Is there an advantage to a WORM GEAR circular saw

Question

Ive always used the direct drive circular saws. I was watching a guy building a home and he had a rather large saw which was a lot heavier than my saws and a lot longer. His was a Skil brand. I asked him about it and he said it's a worm gear saw, which is why it's larger and heavier. He said he's had it for years and it's a good saw. It has a metal housing rather than all the new plastic ones, so I know that makes it heavier.

I looked online and found some similar looking saws. Even used ones on places like ebay are much more expensive than the standard direct drive ones.

Is there some advantage to the worm drive types over the common saws? Most of them online say they are 15A, so the motor must be a lot larger. My direct drive ones are about 10A.

So if there is an advantage, what is it?

CRNG · Accepted Answer

On Thu, 23 Aug 2018 09:58:44 -0700, Oren  wrote in   I would guess that the worm-gear drive can deliver more torque to the blade for a given size motor.

dpb · Answer

... You've outlined one for serious work, power and especially much more torque. If righthanded, the blade is on left so see it directly to follow cut line. Longer frame and handle directly behind instead of on top is both more  ergonomic and lends to easier control, particularly for longer rip cuts. Weight is both plus/minus -- if orient piece as many framers do with  boot, saw runs downhill and weight helps.  If trimming overhead or must  support, it can be hindrance.  One does have to get used to a 12 (mag)  to 15-lb saw vs 8-10 for most sidewinders. As somebody else noted, they're a professional's saw; the average DIY'er  will probably be more satisfied more of the time with sidewinder. Another noted, they are particularly prominent on the west coast; while  in VA I don't think I saw a one on a job site other than mine that I  took with me when I moved.  It was a real novelty.

Frank · Answer

Weight means a lot more when you are older. I have a framing hammer that I practically never use because it is heavier. It did come in handy the other day but thankfully I did not have to hammer a lot of nails.

Is there an advantage to a WORM GEAR circular saw

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