Last Updated on December 19, 2021
When it comes to creating beautiful, detailed cuts on various workpieces, one of the tools that are commonly used by both hobbyist and professionals is the scroll saw.
Apart from weighing less than the bigger table saws, the scroll saw offers greater accuracy and allows you to get more creative with your projects.
If you’re looking for the best-rated scroll saw available in the market, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this review, we will walk you through the best scroll saws for the money, as well as everything that you need to know about choosing the right product to meet your needs.
Best Scroll Saw – Comparisons
Top 10 Best Scroll Saw Reviews
Given the huge number of brands in the market, choosing the right scroll saw can be a daunting task. In order to help you overcome the struggle of choosing from so many options, we have researched the top models in the market and come up with a narrow list.
1. DEWALT DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
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And it’s not surprising given the name Dewalt has made for itself as a brand. The company is known for having a product line of high-quality power tools. And for the DW788, the case is not different.
The DW788 is a sturdy scroll saw that brings a lot to the table. It comes with a cast iron table that provides excellent support for your material. The double parallel-link arm helps to ensure quiet operation by reducing the vibration of the saw. This consequently helps you to achieve smoother and more precise cuts.
A dust blower is provided to prevent saw dust from clustering the workspace, thereby improving your visibility. At 56 pounds, you will agree that the saw is relatively lightweight. So, you can easily move it around the saw.
Perhaps, the best feature of the DW788 is its tool-free blade which can be changed in a few seconds. This is really important especially when you are trying to beat time.
It might also interest you that the saw can be used to make bevel cuts, which makes it even more versatile. The major drawback we noticed with this tool is the blade quality which we believe could be better. However, if this bothers you too much, you can purchase better quality blades.
Besides this, the Dewalt DW788 is a great tool to have; and even though you will have to pay some good amount of money for it, it is really worth the investment.
We are positive you will get a lot of use from it whether you are DIYER hobbyist or a professional woodworker.
- Easy and quick
- Reduced Vibration
- Comes with variable speed control
- Easily accessible controls
- Comes with a dust blower
- Expensive
- Blade quality could be better
2. Delta Power Tools 40-649 20 Inches Variable Speed Scroll Saw
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At first glance, you may be tempted to undermine its performance. But do not be deceived by the simplistic design, there’s actually a lot under the hood.
One of the first good features of the saw is its variable speed setting, which allows you to work with a speed range of 400-1750 SPM. This makes the tool suitable for a wide array of cutting operations. And you don’t even have to stress your muscles to accomplish much with it.
Like the Dewalt DW788, the Delta 40-694 is also equipped with a dual parallel-link arm which helps to greatly reduce the level of vibrations produced by the machine. With reduced vibration, you will be able to achieve improved accuracy and quality in your cuts.
A tilting table is provided to help you position the saw properly for angle cuts. You will fall in love with the quick blade changes which takes only a few seconds. No tool is required for the blade clamp. With more time available for your project, you can achieve more.
Two blades are provided with the tool kit, which you can fit into a storage unit for safe keeping. An adjustable dust host is also added to take care of the dust around the workspace.
This doesn’t only help to improve your effectiveness but also helps to reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do anytime you finish using the workshop.
At 60 pounds, you may find the DW788 a bit heavy, but with the extra weight also comes sturdiness and durability. So, you can rest assured you will definitely get what you paid for.
- Larger cutting table
- Tool-free blade change
- Minimal vibration
- Strong build
- A bit heavy
3. PORTER-CABLE 18” Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Stand
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The company is well known for its strong reputation in delivering some high-quality power tools that beat industrial standards. The PCB3756SS is one of their best scroll saws that comes with a number of interesting features that is hard to look away from.
One of the first things you will notice about the saw is its aluminum frame, which manages to provide reliable support for your material, though not an ideal stable platform.
More so, a large cast iron base is provided to reduce vibration. The choice of aluminum material helps to greatly reduce the weight of the saw. At 45.9 pounds, you will agree that this is one of the lightest scroll saws out there, which adds portability to the tool.
Like the Dewalt DW788, it also comes with a tilting table that allows you to position the saw to make angle cuts. The bevel cut can be made to the right or left, at 15 degrees and 45 degrees respectively.
In addition, the saw offers a tool-free blade charge which is very easy and quick. An LED light is provided for improved visibility, while the dust blower helps to keep the work area free of dust.
- Variable speed control
- Lightweight
- Tool-less blade charge
- Large tilting work table
- On the pricey side
4. Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
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Unlike the DW788, the WI713 doesn’t feature a parallel arm link to reduce the level of vibration produced by the machine when in operation. But there are still other great features to look forward to.
A good example is the gooseneck work light, which could be a really useful light source. Most woodwork operations are often carried out in areas that may not have adequate light. This may include your basement or garage.
Making detailed cuts in such areas can be really difficult if not impossible. Having an extra light source to light up the workspace (especially along the line of the cut) is necessary to see where you’re cutting. This is where the gooseneck light of the WI713 can be really useful.
Another wonderful thing about the saw is that it can work with both pin end and plain blades. And it takes very little effort and time to replace a blade.
The saw also features a dust collection system which includes a fixed blower and dust port. The system helps to reduce the amount of dust around the work area so you can get a better view of where you’re cutting.
It is important to point out that the dust collection system is not very efficient as the port usually gets in the way of the blower during operation. But this shouldn’t be much of a worry as you will still get a significant reduction of dust.
With the ability of the work table to tilt 45 degrees, you can make different angle cuts depending on what you are hoping to achieve in your project.
Overall, this is a wonderful scroll saw that comes at a great price. It has a durable cast iron body and is light enough to be conveniently carried around. We are sure you will find it really useful for your projects.
- Perfect for beginners
- Can make angle cuts to 45 degrees
- Robust construction that is sturdy and durable
- Highly portable
- Offers variable speed control
- Not the best scroll saw for professionals
- Dust blower is not adjustable
5. ShopSeries RK7315 16″ Scroll Saw with Variable Speed Control
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Equipped with a die-cast aluminum table, this saw is one of the best budget-friendly scroll saws available out there. It has a user-friendly design that enables you to accomplish a difficult task quite easily. Although it is not the most precise scroll saws, you will be able to achieve fairly accurate cuts with it.
The tool has a robust construction that ensures that it lasts longer than many scroll saws in its category. It is able to make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees. This extends your options in what you can achieve with the tool.
The jigsaw also features a tungsten carbide blade which is great for taking on any woodwork. A variable speed setting is included to give you control over speed. This allows you to use a different speed for different materials.
The saw motor has a rating of 1.2 amps which makes it ideal for DIY applications. Apart from straight cuts, you can also make bevel cuts with the device, and it can be anywhere between 0 to 45 degrees angle, both to the left and right direction.
The saw also boasts of solid construction which ensures its durability. Apart from being more suited for small tasks, another challenge with using the saw is the vibration, which seems annoying.
But for the price, it’s a takeaway. You might not find a better alternative.
- High cutting accuracy
- Durable construction
- Variable speed control
- Great for bevel cuts
- Vibration can be annoying
6. CHERVON NA/SKIL 3335-07 16 Inch Scroll Saw With Light
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If you need a scroll saw that you could rely on for your projects, then you will not go wrong with the SKIL 3335-07. This saw is not only easy to use but also very affordable, which makes it even more attractive for budget buyers.
The saw makes it very easy for newbies to be able to create intricate cuts and patterns that look professional.
It comes with an LED light which helps to enhance the visibility of the cut line, while a dust port is included to remove dust and debris from the work area.
Like most high-end models, the SKIL 3335-07 comes with a variable speed setting which gives you control over speed. The 16-inch throat makes it suitable for cutting thicker materials.
- Solid construction
- Great for beginners
- Features LED light
- Offers variable speed control
- A bit noisy
7. HF tools 16in Variable Speed Scroll Saw
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With the way things are going, they may soon become the next big thing in the market for scroll saws. A good example of a product that is taking them in that direction is the HF tools 16in Variable Speed Scroll Saw.
If you’re looking for a scroll saw that you could use to accomplish different kinds of projects, then the HF 16in is your brand. The saw is a perfect example of a power tool that is built with power, precision, and usability in mind. As a result, it’s the perfect deal for anyone looking to start scrolling as a hobby.
The scroll saw comes with a very stable base, which helps to reduce the vibration of the tool while in operation. It offers variable speed control which allows you to cut different materials at different speeds. With this feature, you can make cuts and patterns that are intricate.
An air-pump is built into the unit to help prevent dust from clustering the work area, thereby improving the visibility of the cut line.
The variable speed setting starts from 400 SPM to 1600 SPM. The 1600 SPM limit might not be the highest for scroll saws, but it will allow you to work on various materials ranging from paper to metal.
The saw is also very affordable, which makes it an attractive option for DIY enthusiasts who have budget concerns but want a scroll saw that can deliver.
- Blade replacement is very easy
- Can be used for bevel cuts
- Offers variable speed control
- Affordable
- Not suitable for complex projects
8. Rockwell RK7323 BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw with Steel Rip Fence
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Although according to most people, it doesn’t look like a typical scroll saw, we’ve found out that it performs better than most traditional scroll saws when employed for scrolling. It can be used for various woodworking applications ranging from making miter cuts to scroll cuts.
This unit has a compact design that is lightweight and very portable. It also comes with a handle that provides a comfortable grip while onboard storage is added so you can have your materials in one place.
The saw itself is very easy to set up and you won’t spend more than a few seconds. Ans, the best part is that you don’t require any special tools to change the blade.
Unlike most of the scroll saws we’ve reviewed on this list, this one comes with 5 different blades which are designed to cut through various materials such as metal, ceramic, and wood. This makes it even more versatile.
Storage is provided on-board so that you can keep all your blades and accessories in one place.
- Comes with a handle for easy carrying
- Set-up is easy
- Quick blade change
- Lightweight and portable
- Produces little to no vibration
- Largely made of plastic
9. WEN 3920 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
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There’s no better way to look at this scroll saw than to see it as a “gem.” For half the price you would pay for the more expensive brands, you can get the WEN 3920 and still have a similar experience.
The first thing you will notice about the scroll saw is its ability to cut in dual direction – a feature mostly common with the high-end models. This makes it possible for you to cut both directions – forward and backward.
This helps you to work at a faster rate, achieving more in less time. This way you can have more time to focus on other things.
The saw comes with a variable speed setting that allows you to control the speed. This allows you to work on different materials at different speeds. You can adjust the speed from 550 to 1600 SPM, which is pretty impressive.
Apart from making straight cuts, you can also make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees angle. This offers you some customization options. We will not forget to mention the LED light feature to help improve the visibility of the cut line. An adjustable air pump is also included to keep the workspace free from dust and debris.
- Great price
- Good performance
- Versatile
- Variable spade control
- Vibration can move up with higher speeds
10. Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw
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Dremel is one of the most reputable brands in the world of power tools, and it’s not surprising that they were able to come up with such a wonderful product.
The MS20-101 has a motor power of 0.6 amps which makes it ideal for simple tasks. Given its variable speed settings, you can use the saw to cut various materials ranging from wood and plastic to laminates and metal sheets.
A dust port is included to keep the work area free from dust and debris, which in turn enhances the visibility of the cut line. This allows you to achieve finer and more accurate cuts.
The saw is lightweight at 5.3 pounds, so you can easily carry it around. It has a simple set-up process though you need to take a closer look at the instruction manual to go about it. The included fast clamp base makes it possible for you to attach the saw to different surfaces such as workbenches, tables, and others.
- Lightweight
- Great quality
- Affordable
- Compact design
- The blade is easy to replace
- Low power
- A bit loud
How Does It Work?
If you’ve used a coping saw before, then you shouldn’t have any problem understanding how a scroll saw works.
In terms of functionality, both tools are similar except for the fact that the coping saw is less precise and lacks the power of the scroll saw.
Unlike a band saw which employs a continuous loop, a scroll saw uses a blade which is usually powered by an electric motor. In other words, a scroll saw is simply the powered version of a coping saw.
A scroll saw is able to create cuts through the action of a reciprocating blade attached to its “arm.” The machine also comes with a worktable which basically holds the piece you’re working on.
As the user, you are responsible for guiding the piece on the worktable as it comes in touch with the blade. This is what determines the intricacy and fineness of the cut that is made.
The saw arm is basically the part that receives power and as such is responsible for the speed of the blade.
The power could be supplied by foot as seen in older scroll saws, or it could be supplied by an electric motor as seen in most of the modern options out there. The transition from manual to electric power is largely responsible for the compact size of scroll saws today.
It is important to note that a scroll saw is quite different from a jigsaw in the sense that it is more suitable for heavy-duty applications and can cut through other materials besides wood.
Advantages of Using Scroll Saw
With the best scroll saw, you can go beyond just making ordinary rips and cuts to actually producing fine artistic works with a high degree of precision. You will be able to work on several materials – such as metal, wood, and plastic – though without the destructive power of big dogs such as the jigsaw.
There’s a lot you can accomplish with a scroll saw – from making ornaments to creating puzzles; it all lies in your imagination.
Below are the three major advantages a scroll saw offers:
High Level of Precision
As earlier indicated, when compared to other table saws like the jigsaw and coping saw, a scroll saw offers a greater level of accuracy for making detailed curves and cuts in a workpiece. This is complemented by the high speed of the reciprocating blade and the provision of a worktable which provides more control to the user.
Versatility
One of the advantages of a scroll saw is the ability to produce cut-outs without the requirement of an entry slot. And this is possible due to the fact that it has a removable blade.
With this kind, you can enjoy some versatility, enabling you to create cuts that are more intricate and delicate. You can either create cuts from the outside or do so from inside out. It is this level of detailing that makes it a favorite choice in developing different kinds of artwork.
Variable Speed Control
As earlier indicated, a scroll saw usually comes with a reciprocating blade which is hooked up and down to its arm. The blade usually operates under variable speed which can be controlled by the user.
So, apart from patterning the way the workpiece is fed to the blade on the worktable, you’re also in charge of the speed of the blade. It is this level of control that allows for more detailing and accuracy. Scroll saws also operate quietly, which makes them even more convenient to work with.
Things to Consider Before Buying
When it comes to the best scroll saws in the market, there are so many brands and models to choose from, which can make the search a bit overwhelming.
But not to worry, there are only some key things to look out for in order to get a product that will provide great value for your money.
With this mind, here are seven factors to consider if you want to find the right scroll saw.
Blade Type
Just like any other saw type, a scroll saw is only as good as the blade. No matter how powerful the saw is, without the right blade, you might never get the desired result. This is critical especially when precision is a top priority.
There are basically two types of reciprocating blades that are used by the scroll saw – the pinned blade and the pinless blade.
The pinned blades are usually thicker and as such are preferred for making cutting thicker woods and adhesive materials. However, you will not be able to achieve fine detailing with such blades.
For a workpiece that requires a more detailed cut, a pinless blade would be the best option. These blades offer more cutting possibilities which are essential for producing beautiful intricate artwork.
Dust Port
When working on wood materials, it is always a good idea to have a collection system to take care of the accompanying saw dust. This is necessary because apart from the health challenge it poses, without any means of trapping the sawdust, it will litter the whole workspace leaving you with more cleaning to do.
So, having a scroll saw with an efficient dust port is essential as it allows you to connect the tool to a collection system such as a shop vac.
A scroll saw with a blow table that is movable and flexible is also desirable, especially if the tool is equipped with blow tubes or compressors.
Power and Vibration
An interesting feature of scroll saws is that they don’t require a lot of power to do their job. And this is simply because the primary concern when using such tools is to make delicate cuts.
In other words, they only require as much power that is needed for the blades to make intricate cuts in various workpieces. So, a motor with a power rating of 1.0 Amp to 1.5 Amp would prove sufficient for most “scrolling” needs.
However, in a situation where you need to work on thicker materials, you are likely going to need something more powerful. In this case, you may want to go for a scroll saw with a more powerful motor. But then you may not be able to obtain very detailed cuts with such scroll saws.
Another aspect of a scroll saw that is closely associated with the power of its motor is vibration. Ordinarily, scroll saws with very powerful motors will produce more vibrations. However, the motor design, as well as the stability of the worktable can also help in reducing the vibration produced.
Arm Type
Just like the blade type, the arm type of a scroll saw is another thing you need to be mindful of. If you remember, we said earlier that the arm is the part of the saw which “holds” the blade and thus responsible for its motion.
You can go for a saw that has a blade rocker arm or a single arm depending on your project and what you can afford.
Worktable
Here you need to pay attention to the blade material as well as that of the table. Both components also play a role in determining the overall durability of the saw.
We advise you to stay away from materials like wood for the saw table. Instead, go for something like cast iron or aluminum as these are not only more durable but also provide a more stable platform for your workpiece and saw.
Also, pay attention to the dimension of the worktable. You want something that will be able to support your workpiece. Something between 16 to 20 inches is great. Make sure the surface is smooth.
It is also obvious that the build of the work table can also affect the quality of your cuts. So, make sure you shop wisely.
Variable Speed
This is extremely important if you want to get a scroll saw that you could use for different projects. But then, it’s hard to imagine a modern scroll saw that does not have this feature.
Older versions of scroll saw usually have 1 or 2-speed settings which makes them very limited. However, modern scroll saws usually have a speed range which makes them more suitable for cutting various materials.
Speed range can be anything between 400 to 1800 SPM. You should choose a speed range that suits the kind of work you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I mitigate burning when working with a scroll saw?
A: You can do this by using packaging or 2-inch tape.
Q: Can I cut Plexiglas with this type of saw?
A: Yes. However, you should use non-reverse teeth blades and make sure you cut slowly. Don’t use force or you might end up damaging the blade or material.
Q: What is the best scroll saw?
A: Seriously, it’s difficult to tell. All the products reviewed here are generally good. But some are better in some areas than others. It all depends on your project and what you are looking for.
Q: How do I get these products?
A: You can purchase any item you like on the list by simply following the corresponding product link provided.
Q: What safety measure do I need to take when using a scroll saw?
A: Compared to most power tools, a scroll saw is much safer and easier to use. However, it’s still important to be careful when working with a saw.
Wear protective clothing, as well as mask and goggles. Don’t get your fingers close to the blade and ensure you use a guard. Also, take care of sawdust around the work area; though some scroll saws come with a dust port to cater for this.
Conclusion
There you have it – the best scroll saw for the money. We hope you find a product you like from the list. These scroll saws represent the best in the market at the moment.
The blades are strong, and you can expect reliable performance. They have a convenient weight and do not make a lot of noise. Let us know if there’s anything we haven’t touched.