Scroll Saw Vs. Band Saw Comparison – Which Is Better for You?
Contents
- Scroll Saws vs Band Saws: Reviews
- 1. WEN 3921 Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
- 2. DEWALT DW788 Variable Speed Scroll Saw
- 3. Shop Fox W1713 Variable Speed Scroll Saw
- 1. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw
- 2. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw
- 3. SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw
- Scroll Saw Versus Band Saw Comparison
- What Is A Scroll Saw And What Are Its Uses?
- What Is A Band Saw And What Are Its Uses?
- Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Product
- The Quality Of The Saw
- Weight
- Motor Speed Options
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
The saws in your workshop decide how fast and how cleanly you can cut. Many DIYers and woodworkers end up choosing between a scroll saw and a band saw. Both are stationary saws that cut curves, but they do very different jobs.
In this article, you will learn the key differences, which one suits your projects, and our picks for each.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top choice for the scroll saw is the DEWALT DW788 Variable Speed Scroll Saw because of its low vibration, cast iron table and table that bevels both left and right.
OUR TOP PICK
For the band saws, our recommendation is the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw because of its two blade speeds, 6-inch cutting height, included stand and work light.
Scroll Saws vs Band Saws: Reviews
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. WEN 3921 Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw | 1. WEN 3921 Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw | - No-load speed: 400 to 1,600 strokes per minute - Power Source: Corded-electric - Weight: 26.2 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 2. DEWALT DW788 Variable Speed Scroll Saw | 2. DEWALT DW788 Variable Speed Scroll Saw Our Top Pick | - No-load speed: 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute - Power Source: Corded-electric - Weight: 56 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 3. Shop Fox W1713 Variable Speed Scroll Saw | 3. Shop Fox W1713 Variable Speed Scroll Saw | - No-load speed: 550 to 1,700 strokes per minute - Power Source: Corded-electric - Weight: 37.5 pounds | Check Current Price |
1. WEN 3921 Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
The WEN 3921 is a reliable, affordable 16-inch scroll saw. Its variable-speed motor runs from 400 to 1,600 strokes per minute, so you can slow down for hardwoods and speed up for thin stock. The blade can be mounted in the standard direction or turned 90 degrees, which lets you make rip cuts longer than the throat depth.
The table bevels up to 45 degrees to the left for angled cuts. With its 16-inch throat, it cuts wood up to 2 inches thick. A thumbscrew blade holder allows tool-free blade changes.
Specs
- 400 to 1,600 strokes per minute
- Corded-electric
- 26.2 pounds
Pros
- Variable speed
- Affordable
- Durable
- Two blade directions
Cons
- A heavy-duty table would have been better
2. DEWALT DW788 Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Consider the DeWalt DW788 if you want one of the most dependable scroll saws available. It suits both professionals and serious hobbyists. Variable speed runs from 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute for quick adjustments across a wide range of work.
According to DeWalt's DW788 product page, its double parallel-link arm reduces vibration and noise and keeps the blade perpendicular to the work. The on-off switch, speed control, dust blower and blade-tension lever sit on the front of the upper arm. Tool-free blade clamps allow blade changes in seconds, and the arm lifts so you can thread the blade through a hole for inside cuts. The cast iron table bevels 45 degrees left and right. It cuts stock up to 2 inches thick.
Specs
- 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute
- Corded-electric
- 56 pounds
Pros
- Bevels in both right and left directions
- Heavy-duty, durable table
- Easy to reach control system
- Reduced vibration and noise
Cons
- It is heavy
- It is expensive (but it is worth the price)
3. Shop Fox W1713 Variable Speed Scroll Saw
The third scroll saw on our list is the Shop Fox W1713. Its variable-speed motor delivers 550 to 1,700 strokes per minute, and it is one of the more affordable options here.
It has a dust blower and a dust port. The table tilts for bevel cuts, with a lock knob and tilt scale. It has a 16-inch throat, cast iron construction and a gooseneck work light.
Specs
- 550 to 1,700 strokes per minute
- Corded-electric
- 37.5 pounds
Pros
- Variable speed
- Dust blower
- Work light
- Durable iron
Cons
- Does not tilt in both directions
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw | 1. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw | - Speed: 100 to 350 surface feet per minute - Handheld, for metal - Cut capacity: 5 inches | Check Current Price |
| 2. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw | 2. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw Our Top Pick | - Speeds: 1,520 and 2,620 feet per minute - Blade Length: 72 inches - Includes stand and work light | Check Current Price |
| 3. SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw | 3. SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw | - Blade speed: 2,800 FPM - Blade Length: 59.5 inches - Weight: 30 pounds | Check Current Price |
1. DEWALT DWM120K Portable Band Saw
The DeWalt DWM120K is a different kind of band saw: a handheld, portable model built for cutting metal pipe, conduit and strut on job sites. It is not a woodworking band saw and can't do the curve work in this comparison. Its 10-amp motor has variable speed from 100 to 350 surface feet per minute. For woodworking on a budget, see our best budget bandsaw picks instead.
An ergonomic handle helps with control, and it cuts round or rectangular stock up to 5 inches deep. It is built to handle job site use.
Specs
- 100 to 350 surface feet per minute
- Handheld, metal-cutting
- 5-inch cut capacity
Pros
- Portable
- Cuts metal pipe and conduit cleanly
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Not designed for woodworking
2. WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw
The WEN 3962 is a 10-inch, two-speed band saw sold with a stand and a work light. It runs a 72-inch blade at either 1,520 or 2,620 feet per minute: slower for dense hardwoods and plastics, faster for softwoods. It cuts up to 6 inches deep, and the table tilts for bevel cuts. WEN 3962 is a good bandsaw for resawing small boards.
Specs
- Two speeds: 1,520 and 2,620 feet per minute
- 72-inch blade
- Stand and work light included
Pros
- Precise and powerful
- Affordable
- Light for better visibility
- Comes with a stand
Cons
- Hard to set up
3. SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw
This is a small, light band saw for crafts and DIY jobs. It is a 9-inch band saw with a 59.5-inch blade. Its small motor drives the blade at 2,800 feet per minute, and the table tilts for 45-degree bevel cuts.
Specs
- 2,800 FPM
- 59.5 inches
- 30 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy to adjust
- LED lights
Cons
- Small motor for thick stock
- Low horsepower
Scroll Saw Versus Band Saw Comparison
What Is A Scroll Saw And What Are Its Uses?
A scroll saw is a stationary power saw with a fine blade held at both ends that moves up and down. It cuts tight curves and detailed patterns in wood, plastic and thin metal. It is a powered upgrade from a fretsaw or coping saw.
If you cut small pieces or do crafts, a scroll saw is the better choice. Its blades are very narrow, usually well under 1/4 inch wide, and come in many tooth styles for different materials.
Because you can unclamp the blade, feed it through a drilled hole and reclamp it, a scroll saw can make inside cuts (pierced cuts) that a band saw can't.
Craftsmen use it for fretwork, intarsia, signs and jigsaw puzzles. It is not the best saw for long straight cuts or thick stock; most are limited to about 2 inches.
What Is A Band Saw And What Are Its Uses?
A band saw uses a continuous loop ("band") of toothed steel that runs around two or more wheels. Woodworking band saws cut curves and straight lines in wood, and metal-cutting band saws run slower for metal.
Band saws handle much thicker stock than scroll saws. Even a small benchtop model can cut several inches deep, and they excel at resawing and fast straight or gently curved cuts.
They are fast and versatile. However, a band saw can't make inside cuts without cutting into the piece from an edge, and it leaves a rougher edge than a scroll saw.
Both saws need care. OSHA recommends guarding the scroll saw blade above and below the table and wearing eye protection. For band saws, it advises keeping the guard as close to the stock as possible and using a push stick near the blade.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Product
The Quality Of The Saw
Once you've decided between a band saw and a scroll saw, look at the quality of the tool: its design, materials, features, accessories and ergonomics.
For a scroll saw, look at vibration, blade-change ease and table quality. For a band saw, look at cutting height, motor power, blade guides and fence options.
Weight
Benchtop scroll saws and band saws both need a sturdy bench or stand. Scroll saws are usually lighter and easier to move than band saws.
If portability matters, a scroll saw is easier to move. Many band saws come with stands, which make them easier to use.
Motor Speed Options
Saws come with single-speed, two-speed or variable-speed motors. Choose more speed options if you cut a range of materials, so you can match the speed to each one.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to a band saw vs scroll saw, base your choice on your projects: a scroll saw for fine, detailed work, a band saw for thicker stock and resawing. From the products reviewed above, the Dewalt DW788 is the clear winner in the scroll saw category because of its low vibration, sturdy cast iron table and bevel range. For more comparison articles check this bandsaw vs table saw.
For the band saws, the winner is the WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw because of its two speeds, 72-inch blade, cutting height and included stand.
