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Many woodworking projects only require a circular saw or table saw. But if you want a tool that delivers precision cutting or you’re working on an intricate pattern on a wall art, then a regular power saw just won’t do. What you need is a scroll saw.

But what exactly is a scroll saw, and why is it a great tool to have if you’re into woodworking? What is it used for, and how does one use this machine? In this article, we’re going to discuss what a scroll saw is, the different types of scroll saws, as well as the many wonderful things you can create with this powerful tool.

If you’re in the market for a scroll saw, then you’ll definitely find this article helpful. We have come up with a buying guide to help you purchase the best scroll saw for your home or business. Plus, we’ve taken the guesswork out of shopping with this review of the best scroll saws in the market.

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DEWALT Scroll Saw, 1.3 Amp, 20 in Steel Blade, With Variable-Speed Trigger, For Precise Cuts (DW788)

Double parallel-link arm design dramatically reduces vibration and noise, for extremely accurate cuts
Exclusive tool-free blade clamps allow blade changes in seconds
On-off switch, electronic variable speed, flexible dust blower and blade-tensioning lever are all located on the front upper arm for added convenience
Arm design pivots from the back of the saw to the front, shortening the arm movement for smoother, quieter operation
Arm lifts so blade can be easily threaded through the material for inside cuts

WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Work Light

Unique design accepts blades in two directions (standard and 90 degrees) to allow for infinite ripping capacity
Variable speed goes from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute
Spacious 16-by-11-inch table bevels up to 45 degrees to the left for angled cuts
Cuts wood up to 2 inches thick with a 16-inch throat depth in the standard position
Features a thumb screw blade adapter for tool-free blade changes, a cast iron base, an air pump, a flex light, a dust port, a foot lock clamp, onboard storage, and three blades

Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

1/8HP, 1-Amplifier, 110-Volt, 60Hz motor
16-Inch maximum cutting width
Includes a gooseneck work light, dust blower and dust port
Plain or pin blades
No load speed: 550-1700 SPM

Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit

Dust port adapter keeps line-of-sight clear and work space clean
Auto tensioning quick-change mechanism for easy accessory change and optimal blade tensioning
Detachable coping function for handheld use to take the tool to the work piece
Variable-speed control for optimal cutting in a variety of materials
Fast-clamp base attaches to various tables, benches and surfaces

18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Stand

Large aluminum 20" x 12 5/8" dual tilting table allows for bevel cutting up to 45 degrees
Patented table top bevel scale for accurate and convenient readings
Tool-less blade holder makes quick and easy 5" pin or plain end blade changes
Built-in adjustable LED work lamp for better illumination of work area
Variable speeds between 500 and 1500 SFM with upfront control knob

SKIL 3335-07 16", Scroll Saw With Light,Red

Integrated dust removal system keeps cutline free of debris
Articulating LED worklight ensures that the work piece is clearly lit.1.5 inches Dust port keeps work area clear of dust
Electronic variable speed control helps cut a variety of materials
Tilting 16" x 10" work table tilts 0-45 degrees for precise cuts
16" throat allows for cutting thicker pieces

Ryobi 1.2 Amp 16 in. Corded Scroll Saw

1. DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw

Pros:

Assembling the unit right out of the box is a piece of cake. Attaching the blade to the scroll saw is also easy thanks to its tool-free design.
This DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw has a 20-inch throat depth which allows you to work on wider and longer pieces of wood and other material.
It has an adjustable dust blower.
The table is made of durable cast-iron, and it tilts up to 45 °.
The placement of the on and off switch and variable speed dial is intuitive.
It comes with a 3-year limited warranty, plus 1-year free service.

Cons:

The stand is sold separately. But that’s fine because you can set it on a table anyway.
The motor’s performance is inconsistent. It would sometimes vibrate and rattle that it’s hard to cut straight lines, tight corners, or intricate designs.

Sebring Tip:

There’s no doubt that DeWalt is one of the best manufacturers of power tools in the market. This scroll saw is a testament to its good quality and design. What makes it stand out?

First is the construction. The body feels solid, while the table is made of durable cast-iron that will last for many years. Plus, it tilts 45 ° so you can easily cut angles on the piece of wood or plastic you’re working on.

It is powered by a powerful 1.3 amp motor that can deliver up to 400 to 1,750 SPM. The parallel arms also move from back to front, resulting in a smoother operation that produces less vibration and noise.

Assembling this DeWalt Scroll Saw is easy. Just pop the cast-iron table right into the machine, attach the blade (by the way, this is a tool-free installation), and you’re good to go.

The motor can be improved, but overall, this is a good product. In case it needs to be repaired or a part needs to be replaced, you can always count on DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty and 1-year free service.

2. WEN 3921 Two-Direction Scroll Saw

Pros:

It has a moderate noise level.
It has a spacious 16-inch throat depth that allows you to work on longer and thicker pieces of wood.
The base is made of cast-iron that ensures durability and minimizes vibration.
It has an adjustable LED lamp that illuminates your work area and results in more precise cuts.
All essential accessories are already included in the package.
This WEN scroll saw accepts blades in standard and 90° direction.
It offers tool-free blade installation.

Cons:

Its vibration becomes stronger as you turn up the speed.
The light vibrates with the machine during the saw operation. That can be distracting and pretty much cancels the purpose of the work light.

Sebring Tip:

Your job is to create beautiful and functional things. This WEN 3921 Two-Direction Scroll Saw’s job is to make those projects easy. Its 16-inch throat depth ensures that you can work on a larger piece of wood, plastic, and other materials. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or novice hobbyist, there’s no doubt that this is a good and affordable tool.

It has a powerful motor that can deliver as much as 1,600 SPM. But if you want greater control and precision, then 400 SPM should be enough.

It can cut through a 2-inch thick wood as easily as it can cut through a thin piece of plywood with its ultra-sharp blades. As a bonus, this WEN Scroll Saw can handle both pinned and pinless blades.

The LED lamp and the dust blower are great additions to this saw. Plus, this is one of the few scroll saws that come with blade storage at the side, as well as a dust port to keep your work area clean.

3. Shop Fox W1713 Scroll Saw

Pros:

It has a larger gooseneck work light.
It helps keep your work area nice and clean thanks to the dust blower. It also has a dust port that you can connect to a vacuum cleaner.
It accepts both plain and pin-end cutting blades.
The table can be tilted up to 45°. Plus, it has a scale underneath for greater accuracy when adjusting angles.
It has a hold-down foot that prevents the piece of wood or plastic from moving around while you’re working.

Cons:

I think the protective plastic cover is a nice touch, but unnecessary.
The table sometimes wobbles when you place it at a certain angle.

Sebring Tip:

Although it is not as popular as other brands, Shop Fox obviously hit the jackpot with this scroll saw. The design is neat and ergonomic, while the body boasts of solid construction and stable base.

Shop Fox has given the ordinary scroll saw a fresh and innovative take. Instead of a regular gooseneck light located near the blade, it opted to put a brighter light on top of the blade so you can clearly see the material you’re working on.

The hold-down shoe is a welcome addition, but the transparent plastic cover seems unnecessary.

The body is made of cast iron, so you know that it will last for many years.

Overall, this is one of the better scroll saws on the list.

4. Dremel Moto-Saw Scroll Saw Kit

Pros:

It comes with a hard plastic carrying case that keeps the scroll saw, blades, and vacuum adapter organized and protected.
The assorted cutting blades are already included.
The Dremel Scroll Saw is strong enough to cut through assorted materials, including wood and laminate.
It is designed to be used as a stationary scroll saw or a portable coping saw.
Just clamp the unit on a table, and it’s good to go.

Cons:

Be careful when using it on hard materials as the blades are prone to getting stuck.
The plastic seems flimsy.

Sebring Tip:

The Dremel Moto-Saw just might be your next scroll saw. Creating puzzles, wall art, and ornaments out of different materials is easy thanks to its compact design and sharp cutting blades.

This tool is unique thanks to its compact C-arm design. Clamp it on a table to use it as a regular scroll saw. You can also use it as a coping saw.

Its compact design ensures that you will still have a lot of space in your crowded workshop. Plus, it already comes with a side cutting blade for Plexiglass, PVC, and wood. There’s also a wood and plastic blade, fine wood blade, and a metal blade.

5. Porter-Cable Scroll Saw with Stand

Pros:

The positioning of the on/off switch and variable speed control is ergonomic.
Your work area is illuminated thanks to its built-in light with adjustable gooseneck.
It offers enough space for longer pieces of wood thanks to its 18-inch throat depth.
It has its own metal stand.
The tilting table is made of durable aluminum. It also has a bevel scale at front.

Cons:

It is impossible to cut a straight line or make any fine details on the wood because of excessive vibration.
The stand’s height cannot be adjusted.

Sebring Tip:

The Porter-Cable Scroll Saw is something you’ll either love or hate. It has an 18-inch throat depth that makes it ideal for those who work on wider pieces of wood. It has a wider-than-usual aluminum table with a bevel scale.

You can clearly see the details of the ornament or puzzle you’re working on thanks to the scroll saw’s built-in gooseneck LED lamp. There’s no need to clamp or put it on a table as it already comes with a stand.

As impressive as it is, there are some things about this tool that Porter-Cable needs to work on and improve. The machine produces a lot of vibration, making it difficult to cut a straight line or put some details on the material you’re working on.

Some of the parts are also easily broken even when the machine is not subjected to heavy use. It is quite expensive (because the stand is included), so consider its pros and cons before investing in a machine like this.

6. SKIL Scroll Saw

Pros:

The scroll saw is equipped with an adjustable gooseneck lamp.
You can connect a vacuum cleaner to the dust port for easy dust removal.
The table can be tilted up to 45°. Plus, it has a scale underneath for greater accuracy.

Cons:

The vibration becomes stronger as you increase the speed.
It’s difficult to find parts for this model.

Sebring Tip:

The SKIL Scroll Saw looks like any scroll saw at first glance. But look closer and you’ll find the difference.

It has a solid body with an equally solid and stable base. It has a hold-down shoe that makes cutting wood or any material easier. It is equipped with a bright LED light that ensures your work area is well-lit and you can see every curve clearly.

The table is made of aluminum — not cast-iron. The angle can be adjusted easily, and there’s a scale underneath to ensure greater accuracy.

It’s not the most expensive scroll saw in this review, but it does cost a lot more than most tools in the list. Keep in mind, too, that SKIL is now a subsidiary of Nanjing-based Chervon (HK) Ltd., and not by Bosch so finding replacement parts can be a challenge.

7. Ryobi Corded Scroll Saw

Pros:

The Ryobi Corded Scroll Saw has a solid construction.
It has a cast aluminum table that tilts up to 45°.
An integrated dust blower keeps dust and debris off your work area.
The 16-inch throat depth allows you to cut wider pieces of wood.
It has a cast iron base that minimizes vibration during operation.

Cons:

The air from the dust blower is so weak.
The blade clamp screws are not durable.

Sebring Tip:

The Ryobi Corded Scroll Saw was designed for serious woodworkers out there. It has a 16-inch throat depth which accommodates wider pieces of wood, and a wide cast aluminum table that tilts up to 45° so you can get accurate angled cuts.

Its speed can switch from 550 to 1,650 SPM, allowing you greater control and accuracy while you work. It is powered by a durable induction motor, while the cast iron base minimizes vibration.

The dust port and dust blower are a nice touch too as they keep the tool and your work area clean.

But no tool is perfect, so naturally, this Ryobi Corded Scroll Saw is not different. Despite its shortcomings, it is still one of the better scroll saws on the market right now.

What Is A Scroll Saw?

A scroll saw is a type of power saw used to create precise and intricate cuts on pieces of wood. But wood is not the only material in which you can work on with a scroll saw. Some of the materials that you can use a scroll saw on include plywood, veneer, and plastic.

You can use a scroll saw to carve tight curves, interior cuts, and awkward angles on your workpiece. Zigzags, mitered edges, circles, and dovetail joints can also be produced by this handy power saw. The beautiful fretwork you see in some older houses can also be produced by a scroll saw.

You can use a heavy-duty scroll saw on metals, such as steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. But before using the scroll saw to cut a piece of metal, make sure that the workpiece is not thicker than 1/16 of an inch for sheet metal or 20 to 24 gauge for copper or brass. Cut anything thicker or tougher and you can be sure that your blade will end up damaged or worse, broken.

Scroll saws function like band saws. But band saws are ideal for cutting lumber and thicker pieces of wood. The difference between these power saws is that scroll saws offer more precision and finesse when it comes to cutting. If you want to add some fine details on a piece of wall art or you want to cut some curves on a piece of wood, then the scroll saw is your go-to tool.

Plus, band saws use a long loop of blade while scroll saws use a smaller and finer reciprocating blade.

Looking for more tool reviews and other ideas for your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project?

The Parts Of A Scroll Saw

With the exception of some brands and models, the majority of scroll saws in the market have identical designs.

Parallel arm scroll saws are some of the most common in the market. This type of scroll saw has two parallel arms attached to a motor located at the very back of the machine.

The scroll saw’s metal table supports the pieces of wood as you cut through it. Some tables are made of aluminum, while others are made of cast-iron. They are usually shaped like a lute or a pan. Some are rectangular, but these are relatively rare.

The shoe or foot of the scroll has two functions: hold down the material you’re working on and guard your fingers against the saw’s ultra-sharp blade.

Thepower switch is located either on the upper arm (right on top of the blade) or on the base itself. The variable speed dial and blade tensioning lever are usually positioned right next to the power switch if it is on the upper arm.

This speed dial lets you adjust the reciprocation speed of the blade. You can also control the speed through a foot pedal (if it is included).

The is pretty much explanatory. It helps you see your work area clearly by blowing the dust away from the piece of wood you’re working on. This is especially helpful if you’re working on intricate patterns.

The is attached to the blade clamps. One blade clamp is located in the upper arm, while the other is positioned at the bottom.

Choose the right blade for the material you’ll be working on.
Make sure that the blade teeth point forward when you install it. Ensure proper tension after installing the blade.
During operation, make sure that the scroll saw table doesn’t have anything on it except your workpiece.
Check if the handles are locked before you start the machine.
Turn the machine off if you need to reach under your table.

Scroll Saws By Arm Type

Parallel Arm

This type of scroll saw is the most common system on the market. Two parallel arms are attached to the motor, while a tiny blade is attached at the ends of each arm in a vertical position.

Take a look at this video to see how a parallel arm system works. Many manufacturers favor this design because they have fewer operating parts.

C-Arm

The C-arm type is the second most common type of scroll saw. As the name suggests, the shape of the arms is curved in a letter ‘C.’

This type might be smaller than parallel arms scroll saws, but their cutting action is faster and stronger. The downside? It is not as precise when it comes to tight curves or intricate designs.

Rigid Arm

Rigid arm or strainer is the rarest type of scroll saws. This is made of a single piece of metal (usually cast-iron). The blade is clamped to a pitman arm which also facilitates the downward movement.

It is pulled back up by a spring that is attached to the upper arm. This type of scroll saw, however, is no longer in production. You can probably buy a vintage rigid arm scroll saw online, but keep in mind that it’s difficult to find parts for it.

Double Parallel-Link Saw

This is the latest, albeit most complex, type of scroll saw. The motor of the scroll saw is positioned at the back and attached to the main rocker.

The top and bottom parallel links are attached to the main rocker. The blade, on the other hand, is attached at the tip of each parallel rocker arm.

The upside of this type of scroll saw? It produces less vibration compared to ordinary parallel arm scroll saws. This scroll saw, however, is still relatively rare compared to C-type and parallel arm scroll saws.

Scroll Saw Buying Guide

Here are some of the important features you should check when buying a scroll saw.

Throat Length/Depth

If you’ve ever checked eCommerce sites for scroll saws, chances are you’ve seen measurements (such as 16-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch) on the product name or specifications. These measurements indicate the scroll saw’s throat length or depth.

The throat length indicates the distance between the back of the machine and the blade. The rule of thumb is the longer the scroll saw’s throat, the larger the material you can work on.

The most common throat lengths are 16-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch. Anything less than 16-inch is ideal for hobbyists, while scroll saws that have more than 20-inch throat length are typically used in industrial and commercial applications.

Blade Type

There are two types of blades used in scroll saws: pin-end (also known as pinned) and plain (also known as flat-end, pin-less, or unpinned) blades.

Pin-end blades are made for thicker and tougher pieces of wood as the cut they produce is rougher. It is easier to attach and lock them to the clamp as the correct tension is already determined.

The downside is there’s not much variety to choose from when it comes to pin-end blades. Plus, you cannot attach it to smaller holes.

If you want more intricate cuts or if you’re working on a thin piece of wood, then the best blade type for you is plain blades. This type of blade needs a clamp on the top and bottom arms.

Blade Tensioning

If you play any stringed instrument, you know how important it is to tune it before playing to ensure that it would produce the right sound. This principle is also the same for scroll saws. Before using a scroll saw or if you’re attaching a new blade, you need to make sure that the blade tension is just right.

After installing a new blade and applying the tension lever (this is usually located directly above the blade), carefully and lightly pluck the blade at the back (don’t pluck the sharp edge, though).

A blade with the right tension has a nice ring to it when plucked. A blade that is too loose doesn’t sound quite right. Meanwhile, a blade that is clamped too tight will not produce any sound at all.

Tooled or Tool-Free Blade Mount

When choosing a scroll saw, check if the machine allows you to mount the blade without a tool or if you need one to mount it. For the sake of convenience, the tool-free blade mount is the way to go. The downside is that the blades on this type of scroll saw can easily break with frequent use.

You can opt for the tooled changing system, but it can be a hassle as it requires an Allen or hex wrench to remove or attach the blade. The good news is the Allen wrench is usually included in the package, so you don’t have to scour your workshop or buy a compatible one for your machine.

best scroll saws

Table Material and Tilt

Scroll saw tables are usually made of durable aluminum or cast-iron. I’d go for cast-iron but scroll saws with this kind of table are pricier compared to ones with aluminum tables.

If you want to cut at a certain angle, then check if the table tilts. Most saws can tilt up to 45 ° in both directions, but others can only tilt either to the left or right. Check this detail before buying a scroll saw.

Reciprocating Speed

You can determine the reciprocating speed of a scroll saw by checking its SPM (strokes per minute).

If you’re new to woodworking and you’re not sure if you’re going to stick to this hobby, then it’s probably safe to go for saws that can deliver anywhere between 400 and 800 SPM.

Scroll saws with a speed that could reach up to 1,800 SPM are ideal for commercial or industrial applications.

Other Features:

A LED lamp to illuminate your work surface. This is helpful for woodworkers who work on intricate patterns.

Check if the scroll saw has a foot pedal. You can easily control the speed of the scroll saw, as well as guide the wood with both of your hands, when you’re using a foot pedal.

How To Use A Scroll Saw Safely

Always ensure that the scroll saw is set or clamped firmly on your tabletop or workbench. If you’re using a scroll saw with a stand, set it on flat and stable ground to prevent it from wobbling.
Turn the machine off and unplug the cord before changing the blade or performing any maintenance work.
Choose the right blade for the material you’ll be working on.
Make sure that the blade teeth point forward when you install it. Ensure proper tension after installing the blade.
During operation, make sure that the scroll saw table doesn’t have anything on it except your workpiece.
Check if the handles are locked before you start the machine.
Turn the machine off if you need to reach under your table.

Conclusion:

I think the DeWalt DW788 is the best scroll saw on the list. What makes this particular scroll saw stand out?

This is the only scroll saw on the list with a double parallel-link system which ensures that overall noise and vibration is kept at a minimum. The double parallel-link system also ensures more precise cuts every time.

The placement of the on-off switch, blade tensioning lever, and the speed dial are located on the upper arm, making sure that you can reach them easily during operation.

Another thing that I really like is the cast-iron table. This is guaranteed to last a long time compared to scroll saws with aluminum tables.

The Dewalt’s throat length is also longer than other scroll saws on the list. While others only have a throat depth of 16-inch or 18-inch, this scroll saw has 20-inch.

Installing the blade is as easy as 1-2-3 thanks to its tool-free design.

It is the most expensive scroll saw in the list and it is not without its shortcomings, but it is definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for something to use for many years.

7 Best Scroll Saws [2024 Reviews]

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1. DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw

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2. WEN 3921 Two-Direction Scroll Saw

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3. Shop Fox W1713 Scroll Saw

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4. Dremel Moto-Saw Scroll Saw Kit

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5. Porter-Cable Scroll Saw with Stand

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6. SKIL Scroll Saw

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7. Ryobi Corded Scroll Saw

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