10 Best Scroll Saws – Our Top Picks and Reviews

Scroll saws are excellent tools for diverse DIY projects. It can be pretty helpful when it comes to cutting specific shapes in various materials. Thanks to the tool’s efficiency and safety, any user can complete whatever they have in mind in little time.

In addition, you can find many options out there, which means that finding the best scroll saw for you shouldn’t be too difficult. We have tested and reviewed some of the best scroll saws available in the market. Perhaps today, you will be able to find the perfect tool for your woodworking projects based on your preferences, needs, and budget.

10 Best Scroll Saws

• Best Overall: DEWALT DW788
  “High Precise cuts, Fast Cutting Speed, and Minimal Vibrations”
• Best Scroll Saw for the Money: WEN 3921
  “Solid, Functional, and Useful, Good Choice for the Price Range”
• Best for Portability: Dremel MS20-01
  “Compact and Detachable, Easy to Use, Good as bigger scroll saw”
• Best Scroll Saw for Beginners: Ryobi SC165VS
  “Easy to Use and Maintain, Excellent for Light Woodworking, Suitable for Novices”
• Best Professional Scroll Saw: Delta 40-694
  “It Can be Handy for Marquetry and Other Professional Jobs”
• Best Scroll Saw for Woodworking: SKIL 3335-07
  “Perfect for Woodworking, Make Perfect Cuts through Acrylic Sheets”
• Best Rated Scroll Saw: Shop Fox 1713
  “Excellent for Woodworking and Quite Durable for its Price Range”
• Best Budget Scroll Saw: WEN 3922
  “Solid Choice for Angled Cuts and for Beginners”
• Best for Accuracy: EXCALIBUR 16″ Scroll Saw
  “The Tilted Head will Allow You to Achieve Precise Cuts, No Matter the Material”
• Best for Lightweight Tasks: BILT HARD 16-inch Scroll Saw
  “It Can be Useful for Hobbyists or Professionals Thanks to its Versatility”

Best Scroll Saws

Nowadays, the market is filled with brands that offer excellent scroll saws. However, with all the good comes the bad, and not all options out there have the same quality. For that reason, we’ve dedicated some time to testing some of the most remarkable scroll saws in the market so you can choose the perfect option depending on what you want.

You will find the best scroll saw reviews in the below sections. After explaining each product, we will present our review criteria, so you know the essential factors to take into account while choosing a new scroll saw.

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1) DEWALT DW788

DEWALT is a renowned brand when it comes to woodworking tools. The DW788 scroll saw is one of the best-rated products in their catalog for many good reasons. First, it is on top of the list due to its versatility and ease of use. Hence, it is recommendable for people of all levels.

Features and Benefits

DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw is a 1.3 AMP 20-inch variable-speed scroll saw with 400-1,750 cutting strokes per minute that works as an all-rounder for diverse projects. It is also tiltable up to 45 degrees and certified with CSA OSHA Standards.

If you’re a beginner, it is an excellent starter tool, but you can also take advantage of it as a professional. Unfortunately, this scroll saw only comes with two blades. Therefore, we recommend you buy a few extra ones if you’re going with this option.

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2) WEN 3921

The main issue with this WEN 3921 scroll saw is its long-term durability. Other than that, it is a powerful tool with excellent performance. It includes many other features that make it very useful and decent for the price range – which, at the moment of writing this, is below $200.

Features and Benefits

WEN 3921 Scroll Saw comes with tension knobs, LED Light, and Foot-Lock Clamp. The speed ranges between 400-1600 strokes per minute and can cut wood as thick as two inches thanks to its 16-inch throat depth. The speed control and on/off switch buttons are close to each other, making it relatively easy to control while you’re at work.

These aspects include a dust port of 1-1/2 inches and a cast iron base, among many others. This scroll saw is preferable if you need maximum table support and Intricate internal designs.

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3) Dremel MS20-01

As the best for portability, the Dremel MS20-01 is smaller than your average scroll saw. You can easily clamp it onto diverse sources or use the detachable coping function so you can use it with your hands, no matter where you are, as if you were using a moto-saw.

Features and Benefits

Ninety degrees cutting angle, auto tensioning quick-change mechanism, and variable-speed control make Dremel MS20-01 an optimal cutting tool for a variety of materials. Additionally, the quick-change mechanism allows you to change accessories easily and adjust the blade tension to the optimal levels without losing time.

It is pretty versatile in diverse contexts, and the package comes with plenty of useful accessories.

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4) Ryobi SC165VS

Ryobi is a renowned brand. Diverse of the company’s tools have excellent reviews around the web, and this one is not the exception. It can work pretty well in most instances, but we found it to be better for light woodworking.

Features and Benefits

Ryobi SC165VS is a 16-inch scroll saw that uses 120 Volts to function and comes with a weight of 26.5 pounds. It includes a foot pedal that will help you keep your hands free while you’re working on the project.

Additionally, this scroll saw is fantastic for crafting. It is energy-efficient and has a peculiar dust blower that will help you keep the work surface clean all the time. All of the features are simplified and come with easy-to-follow instructions.

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5) Delta 40-694

Delta 40-694 Scroll saw allows you to perform meticulous actions to ensure the quality of your craft is as high as possible. In addition, it is equipped with a dual-parallel arm link design, which will help you craft high-quality and accurate projects.

Features and Benefits

This scroll saw is quite similar to the DEWALT DW788, with a few differences. The 400-1,750 SPM, low noise, and excellent dust blower are some of the features that make this scroll saw perfect for a professional. An additional plus: You don’t need any tool for clamping the blade, allowing you to make it work as soon as possible.

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6) SKIL 3335-07

SKIL 3335-07 Scroll Saw works excellently through thick pieces thanks to the 16-inch throat, making it perfect for working with most wood types.

Features and Benefits

You can take advantage of the electronic speed control to give a good shape and size to various pieces with this scroll saw. It includes a work light, allowing you to see the complete work area clearly. Additionally, it has a dust port that will keep the area clean of dirt all the time.If you’re a beginner or intermediate woodworker, you will definitely enjoy using the SKIL 3335-07.

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7) Shop Fox W1713

Despite being categorized as a “budget” scroll saw by some, it can actually cut through many though materials out there. Plus, it has been designed to be as durable as possible, allowing you to use it for a long time without losing its quality.

Features and Benefits

This Shop Fox W1713 has a 16-inch cutting width making it a versatile scroll saw that covers diverse needs for all people. In addition, it can be helpful in DIY projects thanks to the 110-volt power, 1.2-Amps, and 60HZ motor. It also has a no-load speed of 550-1700 SPM.

The integrated dust blower will prevent the accumulation of debris. You should also know that the manufacturer offered a 2-year warranty and certified it with CSA C22.2 #71.2-M89 and UL 987-6th standards.

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8) WEN 3922

This budget scroll saw uses one lithium-ion battery instead and is corded electric. WEN 3922 Scroll Saw is also categorized as a beginner saw, allowing you to change the blades without problems easily. The WEN3922 has diverse features that you may find useful regardless of your level of expertise.

Features and Benefits

The side panel flips open, allowing you to change the blades easily. Its speed varies from 550 to 1600 SPM, and the 16-by-10-inch table bevels tilt up to 45 degrees, making it perfect for angled cuts. Also, with a 1-1/2-inch dust port, keep your work area clean so that your focus cannot be shattered while working with it.

This scroll saw is quite similar to the 3921 model previously reviewed but changes the work light for the special side panel instead.

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9) EXCALIBUR 16″ Scroll Saw

You can modify the head angle between 30º and 45º degrees while also allowing you enough control and precision regardless of the material you’re working with.

Features and Benefits

The EXCALIBUR 16″ Scroll Saw is equipped with a blade guard, which can be found on both the lower and upper ends. Hence, it is quite safe to use, and thanks to the 1.3A variable speed of 400-1400 SPM, you can work with plenty of materials with ease. Additionally, the tool has been optimized to allow an easy blade change at any time, making it quite efficient in diverse aspects

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10) BILT HARD 16-inch Scroll Saw

You can easily attach a BILT HARD 16-inch Scroll Saw to your workbench thanks to the three screw holes on the base. Plus, it includes a 1-1/4 inch dust port and a dust blower to keep the debris out of the surface at all times.

Features and Benefits

BILT HARD 16-inch Scroll Saw can be helpful in diverse instances and includes a LED work light to make sure that the work area is appropriately illuminated at all times. Additionally, this scroll saw is equipped with a 1.2 Amp motor with a maximum speed of 1600SPM that can be adjustable from 550SPM, allowing you to cut wood with up to 2 inches of thickness at 90 degrees.

The stable base also makes sure to reduce the vibration and noise to the lowest level possible.

If you would like to get reviews of other hand tools, kindly visit our Guide page.

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Scroll Saw Buying Guide

Scroll saws are pretty functional and can be used for diverse purposes. They’re primarily utilized for cutting wood, but some options have been designed to work in other materials, like acrylic sheets. However, obtaining the right product for your needs can be a bit confusing. This section will describe the different factors we recommend taking into account before you buy a scroll saw.

Throat Size

The throat size, also known as the “throat depth,” is the unused space between the blade’s front end and rear end. Depending on how big the throat is, it will allow you to cut thicker pieces of wood. Hence, a scroll saw with a 20-inch throat size can cut pieces of wood of up to 40-inches. It’s highly recommendable to determine the optimal throat size for you based on your planned projects.

Blade Type

Scroll saws may use two types of blades, including plain-end blades or pin-end blades.

• On the one hand, plain blades are standard, and some of them can be used to cut different types of materials, including wood, plastic, or even metal.
• On the other hand, you attach them to the scroll saw by using an external tool, which you’ll use to tighten or loosen the clamps to change the blade.
• The second type is pin-end blades, which have tiny “cross pins” on each end that you can easily fit into hooks. These are simpler to use because you won’t need a tool to change them. Again, however, there is a lack of variety compared to plain blades.

Last but not least, it is essential to mention that the most common scroll saw blades can be as long as 5 inches. There are smaller options, including 4-inch and 3-inch blades. However, the last two sizes may not be enough for specific users and their needs. Most scroll saws will allow you to modify the blade tension.

Speed

The speed is a crucial factor when it comes to scrolling saws. Therefore, it’s highly recommendable for you to check it twice to make sure it’ll fit your needs. You will typically find it as “speed-per-minute” or “SPM,” and it should be at least between 1200-1800 SPM so you can handle diverse tasks without problems.

However, it also depends on the wood you plan to work with. For instance, softer woods will need lower speeds. Therefore, this factor should be one of your highest priorities when you’re buying a new scroll saw.

Table Tilt

The table tilt is also known as the “blade tilt.” This feature allows you to perform angled cuts, which can be useful in diverse projects, like parquet. You will typically find options that allow you to change the head angle, like the EXCALIBUR 16″, while others may allow you to use alternative table tilt systems depending on the brand and the product.

Arm Design

The arm design is quite important, as it is responsible for holding the blade. You will find three types of scroll saw arms. Firstly, you have C-type scroll saws. As their name suggests, they have a C-shaped arm that forms one unit and goes up and down as the motor turns.

Typically, C-type scroll saws are pretty fast and low-maintenance, but they may not provide the accuracy for meticulous crafting projects. Parallel arm scroll saws, also known as parallel-linked arm scroll saws, are another option.

These scroll saws include an upper arm and a lower arm, which function in parallel regarding the position of the other. Each option has an individual pivot, which can be found at the back and can be attached with a tension rod or, perhaps, a spring. Parallel arm scroll saws are typically slower and more accurate.

Hold-Down Foot

Scroll-down saws manufactured within the U.S. Territory must have a hold-down foot. This feature maintains the material you’re cutting firmly against the surface during the process. Although it is a safety measurement, it can be disadvantageous for certain users as it may block their field of view.

Since it can obstruct the user’s vision, it’s always possible to remove it. However, you can also consider buying a scroll saw with a hold-down foot made of thin metal.

Dust Blower and Collection

Thanks to the dust blower, you will be able to remove all the debris accumulated throughout the crafting process. It is an essential feature, as it will allow you to work efficiently while preventing the dust from blocking your sight and from building up around the blade.

While most scroll saws include a dust blower, you can also find other options that have a dust collection system integrated. Hence, all the dust that appears as you cut the piece of wood or any other material will disappear automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Are Scroll Saws Worth It?

It depends on what you would like to try. Scroll saws can be quite useful in different instances, such as DIY or crafting projects in wood or any other work in plastic or metal. Overall, it is all about the use you would like to give to the tool.

2) How Do You Fix Scroll Saw Vibration?

Scroll saws tend to vibrate due to the rapid movements. However, if it has become an issue, we highly recommend you verify if the blades have been installed correctly and if the tool has been screwed firmly onto the workbench Using a rubber mat can also fix the problem.

3) Can a Scroll Saw Cut Acrylic?

Scroll saws are fairly versatile, and as we’ve described throughout the article, some options have been designed to cut through different materials. The list includes plastic, metal, and wood. Hence, you can find options like the SKIL 3335-07 that allow you to cut through acrylic like water.

4) What is the Best Type of Wood for Scroll Sawing?

It certainly depends on your preferences, but most people recommend using plywood or cedar. Many individuals may also find other types of wood like Baltic birch or poplar very useful. Poplar wood is often preferred as you can maintain a constant speed without changing the blades.

5) What Type of Blade Should I Use?

Both types of blades are very useful, but the option you choose to use can vary depending on your level of expertise. For instance, it’s usual for beginners to start with pinned blades as they are easy to use and to change. Then, as you slowly start acquiring experience, perhaps you can start using plain-end blades.

6) How Thick of Wood Can a Scroll Saw Cut?

It depends on the model, but most scroll saws available on the market can cut woodblocks up to 2 inches thick. However, it is not recommended to cut thicker wood pieces as you may end up damaging the blades, especially if you’re trying to cut the harder wood.