Dremel US40-04 vs. Skilsaw SPT77WML-01

We’ll take a look at these two circular saws: the Dremel US40-04 and the Skilsaw SPT77WML-01.

Features & Benefits

For more information, read more in our roundup of the best compact circular saws and the best full-size circular saws.

Power & Motor

Both circular saws are corded and require 120 V. The US40-04 draws 7.5 amps. The SPT77WML-01 draws 15 amps. In the U.S., standard residential circuits are 120 V, 15 A, which will support either of the saws.

The US40-04 motor produces 13000 rpm and the SPT77WML-01 motor produces 5300 rpm. Don’t pay too much attention to these numbers, because the manufacturers measure them under no-load conditions, so they don’t have a useful impact on the saw’s real-world capability to handle different material.

The US40-04 has a direct-drive motor. The SPT77WML-01 has a worm-drive motor. Direct-drive motors are usually lighter than other styles, but their side mounting makes the saw a little harder to control. Worm-drive motors are longer and heavier, but often more powerful and easier to control due to the weight being more centered.

Blades & Capacity

The US40-04 accepts 4” diameter saw blades. The SPT77WML-01 takes 7 1/4” diameter blades and has a 5/8” arbor. Most 8-to-10” blades have a 5/8” arbor hole, so this size of arbor maximizes blade compatibility.

The US40-04 can bevel the blade up to 0° and is able to cut up to 3/4” deep at an angle of 90°. The SPT77WML-01 can bevel up to 53°, can cut up to 2 3/8” at 90°, and will cut up to 1 15/16” deep at a 45° angle.

When beveling the saw, most circular saws will have positive stops at common angles such as 45° and 90°. This ensures you are making precise cuts. Some saws have additional stops at other angles.

The Skilsaw has stops at 45°.

Both products have the blade on the left side of the body. Right-handers sometimes find it easier to see and control blades mounted to the left, while left-handers might find the same true for right-mounted blades.

Pros & Cons

Let’s take a look at some of the pluses and minuses of these products.

For the Dremel:

For the SPT77WML-01:

Comparison Chart

Here is a full side-by-side look at these products’ specs. You can view comparisons of the Dremel US40-04 with other products

	Dremel US40-04	Skilsaw SPT77WML-01
Brand	Dremel	Skilsaw
Power Type	corded	corded
Power - Voltage	120 V	120 V
Power - Amps	7.5 A	15 A
No-load RPM	13000 rpm	5300 rpm
Blade Diameter	4”	7 1/4”
Maximum Bevel	0°	53°
Depth of Cut (at 90°)	3/4”	2 3/8”
Depth of Cut (at 45°)	n/a	1 15/16”
Arbor Size	n/a	5/8”
Dimensions	13” L × 5” H	19 1/2” L × 7” H
Weight	4.6 lbs	11.5 lbs
Blade - Side	left	left
Drive Mechanism	direct-drive	worm-drive
Stops	n/a	45°
Warranty	2 years	1 year
Pros	Optional auxiliary handle for extra control Includes multiple blades for wood, metal, PVC, etc. Can make flush cuts with appropriate blade	Lots of torque for cutting difficult material Good build quality Blade-left design provides good visibility Easy to track straight cut lines
Cons	Can overheat when cutting thick material	Heavier than most direct-drive saws
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