March 24, 2021

Best Scroll Saw | A Detailed Review of Top Picks + A Buyer’s Guide

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The scroll saw is a power tool that has been around for a long time, but it isn’t exactly a household name in woodworking. Its real popularity has been limited to people who specialize in making intricate cuts in wood. However, that is changing as more woodworkers discover how valuable a scroll saw can be in their hobby.

Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a hobbyist, having the best scroll saw will go a long way. These saws are perfect for working on small projects or when you need to cut a smooth line or a delicate pattern into the material. Scroll saws come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs, and you’ll want to choose one based on your budget and the types of projects you plan on making.

We will give you a quick overview of some of our favorite scroll saws.

Top Pick


DeWalt – Scroll Saw Model DW788

Scroll Saw Model DW788

Best Budget Option


Proxxon – Scroll Saw, Model DS 115/E

Scroll Saw, Model DS 115/E

DeWalt – Scroll Saw Model DW788

Scroll Saw Model DW788

This is a great option if you are looking for a Heavy Duty Variable Speed Scroll Saw. This saw is very sturdy and offers a good amount of cutting space that is adjustable. This design is ideal for intricate work because you can cut at various angles with little effort. It also doesn’t vibrate as much as some other saws on the market. The DW788 features a Tool-free blade change system.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Heavy Duty (Vibrations)
  • Variable Speed ​​(515-3248 rpm) ​
  • Tool-Free Blade Change ​​System ​​(Unassisted) ​​
  • It maintains blade tension.

Cons

  • Only one blade, which is not great. ​
  • It’s also designed for DIYers only.
  • The motor is a little small.
  • It doesn’t have good Portability.

Pegas – 21″ Scroll Saw Machine

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The Pegas 21″ Scroll Saw Machine is well built and has a powerful motor that provides 16 Amps of power. This machine has a table that is 26 inches by 12 inches and cast iron. It also includes a miter gauge, dust blower, 24 Tooth blade, and an adjustable work lamp. The Pegas comes with a one-year warranty. The head of the Pegas 21″ tilts 40 degrees left and 40 degrees right.

Pros

  • Powerful Motor ​(16 Amps) ​
  • Large table area ​(26.” x 12″)
  • One-year warranty
  • It is sturdy and durable.
  • The blade tracking is perfect!

Cons

  • It has a small throat that makes large projects difficult. (12″ x 9″)
  • The work lamp is not very bright.
  • The dust blower doesn’t work well.
  • The motor cover falls off easily. It doesn’t come with a blade and has to be purchased separately.

King Industrial – 16 Inch Scroll Saw

16 Inch Scroll Saw

The King Industrial 16″ Scroll Saw is a great machine if you want something to use around your home workshop. It has a cast-iron frame, which helps to reduce vibrations. This feature also offers durability, which is very important if you create many projects with this machine. The spindle and blade run at 3600 RPMs. The tabletop is 18 inches by 15 inches, allowing for more versatility in your projects.

Pros

  • Built to last (Heavy Duty)
  • The tabletop is 18” x 15.”
  • Included blade ​(Great for beginners) ​
  • Variable speed ​​(RPMs 3600 – 4500)
  • It is easy to assemble.
  • The fence system is accurate and easy to use.
  • It comes with a dust blower.
  • Comes with a blade wrench, dust bag, and 1-year manufacturer warranty.
  • It has a large throat capacity of 13” x 12”.

Cons

  • Slight vibration
  • Horizontal ripping may not be possible.

DEWALT Scroll Saw, Variable-Speed, 1.3 Amp, 20-Inch (DW788)

The DEWALT 1.3 Amp Variable-Speed Scroll Saw has a convenient on and off switch that converts the machine into a plunge saw without turning it off. The motor speed is adjusted by using the knob to set it at 460 or 720RPM. The variable speed control provides more precision when working on your projects and does not need to be turned off if the saw will be used as regular mutton. This feature makes it easy to switch between the two saw types.

Pros

  • Sturdy and durable
  • Plunge feature without having to turn off the machine.
  • Easy to switch between mutton and plunge.
  • It efficiently cuts through wood, plastic, metal, and more.
  • The variable speed knob adjusts the blade speed within seconds.
  • Easy assembly with included instructions.

Cons

  • When using it as a mutton saw, the switch can be hard to reach.

Ryobi 16 in. Corded Scroll Saw #SC165VS by Ryobi

The Ryobi 16 in. Corded Scroll Saw is the latest addition to Ryobi’s line of products. This product features onboard blade storage to keep your scroll saw blades organized. It is easy to use and safe for kids to operate. The saw comes with a quick-release blade holder, which makes replacing the blade quick and easy.

Pros

  • Great for beginners. ​
  • The safety cover is instrumental, and the speed control knob is easy to use.
  • The blades are easy to install and remove.
  • The saw is very quiet. It’s easy to move around the project area. ​
  • ​The power cord is long enough to move from one place to another without unplugging it.

Cons

  • The blades are not very sharp.

Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

The Shop Fox W1713 is a variable-speed scroll saw with a precision depth switch, a dust blower, and a vacuum port. It has a metal frame and weighs around 55 pounds. It is an easy-to-use saw that comes with several features. The W1713 comes with a gooseneck work light, dust blower, and dust port. It is powered by a variable-speed motor and comes equipped with a dust blower for easier working. It has an auto-sensing blade brake.

Pros

  • ​Great for the money, easy to assemble, powerful saw. 4-position guidepost, which allows accurate and precise cuts.
  • Great dust collection system; some saws are not as convenient for cleaning the sawdust, but this is a breeze.
  • The blade changes over to the desired miter angle automatically and also regulates its height automatically.

Cons

  • The bevels are very awkward to change.

Delta Power Tools 40-694 20 In. Variable Speed Scroll Saw

This is another scroll saw that is quieter than the other two because it uses a variable-speed motor. It weighs around 41 pounds and has many features, including a dust blower, dust port, and light. It is a great tool since it has many convenient features.

Pros

  • ​It’s tranquil compared to other saws.
  • Has a larger dust port, which is nice for those messy jobs where you can’t store some of the sawdust in a bin.

Cons

  • It’s one of the heavier saws, weighing around 50 pounds.
  • It isn’t as powerful as other saws on the market today.

Rikon 10-600VS Scroll Saw With Lamp, 16-Inch.

The Rikon 10-600VS Scroll Saw is a great tool for the experienced woodworker. It has a large throat and uses a 40-tooth carbide-tipped blade. It comes with a light and dust blower, so it will be easy to see what you’re doing while cutting.

Pros

  • ​It is very accurate and easy to assemble. ​
  • The bevel settings are extremely accurate, which will make your projects much easier to do. ​​
  • The dust blower, being a vacuum, makes it easy to clean off of your machine quickly and efficiently.

Cons

  • You have to assemble the stand on the saw yourself; if you haven’t done that before, it can be a little difficult to figure out.

The best scroll saw under 200

WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw

The WEN 3921 16-inch two-direction variable speed scroll saw is a great tool for woodworking projects using high-temperature-resistant cast iron. Variable speed can be adjusted from 530 to 2000 RPMs by using the speed control knob. The switch on/off button converts it into a plunge saw and provides more comfort when changing blades.

Pros

  • ​​It has a large throat, making cutting larger projects easy. ​
  • The motor has a high/low-speed function, which allows it to be used as a mutton saw.

Cons

  • ​The saw is not very powerful; it will only cut through basic materials. ​
  • It doesn’t have any sort of dust collection port; the dust will just get all over the place.

I recommend buying a saw with a dust port because it is very annoying to vacuum up everything and sweep up all of the sawdust before starting your next project.

Best budget scroll saw

Proxxon – Scroll Saw, Model DS 115/E

Scroll Saw, Model DS 115/E

The Proxxon Scroll Saw, Model DS 115/E is a great scroll saw for any level of woodworker. This saw is the perfect size for home-based shops and can be used to cut almost anything that you would normally use a jigsaw or circular saw on. This scroll saw comes with two wheels and an adjustable stand so that you can move it around your shop easily. The motor comes in at one horsepower with speeds from 460 to 2000 RPMs.

Pros

  • Easy to mount blades
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Not too loud.
  • It’s very easy to assemble.
  • Easy blade replacement.
  • The blade tracking is very accurate!
  • Lightweight yet sturdy enough to cut through most materials.
  • Size is ideal for those with limited workshop space.
  • It has a high-speed setting (460-2000 RPM). Lower speed setting (290-1300 RPM).

Cons

  • The fence is a little flimsy.
  • The blade is not very wide, so it doesn’t cut through thick materials quickly.
  • It vibrates when cutting, which can make cutting through intricate patterns difficult.

WEN 3922 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Easy-Access Blade Changes

This very affordable scroll saw gives you the power to have precision cuts. The variable speed of this saw allows it to make accurate cuts. It has two wheels and an adjustable stand so it can move around your shop easily. The motor comes in at one horsepower with speeds from 460 to 2000 RPMs.

Pros

  • ​Easy to mount blades ​,
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Not too loud.
  • It’s effortless to assemble.
  • Easy blade replacement.
  • The blade tracking is very accurate!
  • Lightweight yet sturdy enough to cut through most materials.
  • Size is ideal for those with limited workshop space.
  • It has a high-speed setting (460-2000 RPM). Lower speed setting (290-1300 RPM). ​​
  • The fence is extremely accurate and flexible.

Cons ​

  • Fence is a little flimsy.
  • The blade is not very wide, so it doesn’t cut through thick materials quickly.

The best scroll saw for crafts

Rikon 10-600VS Scroll Saw With Lamp, 16-Inch.

This saw is perfect for any level of woodworker. The variable-speed motor allows it to be used as a mutton saw, and it can cut through almost anything that you would normally use a jigsaw or circular saw on. This scroll saw comes with two wheels and an adjustable stand so that you can move it around your shop easily. The motor comes in at one horsepower with speeds from 460 to 2000 RPMs.

Pros ​

  • Easy to mount blades ​
  • Lightweight and easy to transport ​
  • Not too loud.
  • It’s effortless to assemble.
  • Easy blade replacement.
  • The blade tracking is very accurate!
  • Lightweight yet sturdy enough to cut through most materials.
  • Size is ideal for those with limited workshop space.
  • It has a high-speed setting (460-2000 RPM). Lower speed setting (290-1300 RPM). ​​The fence is extremely accurate and flexible.

Cons

  • The fence is a little flimsy.
  • The blade is not very wide, so it doesn’t cut through thick materials quickly.

Buyer’s Guide

Can scroll saws cut metal?

Yes, scroll saws can cut through metal, but you must ensure that the metal is soft enough for the blade to cut into it. Many scroll saw blades are made out of carbide or a metal alloy, giving you a better cutting experience and helping with precision cuts.

You also want to ensure that you have the right blade for your needs. There are blades made specifically for cutting soft materials like wood, and there are blades made specifically for hard materials like metal.

Can scroll saws make inside cuts?

If trying to make inside cuts, measure the distance you want the cut to be and then adjust the blade for the correct depth. You can also adjust your saw by turning it slightly on one side.

Can scroll saws rip boards?

No, many scroll saws cannot rip lumber.

Who sells Delta scroll saws?

Delta has several stores you can visit in person, both in the United States and internationally. You can also purchase Delta products online through the company’s e-commerce site at Amazon.

How much does the delta scroll saw the cost

Delta Scroll Saws range in price from approximately $120 to approximately $600.

Who makes craftsman scroll saws?

Craftsman is a household name that you have probably heard of. It was founded in 1919, and it has been in the business of making tools for two-and-a-half decades now.

Can scroll saws cut metal?

Yes, scroll saws can cut through metal, but you must ensure that the metal is soft enough for the blade to cut into it. A lot of the blades are made from carbide or a metal alloy. This will give you a better cutting experience and help with precision cuts.

Who makes wen scroll saws?

WEN is a tool company founded in 1946. The name WEN is an acronym for Western Engineering Corporation. It has been around for over half a century, making tools and other products.

Why does my scroll saw wobble

If your scroll saw is wobbling, it means that the frame of your saw is not level. You will probably need to adjust the legs of your saw so that it is level again. This will allow your blade to make straighter and smoother cuts.

Where are Dewalt scroll saws made?

Dewalt is a company that makes tools and other products. They are based in Oregon, which is the home of Nike. Other Dewalt products are made in China and Taiwan.

Where are seyco scroll saws made?

Seyco is a company based in North Carolina, located in the southeastern part of the United States. The company started as a family-owned business, then was bought by its employees, and finally was sold to Black & Decker to become Dewalt’s Industrial and Professional Products Division.

Where to buy scroll saws

You can buy scroll saws online. You can also find them at your local hardware store or a tool shop. If you are a beginner, you might want to check in with your local community college or trade school to see if they have any scroll saws for students to use and even buy.

Does Seymour sell scroll saws?

Seymour is known for selling different kinds of tools and other products that you need for woodworking projects.

Where are Excalibur scroll saws made?

Excalibur is an American company founded in 1979. They have different factories around the world, and this is where they manufacture their tools.

Where are craftsman scroll saws made?​

​The company that makes Craftsman tools is called Black & Decker. It was founded in 1920 and has been making products for over eighty years.

Where are Jet scroll saws made?

Jet is a product of Delta Tools, which was founded in 1936. The company also makes other tools and products.

What kind of saw does wen have?

WEN is a tool company founded in 1946. The name WEN is an acronym for Western Engineering Corporation. It has been around for over half a century, making tools and other products.

What kind of saw does DeWalt have?​

Dewalt is a company that makes tools and other products under the name Dewalt.

Where to buy Makita scroll saws

You can find Makita products online and at your local hardware store or tool shop. You can also find them at kohls, Sears, or other similar stores. Makita is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric, so they also have a wide distribution network throughout the United States.

Why does my scroll saw cut backward?

If your scroll saw cuts backward, you have not properly adjusted your blade for the correct depth and width. This will make cutting harder and more difficult.

Can you cut sheet metal with a scroll saw?

You can cut sheet metal with a scroll saw if you use it properly. The cut should be perpendicular to the length of the material you are cutting through. You should also ensure that your blade is sharp first because if it becomes dull, your cuts will not be straighter.

Are scroll saws dangerous?

No, scroll saws are not dangerous. If used with caution by trained persons, it should be straightforward.

How to use a scroll saw for beginners

When you first get your scroll saw, you should read the manual with it and then practice on some scrap material to have all of the steps down before cutting on a piece of wood or other projects. As long as you take your time and keep watching what you are doing, there should be no reason for any accidents.

Are scroll saws loud?

No, scroll saws are not usually that loud. They tend to vibrate a little bit when used, so you might want to put them in a dedicated spot and away from where you watch TV, listen to music, or read.

What size blades does the delta scroll saw take?​

Delta Scroll Saws take all different kinds of blades. You can even get blades made specifically for cutting metal if you need something callous and strong.

Are scroll saws easy to use

If you take your time, follow the instructions and be patient, you should learn how to use a scroll saw very quickly. Be careful and make adjustments if your scroll saw is jumping. Most people can pick it up within a few hours and start their projects.

What are the different types of blades for scroll saws?​

You can buy different blades for your scroll saw, specifically cutting wood or metal. These blades can be found online or in your local hardware store.

Conclusion

Scroll saws make precise cuts in wood or other soft materials. They use long, slender blades with small teeth, which allows them to cut more precisely than many other saws on the market today. You can find different scroll saws for sale at your local hardware store or any online retailer. You must read the descriptions carefully to determine the best match for your needs.

Our top pick is the DeWalt – Scroll Saw Model DW788, a medium-duty saw made especially for cutting thicker materials and the all-important extension wings for thicker materials. The DeWalt has an accurate fence for making precise cuts as well. It works on various variable speeds and feeds, cutting various materials very easy.

The DeWalt is a trendy choice among woodworkers and is often given as a gift to new or aspiring woodworkers; it’s not that expensive and works well for what it does.

For crafts, we recommend the Rikon 10-600VS Scroll Saw With Lamp, 16-Inch.

David D. Hughes

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