Best Scroll Saws

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 25, 2024
If you’re engaged in scrollwork and need to process delicate wood, metal or plastic, there's hardly a better tool for this ...Read more
PROS
A variable operation speed allows users to choose slower or faster speed with accordance to the material used.
CONS
The table may be too rough for machining delicate materials.
OUR VERDICT
High-precision and low level of vibration ensure flawless operation that would be highly appreciated by both novice and pro woodworkers.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Parallel-link system
SPEED
400-1750 SPM
CUT / THROAT DEPTH
2'' / 20''
STROKE LENGTH
0.75''
EXTRA
Air hose, Material hold-down, 45° tilt table (to the left/right), Interlocking switch
WEIGHT
56 lbs
WARRANTY
3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service
PROS
Due to big weight this scroll saw enables stable operation and fewer vibrations during use. The cutting depth of the saw allows for using the whole surface of a blade.
CONS
The front cover is made of plastic which in turn doesn't let fixing magnet lights on it.
OUR VERDICT
If you create lots of wood or plastic articles you will definitely adore high performance of the given scroll saw.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Parallel-link system
SPEED
400-1750 SPM
CUT / THROAT DEPTH
2.13'' / 20''
STROKE LENGTH
0.75''
EXTRA
Air hose, Material hold-down, 45° tilt table (to the left/right), Interlocking switch, On board blade storage
WEIGHT
70 lbs
WARRANTY
5 years
PROS

The blade holder with an automatic blade tension mechanism accepts both pin-end and pinless blades and keeps blade in place without manual settings.

CONS

The unit might slightly vibrate during operation. 

OUR VERDICT

It's an affordable and user-friendly scroll saw that may be the best fit for novice woodworkers and home DIYers who do occasional repairs from time to time.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Parallel-arm system

SPEED

550 - 1600 SPM

CUT / THROAT DEPTH

2" / 16"

STROKE LENGTH

9/16"

EXTRA

Dust blower, Dust port, Material hold-down, 45° tilt table (to the left), Interlocking switch, LED light, Onboard blade storage

WEIGHT

27.5 lbs

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS
This compact and really lightweight scroll saw can be used as both a stationary and portable tool.
CONS
The machined material may run hot during saw-cutting because of high operation speed.
OUR VERDICT
Modest capacity of the scroll saw is fully compensated with all-purpose capabilities and ease of use features. The Dremel scroll saw can be the best choice for home use.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Portable
SPEED
1500-2250 SPM
CUT / THROAT DEPTH
1.75'' / 9.84''
STROKE LENGTH
0.31''
EXTRA
Vacuum-cleaner connection, Auto tensioning quick-change mechanism, Material hold-down, Handheld use
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
WARRANTY
2-year limited warranty
PROS
The blade guard will keep your hands and eyes protected from injuries and the quick-detachable blade adapters will let you vary the patterns on dies.
CONS
A low airflow might not clear away all wood-flakes efficiently.
OUR VERDICT
Looking for a saw that would be safe and convenient to operate? Look no further. The Shop Fox scroll saw has got all this and more.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Parallel-arm system
SPEED
550-1650 SPM
CUT / THROAT DEPTH
2'' / 16''
STROKE LENGTH
0.75''
EXTRA
Blade adapters, Work lamp, Blade guard, Dust blower, Dust port, Hold-down shoe, 45° tilt table (to the left)
WEIGHT
31 lbs
WARRANTY
2 years

Thought Out to a Tiny Detail

What all consumers seek in the tools they buy is usability. Handling a tool that's either too heavy or isn't convenient to use won't bring the expected results. With that in mind, we've researched the market to find only the best and high-performance tools among which is this DEWALT DW788 scroll saw.

What you will like right away is that this saw comes all entirely preassembled and ready-to-use. The only thing you need to do is bolt up a table to the saw and off you go. For more stability on a surface, it's possible to use the saw with a stand (should be bought separately), yet, it's quite solid like it is and can be easily used without a bed at all.

The DW788 scroll saw boasts intuitive and user-friendly controls; a large on/off rocker switch is located right above the blade, which you can reach easily in case of emergency. Owing to the one-of-a-kind tensioning mechanism, the saw tuning can be done with one hand movement. The DeWalt scroll saw features a variable operation speed that can be adjusted within the range of 400 to 1750 strokes per minute to perfectly match the project and materials at hand.

With regard to operation, this scroll saw will please you a lot with its quiet work even at high speeds. The only thing we found missing here is an on-board light, therefore, if you need to illuminate your working area, get one optionally and surround your place in comfort.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $549.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B000022313

VIDEO

Untrilled Scroll Saw

The biggest issue for precision tools is a vibration that might deteriorate the end result. However, with the Delta 40-694 scroll saw, you'll never encounter this type of problem. To achieve unrivaled performance and stability during operation, the manufacturer implemented top-grade components and modern technologies, reducing the slightest vibrations to none. Let's take a closer look at how the scroll saw's been designed.

The whole construction is made of quality and sturdy cast iron to ensure stability and firm positioning of the saw when cutting. The ergonomics is also fantastic; the table here is big enough and has rounded edges for user's safety of use. A built-in light, adjustable air blower and the length of the saw itself speak in favor of high usability too, making the cutting process much more convenient. Here you'll also find a storage compartment for keeping spare blades, so when you need one, it's always there at hand.

What's also great about the Delta 40-694 scroll saw is the depth-of-cut making whole 20 inches. With the depth-of-cut like that it'd be easier to process quite big workpieces and save the sharpness of the blade for much longer.

Last updated price $471.65
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IK8DIU8

VIDEO

Start on the Right Foot

If you are learning the ropes of woodworking and need a scroll saw at an affordable price, we recommend you to consider the one from WEN company. The manufacturer strived to combine high productivity and accuracy in one tool that wouldn't cost a fortune and did it! The WEN 3921 scroll saw features a low vibration level and it means that you can perform some delicate workmanship without any misgivings while a variable speed control (550-1600 SPM) ensures comfortable work and precision with different materials.

Moreover, the blade holder accepts both pin-end and pinless blades and a user doesn't have to tighten a pin-end blade manually since the blade tension mechanism will keep it in place. Such hassle-free procedure of a pin-blade replacement has made our brains reel since we've seen a lot of tools and almost all of them required some sophisticated maintenance. So, it is another argument that proves that the scroll saw is really perfect for beginners and hobbyists.

For entry-level woodworkers, it is advisable to use the WEN scroll saw paired with a foot pedal for safe performance. The foot pedal will let you stop the tool on-the-spot if the situation requires so.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $127.14
Stock In stock
ASIN B07MC1HLNP

Handheld or Stationary Unit?

After reviewing a great number of different scroll saws, we can easily say that most of the models are suitable for crafting intricate things. Yet, a challenge is possible if one needs to carve in wood or metal fixed firmly to some surface. For this purpose, using a scroll saw with a base wouldn't be appropriate. What you could do, though, is get this Dremel MS20-01 scroll saw and benefit of handheld and stationary cutting capabilities.

Unlike the majority of bulky scroll saws, this one can be used in both ways, depending on the tasks you need to perform. If secured to the base, the Dremel MS20-01 scroll saw will function as a stationary unit and without one, it will serve as a portable tool. If you're looking for such flexibility of options, you wouldn't find a better scroll saw than this one.

It's also pretty easy in maintenance. To replace the blades, it's enough to push a quick change lever once and the blade will be at your disposal. Comparing to more expensive models, the Dremel MS20-01 scroll saw is a much more budget-friendly tool with sensible replacement costs. The saw is compatible with a variety of blades from different brands and you don't need to look for a specific type.

Summing it all up, the Dremel MS20-01 scroll saw can be a great choice for both amateurs and professional woodworkers who need a tool to work with delicate materials and carve beautiful curves and patterns in them.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $139.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00AFELU6O

VIDEO

Safety Is the Priority

Having reviewed the number of tools manufactured by Shop Fox, we couldn't but give justice to the safety and ease of use of their tools. The current saw isn't an exception and worth your attention for sure. The whole construction of the saw but a blade guard is made of steel, cast iron, and aluminum. Within such a price tag, there are few tools that can boast the same robustness and quality build. The plastic blade guard, in turn, protects an operator's hands from possible injuries as well as prevents the thinnings and other wooden fragments from getting into eyes during work.

Another distinguishing feature of the Shop Fox scroll saw is that it comes with blade adapters and therefore, can be used with the plain-end blades. During operation, the saw is pretty quiet too, which will surely add more points to this saw. What we didn't like though, is that due to the rigid fixation of a dust blower, not all wood-flakes can be cleared away from a working surface. To keep your place clean of waste and chips, you can use a vacuum cleaner additionally. Rather than that, the Shop Fox scroll saw is the right choice for home use and for all those who want to get the hand in exquisite wood or metal carving and crafting.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $189.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B001R23T08

VIDEO

What Is a Scroll Saw?

When passing by display windows we often see beautiful things of different shapes and with intricate curves carved in wood, metal or any other material. If that’s the type of hobby you’re devoted to, purchasing a scroll saw would be the right thing to do.

A scroll saw features the type of blade that suits best for cutting wood, metal, plastic and other delicate materials. Besides, it is much easier to get the hang of and operate as compared to other home improvement tools. Thanks to a smaller blade tip and a rotating worktable, with the scroll saw, you will be able to create all sorts of extremely intricate designs as well as make right-angle cuts, zig-zag patterns, dovetail joints, and heavy lines. You can even make so-called interior cuts subject to previously drilling a tiny hole in the workpiece.

If you work with wood items on a permanent basis, consider buying one of the orbital sanders for finishing surfaces and removing minor rubs. If you'd like to make the process of nail driving easier and faster, you should definitely opt for finish nailers.

Best Scroll Saws

How to:

Sources:

1. Choosing Scroll Saw Blades, Woodcraft.

2. Scroll saw, Wikipedia. November 18, 2016.

3. How to Use a Scroll Saw, wikiHow.

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