Ever seen a piece of wood transformed into something amazing, like a delicate puzzle or a beautiful picture frame? Those intricate designs are often made with a scroll saw! But have you ever tried to choose one? It can feel like you’re lost in a maze of confusing terms and features.
Choosing a scroll saw can be tricky. There are many different types and brands. You might not know what size to get or what features are important. This can make finding the perfect saw a real headache, especially if you’re new to woodworking. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with this.
In this blog post, we’ll cut through the confusion. You’ll learn about the different types of scroll saws and what they do. We’ll explore important features, like blade types and speed controls. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick the perfect scroll saw for your projects. So, let’s dive in and get sawing!
Our Top 5 Scroll Saws Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Scroll Saws Detailed Reviews
1. WEN Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Rating: 8.7/10
The WEN Variable Speed Scroll Saw, 16-Inch with Work Light (3921) is a great tool for woodworkers. It is perfect for creating intricate designs and detailed cuts. This saw is built for both beginners and experienced users. It offers a variety of features for a smooth and accurate experience.
What We Like:
- The saw’s unique design lets you put blades in two ways. This allows for limitless ripping!
- You can change the speed. It goes from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute.
- The table tilts up to 45 degrees. This is great for angled cuts.
- It can cut wood up to 2 inches thick. The throat depth is 16 inches.
- Changing blades is easy with the thumb screw adapter. No tools are needed!
- It has a sturdy cast iron base.
- It includes an air pump, flex light, and dust port.
- It also has a foot lock clamp, storage, and three blades.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the included blades could be of better quality.
- The instructions could be clearer for some beginners.
This WEN scroll saw is a solid choice for anyone looking to start woodworking. It has many features for a good price. Overall, it is a reliable and versatile tool for various projects.
2. WEN Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Rating: 9.0/10
The WEN Variable Speed Scroll Saw (3923) is a great tool for woodworking. This saw lets you make detailed cuts in wood. It has a 16-inch throat depth. This allows you to cut larger pieces of wood. It also has a work light to help you see your work. The saw’s variable speed lets you adjust how fast the blade moves. This gives you more control. It also includes helpful features like a dust port and an air pump.
What We Like:
- Easy blade changes with the side panel that flips open.
- The speed changes from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute. This offers a lot of control.
- The table tilts up to 45 degrees. You can make angled cuts.
- It can cut wood up to 2 inches thick.
- The thumb screw makes changing blades easy. You don’t need any tools.
- It has a strong cast iron base.
- It includes an air pump to keep the work area clear.
- The foot lock clamp helps keep your wood steady.
- It comes with three blades.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the included blades aren’t the highest quality.
- The dust collection could be better for some users.
The WEN scroll saw is a useful tool for many projects. It’s a good choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
3. WEN 3922 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Easy-Access Blade Changes
Rating: 9.1/10
The WEN 3922 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw is a great tool for woodworkers. It is perfect for making detailed cuts. This saw has many features that make it easy to use. You can adjust the speed from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute. It also has a large table that tilts for angled cuts. This saw can cut wood up to 2 inches thick. It comes with useful features like an air pump and a dust port.
What We Like:
- The side panel opens easily for blade changes.
- You can change the speed of the saw.
- The table tilts up to 45 degrees.
- It has a tool-free blade change system.
- The cast iron base makes it stable.
- It includes an air pump and dust port.
- It comes with three blades.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users find the blade changing system can be tricky at first.
The WEN 3922 is a good scroll saw for many projects. This saw is a good choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
4. DEWALT Scroll Saw
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT Scroll Saw (DW788) is a powerful tool for making detailed cuts. It has a 1.3 Amp motor and a 20-inch steel blade. This saw is built for accuracy and ease of use. It is designed for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like:
- The double parallel-link arm cuts down on vibration. This makes for very accurate cuts.
- Changing blades is super easy. You can do it in just seconds!
- All the controls are in front. This makes it easy to use. You can adjust the speed and turn it on and off easily.
- The arm moves smoothly. It pivots from the back to the front. This makes the saw quieter.
- You can easily thread the blade through the wood. This is great for inside cuts.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit tricky.
- The price point may be slightly higher compared to other scroll saws.
The DEWALT DW788 is a well-designed scroll saw. It is perfect for projects where precision matters. It is a solid choice for anyone who needs to make detailed cuts in wood.
5. SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Foot Pedal & LED Work Light for Woodworking-SS9503-00
Rating: 9.2/10
The SKIL SS9503-00 Scroll Saw is a great tool for woodworkers. It is a 16-inch scroll saw with a 1.2 Amp motor. This saw helps you make precise cuts. It has a lot of useful features to make your projects easier. The saw is designed to make your woodworking projects a breeze.
What We Like:
- The foot pedal lets you keep both hands on your project.
- An LED work light brightens your work area.
- The dust removal system keeps your cut line clean.
- You can control the speed with the electronic variable speed control.
- The work table tilts for angled cuts.
- You can store extra blades right on the tool.
- Changing blades is fast and easy with the keyless blade change.
What Could Be Improved:
- (This section is left blank because we don’t have any cons.)
This SKIL scroll saw is a good choice for woodworkers. It has many features that make it easy to use. You can make precise cuts with this saw.
Scroll Saw Shopping: A Handy Guide
Are you ready to start making cool designs with wood or other materials? A scroll saw can help you! This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a scroll saw, here are some important things to consider:
- Blade Type: Scroll saws use different blades. Some saws can only use pin-end blades. Others use blades with a pin or pinless blades. Pinless blades are easier to change.
- Throat Depth: This is how far the saw blade can reach. A bigger throat depth lets you cut larger pieces.
- Motor Power: A stronger motor helps cut through thick or hard materials.
- Variable Speed: This is a great feature! It lets you change how fast the blade moves. You can adjust the speed for different materials.
- Blade Changing System: Look for a system that makes changing blades easy. Some saws have a tool-less system.
- Table Size and Tilt: A bigger table gives you more room to work. A tilting table helps you make angled cuts.
- Dust Collection: This feature helps keep your workspace clean. It removes dust and debris.
Important Materials
Scroll saws can cut through different materials.
- Wood: This is the most common material. You can cut softwoods and hardwoods.
- Plywood: Plywood is a type of wood made from layers.
- Plastic: You can cut some types of plastic.
- Metal: Some scroll saws can cut thin metals.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of a scroll saw:
- Motor Quality: A good motor runs smoothly and lasts a long time.
- Construction Materials: Look for saws made with strong materials. Cast iron bases are often more stable.
- Blade Quality: Good blades cut cleanly and last longer.
- Vibration: Less vibration makes it easier to make precise cuts.
- Warranty: A good warranty means the company stands behind its product.
User Experience and Use Cases
Scroll saws are used for many projects:
- Intarsia: This is an art form. You use different pieces of wood to create pictures.
- Fretsawing: This is a form of woodworking. You cut intricate designs.
- Making Puzzles: Scroll saws can make beautiful wooden puzzles.
- Craft Projects: You can create many crafts, like ornaments and signs.
Using a scroll saw is usually fun. However, always wear safety glasses and ear protection.
Scroll Saw FAQs
Here are some common questions about scroll saws:
Q: What is a scroll saw used for?
A: A scroll saw cuts intricate designs in wood, plastic, and sometimes metal.
Q: What’s the difference between a scroll saw and a band saw?
A: Scroll saws use a thin blade that moves up and down. Band saws use a loop of blade that moves in a circle.
Q: What safety gear do I need?
A: Always wear safety glasses and ear protection. A dust mask is helpful.
Q: How do I change the blade?
A: The process depends on the saw. Read your saw’s manual for instructions.
Q: What kind of wood can I cut?
A: You can cut most types of wood, like pine, oak, and maple.
Q: How do I make curved cuts?
A: You slowly move the wood along the blade, following your design.
Q: What does “throat depth” mean?
A: It’s the distance from the blade to the back of the saw. It determines how wide a piece you can cut.
Q: What does “variable speed” mean?
A: It means you can adjust how fast the blade moves.
Q: How do I keep the saw clean?
A: Use a brush or vacuum to remove sawdust regularly.
Q: Where can I buy a scroll saw?
A: You can buy scroll saws at hardware stores, online, and tool supply stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!