Shop tested worm-drive circular saws

Milwaukee 6477-20

Price $200

This worm-drive workhorse provides great power and a design that makes it easy to follow a line precisely. As with the other worm-drive saws, the Milwaukee has an easy-to-guide left-side blade. Another feature that aids in cutting a line is the large notches at the front and back of the composite, swivelling shoe.

This tool has very good balance when held with the front handle, just as you want with a worm-drive saw. A steel rafter hook swivels easily and clicks into three positions for quick handling and storage.

Testers weren’t overly pleased with Milwaukee’s dust control. Like all the other worm-drive saws in the test group, there was no port, which caused dust to fly around a great deal.

The blade guard has good retraction action, and the plastic handle is straight and easy to push with your thumb.

Skilsaw SHD77M

Price $220

Our testers found this to be an excellent heavy-duty saw, just behind the Ridgid for the top worm-drive saw.

The Skilsaw provides loads of power and it’s easy for righthanders to follow a cut line. Large notches on the inside edge of the shoe opening provide an obvious visual reference for aligning the blade with the cut line–a simple but useful feature.

Similar to the Milwaukee, the Skilsaw has great balance on the front handle and a swivelling hook at the rear. Also like the Milwaukee, the Skilsaw lacks a dust port.

The blade guard has good retraction, with a cushioned stop when the spring pulls the guard back into a closed position.

The shoe matches this saw’s heavy-duty design–strong, pressed steel. It has all-metal locking levers for depth-of-cut and bevel settings.