Scroll saws are accessible to every skill level, but they provide different levels of detail. Find out which kind you need for your next scrolling project.
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Looking to add the best scroll saw to your workshop? Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, finding the right scroll saw can make all the difference in your projects. Unlike a jigsaw or a bandsaw, scroll saws are used for detailed and intricate woodworking, offering precise accuracy in your projects, says Jeff Palla, the President of Mr. Handyman.
Gary McCoy, a power tool expert and store manager at Lowe’s, further explains: “These stationary or benchtop saws let you cut curves and complex designs in materials like wood, plastic and soft metal.” When purchasing a scroll saw, McCoy says to consider your experience level, the project’s intricacy, your budget and the material you’re cutting. “But, the most important thing to consider is the safety precautions and to ensure they are followed while the tool is in use,” he emphasizes.
With a variety of models offering different features and capabilities, choosing the best scroll saw for your needs can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a beginner working from pre-fab hobby patterns or a master craftsperson creating intricate custom intarsia, we’ve researched and found the best options on the market.
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DeWalt invests a lot of time and research into consistently creating some of the best tools available. The DeWalt DW788 scroll saw incorporates pro-level features and smart innovative design into a mid-range price package. The unique double parallel arm design limits vibration and noise. With a 20-inch cutting capacity and the large cast iron table that bevels both left and right, you can easily work with larger pieces. The arm lifts for threading blades into your work, and the blade clamp requires no tools. The on-off switch, variable speed control, blade tensioning knob and dust blower are all on the front upper arm for convenient access. With its ease of operation, this saw will give amazing results for the beginner and the experienced woodworker.
Throat Size: 20 inches
Vertical Capacity: 2 inches
Table Size: 16 by 23.75 inches
Weight: 56 lbs.
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The Wen 3921 saw gives our best overall pick a run for its money. The ingenious part: You can install the blades in two directions (standard and 90 degrees), giving you a cutting capacity beyond the 16-inch depth at the saw’s throat. Beyond that, it has all the features you could ask for: variable speed, a dust blower, vacuum port, tilting table and even a flexible LED work light. It also will work with pinned and pinless blades. Perhaps not quite as heavy-duty as other comparable saws, yet at less than half the price, this saw will not disappoint.
Throat Size: 16 inches
Vertical Capacity: 2 inches
Table Size: 16 by 11 inches
Weight: 25.5 lbs.
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Compact and portable, the Dremel MS20-01 moto saw is the perfect saw for the beginner or occasional hobby scroller. Clamp it to a tabletop or detach it from its base to use as a motorized coping saw. With its variable speed, you can cut through a variety of lightweight materials. The blade requires no tools for changing and has an auto tensioning feature to keep things running smoothly. Unfortunately there is no dust blower, but it has a port to attach a vacuum and keep your workpiece dust free. With a storage case and 10 blades included, you’ll have everything you need to cut your first scrolling project.
Throat Size: 10 inches
Vertical Capacity: 0.75 inches
Table Size: 12 by 8 inches
Weight: 9 lbs.
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With its 20-inch cutting capacity and 24-by-16-inch table, the Delta 40-694 scroll saw provides a generous work surface for managing larger projects. I like its large knobs for beveling the table left or right and tensioning the blade. The on/off switch and the variable speed control are easy to grab. The dual parallel arm design reduces vibration and also locks for easy tool-less blade changes. Quiet yet hefty, the 1.3 amp motor and three-quarters inch stroke makes for an aggressive and clean cut. This is a great saw if you’re regularly working with thicker hardwoods. Delta has provided the best tools for the professional woodworker for nearly 90 years. This saw is testimony to that legacy.
Throat Size: 20 inches
Vertical Capacity: 2.125 inches
Table Size: 24 by 16 inches
Weight: 70 lbs.
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For a saw that covers all of what a scroll saw can do, the Porter Cable variable speed scroll saw is a great choice. The solid aluminum table has an integral bevel scale view finder so you don’t have to bend over to see your settings. Both the variable speed control and on/off switch are within easy reach, as are the dust blower and LED light which conveniently adjust to your workpiece. This saw has the capability and feel of a pro saw at a significantly lower price point.
Throat Size: 18 inches
Vertical Capacity: 2.25 inches
Table Size: 20 by 12.5 inches
Weight: 45 lbs.
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The design features on the Jet JWSS-22B Scroll Saw, combined with its large work surface and three-quarter-inch cutting stroke, make it a great home shop saw. Jet’s blade change mechanism allows you to clamp and tension the blade in one step without any tools. The upper spring-loaded arm moves up out of the way for blade changes and ease of situating your work. All the features you’d expect are part of this saw, from a foot pedal switch to LED work light to handy blade storage. Though loaded with big saw features, the footprint of this saw is small and won’t eat up space in your shop. And Jet backs up its tools with a five-year warranty.
Throat Size: 22.375 inches
Vertical Capacity: 2 inches
Table Size: 23 by 12.875 inches
Weight: 68.2 lbs.
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The Hegner 18-inch variable speed scroll saw is a professional grade scroll saw with a powerful yet quiet motor capable of scrolling smoothly through any material. Even with the variable speed topped out at 1700 rpm, there is no detectable vibration in the blade. This is testimony to the quality build of this machine that includes a unique dust management system with three options to eliminate most of the dust produced during operation. Hegner also designed this saw with a quick-lock tension system including a quick release for ease in changing blades.
Every feature you could ask for is smartly and solidly built into this saw. If you’re running a woodworking business and want a reliable tool that gives consistent quality results, all day, every day, this saw is worth every penny.
Throat Size: 18 inches
Vertical Capacity: 2.625 inches
Table Size: 17 by 9 inches
Weight: 50 lbs.
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