Choosing a scroll saw that fits for your needs might be a daunting task if you do not know much about these powerful tools. Technical specs and all the information might be overwhelming for a beginner.
To ease your worries, our team reviewed some of the best scroll saws on the market along with a guide, to help you make an informed decision.
Reviews of the Best Scroll Saw
1. Dewalt DW788 Scroll Saw
With its outstanding qualities and features, the DW788 is adjudged by our experts as one of the best scroll saws on the market.
It has a sturdy build with a durable cast iron table which angles up to 45 degrees to the left and right for better cutting of wood or plastic pieces. Although the stand is sold separately, you can always fix the saw on a table.
The Dewalt DW788 Scroll Saw is powered by a 1.3 amp motor that delivers up to 1,750 SPM, that makes it all the more perfect for heavy duty work.
Assembling the saw and attaching the blade of the DW788 scroll saw is very easy due to the tool-free blade clamps. The double parallel link arm’s design helps reduce the noise and vibration, and delivers very accurate cuts.
Pros
- Efficient design for accurate cuts
- Fast and easy blade change
- Less noise
- Easy to use controls
- Great for heavy duty tasks
- Minimal vibration
- Variable speed tool comes with a 3-year warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Stand is sold separately
- Can be heavy for some users
2. Shop Fox W1713 Scroll Saw
The Shop Fox Scroll Saw features an ergonomic and sturdy design that is made of cast iron. Among its notable features are the dust blower, work light located on top of the blade, and a dust port that provides maximum convenience as you work on painstaking patterns.
The W1713 scroll saw accepts both plain and pin end blades. Blade changes are easy because of the included adapter and an adjustable hold-down shoe which prevents the workpiece from moving.
Featuring a tilting table, Shop Fox W1713 can cut from 0 to 45 degrees. Overall, the Shop Fox W1713 is a great tool to have for DIY projects that require attention to detail.
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Has a work light
- Convenient to use
- Suitable for complicated projects
- Great customer service
Cons
- Takes time to adjust the hold down shoe
- Light bulb needs to be changed from time to time
3. Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw
Another one of the best scroll saws in this list is the Dremel MS20-01 Moto Variable Speed Scroll Saw. This device is capable of cutting a wide variety of materials like wood, laminates, plastic, and metal.
An interesting feature of this Dremel Moto Saw is that it can be detached from its base and becomes a portable motorized coping-saw[1]. The tool-free mechanism allows you to change the blades quickly.
Along with that, the auto tensioning system of the Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw makes this a perfect tool for novices. However, this model does not have a dust blower, but you can attach a vacuum to its adapter for dust collection. This saw features a C-arm design, which allows you to make precise cuts.
Pros
- Easy blade change
- Beginner-friendly
- Facilitates precise cuts
- Ideal for elaborate design plans
- Compact
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Recommended for thin materials
- Miter gauge not included
4. WEN 3922 Speed Scroll Saw
WEN 3922 is a versatile tool with a 16” throat depth that allows you to cut wood pieces of up to 2 inches. The speed can be adjusted from 500 to 1600 strokes per minute just by turning the speed control button.
Its cast-iron base bevels to 45 degrees for more precise cuts. It also accepts both pinned and pinless blades, so it is easier to create interesting designs with extremely accurate cuts.
This tool has a special side panel that allows easy clean up and blade changes, along with a dust port. Moreover, the saw comes with a 2 year warranty, like other WEN products.
Pros
- Affordable option
- Easy to set up
- Adjustable air pump
- Accepts pinned and pinless blades
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- May need additional blades
- Lacks a flexible work light
5. Delta Power Tools 40-694 Scroll Saw
This 20 inch variable speed scroll saw is one of the best scroll saws for sizable projects. It only accepts only pinless blades, but with the help of an adaptor, you can use pinned blades too.
Our experts were particularly impressed by the dual parallel arm design of Delta Power Tools 40-694 Scroll Saw which reduces vibration and noise. The upper arm lifts and can be locked into position for easy blade changes. Features like a tool-free blade clamp and an auto tensioning system make the device easy to use by beginners.
This saw’s table tilts up to 45 degrees left and right and delivers clean and precise cuts. The power switch, variable speed control, the flexible dust blower, and the blade-tensioning lever are located up front on the arm for good accessibility.
Pros
- Wide table
- Less noise
- Minimal vibration
- Arm lifting feature
- Blade storage on the arm
- Great for big projects
- Easy to set up
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Needs to be assembled
- No light
Scroll Saw Buyer’s Guide
Scroll Saw Performance
In terms of performance, a good scroll saw should meet a series of expectations: precise cuts, fewer vibrations, durable build. Depending on your projects, the tool must be capable of cutting in different angles and positions.
Before committing to a specific device, our team recommends to check its specs and read about others’ experience.
Throat
One of the most important factors in choosing the right model is the throat depth or length when buying a scroll saw. The length of the throat dictates the size of the material you work with, so a longer scroll saw throat means larger materials.
Common sizes for the saw throat are 16-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch. Anything under 16” is for hobbyists, while a scroll saw that has more than 20-inch throat length is used on industrial sites.
Before buying a scroll saw, our team recommends being sure what you will use it for. A 16-inch throat depth scroll saw is suitable for any woodworking you perform at home.
Tension
Like any tool that requires precision, a scroll saw needs to be perfectly tuned before using it. The blade can be tightened or loosened via a cam, knob, or lever.
When looking to buy a scroll saw, it is important to choose a model that has an easy to use blade tensioning system.
Our experts recommend you to buy a scroll saw that features a tool-less blade tension system. Make sure you familiarize yourself with it before starting the work.
Blade & Blade Changes
The scroll saws function with two types of blades – pin-end blades and pinless blades. Pinned blades produce rougher cuts and are best used for thicker pieces of wood. It is easy to attach them to the clamp as the tension is predetermined. However, your options are limited.
Our team recommends buying a scroll saw that accepts both types of blades and features an automatic tension system. Tool free blade changes is another option that requires attention when shopping for one of these tools.
Speed Control Options
Ideally, the scroll saw you are about to purchase should feature variable speed motors and a speed control system.
Our team observed that slower speeds are fit for cutting softer woods, paper, or plastics, while higher speeds are used for hardwood or metal.
Generally, a scroll saw that delivers a 16-inch variable speed is the best choice for a home project. An 18” variable speed scroll saw is a better fit for commercial use.
Hold Down Foot
The hold-down foot is an optional feature that alleviates the risk of a piece moving during the cutting operation.
Although not many models have it, it is worthwhile checking before making an acquisition.
Bevel Capacity
In case you need to cut materials at a specific angle, check whether the table tilts. Almost every scroll saw bevels up to 45 degrees; however, it is a good idea to check.
Also, some models tilt in both directions while others can only bevel either to the right or the left.
Dust Collection
The dust collection feature is very useful for keeping the work area clear of dust and debris. Some models have integrated dust blowers, while other feature dust ports where you can connect a dust vacuum. The choice is entirely yours.
Rocker Arm Type Scroll Saw
Some scroll saws have the rocker arms feature that gives the blades’ strokes an up and down motion. Many models have a single solid arm for handling the saw blade movements. However, this might prove too turbulent for precise cuts.
Smaller arms deliver less vibration, according to professionals. In the end, this is a matter of personal preferences.
Safety Features
One of the most important safety features that scroll saws have is the hold-down clamp. Some manufacturers removed this feature as it seems to be in the way. However, our team recommends looking for a model that has this safety measure incorporated.
Another safety measure is the guard located around the lower blade clamp. It protects your fingers from getting caught between the bottom of the table and the arm.
A good idea is to buy a scroll saw with stand as this will absorb the vibrations and will add stability to the tool.
FAQ
What is the best scroll saw to buy?
The best scroll saw to buy is the Dewalt DW788. It has a sturdy build which delivers accuracy and convenience in cutting, perfect for both beginners and professional users.
How do I choose a scroll saw?
Choosing a scroll saw involves paying attention to features like the thickness of the cut, speed control, scroll saw blades changing, table tilt, or arm type. Safety measures and additional options, like work light and dust collection, are also important.
Is a scroll saw worth it?
A scroll saw is a worth it addition to your toolbox, especially in DIY projects related to home renovations. You need a good device with variable speed control, work light, dust blower, and other useful features.
How thick can a scroll saw cut?
A scroll saw can cut wood up to ¾ inch thickness. For thicker pieces, a band saw is a better choice.
Our Top Pick For A Scroll Saw: Dewalt DW788
Following the extensive tests and review, our team concluded that the best scroll saw for both beginners and professional users is the Dewalt DW788.
Due to the double parallel link arm design, the device delivers clean and precise cuts. Its sturdy body offers more stability, fewer vibrations, and low-level noise.
The saw blade is easy to change thanks to the tool-free design. Throat length is 20”, meaning that the Dewalt model delivers deeper cuts than a regular 16” scroll saw.
