Introduction
When you’re a contractor, woodworker or a carpenter, you just can’t waste time working with tools that won’t give you good results. You need efficient, precise and safe power tools to work with different applications. When it comes to working in the field or in the worksite you need tools that will never fail no matter what.
The Makita hypoid saw is a popular model which has been designed to work in the workshop or at the worksite. It is a 10-inch contractor table saw with an optional stand that will hold the saw securely to make precise cuts. The hypoid saw has a powerful 15- amp motor that gives you 4800 rpm. It has a modular blade guard system with an adjustable riving knife and spreader. With all these features, this portable table saw could be the most suitable addition to your worksite or workshop.
Another good power saw to check out is the worm drive saw. This power saw has a motor that’s in-line with the saw blade. Because of this design, the motor delivers enough torque to cut through wet lumber or saw through concrete. A worm drive saw is a good saw to use for framing as well as a variety of renovation projects. Worm drive saws have a handle placed far back from the saw body to resist kickback. Even if the saw weighs more than 15 pounds, you will be able to handle it like a pro.
Makita Hypoid Saw vs Worm Drive Saw
| Product Details | Makita Hypoid Saw | Worm Drive Saw |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 24 x 22.4 x 28.6 inches | 19.9 x 23.4 x 13.4 inches |
| Weight | 145 pounds | 49 pounds |
| Motor Power | 15-amp at 4800 rpm | 120 volts |
| Accessories | With stand, push stick, guards, and wrench | Rip fence, table insert, barrier guard assembly, anti-kickback device, miter gauge, push stick, cutting blade, blade wrench, and hex wrench |
| Ratings | 9 out of 10 | 9 out of 10 |
| Price | Check Lowest Price | Check Lowest Price |
Buyer’s Guide
How to pick the right product
Table saws come in a variety of features, capacities and cutting capabilities. When you are in the market for table saws, you must never neglect the following factors so you will be able to find the ideal table saw for your needs.
- How do you want to use your table saw?
Do you want to use your table saw at the worksite or at the workshop? Are you cutting large pieces of material or smaller, delicate ones? If you want to cut materials in the worksite then you must use a job site table saw. This table saw is a mobile, compact and portable. If you need a saw for workshop use then a stable stationary or benchtop model is for you. This is heavier but powerful and can cut larger and tougher materials because of its powerful motor.
And there are cabinet table saws which are saws that are fitted on a cast iron cabinet/table. This saw has a variety of cutting features and is completely adjustable.
- Choose table saws with a strong motor
Regular table saws have powerful motors with 3 to 5 HP at 240V. This type of saw can work with larger materials including wooden flooring, logs, and lumber. And when it comes to smaller and more compact table saws are equipped with a direct-drive motor that runs on 120 V power at 2 HP. This can cut through thinner materials like wooden panels, vinyl, laminates and metal sheets.
- Important table saw blade characteristics
The right type of blade is important for a table saw. Blades are grouped according to blade diameter, arbor size, number of teeth, kerf size, application, material that makes up the blade and blade speed. The most common materials used to make saw blades are carbon steel and carbide. Most table saws have 10 or 12” saw blades with an average number of teeth from 24 to 80.
- Check tool safety features
Whether you are new to using a table saw or you have used one before, safety should be your utmost priority. Special features are splitters, riving blades and anti-kickback pawls which will help you keep safe for any kind of project.
How do we compare Makita Hypoid Saw vs Worm Drive Saw?
- Quality
Quality is very important in every power tool purchase and to find a top quality product, you must check out the following features that spell quality: the material used to make the saw, the materials that the saw can cut, the saw’s basic features, safety and ergonomic features, accessories included in the purchase, motor power and more.
The Makita Hypoid Saw is a table saw that comes with a stand. This is a compact table saw that you can use at home in your shop or in the field. Its major selling point is the power motor which can take a variety of applications. It comes with a modular blade guard system with adjustable riving spreader or knife. Another quality feature is the cam lock that lets you assemble and disassemble the tool easily anywhere.
On the other hand, worm drive saws are very strong and durable thanks to its powerful motor. This is designed to provide you with excellent cuts all the time. A worm drive saw is the saw of choice when cutting large and thicker materials. All these good features have made this power saw a good tool for any project you may have.
- Blade Size
The Makita Hypoid Saw uses a 12-inch blade which can rip through a variety of materials. The worm drive saw uses 10-inch blades which can cut through different materials as well. These blades are completely replaceable with new blades available from online shops and local stores.
- Weight
The Hypoid Saw weighs a whopping 145 pounds which is very heavy for its class. However, its steel stand keeps it stable and sturdy plus ready for any kind of project. Meanwhile, a worm drive saw is also heavy at less than 50 pounds. This is could be the compact tool you have been looking for.
1) Makita Hypoid Saw
Why Use the Makita Hypoid Saw and Who Is It For?
The Makita Hypoid Saw is for professionals that need a table saw with maximum power and torque. This is designed to offer tough power for tough applications and for big cutting work.
Review
The Makita Hypoid Saw is a table saw with a powerful 15-amp motor with 4800 rpm. This means that this saw can rip through different materials in varying thicknesses. It offers a modular blade guard system for tool-less applications; you won’t have to spend so much time replacing your saw blades anymore! This power saw has two onboard independent stowable anti-kickback pawls and riving knife spreaders for through cuts. It has different adjustments for dado cuts, through and non-through cuts. All these great features could make this Makita saw a good power saw to use for your shop or worksite.
Main Features
- With the 15-amp motor at 4800 rpm
- With modular blade guard system
- With an adjustable riving knife/spreader system
- Blade guide assembly with cam lock
- With dual side guards for ease of measurement
- With onboard independent anti-kickback pawls
- With easy knife adjustments
- Comes with a cart with wheels
Q&As
What do you use to clean this Makita hypoid saw?
You use a soft, clean and dry piece of cloth to remove dirt and dust on the saw blades as well as on the saw body. If there are stubborn dirt and dust, use a soft bristled brush to remove these. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to maintain and clean this hypoid saw.
What does a hypoid saw mean?
A hypoid saw could mean anything. This could be a power saw that can work on the worksite or inside a workshop. It could be a saw that can be used in a corded or cordless manner. It could also mean that the saw is versatile with a variety of functions and features to offer.
Where do you purchase accessories for the Makita hypoid saw?
You can purchase accessories for this saw online from online shopping sites like Amazon and also from local shops. Make sure that these are genuine Makita accessories and to never use generic accessories because this can affect the way you use your saw.
Pros
- This has a powerful motor to cut precisely and cleanly.
- Has an easy to replace saw blade system.
- With adjustable guards for easy measurement from the blade to the tip.
- Can make quick height adjustments for a variety of cuts.
Cons
- Needs some assembly when brought out of the box.
- Has complaints that it is noisy to use.
2) Worm Drive Saw
Why Use the Worm Drive Saw and Who Is It For?
A worm drive table saw is for professional woodworkers who would like to cut a variety of materials no matter what application or project it may be. You can use this table saw no matter where you want to work.
Review
The worm drive saw is considered is made to work with maximum power and torque with its powerful 5.0 horsepower motor. This is compact and portable with a solid construction. It has a 25-inch rip capacity and 3- ½ inches depth of material. The worm drive table saw comes with a self-aligning rip fence with an on-tool storage system to let you keep important tools nearby. This tool model will not just handle cutting jobs but it remains lightweight at only 49 pounds. You can take the portable worm drive table saw anywhere you need to work.
There is a number of worm drive saws available in the market and the latest and possibly the most trusted is the Skilsaw worm drive table saw. This model is the first one to have an all-brass geared saw. Other models use different types of materials.
Main Features
- First ever brass-geared worm drive table saw
- Offers maximum power and torque with 5.0 HP motor
- 15-Amp solid dust-field motor
- Improves cutting speed and extends motor life
- With 25-inch rip capacity and 3 – ½ in depth of cut
- With self-aligning rip fence
- With on-tool storage
- Portable and compact
- Weighs only 49 pounds
- Lightweight
Q&As
Where can you purchase blades and accessories of a worm drive table saw?
You can purchase accessories and blades for the worm drive table saw online or from a local store or shop. Remember to use only genuine accessories to get the most out of your worm drive table saw.
How do you maintain a worm drive table saw?
Follow the manufacturer’s instruction on how to maintain a worm drive table saw. You must use a dry cloth to wipe the saw and the table surface clean and free from dust and dirt.
How do you assemble a worm drive table saw?
Instructions on how to assemble and disassemble this table saw are included in the instruction manual. Follow instructions well
What to do if your power saw’s warranty period has expired?
When your saw’s warranty period has expired you may still take it to an accredited repair center for repairs and service. A good idea is to buy an extended warranty for your power saw. There are distributors that offer extended warranties on power tools. Take advantage of this kind of offer to be able to protect your tool and add value to your purchase.
Pros
- Improved power and precision.
- Can cut a number of materials such as wood, metal, etc.
- The worm drive table saw is portable.
- Comes with a storage system.
Cons
- Too complicated to use especially for novice woodworkers.
- This does not come with extra blades.
- This comes with a gearbox with oil that needs to be maintained
The Final Cut
When it comes to the best features for a compact and efficient power cutting tool, the Makita hypoid saw and the worm drive saw have almost the same features and design. But when it comes to portability and weight, the worm drive saw wins hands down. Despite having a table/cart, the Makita hypoid saw remains very heavy at 140 pounds. This could be difficult to take to the field because of its whopping weight.
