Scroll saws are all but extinct in the current landscape of woodworking equipment. While they do not provide the same utility as a bandsaw, jigsaw, or table saw, they do offer a few things you can’t get with a traditional machine.
They are lighter and easier to use than table saws. The blade moves in a straight line which makes them easier to learn how to use. They are quieter than most table saws.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Scroll Saw | Best Overall |  |
| OLSON SAW FR49501 Pin End Scroll Saw Blade | Budget Pick |  |
| Hegner 18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. DEWALT Scroll Saw
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Extremely stable
- Responsive
- Plenty of power for most cutting applications
- Very small learning curve
- Nearly no vibration
- Easy to operate and adjust
- Cuts easily and quickly
Cons:
- Very tall for smaller rooms
- Less dust control
- Over time, dust penetrates inside some internal parts
- Can be loud
When you think of the best scroll saws of 2019, you’ll find the DeWalt 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw as one of the favorites. This scroll saw is one of the most advanced tools available for your home woodworking needs. It’s a 15 amp, 1.3 horsepower motor with a variable speed that enables smooth cutting with excellent control.
It features a 20-inch throat that accommodates a wide variety of projects and material cutting needs. A unique design of the throat includes 25 percent more capacity than similar saws. This allows you to work with larger projects. It also helps you to connect to full-size shop vacs for added dust collection.
When it comes to stability, the scroll saw improves your accuracy during cuts and avoids vibrations during high-speed cutting. This also helps you to avoid burns and blisters when you work with it. This scroll saw ensures the stability with its adjustable lower leg.
2. WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Pros:
- Very portable
- Provides an excellent view of your work while scrolling
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with a stand
- Runs very quietly
- Has decent vibration dampening
Cons:
- The upper arm can be hard to remove
- It’s kind of messy to work with
The WEN 3921 scroll saw is quite a popular saw and lives up to its reputation. It has an adjustable cutting arm which features vibration dampening technology.
The saw is quite portable and comes with a stand, so you'll be able to put it almost anywhere. WEN claims that all of their products are meant to meet the high standards of professional craftsmen, and this scroll saw is certainly no different.
This model has a range of 16 inches and a max cut depth of 6 inches. Plus, its variable speeds go from 400 to 1700 strokes per minute. The spacious table on this machine measures 8 inches by 14 inches.
3. OLSON SAW FR49501 Pin End Scroll Saw Blade
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Good value for money
- High-quality cutter
- Can be used for all types of wood
- Unmatched sharpness
- Resharpenable
- Cuts very smoothly
- Surprisingly quiet operation
- Safety lock
- Quick change feature
The Olson Saw FR49501 Pin End Scroll Saw Blade Set is a good choice for someone looking for a new scroll saw that can be used on various types of woods. For a reasonable price, this set of 10 scroll saw blades gives you the versatility to be able to optimize your cuts for the best finish.
This product set comes with blades of various sizes and for various purposes, which will surely come in handy for the scroll enthusiast. The sharpness is top notch, which results in a smooth cut and a clean finish.
Cartridge-style blades are where the Olson saw shines. This scroll saw is designed to accommodate blade cartridges of various sizes. This makes for quick and efficient blade changes – a job that may take up a lot of time with other scroll saws – and reduces the risk of injury, too. The blades are designed to stand up well against both the rigors of wood-working and regular sharpening.
4. Delta Power Tools 40-694 20 In. Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Pros:
- Easy assembly
- Includes accessories
- Great features
- Good value for the money
Cons:
- Plastic base
- No dust blower
- Voltage conversion may be required
This Delta Scroll saw features a unique design. There are no wheels or side handle and it comes with a standard parallel arm. This arm will allow the scroll saw to fit easily between cabinet legs and molding that you may be working on.
The Delta is very similar, and possibly the same, saw as the Black and Decker WM425. These two brands have the same exact features as listed in the description. The only difference is that the Black and Decker version is a little less expensive. Depending on where you are looking, the price may vary.
The Black and Decker version comes with everything you need to start scrolling. The Delta version does not come with any additional accessories. It is a little less pricey, but the accessories and price difference are nothing more than extra pieces that you do not need.
5. Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Pros:
- Cast iron base for durability
- Variable speed
- Sturdy table
- Comes with a dust blower
Cons:
- The dust output is poor
- Takes up a lot of space
- Tips over when using a long blade
The Shop Fox W1713 is a reliable, affordable scroll saw, perfect for hobbyists of all experience levels. It comes with a sturdy table, a dust blower, and a cast iron base, so it offers the necessary stability for prolonged use.
The variable speed knob on the machine gives you the capability to control the speed of the saw blade from 450 to 1600 strokes per minute. This variable speed dial will give you the flexibility to choose the right speed for each application, ensuring accurate and consistent results. The saw is powered by a 1-HP single-speed induction motor that provides a quick cut with less vibration.
The table is large enough to accommodate larger projects and has a tilting range of 0 to 45 degrees. This feature is vital for angled cuts, an important requirement of most scroll saw projects. It includes a dust blower attached to the table that removes dust during the cutting process. This is also a great feature to improve visibility.
6. ShopSeries RK7315 16" Scroll Saw
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Powerful motor
- Supports various applications
- Great design with rubber feet for stability
Cons:
- Noise level is relatively high
- Assembly instructions could be better
- Power cord is a bit short
When it comes to budget scroll saws, the ShopSeries RK7315 16" Scroll Saw with Variable Speed Control is one of the best options for the money. At this price point, you’re not going to find a high-quality machine. But this model is perfectly acceptable for light-duty work.
The ShopSeries Scroll Saw is equipped with a 15 amp variable speed motor that achieves a maximum speed of 1400 SPM (strokes per minute). It’s a general-purpose model, so you can use it to cut different kinds of wood. The continuous power allows it to work for extended periods of time without overheating. There’s also a dust blower included to facilitate dust extraction.
In terms of ergonomics, this model is designed to be compact and lightweight so you can move it around a small work area with ease. It features rubber feet on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around during operation. The hood is large enough to cover the blade and prevents it from damaging the workpiece as well.
7. Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw
Pros:
- No assembly required
- Easy-to-grip textured grip
- Easy blade replacement
- Durable and long-lasting
- Lots of accessories included
- 3 year warranty
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- On the heavy side
- Tips over if it’s bumped into
When it comes to scroll saws, the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is worth every penny. It has all the features needed for a professional quality scroll saw without the high price tag. It has a powerful 2.3 Amps motor with a powerful 10,000 BPM for quick cutting action. The saw also comes with a durable cast aluminum base that can tilt 45 degrees right and left. It offers an easy blade change with the turn of a lever and is equipped with a variable speed control dial, power on/off trigger switch, and electronic brake adjustment.
It has an easy-to-grip textured grip that provides a secure hold, and the rip fence feature makes it possible to create accurate straight or curved cuts. It has a lightweight design that makes it comfortable to use, and the dust blower feature makes it easy to clean up. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 comes with 3 yr warranty, and it is backed up by the brand’s outstanding customer support.
8. 18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Pros:
- Having a stand means more space on your work area
- Good speed range
- Variable speed makes more delicate work possible
- The fence is easy to attach and tightens securely
- A good package for beginners
- Powerful and smooth saw
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- The retail price is on the higher side
- Doesn't accept parallel blades
The DeWALT DW788X is a powerful scroll saw for a good price. You can expect a machine with a powerful motor, smooth and precise cutting and great visibility due to the large work surface. The DeWALT DW788X can be upgraded with a stand and comes with a 12" blade, that's already mounted. The stand makes it possible to tilt the saw and is handy to have, but it does take up more space.
If you are just getting started as a scroll saw user, you will appreciate the included blade, but if you own other blades already make sure you measure them, as the DeWALT DW788X doesn't support parallel blades. The great thing about the DeWALT DW788X is that it doesn't need an upgrade right away, but still has room to grow with you.
9. Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Less noisy than comparable units
- Easy to set up and operate
Cons:
- Not designed for heavy-duty use
- Blade changes are a bit tricky
I’m not the only one who loves the Dremel MS20-01. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising it for its compact size (less than a foot in length and weighing less than 5 pounds), easy assembly, low noise level, fast blade changes and overall functionality.
In addition, the customer service provided by Dremel is first class. They honor their warranty and ship any part needed promptly. The only minor issue that people seem to have is that blade changes are a bit tricky. This can be avoided by careful design of the unit.
Dremel has designed the tool with a plastic drum designed to hold one blade. When the blade is through its lifespan, the drum must be removed in order to change it. Once the drum is off, changing the blade is only a matter of seconds. Many reviewers have attested to a high-quality design in the MS20-01, finding that it enables them to complete projects much more quickly than other scroll saws.
10. EXCALIBUR 21" Scroll Saw Kit
Pros:
- Two blades included: 0.7" x 4TPI & 1" x 2TPI
- Pivoting arm enables you to place the material anywhere
- Tiltable base enables you to cut at any angle
- 2-handed operation
- Smooth and even cut
- Lightweight and compact
- Comes with a two-year warranty
- Efficient and very quiet
- You can purchase extra blades from the same company
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- You might have to replace the power cord
- The pressure gauge might last on average 2-3 uses
- You might have to turn off the saw for a few minutes when the blades get hot
- The saw is not very accurate when making straight cuts
Our selection for the best scroll saw on the market so far is a great machine by the brand Excalibur. It's a light, compact, and efficient machine designed for precision and accuracy — two things that are extremely hard to find in a home workshop.
11. Hegner 18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Pros:
- Quality made – highly durable
- Designed for cutting curves
- Super quiet operation with smooth cuts
- User-friendly with variable speed trigger
- Easy to use for beginners
- Built-in worklight
- Extra large table
Cons:
- Small cutting capacity (6 inch cutting diameter)
- Slightly expensive
- No stand to speak of
- Thick tabletop – prone to scratching
- Safety guard difficult to adjust
Hegner 18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw is the number one pick on our list and has a lot going for it. First of all, it's a great saw for beginners. You can get right to work on a variety of cutting projects without the hassles of an intense assembly process. The Hegner is an all-metal machine that's both quiet and easy to use.
No assembly is required for the stand and it comes with a 6000 RPM motor. The stand also has a convenient work light for illuminating your cutting area.
The table is an ample 18" x 11.8" – plenty big for larger projects. There's also an 8-inch dust port, which is easy to remove for cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best scroll saws?
If you need to cut curves or intricate details, the scroll saw is uniquely designed for that. The scroll saw is specifically created for those kinds of tasks. It is able to perform what's called "endless cutting", which makes it ideal for anyone looking to create relief carvings.
Because of its ability to make intricate cuts, and the fact that it is handheld, it is the perfect tool if you ever need a lot of intricate woodworking. If you want to create antique carvings, for example, then this is the saw for you. Or, if you are looking to make intricate picture frames, this is the tool to use.
What should I look for in a scroll saw?
Scrolling or fretwork is a hobbyist craft that gives a hand-made, personal touch to furniture, box frames or picture frames, but more importantly, it's a good way to work through old newspapers and magazines.
A Scroll Saw is the tool of choice for creating these small projects, which are unique and work well as additions to interior décor. Some Scroll Saw models are ideal for hobbyists or beginners, but if you plan on spending a lot of time and effort creating scrolling projects, then you'll need a model that has enough power to deal with most materials.
A Scroll Saw would need to be easy to operate and reliable for any DIY Enthusiast. First timers would need a model that is easy to use and operates smoothly. Fine adjustments should be less of a challenge with the quality of certain Scroll Saws.
Which is better band saw or scroll saw?
They are almost similar in what they do be it wood or metal. They both make curvy cuts, curves, or intricate designs that are hard to cut with any other tool. If you take a closer look at their structure and functionality, you will realize that they are both different in their own ways.
However you should understand that they are both designed for different purpose. A scroll saw has a narrow blade that is made small and thin to get into very narrow spaces, while a band saw can have a much larger blade and can make certain cuts more effectively.
This is the first difference between them. The second is that you can resize the blades of a band saw, while on a scroll saw you cannot. The third difference is that a scroll saw is designed to cut in only one direction, while you can cut in both directions with a band saw.
How Much Does a scroll saw cost?
The price of scroll saws ranges from $“550 down to $“50. The Scroll Saws with better precision and higher performance are mostly in the range of $“200.
Conclusion
Even if you’re relatively new to woodworking, it’s pretty much impossible for you to ignore the importance of the scroll saw. Crafted wood is a cornerstone of traditional woodworking. It’s also the perfect way to add a touch of class and creativity to your crafts. The scroll saw is one of the most popular tools for making wood crafts of all time.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Scroll Saw | Best Overall | |
| OLSON SAW FR49501 Pin End Scroll Saw Blade | Budget Pick | |
| Hegner 18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw | Upgrade Pick | |