Worm Drive Circular Saw – DEWALT DWS535B Review

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There are times when you just have enough of cheap, low-quality tools that keep disappointing you. I know how you feel. I’ve been there.

You just wish to have a tool that will do an excellent job the first time, doesn’t cost the earth, and because it’s lightweight, it will allow you to work quicker and longer. And that’s when Worm Drive Circular Saw – Dewalt DWS535B comes in.

I know it’s not the budget kind of tool, but you wanted great results, didn’t you? Of course, you could buy a cheaper saw but think about it as an investment. A tool of this quality will last you years without the need to replace it, so you’ll save money in the long run.

It’s not a typical sidewinder, but a worm drive circular saw. I assume that as an experienced woodworker, you know what a worm drive is. If not, have a look at my Power Tool Guide to learn more.

Have a look at my review and decide for yourself if that’s the right circular saw for you.

  • Power:15 Amp
  • No Load Speed: 4800 RPM
  • Blade Size: 7-1/4inch (181.25mm)
  • TOUGHCORD cord protection system
  • Foldable, extra-wide rafter hook
  • Electric brake stops the blade after the trigger is released
  • Weight: 18 lbs

So what I like about DEWALT DWS535 

This saw is well balanced and feels nice in your hand. It’s easy to guide, and you’re getting good quality, clean cuts with it. I think this is important when handling a big power tool. You don’t want to struggle to get the results you want.

It’s a bit slower than the side circular saw. But at the same time is loaded with a torque, which makes it powerful enough(no-load speed of 4,800 rpm) to cut through sheets of plywood or engineered lumber. Combine that with easy handling, and you got yourself a fantastic tool that saves your time and does a quality job.

A saw design that’s been researched

It’s worth mentioning that designers behind this tool have actually asked saws users about common issues and applied the solutions to their design.

So you get a big, foldable, extra-wide rafter hook, which is a handy feature, especially in cases when you’re working off the ground, and you need to place the saw somehow so it doesn’t fall down. You just hang it on a rafter as simple as that.

However, if you happened to drop it, it wouldn’t be so much of an issue here because in this case, the bevel adjustment and depth drive adjustment, usually the first things that get damaged, are made of magnesium, cast into the foot with some steel backing – much thicker than other saws what makes them less prone to bending from drop or fall. In simple words, this saw has fewer chances of shattering to pieces.

The magnesium and aluminum construction makes it really sturdy, and the foot itself is ribbed and reinforced, which gives you a stout, proper platform for cutting.

TOUGHCORD cord protection system is a well-designed solution to cord jerk damage. This means that the place that a cord is connected to the saw is strengthened, which is important as many saws are simply damaged in this place because of misuse.

The designers considered this as well and made it safer to use, so there is a little chance of damaging the cord.

A saw that is lightweight

You might say: But this saw is heavier than a sidewinder so how is that a lightweight saw?

Well, I must admit that most Worm Drives are much heavier than the sidewinders, so there is no argument here. But you can’t really compare apples to pears, so you should only compare worm drives to worm drives.

So DEWALT DWS535 was the lightest Worm Drive Circular Saw on the market at the time it was released, and because I like my tools to be easy to handle and work with so the weight is an important feature, especially when you are a woman using power tools like me 🙂

So the 13.8 pounds, which is the weight of this saw, is great news. This model, however, is a bit heavier at 18 lbs. If you’re looking for a lighter saw, check Makita 5377MG hypoid saw(13.2 lbs) or SKILSAW SPT77WML-01(11.5 lbs).

A saw that is user-friendly

This saw is made with a user in mind and time-saving features like top accessible spindle lock, making it easier and faster to change a blade. And we all know how annoying that can be.

Easily adjustable bevel detents at more common angles like 22.5 and 45 degrees with a capacity of 53 degrees for advanced applications and allows for a 2-7/16-inch depth of cut at 90 degrees, 1-7/8-inch depth of cut at 45.

Unlike its predecessor DWS535, this model features an electric brake that stops the spinning blade immediately after the trigger is released. Indeed, an essential feature in a dangerous tool like a circular saw.

  • Cast magnesium footplate ribbed and reinforced for maximum durability
  • Extra-wide hook accepts materials up to 2.5 inches wide
  • Well balanced and lightweight, only 13.8lb makes it easy to handle
  • Bevel detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees
  • TOUGHCORD cord protection system for better cord jerk protection and safety
  • There is no case
  • No wrench store on board
  • Highlighting index and guide marks would make them more visible in low lit rooms

Verdict

Worm Drive Circular Saw DEWALT DWS535B 7 1/4-Inch is a very impressive tool. Powerful – 15 Amp motor will give you enough power to cut through pretty much anything – fantastic for rip cuts.

There are not many cons regarding this saw. More like touch-ups needed or extras. Lightweight – allows you to work for longer without fatigue. Made from quality materials – will last you for years to come.

It’s a heavy-duty tool with great features that will make every professional’s job so much easier.

I hope you’ve found this review useful. If you have any thoughts or questions about this saw leave the comment in the box below.

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Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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5 Comments

  1. Hello again. I just commented on one of your other reviews, and as I said there I’m exploring your website on behalf of my dad who is quite savvy and knowledgeable in this niche. Your review of this Worm Drive Circular Saw is something that he’d like to read. I’ll be sure to send him over when I can. Thanks again!

    1. Hello again 🙂
      Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you liked my review and if your dad had any more questions I’m always happy to help if I can.Have a great weekend!
      Kasia

  2. I have a ryboi that has treated me well for a couple years now but I need something that doesn’t rely on batteries. They never seem to be charged when I need to use the darn thing. And I have a couple projects around the house and some projects that I need to help my folks out with. so i need the reliability of having a corded circular saw. This looks like an awesome candidate.
    I see the saw doesnt come with a case. Can you recommend one for me to purchase?

    Thanks
    Juan

    1. Hi, Juan!
      Thank you for stopping by:) That’s the problem with battery operated tools. You have to keep track of batteries, make sure they charged or have several batteries for each tool or have a set of tools with interchangeable batteries. Anyway, these tools are usually more expensive plus a cost of batteries so corded one are a good option with more power. It really depends on what you’re after. As for the case, I did some digging and Dewalt makes some nice cases from the Tough System Case but this saw wouldn’t fit even in the biggest one. I looked around and the one I found is worth to look at, in my opinion. It’s a Stanley 026301R 26-Inch Pro Toolbox. It’s large enough(25.6 x 10.6 x 10.9 inches) to accommodate Dewalt dws535(9 inches x 9.5 inches x 22.3 inches) and is reasonably priced. Have a look and tell me what you think.
      Kasia

  3. Hey nice review thanks. I like the saw, but I’m a amateur at woodworking. I’m looking to add a circular saw to my arsenal but I already have a 10” Miter saw and a 10″ table saw. (Yes I know i kind got my tool buying order the wrong way around on that one), would it make sense to buy a more pricey circular saw as I produce the majority of my rip and crosscuts on my larger machines and just want a circular saw for the odd jobs. Thanks in advance.

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