5 Best Scroll Saw Choices: Step Up Your Curve-cutting with the Top Models of 2023

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Is it time to upgrade your tool collection with a new scroll saw? When it comes to cutting curves and other intricate patterns in wood, plastic, metal, and other materials, no saw beats the scroll saw. Safety and high-performance are built into these user-friendly tools, but you still have to make a few decisions when it comes to what is the best scroll saw for you. We chose five of the top scroll saws, and you can see our reviews for each of these in this article.

9.5
Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw

Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Best Choice

If you have never used a scroll saw before, you may be excited about what this new tool can add to your DIY projects. It’s not a very difficult machine to use, but some models are better suited for people without experience with a scroll saw
9
WEN 3921 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

WEN 3921 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw Best Pick

A scroll saw gives you a lot more space and capacity to unleash your creativity when compared with a straight saw.
8.5
Bucktool 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Bucktool 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw Best Quality

With a quick-change blade system, you can change the two pin blades and one pinless blade very quickly with the help of the quick-open side panel.
8.5
Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-Inch Scroll Saw

Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-Inch Scroll Saw Best Price

The dual parallel link arm design cuts down on vibration, over-cutting, and improves the quality and accuracy of the work. When you are changing the blade or adjusting its position.

Top 3 Scroll Saws

Before we head into the full reviews of the five best scroll saws, let’s take a sneak peek at the top three. Based on the quality, capabilities, and features, we chose the best overall, the best for beginners, and the best for making patterns.

Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw
DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw
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Bottom Line
Best Overall
Pros
Low noise and low vibration
Cons
No dust collection port
Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw
Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw
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Bottom Line
Best for Beginner
Pros
Portable and compact
Cons
No edge guide locking levers
WEN 3921 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
WEN 3921 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
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Bottom Line
Best for Patterns
Pros
Variable speed control
Cons
Not as high-powered

Best Overall: DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw

DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw

The DeWalt DW788 scroll saw was our overall winner from the many top choices we considered. It is a variable speed scroll saw with low vibration, low noise, an amperage of 1.3 amps, and a weight of 56 pounds. You only need a few seconds to change the blades, thanks to the tool-free blade clamps. The machine also comes with a flexible blower. For a little more, you can buy this saw together with a stand and work light.

Best for Beginner: Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw

Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw-2

In general, scroll saws are not very difficult to navigate. If you are an absolute beginner, you may still want to invest in equipment that is more suited for the move like the Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw scroll saw kit. You can use it to cut a wide range of materials at the optimum speed, thanks to the variable speed setting. This saw features a dust port adaptor, a mechanism for quick-change auto tensioning, and the option to use this saw as a handheld tpp;

Best for Patterns: WEN 3921 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

WEN 3921 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

If you want a best-selling scroll saw that is ideal for cutting patterns, our top recommendation is the WEN 3921 scroll saw. One of the unique capabilities of this saw is that it can take blades from both directions, and this increases the ripping capacity. It is a variable speed scroll saw with a spacious table and lots of other preferred features such as a flex light, onboard storage, tool-free blade changes, and a dust port.

Best Scroll Saws: Full Review

The five scroll saws in our list of top recommendations each have a lot to offer. You can see some quick facts about each, together with pros, cons, and some special tips to help you get the most out of their use.

DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw

Best Overall
The DeWalt DW788 20-inch scroll saw is low vibration and low noise variable speed scroll saw that can move at 400- 1,750 strokes per minute. This scroll saw has an over-size table made from cast iron that can bevel 45 degrees on either side.
10Expert Score
Double parallel link arm

The DeWalt DW788 scroll offers high-performance and a range of excellent features. It is our overall winner

Extremely accurate cuts
9.5
Flexible dust blower
9
Pros
  • Variable speed
  • Ergonomic design with controls and important features locate don the front of the tool
  • Low noise and low vibration
  • Easy to use
  • Tool-free blade changes
Cons
  • Stand not included but available for an additional cost
  • No dust collection port

The DeWalt DW788 scroll offers high-performance and a range of excellent features. It is our overall winner, and you can find out why in the full review below.

Quick Facts

DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw
  • The DeWalt DW788 20-inch scroll saw is low vibration and low noise variable speed scroll saw that can move at 400- 1,750 strokes per minute.
  • The amperage is 1.3 amps, and the weight is 56 pounds.
  • For the depth of cut, this machine can go up to 2 inches.
  • It’s easy to change the blades in just a few seconds, thanks to the tool-free blade clamps.
  • There is a flexible blower.
  • If you don’t mind paying a little more, you can buy this saw together with a stand and work light.
  • This scroll saw has a double parallel link arm design that reduces vibration and noise while enabling very accurate cuts
  • The on and off switch is on the front of the saw for your convenience.
  • The arm design of this saw pivots from the back to the front of the saw, which means that the arm movement is shorter, smoother, and quieter.
  • When you need to make inside cuts, the arm lifts to allow the blade to be threaded through the material very easily.
  • This scroll saw has an over-size table made from cast iron that can bevel 45 degrees on either side.
  • There is a 3-year limited warranty period.
Read More:   How to Stain Wood? A Beginner's Guide from Start to Finish

Special Tips

You can only use plain-end blades with this saw. These are the preferred type if you want to make very accurate and precise cuts.

Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw

Best Choice
If you are a DIYer, you might have a range of DIY projects in mind when you first get a scroll saw. This Dremel saw can be used to cut curvature and intricate shapes into many materials. Wood, plexiglass, laminate, and PVC are some examples of the options you have.
9.5Expert Score
Variable-speed control

If you have never used a scroll saw before, you may be excited about what this new tool can add to your DIY projects. It’s not a very difficult machine to use, but some models are better suited for people without experience with a scroll saw

Detachable coping function
9.5
Fast-clamp base
9
Pros
  • Quick-change mechanism
  • Can be used as a hand-held tool
  • Portable and compact
  • Beginner-friendly
Cons
  • No edge guide locking levers as displayed on the product packaging, although this does not affect the tool's performance

If you have never used a scroll saw before, you may be excited about what this new tool can add to your DIY projects. It’s not a very difficult machine to use, but some models are better suited for people without experience with a scroll saw. We chose the Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw scroll saw kit for the best machine for beginners. Find out why this might be the right option for you.

Quick Facts

Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw
  • This scroll saw weighs 9.07 pounds.
  • You can use it to cut a wide range of materials at the optimum speed, thanks to the variable speed setting.
  • This saw features a dust port adaptor, an auto tensioning quick-change mechanism, and a detachable coping function to use the saw as a handheld tool.
  • There is a fast-clamp base that you can use to attach the saw to various work surfaces, including tables and your workbench.
  • The kit includes the scroll saw, two attachments, a vacuum adaptor, a hard case, and 10 cutting blades for use with wood, fine wood, plastic, and metal.

Special Tips

If you are a DIYer, you might have a range of DIY projects in mind when you first get a scroll saw. This Dremel saw can be used to cut curvature and intricate shapes into many materials. Wood, plexiglass, laminate, and PVC are some examples of the options you have.

WEN 3921 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Best Pick
Among all its great features, the WEN 3921 scroll saw stands out because it can take blades from both the standard and 90-degree directions, and this increases the ripping capacity. When you need to make angled cuts, you can tilt the table by up to 45 degrees on the lefthand-side.
9Expert Score
Unique design

A scroll saw gives you a lot more space and capacity to unleash your creativity when compared with a straight saw, You can make patterns and unique shapes with an easy-to-use power tool.

Spacious
9.5
Flex light
9
Pros
  • Two-direct blades
  • Variable speed control
  • Affordable
  • Versatility
  • Spacious work table
Cons
  • Not as high-powered as other scroll saws

A scroll saw gives you a lot more space and capacity to unleash your creativity when compared with a straight saw, You can make patterns and unique shapes with an easy-to-use power tool. If creating intricate patterns is essential to the cutting work that you want to use your saw for, you need a machine that is geared for just that. We recommend the WEN 3921 scroll saw.

Quick Facts

WEN 3921 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
  • Among all its great features, the WEN 3921 scroll saw stands out because it can take blades from both the standard and 90-degree directions, and this increases the ripping capacity.
  • It is a 25.1-pound, 16-inch variable speed scroll saw that can move at 550- 1,600 strokes per minute.
  • There is a spacious work table that measures 16 inches by 11 inches.
  • In the standard position, this scroll has a 16-inch throat depth.
  • When you need to make angled cuts, you can tilt the table by up to 45 degrees on the lefthand-side.
  • The blades available are 5-inch pinned and pinless.
  • It is easy to make tool-free blade changes, thanks to the thumbscrew blade adaptor.
  • This scroll saw also features a flex light, onboard storage, a 1-1/2-inch dust port, a cast iron table base, tree blades, a foot lock clamp, and an air pump.

Special Tips

As a professional woodworker or one of a growing number of diligent hobbyists, you have two choices as far as cutting positions when you are using the WEN 3921 16-inch scroll saw. The standard position is ideal if you plan to make intricate internal designs, have beveled and angled cuts to make, and you are looking for maximum table support. You can use the 90-degree cutting position if you are handling a large workpiece and want increased cutting capacity.

Bucktool 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Best Quality
Installing the pin and pinless blades requires a different procedure. For the pin blade, you should release the blade tension then hang the blade on the lower and upper blade holders. You can then tighten the blade tension o the right level.
8.5Expert Score
Quick-Change Blade System

With a quick-change blade system, you can change the two pin blades and one pinless blade very quickly with the help of the quick-open side panel and simple blade holder.

Cast Iron Table
9.5
Heavy-duty
9
Pros
  • Variable speed control
  • Hands-free operation available
  • LED light
  • Quick-change blade system
  • Reasonable price tag
Cons
  • None found

Next on the list of our best scroll saw recommendations is this 16-inch option from Bucktool. Let’s jump right into what this model has to offer.

Quick Facts

Bucktool 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
  • This Bucktool scroll saw is 34.4-pound variable speed control going from 550- 1,600 strokes per minute.
  • It has a 1.2-amp DC motor that gives a quiet and smooth performance.
  • When you are cutting, the vibration-free work light gives you a clear vision of the operation.
  • The pedal switch design enables craftsmen to operate the start and stop controls of the machine hands-free for greater convenience.
  • With a quick-change blade system, you can change the two pin blades and one pinless blade very quickly with the help of the quick-open side panel and simple blade holder.
  • There is a heavy-duty cast iron table measuring 16 inches by 9 inches and capable of beveling by up to 45 degrees to the left side when you need to make angled cuts.
  • The cutting depth of this saw is 2 inches, and the throat depth is 16 inches.
Read More:   What Is a Scroll Saw Used For?

Special Tips

Installing the pin and pinless blades requires a different procedure. For the pin blade, you should release the blade tension then hang the blade on the lower and upper blade holders. You can then tighten the blade tension o the right level.

Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-Inch Scroll Saw

Best Price
If you are planning to be handling large cutting projects, then the Delta Power Tools scroll saw might be perfect. As a woodworker, you need to use equipment that can handle the work you have to do to avoid frustration and other problems
8.5Expert Score
Electronic variable speed

The dual parallel link arm design cuts down on vibration, over-cutting, and improves the quality and accuracy of the work. When you are changing the blade or adjusting its position. the upper arm lifts and locks in a raised position.

accuracy
9.5
Easy accessibility
9
Pros
  • High accuracy and quality work
  • Low vibrations
  • On-tool blade storage
  • Adjustable light
  • Ergonomic design of top features on the tool's frontside
Cons
  • Higher price point
  • No dust collection port
  • Not a light-weight piece of equipment

If you are past beginner level and more of a pro woodworker, one of the best scroll saw recommendations we can make is the Delta Power Tools 40-694 option.

Quick Facts

Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-Inch Scroll Saw
  • With this 60-pound variable speed scroll saw, you can adjust the working speed from 400- 1,750 SPM to allow you to cut many different material types.
  • The dual parallel link arm design cuts down on vibration, over-cutting, and improves the quality and accuracy of the work.
  • When you are changing the blade or adjusting its position. the upper arm lifts and locks in a raised position.
  • You can make quick and easy blade changes in just a few seconds, thanks to the tool-free blade clamp.
  • You can bevel the saw up to 45 degrees on the left and right sides.
  • Other features of the Delta Power Tools 40-694 scroll saw are the 1.3 amp motor, the flexible dust blower, the variable speed dial, and the blade-tensioning lever.

Special Tips

If you are planning to be handling large cutting projects, then the Delta Power Tools scroll saw might be perfect. As a woodworker, you need to use equipment that can handle the work you have to do to avoid frustration and other problems. There is a lot to love about this saw, but the price might be a downside if your preference is a budget option.

Buyer’s Guide

There are various types of saws, with each capable of performing a unique function. If you need to cut intricate curves in wood, metal, and other materials, then you might do well with a scroll saw. When you are using the scroll saw, you put this tool in a stable and stationary position and feed the material you want to cut into the machine. In this buyer’s guide, we give you a few tips to help you out when it’s time for you to select your own scroll saw from all the options that are currently on the market.

How to Pick a Scroll Saw

When you are making your selection, you should pay attention to a few important criteria to get the best tool for the type of work you are going to do. Scroll saw features and capabilities can vary significantly, depending on purpose and manufacturer.

Before you can pick a stroll saw to use for your work or DIY projects, you need to understand what it is and how it works. Scroll saws are not difficult to use, even for the beginner. They are very safe and have a quiet operation. Many people find them extremely fun to use, but it can also be challenging if your scroll saw does not have the right features to allow you to make intricate cuts, for example.

When you use a scroll saw, the blade moves up and down, and the teeth face forward and down. This mechanism is very similar to how a sewing machine works. There are three basic scroll saw designs based on what mechanism powers the saw’s blade. These are parallel-arm, double parallel link arm, and the C-arm type. Two less popular and more outdated arm designs are the oscillating loop drive system and the rigid arm.

When it’s time to choose the best scroll saw, first consider what you want to use it for and how often you plan to utilize it. It’s always a good idea to have a budget and have a ballpark figure of what your limit is as far as the price point so that you stay on track. The price of a scroll saw can vary greatly, sending on what it has to offer.

Here is a rundown of some of the things you should be looking out for.

  • How you change the blade- Scroll saws use a lot of blades, so if you are going to be using this tool for a few hours a day, you can expect to go through a number of blades during that period. To make this process simple and convenient, many scroll saws have a special blade changing feature. This can save you time and effort and help you become more productive as there is going to be less downtime. If the machine does not have this feature, then you might need to use special tools to change the blade and the tension of the blade.
  • The blade types it uses- The two main toes of blades you can find in a scroll saw are a pin-end blade and a falt-end or plain blade. Some power tools accept both, while others take one or the other. If you want a high-quality scroll saw that allows you to make delicate, sharp, interior cuts, then you are better off with a scroll saw that can only be used with a plain or flat-end blade. Scroll saws that take pin-end blades are usually not of the same quality as the alternative. These blades are large and, therefore, not suited for precision work.
  • Motor power- The good news is that your scroll saw does not require that much power to operate compared with other power tools. If you intend to cut through tougher materials like hardwood, then the motor power might be something you check before you buy. In general, an amperage of 1.25 amperes is a good minimum target for all your cutting needs.
  • Cut thickness- On average, most saws can cut about 2 inches. You need to know the maximum cutting thickness of the scroll saw. The range is typically 3/4- 4 inches.
  • Throat length- The distance between the blade of the scroll saw and the back of the saw is known as the throat length. The typical range is 16- 30 inches. Most projects are going to call for a throat length of 16- 20 inches, so it may not be necessary to find a scroll saw with a very long throat length.
  • Speed- A scroll saw’s speed is measured in strokes per minute. The right cutting speed largely depends on the types of material you are cutting- be it metal, wood, plastic, or paper, for example. The more speeds you can use, the greater your cutting options. A scroll saw can have two speed settings, variable speeds, or a pully set-up to reach the desired speed. You should be looking for a range of about 450- 1,600 RPM.
  • Dust control system- When you use a saw, a lot of dust is produced. This waste product must be handled properly to avoid damaging the saw engine and causes respiratory issues t the people who use the machine. A dust blower or dust collection hood-up is an important feature to look for.
  • Table tilt-Your scroll saw comes with a table for easy cutting. If you plan to do some work that requires you to cut at an angle, the tilt of the table might be important to you. Some scroll saw tables tilt to the left, while other tilt both ways. The maximum tilt angle of 45 degrees. As far as the table is concerned, you should also make sure that the table is machined flat and is large enough to accommodate the throat size that you are going to be working on with your scroll saw.
  • Saw weight- A scroll saw is a stationary piece of equipment, but if your work requires you to move the table around and relocate it for any reason, it might be a good idea to look for a lighter and more portable model.
  • Stand- You are going to want to invest in a good stand for your scroll saw. Make sure that you find one that is strong and sturdy to reduce vibrations and excessive noise.
  • Vibration and noise- Machine vibration is one thing you want to avoid as much as possible. It affects your work and can negatively affect the health of the user over time. Ideally, you want to choose a saw that has some anti-vibration mechanisms and features. Noise level is another common challenge with power tools. You want to find an option that is as noise-free as possible.
  • Safety features- Scroll saws are generally safe to use, but they are power tools with high speed and sharp blades, so care is needed when using them. You might want to look at what kind of safety measures are in place with each product that you consider purchasing.
  • Control location- The controls of the scroll saw can be located under the table or in front. For ease of use, it’s a good idea to choose a model with the control system upfront so that you do not have to fumble to turn the machine on and off.
  • Accessories and add-ons- If you are going to get the best performance with your scroll saw, you might want to invest in a few accessories. There are several great options for you to consider, including a footswitch to speed up your work and free up your hands. It is also a good idea to keep your scroll saw covered and dust-free with a scroll saw cover.
Read More:   Table Saw Vs. Circular Saw

FAQs

If you have more questions about what scroll saws do and how they work, take a look at the frequently asked questions below to find expert answers.

  • Which is better, a scroll saw or a bandsaw? It depends on the work you are doing. If you have to make curves and circular cuts, then you are better off using a scroll saw. For straight cuts, a band saw is preferable.
  • What is the difference between a fret saw and a scroll saw? In a fret saw, the orientation of the blade is fixed in relation to the frame of the tool, which is not the case in a coping saw. Fret saws and scroll saws are quite similar, and their blades are interchangeable. The main difference between them is that the scroll straw is a power tool, while the fret saw is a manual tool. A scroll saw also includes a table, which a fret saw does not have.
  • What is the difference between a jigsaw and a scroll saw? You can make cuts with both a jigsaw and a scroll saw, but the two tools look and operate differently. A jigsaw is a handheld cutting tool with a narrow blade. You can use it to make cuts and curves in wood by bringing the tool down to the work material. With a scroll saw, on the other hand, you get a much larger tool that is stationary. You much feed the material you want to cut into the machine and not the other way round.
  • Who makes the best scroll saw blades? Scroll saw blades do not last that long, so you must have spares on you and know where to find high-quality replacement blades. After 15- 45 minutes of continuous use, you are going to need a new scroll saw blade. When you buy scroll saw blades, they usually come in a large pack size. There are many great blade manufacturers, with some of the tops blade options coming from

Conclusion

In this review, we looked at several of the best scroll saw options available on the market. These machines are easy to use, in general, but if you have some specific work requirements, it might serve you well to choose a model that can handle the workload. Hobbyists and professional woodworkers and craftsmen alike have various requirements as far as the preferred tool size, tilt capabilities, motor power, blade options, cut thickness, throat depth, and more. Our overall winner is the DeWalt DW788 scroll saw. For beginners, our best scroll saw recommendation is the Dremel MS20-10 Moto-Saw. Finally, if you are someone who works with a lot of patterns, we recommend the WEN 3921 scroll saw.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


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Itamar Ben Dor
Itamar Ben Dor

My father is a practical engineer, and as a hobby he was also involved in construction, renovations, carpentry and woodwork at home; So there was always tools, saws, drills and more at home. Already I was a little kid Dad and I would renovate the house. Once we built a shed for garden tools, once we did flooring for the garden, once we renovated the bathroom and that’s the way it is. Long before there was an internet, directories and plans. We would build things, kitchen cabinets, install electrical appliances, do flooring, pour concrete and more ... I in this blog want to pass on to you the experience I have gained over the last 20 plus-minus years since I was a child to this day and give you information about the best tools, project plans, guides and more.

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