A versatile tool that transcends skill levels and industries, the scroll saw is an essential asset for anyone who works with wood. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or just starting out, this machine makes it easy to transform various types of wood into intricate designs. With its straightforward setup and intuitive operation, the scroll saw can be used anywhere, empowering you to bring your woodworking visions to life.
7 Best Scroll Saws
When it comes to selecting the right scroll saw for your woodworking needs, there are several options available on the market. Among the most popular and highly-regarded models include the General International Excalibur 16-inch, Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch, WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction, Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw, Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-inch, DEWALT DW788 20-Inch, and the Jet 727200K 22-inch with Stand.
While each of these scroll saws has its own unique features and benefits, they all share a common goal: to provide woodworkers with the ability to create precise and intricate cuts in various types of materials.
Our Top Pick for the Best Scroll Saw
Our top recommendation for a scroll saw is the Dewalt DW788, an exceptional tool that has earned praise from both amateur woodworkers and professional tradespeople alike. This precision-engineered device boasts a clever design and unmatched performance, allowing users to create intricate workpieces with confidence. Whether you’re working on a DIY project or a large-scale construction endeavor, the Dewalt Scroll Saw is sure to deliver top-notch results. Check out the current price on Amazon.
Optimize Your Woodworking Projects with a Scroll Saw
A scroll saw is a game-changer in woodworking, offering unparalleled control and versatility. Unlike traditional saws, this innovative machine combines the precision cutting capabilities of a jigsaw with the stability and support of a table saw. But what truly sets it apart is its pivoting table, allowing for endless adjustability to accommodate various workpieces.
Additionally, the ultra-fine reciprocating blade enables incredibly precise cuts that can’t be replicated by other saws, making it an essential tool for any woodworker looking to take their projects to the next level.
How to Choose the Best Scroll Saw
Size
The key factor determining a scroll saw’s capabilities is its throat depth, which measures the distance between the rear frame and the blade. This characteristic significantly impacts the saw’s cutting capacity. For instance, a 16-inch scroll saw like the Excalibur Scroll Saw offers ample room for tackling most everyday woodworking projects. However, when dealing with larger tasks or intricate finishing work, a more substantial throat size becomes increasingly valuable.
The Dewalt DW788 and Jet Scroll Saw, both boasting 20- and 22-inch throat depths respectively, demonstrate this advantage.
Variable Speed
When working with a scroll saw, it’s essential to consider the type of wood you’ll be cutting. Since this versatile tool can handle both softwood and hardwood, you need to choose the appropriate speed for the specific material. Hardwoods tend to require faster speeds, whereas softwoods do better at slower rates. To achieve precision and control over your workpiece, look for a scroll saw that offers a wide variable speed range measured in Speed Per Minute (SPM).
A broader SPM range translates to greater flexibility in your cutting process.
Work Table
When operating power saws, users often encounter annoying vibrations and noise, particularly at high speeds. To mitigate these issues, it’s crucial to invest in a work-table with a heavy-duty, sturdy design that effectively absorbs vibrations and reduces noise levels. While some degree of vibration may still be present when cutting thicker wood, slowing down the cutting process can help minimize this issue.
Blade Type (pinned or pinless)
When it comes to scroll saws, there are two primary types of blades that dominate the scene: pinned and pinless or plain-edge. Beyond these staples, other options include skip tooth, spiral, and two-way tooth blades, each tailored for creating distinct patterns on various materials like laminates or metal.
Pinned blades are often favored for their speed and ease of replacement, but their increased width and thickness can make them less suitable for crafting intricate designs.
In contrast, pinless blades are the most widely used type among scroll saw enthusiasts. Their thinner profile allows for more precise cuts, although they may require a bit more effort to remove.
Some high-end scroll saws, such as the Shop Fox, accept both pinned and pinless blades, providing users with greater flexibility in their cutting choices.
Tilting Head
While many scroll saws share similar features, one common trait is their tilting tables, capable of adjusting between 30, 40 and 45 degrees in either direction. This degree of flexibility empowers users to make precision-crafted beveled cuts with ease.
Depth
of Cut
When it comes to cutting through thick wood or hardwood, the depth of cut is a crucial factor to consider. While many scroll saws are capable of making precise cuts, their maximum depth of cut typically ranges from 1-2 inches, making them suitable for a variety of materials such as oak, pine, and maple.
Best Scroll Saw Reviews
General International Excalibur 16-inch Scroll Saw
The General International Excalibur scroll saw boasts impressive capabilities for both home woodworkers and professionals, offering reliable accuracy and a range of wood-crafting features. Its robust 1.3 amp motor with variable speed range (400 to 1400 SPM) provides ample power, while the sturdy 12 x 18-1/2-inch square table offers ample space for working on thick projects (up to 2 inches). The table’s adjustable tilting mechanism allows for precise control, pivoting 30° left and 45° right.
Notably, the Excalibur’s intelligent design features upper and lower parallel arms, which ensure a straight blade with minimal deflection and prevent accidental hand contact during use. Safety is further enhanced by a new switch protection device that prevents unintentional start-ups. Blade changes are quick and tool-free, allowing for effortless adjustments. Additionally, the dust collector table kit can be easily attached to a shop vac, maintaining a clean workspace.
General International backs this product with a 2-year limited warranty. Overall, the Excalibur excels in terms of quality, value, and performance, making it an excellent choice for both home and professional use.
Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Scroll Saw
The Shop Fox W1713 16-inch Scroll Saw is an essential tool for any woodworker, offering unparalleled precision and control. Powered by a robust 1/8 HP, 1.3 amp motor that delivers speeds of 550-1700 SPM, this scroll saw can effortlessly cut through thick materials like 2-inch pine, maple, or oak. The sturdy cast iron table provides a stable foundation with minimal vibration, allowing for accurate cuts.
The ability to tilt the table 45° to the left via an easy-to-access knob enables precise bevels and intricate designs. Additionally, the machine’s compatibility with both pinned and pinless blades makes it versatile and adaptable to various projects.
Other notable features include an adjustable gooseneck work light for optimal illumination, a clear-view finger guard with hold-down shoe for accuracy, and a two-way dust control system with a 1-1/4-inch dust port that can be connected to a shop vacuum. With its impressive specifications and functionality, the Shop Fox W1713 is an excellent value for money.
Some users may experience minor vibration at higher speeds or find that it takes longer to cut through dense materials, but overall, this scroll saw is a great investment for woodworkers of all levels.
WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Scroll Saw
The WEN 3921 16-inch Scroll Saw stands out as an ideal tool for wood-crafting hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. Its impressive capabilities make it easy to achieve accurate bevels and intricate patterns. The robust motor, ranging from 400 to 1600 SPM, allows for versatility when working with various materials. A sturdy cast iron base ensures minimal vibration during operation, while the spacious 16 x 11-inch steel table tilts 45° to the left, accommodating a range of workpiece sizes and shapes.
The unique blade holder design accommodates both pinned and pinless blades, providing users with greater flexibility. Additionally, the flexible worm work light provides optimal visibility for precise cuts, and the tool-free thumb screw blade adapter simplifies blade changes. Other user-friendly features include a dust port, air pump, foot lock clamp, onboard blade storage, and three bonus blades. WEN backs this product with a 2-year warranty.
Overall, it’s a high-quality tool that offers excellent value for its affordable price. It’s capable of cutting wood up to 2 inches thick with a 16-inch throat depth in the standard position. While some users may find the work light and dust blower lacking in power, they will appreciate the ability to achieve accurate bevels and beautiful patterns with ease.
The only drawbacks are that the knob can make it challenging to tighten pinless blades and the saw can vibrate excessively at higher speeds.
Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Scroll Saw
The Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Scroll Saw is an exceptional power tool designed specifically for woodworkers who create small crafts and ornaments. Its compact design, with a throat depth of 8 inches, makes it ideal for working with materials up to 3/4 inch thick. The saw’s 0.1 HP motor delivers robust power and its variable speed control allows for optimal cutting in various materials, including wood, plastic, laminate, and even metal.
With an auto-blade tensioning feature, you don’t need to worry about making adjustments, as the blade remains taut and ready to cut. The ergonomic handle is designed for comfort, while the hold-down clear shoe provides a clear view of your workpiece. This portable saw can be used as both a stationary scroll saw and a portable coping saw, thanks to its removable base.
Additionally, the fast-clamp base allows you to attach the saw to various tables, benches, and surfaces, making it an excellent choice for small-scale projects. The Moto-Saw comes with four accessory blades, including side cutting, wood-and-plastic, fine wood, and metal blades. A dust port adapter attaches to a shop vac, keeping your workspace clean.
Overall, this power tool offers exceptional value, with pros that include high quality, great value, affordable price, precision, ease of setup and operation, and a 2-year warranty from Dremel. However, it’s worth noting that the saw is not suitable for heavy-duty use and only uses pinned blades. With its range of features and benefits, the Moto-Scroll Saw is an excellent choice for home woodworkers.
Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-inch Scroll Saw
When it comes to creating intricate scroll saw masterpieces, the Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-inch Scroll Saw stands out as an exceptional tool for both professional and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Its robust motor offers a versatile variable speed range of 400-1750 SPM, allowing for precision cutting in various applications. The large cast iron table provides excellent material support and bevels up to 45° left and right.
The dual parallel-link arm design is a standout feature that significantly reduces vibration and noise, ensuring accurate cuts every time. Additionally, the single lever tool-free blade tensioning system allows for quick adjustments to maintain optimal blade life and accuracy. Conveniently located on the arm are the On/Off switch, electronic variable speed dial, flexible dust blower, and blade-tensioning lever, making it easy to access and control the saw.
The included on-tool blade storage area keeps your blades organized, and two bonus straight blades come with the purchase. Delta Power Tools also backs up their product with a 5-year limited warranty. With its high quality build and great value for money, this scroll saw is an ideal choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals looking to take their projects to the next level.
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Scroll Saw
With its impressive capabilities, the Dewalt DW788 20-inch Scroll Saw is a valuable tool for crafting intricate jigsaw puzzles or cutting precise bevels. Whether you’re working with softwood or hardwood, this scroll saw’s powerful 1.3 amp motor and intuitive variable speeds (400-1750 SPM) enable you to find the perfect pace for your project. The large cast-iron table provides a stable foundation, tilting 45° left and right for added versatility.
Its innovative dual parallel-link arm design significantly reduces vibration and noise, minimizing errors and delivering exceptional cuts. Operating the scroll saw is effortless, with conveniently located controls – ON/OFF switch, variable speed dial, and blade-tensioning lever – all within easy reach on the front, upper arm. The exclusive tool-free blade clamp system allows for quick blade changes.
A flexible dust blower keeps your workspace clear of debris and dust, while the included hex wrench and bonus blades enhance its utility. As a testament to its quality and performance, the Dewalt DW788 comes with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service contract, and 90-day money-back guarantee.
The pros far outweigh the cons, with notable advantages including great quality, excellent value for money, dependability, heavy-duty design, and unique features like the dual parallel-link arm design. However, some users may find the price tag steep, or experience minor issues with the table wobbling at high speeds. Nevertheless, this scroll saw is well-suited for most projects, even if not designed for extremely heavy-duty use.
Jet 727200K 22-inch Scroll Saw with Stand
The Jet 22-inch Scroll Saw is a game-changer for woodworking enthusiasts, boasting an innovative tilting blade and user-friendly design. With ample power and a wide range of variable speeds (400-1550 SPM), this scroll saw excels at cutting through thick softwood or hardwood. The machine’s generous 22-inch throat capacity and large cast iron table provide a stable working surface that minimizes vibration during cuts.
Jet’s proprietary upper mechanism effortlessly clamps and tensions the blade in one step, while the toolless lower blade holder is removable and can be snapped into place quickly and securely. The slotted table allows for easy and quick blade changes, with the option to position the blade storage on either the right or left side of the machine. A built-in wrench simplifies blade changes, and the stand offers four adjustable heights for comfortable working.
Additional thoughtful design features include a footswitch, conveniently located speed controls, and an onboard dust blower that collects dust at the source. Backed by a 5-year warranty, this scroll saw is a high-quality investment for any serious woodworker. While it may be on the pricier side, its many innovative features make it well worth the investment.
Our Top Pick for the Best Scroll Saw
When it comes to selecting the best scroll saw for your woodworking needs, our top recommendation is the Dewalt DW788 Scroll Saw. This exceptional tool has earned a reputation among both amateur and professional woodworkers alike, thanks to its innovative design and impressive performance capabilities. With the Dewalt scroll saw, you’ll be able to create intricate and accurate workpieces with ease, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of projects.
If you’re interested in purchasing this top-rated tool, we recommend checking out the current price on Amazon.
