The Best Scroll Saw | Reviews of Top Products

A scroll saw cuts tight curves, intricate patterns and inside cutouts that no other power saw can match. The best ones run smoothly with little vibration, change blades quickly and have a solid table.

Here are six scroll saws from compact to full size, plus what to look for when you buy.

OUR TOP PICK

Our pick for the best scroll saw is the Dewalt DW788. Its double parallel-link arm keeps vibration low, the blade clamps are tool-free, and the cast-iron table bevels 45 degrees both left and right.

Check Current Price

The Best Scroll Saws Are:

Product	Details
1. Dewalt DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw	1. Dewalt DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw Top Pick	- Speed: Variable speed - Power: 1.3 amps - Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left and right) - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 56 pounds	Check Current Price
2. Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw	2. Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw	- Speed: 400 to 1,750 SPM - Power: 1.3 amps - Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left and right) - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 60 pounds	Check Current Price
3. Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit	3. Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit	- Speed: Variable - Power: 0.6 amp - Bevel Capacity: None - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Stroke: 0.315 inch	Check Current Price
4. Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw	4. Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw	- Speed: 550 to 1,700 SPM - Power: 1.2 amps - Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left and right) - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 31 pounds	Check Current Price
5. WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw	5. WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw	- Speed: 400 to 1,600 SPM - Power: 1.2 amps - Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left) - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 25.9 pounds	Check Current Price
6. Porter-Cable 18” Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Stand	6. Porter-Cable 18” Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Stand	- Speed: 500 to 1,500 SPM - Power: 1.6 amps - Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left) - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 45.9 pounds	Check Current Price

1. Dewalt DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

This 20-inch DeWalt suits serious hobbyists and professionals. Its double parallel-link arm design reduces vibration and noise and keeps the blade perpendicular to the work, which reduces over- and under-cutting on bevels.

Tool-free blade clamps make blade changes quick. The arm lifts so you can thread the blade through a starter hole for inside cuts.

The on/off switch, variable speed, dust blower and tension lever all sit on the front of the upper arm. The oversized cast-iron table supports large work and bevels 45 degrees both ways. At about 56 pounds, it is heavy, which helps keep it steady.

Specs

• Speed: Variable speed
• Power: 1.3 amps
• Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left and right)
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 56 pounds

Pros

• It has low vibration
• Variable speed for increased productivity
• A strong and highly durable table

Cons

• The price tag might be a bit hefty for some

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Delta has made woodworking machinery for about a century. With a variable speed setting from 400 to 1750 SPM, a stroke length of ¾ inch, and left and right 0 degrees to 45 degrees table tilt, this is a scroll saw that can accommodate your various cutting needs.

This unit comes with an impressive 5-year limited warranty. That is longer than many warranties offered by other companies. Owners often mention its quiet, low-vibration operation, which helps with precise cuts.

It has effortless blade positioning and a changing system. The upper arm can be lifted up and then locked for more seamless removal and replacement of blade. There is also no need to buy extra tools to allow quick blade changes. It features an on-tool blade storage area. It keeps your workspace organized and also prevents extra blades from getting lost.

The downside to this unit is that the manual leaves something to be desired.

Specs

• Speed: 400 to 1,750 SPM
• Power: 1.3 amps
• Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left and right)
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 60 pounds

Pros

• It comes with an impressive 5-year limited warranty
• Effortless blade positioning and changing system
• On-tool blade storage area
• Reduced vibration for more control

Cons

• It takes more effort and time to assemble

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit

The Dremel Moto-Saw is a small, affordable scroll saw for crafts and light work. Dremel says it cuts wood, plastic, laminates and metal with the right blade.

It works as a stationary scroll saw, and the saw lifts off its base to become a portable electric coping saw. An auto-tensioning quick-change mechanism sets the blade tension for you.

It is light and clamps to a table or bench. Keep its limits in mind: a 0.6-amp motor, a short 0.315-inch stroke and no bevel, so it is for thin stock and simple projects, not thick hardwood.

Specs

• Speed: Variable
• Power: 0.6 amp
• Bevel Capacity: None
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Stroke: 0.315 inch

Pros

• It is very affordable
• You can use it to cut a wide range of materials
• The blade is very easy to change
• Doubles as a portable coping saw

Cons

• Small motor and no bevel; for thin stock only

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

This mid-priced 16-inch saw has a rigid cast iron build that keeps vibration down. Variable speed suits both beginners and experienced users.

The table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees for bevel cuts.

It is compatible with both a plain and pin-end blade. Changing the blade is easy as it comes with the adapters needed to get the job done. It is easy to work with. The hold-down shoe is completely adjustable, and this works in preventing the workpiece from getting out of place when the blade moves.

Specs

• Speed: 550 to 1,700 SPM
• Power: 1.2 amps
• Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left and right)
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 31 pounds

Pros

• It is solid and highly durable
• It is compatible with both pin-end and plain blade
• Variable speed
• Cast iron construction

Cons

• It does not come with any template for mounting it

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

5. WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw

The WEN 3921 is a budget 16-inch saw that accepts the blade in two directions. That is unusual at this price.

The throat is 16 inches, but with the blade turned 90 degrees you can feed long boards sideways for straight rip cuts of almost unlimited length. Tool-less thumbscrew blade holders take both pinned and pinless blades.

This scroll saw also features a variable speed dial with a speed range of 400 SPM to 1,600 SPM. This allows you to adjust the speed of the blade to suit the material you are cutting. It comes with a limited two-year warranty.

It is easy to set up and use, making it a good entry-level saw. It cuts stock up to 2 inches thick, and the table bevels 45 degrees to the left.

It includes a hold-down foot, an air blower, a flexible work light, onboard storage, blades, a dust port and a cast-iron base.

Specs

• Speed: 400 to 1,600 SPM
• Power: 1.2 amps
• Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left)
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 25.9 pounds

Pros

• It comes at a pocket-friendly rate
• It tilts up to 45 degrees to the left for bevel cuts
• Variable speed control
• It comes with plenty of accessories

Cons

• The blower and work light are not very effective

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

6. Porter-Cable 18” Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Stand

This 18-inch Porter-Cable comes with its own stand, so you do not need a bench for it. The table bevels to 45 degrees.

Tool-free blade holders take both plain and pin-end blades. Variable speed runs from 500 to 1,500 SPM, and a built-in work light helps you follow the line. Check availability, since Porter-Cable has trimmed its benchtop machine line.

Specs

• Speed: 500 to 1,500 SPM
• Power: 1.6 amps
• Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (left)
• Power Source: Electric-Powered
• Weight: 45.9 pounds

Pros

• Variable speed from 500 to 1,500 SPM
• Stand included
• Spacious worktable with great bevel capacity
• Tool-free blade adjustment and replacement

Cons

• It tilts only one direction

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Why Should You Get a Scroll Saw?

Here is what a scroll saw does well:

It Is A Very Flexible, Accurate, And Accommodating Type Of Saw

A scroll saw handles thin to moderately thick stock (usually up to about 2 inches) and excels at curves, puzzles, fretwork and some joinery like dovetails. A tilting table adds bevel cuts.

It is far faster and more accurate than a hand coping or fret saw, and variable speed lets you slow down for hard materials and tight turns.

You Can Cut More Intricate Patterns With The Help Of This Saw

It works similar to a jigsaw, but its thin blade is held at both ends, so it can turn much tighter curves. You can also thread the blade through a drilled hole for inside cuts.

The End Result Needs Less Sanding

With a fine blade and a steady feed, a scroll saw leaves a smooth edge that often needs only light sanding.

The Results Look High Quality

If you sell ornaments, signs or puzzles, a scroll saw gives clean, repeatable cutting results, and you can stack-cut several thin pieces at once.

The Price For The Scroll Saw Is Also Quite Accessible

Entry-level saws are affordable, and a scroll saw is one of the safer power saws for beginners because of its small, slow blade.

You Can Use Your Scroll Saw In Conjunction With Other Types Of Saws

Remember that scroll saws are for more intricate and delicate work. For speed and power and anything large scale, look to other types of saws (check our roundups here, here, and here).

You can break down large pieces of wood and make the rough cuts while leaving the finer detailed work to your scroll saw. And if you’re working with tile for your project, here are our favorite tile saws.

Factors To Consider To Find The Best Scroll Saw That Fits Your Needs

Consider these factors:

Budget

Set a budget first. More money usually buys lower vibration, a heavier table and easier blade changes, which matter most if you scroll often.

Blade Type

Check which blades the saw accepts. Some take only pin-end blades, some only plain-end (pinless) blades, and many accept both with adapters.

A pinhead blade is easier to install, but the choice of sizes is smaller, and the pin needs a larger starter hole for inside cuts.

Plain-end blades come in far more sizes and tooth styles and fit through tiny holes, which makes them the choice for detailed fretwork.

Speed

Check the SPM (strokes per minute). Most variable-speed saws run from about 400 to 1,600 or 1,750 SPM.

Variable speed is worth having. Slower speeds give more control on tight curves and help with metal, plastic and thick hardwood that burn at high speed; faster speeds cut softwood and thin stock quickly.

Throat Size

Throat size tells you how far the blade is to the scroll saw frame at the back. A 16-inch saw can reach the center of a 32-inch-wide piece, so a deeper throat handles bigger work.

Table Tilt

Table tilt affects how easy the saw is to use for bevel cuts. Some tables tilt only one way, usually left. A saw that tilts both ways, or whose arm tilts instead of the table, is handier for inlay and bevel work.

The Cutting Surface

Table size varies by model. A small table makes large pieces awkward to steer, so pick a reasonably sized one. Bolting or clamping the saw to a bench or stand reduces vibration.

Safety

• Use the hold-down foot and blade guard, and wear eye protection.
• Keep fingers out of the blade's path; on small pieces, use a push stick or tape the piece to a larger board.
• Unplug the saw before changing blades, and tension the blade as the manual says.
• Let the blade cut at its own pace; forcing the feed breaks blades.

Which Scroll Saw Should You Get?

Premium Build For A Premium Price: DEWALT DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

If you will use a scroll saw a lot, get this one. Its low vibration, quick blade changes and cast-iron table hold up to heavy use.

Tool FOR Convenience: Delta Power Tools 40-694 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Never waste time replacing or changing blades and never lose your blades again with this convenient machine that makes it easier for the woodworker to perform their daily job well.

Versatile Tool: Dremel Ms20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit

It is cheap and doubles as a portable coping saw, but it is for thin stock only. For thicker curved work, consider a good bandsaw.

Best Value: Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

This scroll saw is the best choice if you are looking for something that is easy to use. It has a fairly reasonable price range. With the combination of rigid construction and advanced functionality, this can be an ideal choice for different kinds of woodworkers.

Most Resourceful: WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw

This scroll saw is highly versatile and resourceful. It features a two-directional operation, which means it accepts blades in both directions. It is also very easy to use.

Most Powerful: Porter-Cable 18” Variable Speed Scroll Saw With Stand

It has the largest motor here (1.6 amps) and comes with a stand, which suits thicker stock.

We recommend checking out our homepage for some more tips and buying guides on the various cutting tools for woodworking out there.

How to Use a Scroll Saw

Conclusion

Each of these saws suits a different budget and workload. Our overall pick is the Dewalt DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw. It runs smoothly, changes blades quickly and has a solid cast-iron table that bevels both ways.

Sources

• DW788 20 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw, DeWalt
• MS20-01 Moto-Saw, Dremel