Scroll Saw vs Jigsaw: What Are the Differences?
Contents
- Our Top Jigsaws Are:
- 1. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw: Best Overall
- 2. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw
- 3. Makita XVJ03Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw
- Our Top Scroll Saws Are:
- 1. DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw: Top Pick
- 2. WEN 3920
- 3. Delta Power Tools 40-694
- Scroll Saw versus Jigsaw Comparison
- Buying Guide
- Your Cutting Project
- Your Budget
- Brand
- Blade Changes
- User Warranty and Durability
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
You want to cut intricate shapes, and a jigsaw seems like the obvious tool. Then someone tells you a scroll saw does finer work. Which should you use?
This scroll saw vs jigsaw comparison explains how the two differ, what each does best, and which suits your projects.
OUR TOP PICK
On jigsaws, our top pick is the Bosch JS470E Jigsaw. It is well balanced, sturdily built and has features that suit a wide range of projects.
Our Top Jigsaws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw | 1. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw Top Pick | - 5.6 pounds - 14 x 4 x 8.4 inches - Corded electric | Check Current Price |
| 2. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw | 2. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw | - 4.9 pounds - 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches - Battery-powered | Check Current Price |
| 3. Makita XVJ03Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw | 3. Makita XVJ03Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw | - Up to 2,600 strokes per minute - 18V LXT lithium-ion battery - Three years limited warranty | Check Current Price |
1. Bosch JS470E Jigsaw: Best Overall
Our first pick in the jigsaw category is the Bosch JS470E, for its power and well-rounded features. It is sturdy, comfortable and handles tough cuts with ease.
According to Bosch's JS470E product page, it has a 7.0-amp motor and four orbital-action settings for smooth to aggressive cuts. A precision-machined plunging system and low-vibration design help it cut accurately.
Blade changes are tool-free and take seconds. An ejection lever pops the blade out, so you don't touch a hot blade.
Specs
- 5.6 pounds
- 14 x 4 x 8.4 inches
- Corded electric
Pros
- Designed with strong materials for a longer lifespan
- Dust blower keeps the cut line clear
- Can be used on a wide range of projects
Cons
- Expensive
- You cannot use it without electricity
2. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw
The P523 is a popular cordless Jigsaw from Ryobi. It is versatile and easy to use, with a variable speed of 1,100 to 3,000 strokes per minute.
It has a lock-on trigger and a separate speed dial, so you can set the speed and run the saw without squeezing the trigger. That reduces hand fatigue on long cuts. The base tilts for bevel cuts as well as straight ones.
Ryobi's BladeSaver drop base lets you shift the base to use fresh teeth on the blade, and the tool-free clamp makes blade changes quick. It runs on any Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery.
Specs
- 4.9 pounds
- 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches
- Battery-powered
Pros
- The tool is very easy to control
- Long-lasting
- Changing blades is easy and fast
Cons
- Does not use u-shank blades
3. Makita XVJ03Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw
The Makita XVJ03Z is a well-regarded cordless jigsaw for carpenters and DIYers. Its three orbital settings let it handle wood, plastic and other materials.
It runs on Makita's 18V LXT batteries and delivers up to 2,600 strokes per minute. A large two-finger variable-speed trigger makes it comfortable to control.
Makita's Star Protection Computer Controls guard against overloading, over-discharging and overheating, which helps protect the tool and battery.
Specs
- Up to 2,600 strokes per minute
- 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries
- Three years limited warranty
Pros
- Sold with a long warranty of three years
- Changing the blade is easy and fast
- Designed to last
- Affordable
Cons
- Batteries and charger are bought separately
OUR TOP PICK
The DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw is our first choice because of its low-vibration arm and a table that bevels both left and right.
Our Top Scroll Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw | 1. DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw Top Pick | - 56 pounds - 29.5 x 19.5 x 12.1 inches - Corded electric | Check Current Price |
| 2. WEN 3920 | 2. WEN 3920 | - 26 pounds - 24 x 11 x 13 inches - Corded electric | Check Current Price |
| 3. Delta Power Tools 40-694 | 3. Delta Power Tools 40-694 | - 60 pounds - 30 x 20 x 13 inches - Corded electric | Check Current Price |
1. DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw: Top Pick
This scroll saw is our first choice for its accuracy and ease of use. It handles bevel cuts, fretwork and 3D cuts well.
It runs on a 1.3-amp motor with variable speed. It cuts stock up to 2 inches thick, which is ample for most intricate work. According to DeWalt's DW788 page, the on-off switch, speed control, dust blower and blade-tension lever sit on the front of the upper arm, so they are easy to reach.
Its double parallel-link arm keeps the blade perpendicular to the work, which reduces over- and under-cutting. The same design cuts vibration and noise for smoother, quieter work. The cast iron table bevels 45 degrees left and right.
Specs
- 56 pounds
- 29.5 x 19.5 x 12.1 inches
- Corded electric
Pros
- Super quiet
- Can be used to make even the most intricate cuts
- Designed to last
Cons
- Not cordless
2. WEN 3920
The WEN 3920 is a popular budget scroll saw with useful features. It handles most types of detailed cuts in wood.
It has a 16-inch throat and cuts wood up to 2 inches thick. Variable speed runs from 550 to 1,600 strokes per minute, so you can match the speed to the material.
It accepts both pinned and pinless blades, and a flexible work light illuminates your workpiece for cleaner cuts.
Dust and shavings can hide your line during fine work. An adjustable air pump blows debris away so you can see where you are cutting.
Specs
- 26 pounds
- 24 x 11 x 13 inches
- Corded electric
Pros
- Comes with an onboard blade storage
- Cast-iron base that makes it firm and long-lasting
- Tilting table allows you to make cuts of up to 45 degrees
Cons
- Difficult to move around
3. Delta Power Tools 40-694
The Delta 40-694 is another strong scroll saw for detailed cuts that a jigsaw can't match. Its straightforward controls make it a good option for beginners.
Variable speed runs from 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute. Use slower speeds for hardwoods and very fine work such as intarsia, and faster speeds for thin softwood.
Scroll saw work needs a range of blades, and the on-tool blade storage keeps them organized.
Specs
- 60 pounds
- 30 x 20 x 13 inches
- Corded electric
Pros
- Adjustable dust blower keeps the line clear
- An effective vibration reducing system
- Changing the blade is easy and tool-free
Cons
- Heavy
Scroll Saw versus Jigsaw Comparison
A jigsaw is a handheld power tool with a short blade clamped only at the top, pointing down. It is popular with professional carpenters and DIYers because it is so versatile.
It is a jack-of-all-trades: it makes curves, straight cuts, plunge cuts and cuts in place on installed materials, such as countertop sink openings.
A scroll saw works a bit like a sewing machine. It is a stationary tool, and its fine blade is clamped at both the top and bottom. Instead of moving the tool, you move the workpiece around the blade.
Scroll saws excel at intricate work: tight curves, sharp corners, fretwork, intarsia and marquetry. Because you can thread the blade through a drilled hole, they also make clean inside (pierced) cuts that are hard to match with a jigsaw.
OSHA recommends guarding the scroll saw blade above and below the table, wearing eye protection and making turns slowly. For jigsaws, its handheld saw guidance calls for the right blade, sharp blades and eye protection.
Buying Guide
The two are clearly different tools. Here is how to pick the right one for your workshop or home projects:
Your Cutting Project
This matters most. For cuts on job sites or away from the workshop, choose a jigsaw. For detailed, precise work on small parts, choose a scroll saw.
Your Budget
Decide how much you want to spend. With power tools, the cheapest option is often a false economy.
Look for the model with the features you need and a solid track record at a fair price. The models above cover a wide price range.
Brand
Established brands usually offer better warranties, parts and support. Consider companies like Delta Power Tools, WEN and Makita.
Blade Changes
Older saws often needed tools to change scroll saw blades and jigsaw blades. Most current models have tool-free clamps.
Choose a saw that lets you change blades quickly without tools.
User Warranty and Durability
Buy a jigsaw or scroll saw that is built to last.
Look for sturdy construction, effective dust control, solid switches and a long warranty.
Final Thoughts
Both saws cut curves, and both can make inside cuts (the jigsaw by plunging or from a drilled hole, the scroll saw by threading the blade). The core difference is this: a scroll saw is built for fine precision, while a jigsaw is less precise but far more versatile and portable.
So which is best for you? It depends on your projects. For an all-round tool that handles many materials and jobs, choose a jigsaw. For high precision and clean detail, choose a scroll saw.
Of the saws reviewed here, the Bosch JS470E Jigsaw is our overall pick. It has the features most woodworkers want in a jigsaw.
