Hypoid vs Worm Drive Circular Saw: Which Saw Should You Go For?

Are you looking for the perfect circular saw for your project? Are you stuck between a worm drive and a hypoid saw?

Most people are confused when it comes to hypoid and worm drive saws. So were are here to give you the hypoid vs worm drive circular saw breakdown.

Of course, these two models are ideal for different applications as provide different amounts of power, have unique transmission system and gearbox arrangements.

This post addresses some of the few differences between a hypoid saw and worm drive saw.

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Hypoid vs Worm Drive Circular Saw

 

Gearing System

In a worm drive circular saw, power is transmitted to the blade via a worm gear. A worm drive gear box is made up of a worm and a worm-wheel where each are perpendicular to each other.

During operation, the worm wheel advances by only one tooth for every 360 degree turn of the worm.

On the other hand, a hypoid gear is a special type of spiral bevel gear whose axis is not in-line with the axis of meshing gear.

In other words, the mating gears’ axes don’t intersect. As the hypoid gear is offset from the gear center, unique configurations are possible with this system and can accommodate a large diameter shaft.

Unlike worm-drive teeth, hypoid gears come with helical teeth. They can be considered as a cross breed between a worm-drive and bevel gear.

Related: Best Mini Circular Saw

Operation

Hypoid saws’ gearing system have a large pitch surface hence offer multiple points of contact. This implies that energy can be transferred from almost any angle. In addition, due to their large pinion diameters, hypoid saws are ideal for torque demanding operations. These gears are also very durable and quiet during operation.

Worm-drive saws are also good for torque demanding operations but they tend to be a bit noisy than hypoid gears.

Maintenance

Hypoid saws come with a sealed motor system which implies that you don’t have to change the gear oil. However, with the worm drive saw, you need to keep changing the gear oil. Why? During operation, the worm-drive gear releases microscopic metal fragments into the oil which affect the system’s overall lubrication.

In addition, most hypoid saws come with hardened-steel gears while worm drives are made from bronze. This implies that hypoid gears are more durable than the latter.

Related: Corded Vs Cordless Circular Saws: Pros and Cons

hypoid vs worm drive circular saw 2019

Power

According to most tests, worm drive saws transmit more power than hypoid saws. However, this will entirely depend on the model as both gearing systems are more or less the same.

Motor-life

Even though the sealed motor design in hypoid saws minimizes maintenance costs, they have one major downside. As users cannot change the oil, the motor will wear out as soon as the oil loses its lubrication properties. On the other hand, worm-drive systems allow you to change the motor oil at any time.

Applications

Both hypoid and worm-drive circular saws are good for torque demanding applications such as cutting through dense hardwood and plywood. In addition, their blade is always on the left side of the motor hence offer a clear view of the cut line. You should know that both saws are heavy-duty hence come with an additional weight.

Related: Table Saw vs Circular Saw: Whats the difference?

 

Closing Shop

The major difference between hypoid saws and worm-drive gears is their power transmission.

The worm-drive works like the steering gears on a car while the hypoid resembles the rear gears of a car i.e. bevel gears. They can be used together especially where long precision cuts are required.

Hope you enjoyed our hypoid vs worm drive circular saw post. Good luck on your purchase!