Woodworking certainly takes a special type of skill and those who have it can make anything you can dream up. When it comes woodworking, there are numerous tools you can use to get creative. One such tool is the scroll saw. Scrolls saws are used to cut intricate designs and patterns and the end result can be quite amazing.
When you visit craft shows or shop for decorative pieces, you can almost guarantee that you will see something that is the creating of a saw scroll tool. The things that you can cut, design, and create are simply amazing. If you’re going to do this type of work, you need the best scroll saw on the market.
There are so many different scroll saws out there, it’s hard to know just which one you would enjoy. That’s why we’re here. We’ve put together a guide to purchasing a scrollsaw for your home and we think you will appreciate what we have to share. We’ve put together a list of the top rated scroll saw options on the market and we’re here to share them with you!
Keep reading to learn more information in these detailed scroll saw reviews.
Table of Contents
View The 5 Best Scroll Saws on the Market Below
1. DeWalt Scroll Saw DW788 – Best Value Pick
Best Value
Our top pick goes to the best overall option on the market. In terms of scroll saws, this one is sure not to disappoint you. This professional-grad scroll saw weighs right at 56 pounds. DeWalt offers anywhere from 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute and has a stroke length of 3/4 to 2 inches.
As far as features go, this scroll saw puts in a lot of work to be listed as the best overall options in our reviews. It’s highly-rated across the board. The 1.3-amp motor gives you plenty of speed but you also get the confidence of speed control while you work.
This saws scroll option is super easy to work with and you can easily change the blade whenever you need with a tool-free blade design. You can make just about any cuts you need with ease. You may need to apply some wax near the keyhole to prevent potential snagging.
- Variable speed control
- Cuts smooth and easy
- Blade changes are simple
- The best scroll saw available
- Convenient dust blower placement
- Potential snagging near the keyhole
- The blade alignment can be challenging to get right
Overall, we chose this saw as our top pick because it has a lot of great features. It’s a little bit on the pricey side but it really has a lot to offer in terms of scroll saws.
2. Wen 3921 16-Inch Scroll Saw – Best Budget Option
Best Budget Option
If you need an option that’s not so hard on the bank account, this one would be a great addition to your work surface. Wen 3921 has some really nice features as well and it’s a reliable saw that will get the work done with ease. It cuts smoothly and easily and can bevel up to 45 degrees.
This one emits light dust levels and has a convenient dust port as well. The power switch is easy to operate without being in the way. You can easily use this saw to cut through surfaces that are up to two inches thick. You should stock up on blades of all of your favorite types because this has a unique blade holder and you can use both pinned and unpinned blades.
This saw also has a clip for securing pieces. It has variable speed options from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute. You can bend and adjust with flexible ease. The tool-free blade system is simple and the dust blower just adds to the features of this saw.
- Can adjust the angle up to 45 degrees
- Works with numerous types of blades
- Cuts with ease and precision
- Variable speed control
- Simplified blade changes every time
- Budget-friendly scroll saw
- Best for light use to prevent excessive wear
- The light sometimes cast a shadow because it’s not quite long enough
For being a budget-friendly option, this saw certainly delivers. It has all of the relevant features to get your work done. The blades are easy to change and the variable speed options and dust port make it stand out among affordable options.
3. Delta Power Tools 40-694 Scroll Saw
This Delta Power Tools 40-694 model is what many would call small but mighty. Delta Power Tools is well-known for producing high-quality tools and this one certainly fits the bill. This is a scroll saw well worth the cost and enhanced with plenty of great features as well.
This variable speed saw can operate from 400-1,750 SPM, offering plenty of speed to get your work completed. It cuts smoothly and efficiently. The 40-694 scroll is coveted across the board by those who use scroll saws. This saw has a dual parallel link arm to reduce vibration and improve the quality of your cuts.
Tool-free blade changes are super simple and you can change your blades with ease thanks to the locking mechanism on the upper arm. You can adjust to 45 degrees as well on this one. This is considered a light dust model and has a hose dust blower attached.
- Easy blade changes for all blades
- Plenty of speed
- Cuts smoothly and easily
- Can angle up to 45 degrees
- Loaded with convenient features
- Storage for extra blades
- The power switch seems to be unreliable to some users
- The assembly and use instructions are not overly clear
This particular saw is a great option but in terms of scroll saw recommendations, it is considered disappointing for the brand. However, it’s well made. It cuts great and has plenty of speed to get the work done. The blades are easy to change and the materials are reliable for a scroll saw.
4. Rockwell Blade Runner X2 Portable RK7323
The Rockwell Blade Runner scroll saw is another great option. This one is also on the more affordable side of the spectrum and it’s well-made and reliable. This scroll saw is considered to be a tabletop saw and it can act as a rip saw, miter saw, or scroll saw. It’s a versatile option but the overall features are also slightly more limited.
This saw does have a convenient storage option for your blades and it will get the work done. It cuts smoothly but it does not offer the angles like some of the specialty saws we’ve shared. This saw weighs less than 15 pounds. It is designed to move around to wherever you want or need to work.
This option does not have variable speed but offers a no-load speed of 3,000 SPM. You will work quickly and efficiently with all of your cuts. Blade changes are simple and fast, especially if you have your spare blades on hand. This saw is simple yet convenient.
- Portable with a carrying handle
- Versatile as a rip fence and miter gauge.
- Simple to use features
- Blade changes are simple for all blades
- High-speed to work faster
- Scroll saw is easy to set-up anywhere
- No variable speed options
- Not made with heavy-duty materials
Even though this scroll saw doesn’t have as many bells and whistles, it’s a convenient and reliable option among scroll saws. It’s portable and that offers a lot for some people in terms of the best scroll saw options. The blade changes are easy and this is a reliable scroll saw for many uses.
5. Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Scroll Saw
The Shop Fox W1713 model scroll saw is another affordable option that really stands out in the crowd. It’s more compact in overall size and not loaded with extra features but it gets the work done and it cuts really well. When it comes to good scroll saws, this one earned its rightful place as a top saw option.
The design of this scroll saw appears to be more compact but it has a standard 16-inch surface for cuts and has the variable speed feature that is coveted among scroll saws. It also offers 45 degrees adjustment for cutting angles. It has a gooseneck work light and will give you some of the best scroll work you can find.
This option is simple and straightforward for a scroll saw. The blades are set into movable arm and blade changes are quite simple. This one also offers variable speed from 550-1,700 SPM. This one also has the dust mechanism for keeping your surface clean to make efficient cuts.
- Best scroll saw for simple and effective cuts
- Blade options can be plan or pinned blades
- Compact style with 16-inch surface
- Cuts up to a 45 degree angle.
- No tools needed to change blade
- The blade changes can be challenging
- The motor is small and less powerful which can lead to overheating
While this certainly isn’t the king of scroll saws, it remains a good saw option. It’s cheap but not necessarily cheaply made. It has the features many need and the price tag many can afford when looking for a scroll saw. This is a simple but reliable option that deserves a spot among the best.
Scroll Saw Buyers Guide
We can share with your our top picks for choosing a saw all day long but when it comes down to it, you still may have no idea what to look for. There are always going to be features that you may or may not want or need but then there will be some that are important for many scroll saw uses.
We’ve put together a simple buying guide to provide you with some valuable insight in an effort to help you make an informed decision before you dish out the money for a new scroll saw. Let’s be honest, these are an investment and some of them are pretty high-dollar. We want to help you make sure you’re not wasting your money on your investment.
We can provide you with a detailed scroll saw review all day long but ultimately, it will be up to you to determine which one will work best for your needs and space. We prepared an article that is focused on finding the best scroll saw blades for your needs.
Scroll Saws vs. Band Saws
Let’s start by first differentiating between the scroll saw and the band saw. You should know that these are not the same type of saw. They appear similar and even use similar blades but they really are quite different overall.
Scroll saws are designed for detail work. They make inside cuts and they move up and down, using thin blades to complete what they need to. They can complete intricate cut and design patterns. Think of the scroll saw as a saw that could make a puzzle out of wood.
A band saw, on the other hand uses a long, flexible blade that moves constantly in a downward motion. These can work through long pieces and thick materials. They are mostly for cutting but you can do minor details. Overall, band saws are meant for large outside cuts as well as rip cuts.
Band saws can be great and we recommend you have a good band saw on hand for certain functions but just know they do differ from the scroll saw in many ways.
Now, let’s talk about the qualities you may want in your scroll saw.
Speed Matters
You can find scroll saw options that have all types of speed settings. We recommend going with one that has variable speed. This gives you more control over the blade so that you can turn out the very best work from your saw. If you choose to go with a variable speed saw, be sure to look for something that goes as low as 400.
The high-end can vary greatly. You will probably want to see the maximum speed be at least 1,700 or more to have the most amount of versatility. Some high-speed options average around 2,500 to 3,000 SPM. Consider the overall range and just be sure it’s a suitable range that will be best for the type of things you will be doing.
The speed you need could also be different based on the materials and blades that you use. If you use thin items, soft plastics, and veneers, you will definitely want slow speed options. For harder materials like thick wood, leather, and other materials, the high speed will be better.
Functionality
You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a scroll saw that is going to be difficult to use and won’t offer the functionality that you really need. Some options are far more complicated than others so it’s important to look at the ease of use or the overall functionality of the tool.
Is the power switch easy to use and reliable? Is it easy to make blade changes? Is the saw adjustable? These are just minor things but they could impact how easy it is for you to complete the job you need to. You want the tool to be easy to manipulate to your needs.
Blade Setup
You can use many different blade types with your scroll saw. Most scroll saws will accept numerous types of blade sizes and materials. However, you will want to pay attention to a few things in relation to your blade setup.
Start by determining whether you need pinned or pinless blades or whether the saw can use both. Which do you need? Just be sure your tool will accommodate your needs and preferences where the blade is concerned. We prepared an article that is focused on finding the best scroll saw blade for your needs.
Next, you want to figure out how complicated changing the blade is going to be. One thing that is quite popular is the ability to make a blade change with no tools. Most of the newer models offer tool-free blade changes but not all of them do. In fact, if you were to look at models earlier than the Wen 3920 model, you would see they required tools.
Angle Capability
This may or may not be important to some carpenters but it’s something to watch out for. Do you prefer to use a scroll saw that lies flat or do you want to be able to adjust your surface. Some saws offer tilt table setup that allow you to adjust up to 45 degrees at an angle.
However, there are also scroll saws that do not adjust the angles at all. This is just something to watch for as you peruse your options.
Materials
The final thing that we think is very important to watch for is the materials that the saw is made with. For example, the portable saw we shared is made mostly with plastic. This makes it light weight and portable, which is perfect for some uses. On the other side of the coin, it also makes it less durable.
If you don’t need portability, you will want a heavy-duty scroll saw that is going to be durable and reliable and last for a long time. We recommend looking for a scroll saw that has a cast iron base for the best materials overall. These often cost more but they are well worth the dollar if you can swing it.
Miscellaneous Features
We’ve given you a lot to consider already. Many of these comments are designed to find the best products for woodworkers of all kinds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, performance and accuracy are both important. We feel as though the features we’ve shared are some of the most important.
The following are additional miscellaneous things that you may want to consider, depending on your jobs and your preference requirements.
- LED Light capabilities
- Air pump dust blower
- Blade clamp accessories
- Vibration levels
- Dust collection features
- Blade tensioning functionality
- Throat size and throat depth
- Arm design and mobility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Scroll Saw to Buy?
Our top pick is the DeWalt DW788. It’s the best option on the market for a variety of reasons. However, there are many great options depending on your price range.
What is the Best Scroll Saw for Beginners
If you’re still new to the world of woodwork, it’s important to choose an option that won’t overwhelm you. For beginners, we prefer the Wen 3920 scroll saw. It’s affordable, and has a lot of simple functionality while still providing all of the stability and usefulness you could need.
Which is Better Band Saw or Scroll Saw?
Which is better truly depends on what you need to accomplish. Scroll saws are better for design and intricate patterns while band saws are better for long cuts and rip cuts.
Still unsure which one to buy? Read our complete article comparing a scroll saw vs band saw.
Is a Scroll Saw Worth it?
If you do any type of woodworking that has design or special cuts, a scroll saw is absolutely worth the investment. No other saw can perform quite like a scroll saw when it comes to design and pattern needs. We think you will find that the accuracy and precision a scroll saw offers sets it apart from other saws.
Conclusion
We hope that you find these reviews and this buying guide to be effective tools for finding a reliable and trustworthy scroll saw. We shared these options to provide you with top rated scroll saws. It really is important to make a good investment so that you can achieve your woodworking purposes to the best of your ability.
We are quite sure you will be happy with any of the options shared here!
Expert Tip
If you’re going to invest in a scroll saw, spend the money to get the very best. It really is worth it. If you need a budget-friendly option just be sure to choose something that isn’t cheaply made.
Did you know?
Scroll saws make some of the most beautiful art available. They are used for name plates, puzzles, nativity scenes, jewelry boxes, bird houses, candle holders, and even clocks.
Amazon Recommends:
- Unique design accepts blades in two directions (standard and 90 degrees) to allow for infinite ripping capacity
- Variable speed goes from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute
- Spacious 16-by-11-inch table bevels up to 45 degrees to the left for angled cuts
- Cuts wood up to 2 inches thick with a 16-inch throat depth in the standard position
- Features a thumb screw blade adapter for tool-free blade changes, a cast iron base, an air pump, a flex light, a dust port, a foot lock clamp, onboard storage, and three blades
- Double parallel-link arm design dramatically reduces vibration and noise, for extremely accurate cuts
- Exclusive tool-free blade clamps allow blade changes in seconds
- On-off switch, electronic variable speed, flexible dust blower and blade-tensioning lever are all located on the front upper arm for added convenience
- Arm design pivots from the back of the saw to the front, shortening the arm movement for smoother, quieter operation
- Arm lifts so blade can be easily threaded through the material for inside cuts
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Editors of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 327 Pages - 10/01/2009 (Publication Date) - Fox Chapel Publishing (Publisher)