right-angled blade position, which we’ll discuss further in the features below.
Overview of Features
| Features | Sidewinder | Worm Drive |
| Motor | Right-angle or side of the blade | Behind the unit’s blade |
| Saw Blade Orientation | Blade-right | Blade-left |
| Weight | Up to 10 lbs | Up to 16 lbs |
| Torque | Low | High |
| RPMs (Speed) | Up to 6000 RPM | Up to 4500 RPM |
| Maintenance Requirement | No maintenance requirements. | Regular oil change. |
How Do Worm Drive and Sidewinder Saws Work?
If you ask our experts, these circular saws operate differently because of motor position and gear components.
Sidewinder saws carry spur gear options, which means that the blade spins fast on the scale of 6000 RPMs. And because of the blade-right and motor orientation, these direct drive saws have a lighter weight that offers more control for users.
Contrastingly, a worm drive circular saw is equipped with a gear of the same name (also referred to as the spiral gear). It allows the power transfer from the unit’s blade to the two gears as they meet at a 90-degree angle.
Thanks to this worm gear, your worm drive saw can produce more torque than a sidewinder circular saw. On top of that, it’s designed with larger gear teeth and more load-carrying capacity resulting in its heavier construction.
Comparing the Features of Sidewinder and Worm Drive Circular Saws
Motor Placement
When you look at these tools side by side, it’s easy to figure out that their main difference is motor placement.
In a worm drive saw, you’ll see the motor located in the saw’s rear or behind the blade. And if you look at the sidewinder, the motor is on the right side.
The location of the sidewinder’s motor will make it hard for the user to see the cut line, unlike when using a worm drive saw. This placement will also put a safe distance between your hands and the unit’s blade.
Waste Side
When cutting materials, the other side of the measured area you’re not going to use is called the waste side. Some may think it’s not a part of the consideration, but this is where your sidewinder’s motor will be resting while doing cross cuts.
The only problem with using sidewinders for this chainsaw cutting technique is the fact that it will hinder your line of sight because of its design. Meanwhile, you wouldn’t encounter this issue for worm drive saws.
Drive Blade
Originally, worm drives are categorized as blade-left saws and sidewinders as blade-right. However, as our tool experts scanned the market, we discovered that sidewinder and worm drive saws are now sold in both blade orientations.
So if you’re a right-handed user, we recommend buying a saw with a drive blade on the left side. It’ll give you a better sight of the cut lines and extra length. For left-handed people, blade-right saws are the better options.
Handle
Worm drive saws have a handle design that extends to the user, making them capable of reaching a longer distance. Between the two saws, the sidewinder has an easier handle to grip because it’s closer to the blade.
Due to its compact and lighter design, it can fit more confined spaces, and its weight is highly suitable for a less experienced user.
Power
As previously mentioned, worm drive includes higher load capacity and massive gear teeth. So despite having the same function, it’s not an overstatement to say that worm drive is more powerful.
However, this doesn’t imply that a sidewinder doesn’t have enough power to accomplish typical tasks on the job site.
Teeth
The size of your saw’s teeth also signifies if it has more power to tackle tough materials, and that’s what worm drive has. On the contrary, sidewinders are only equipped with average-sized teeth designs, which are more suitable for cutting softer materials.
Speed/RPM
The overall weight of your tool indirectly affects its speed. Because of this, it’s not surprising that the much lighter sidewinder can operate up to 6000 RPM while worm drive models only run around 4250 RPM [1].
However, it’s important to note that it can result in lower torque.
Drive Torque
At first glance, any professional user can tell that worm drives offer higher torque because of their heavier weight, higher carrying capacity, and bigger gear teeth. Some would even say that this saw has more durability to make plunge cuts and execute tough tasks.
However, lighter weight doesn’t always mean less torque. If you shop for newly launched cordless sidewinders, their drive torque is comparable to other alternatives.
Weight and Control
As we already told you, a sidewinder saw is lighter than a worm drive. Due to this, this tool is more maneuverable for cutting intricate and complex cuts. Another perk of a smaller saw is the ability to slice through regular sheet goods and frame materials without difficulty.
On the other hand, the heavier saw will come handier if you need to do longer cuts or downward crosscuts.
Maintenance
Depending on the model you purchased, you may have to lubricate the worm drive saw with oil for maintenance. Although, there are units with closed systems that wouldn’t require such a process.
Meanwhile, sidewinders wouldn’t need this service as they’re also closed systems.
Pros and Cons of Each Saw
Worm Drive
If you need a saw that cuts and frames thick sheets of plywood, you can rely on the power and productivity of a worm drive tool. It’s also specifically designed so that it won’t hinder material visibility and help you can avoid accidents or inaccurate cuts.
Its disadvantages will always be along the lines of its heavier weight. Not all tasks require massive power, so you may want to pass on this for easy tasks that need mobility. It also costs more than other alternatives.
Sidewinder
In contrast, sidewinders are preferred by many because of their compact and lighter size. Thanks to this, this tool is more maneuverable and beginner-friendly. Additionally, it’s also sold at a lower price.
The only downside of this saw is its lack of power. If you’re planning to do some heavy-duty cutting that takes hours to complete, we don’t recommend using this option.
Which Circular Saw Should I Choose?
When deciding between the two options, we urge you to consider the kind of task you’ll be using these tools with. If you’re handling jobs that include working overhead, a unit with a lighter weight, like a sidewinder, should suit your needs. It’s also a wise choice for simple woodworking.
On the other hand, if you want to practice professional trade, the heavier worm drive option should be your choice. It will also be more helpful for tasks like framing.
Conclusion
After this brief sidewinder vs. worm drive comparison, we hope you can now distinguish how different these tools are. After all, the only way to improve your craft is to be well-versed in how to use these machines properly.
If you intend to expand your DIY experience, our resident woodworkers suggest exploring other projects where you can utilize these tools.
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