Because scroll saws are easy to use and take only a bit of space, they are often uses to cut curves and joints that are hard to reach. This makes them the perfect choice when it comes to carving shapes into wood, although they can also be used as ordinary saws.
Among the things that separate scroll saws from the other saw types is that they are much safer. In fact the risk of an injury is as low as it gets.
Owning a scroll saw can come in handy and the best thing is that it doesn’t cost much. Even better news is that scroll saws are low consumers of electric energy, while some can even be powered with pedals.
To help you find the best scroll saw 2018 that suits your needs and budget, below we present a comparison of top rated scroll saws on the market today. Besides that, we provide scroll saw reviews, buying guide, and using guide. Let’s get started.
- Shop Fox W1713
- 4.1 customer rating
- Price: $$$
- Throat depth: 16 inches
- Depth capacity: 2 inches
- Speed: 500-1700 spm
- 2-year warranty
- Delta Power Tools 40-694
- 4.4 customer rating
- Price: $$$
- Throat depth: 20 inches
- Depth capacity: 2 inches
- Speed: 400-1750 spm
- 5-year warranty
- DEWALT DW788
- 4.6 customer rating
- Price: $$$
- Throat depth: 20 inches
- Depth capacity: 2 inches
- Speed: 400-1750 spm
- 3-year warranty
- WEN 3920
- 4.1 customer rating
- Price: $$
- Throat depth: 16 inches
- Depth capacity: 1.9 inches
- Speed: 400-1600 spm
- 2-year warranty
- Proxxon 37090 DSH/E
- 4.1 customer rating
- Price: $$$
- Throat depth: 16 inches
- Depth capacity: 1.5 inches
- Speed: 200-1400 spm
- 2-year warranty
Top 8 Scroll Saw Reviews
1. DEWALT DW788
If you are looking for a scroll saw that’s good in all of these aspects, the DEWALT DW788 should be your choice.
A great feature of this model is that the blades can be changed without the need of additional tools, which is really great as it can save you a lot of time. On top of that, this model comes with an installed dust blower that helps you taking care of sawdust.
The DEWALT DW788 is great for using it to cut through a range of materials. Because the scroll saw is multi-speed, you can change the number of strokes per minute depending on the type of the material of the patters. That means that you can lower the speed when cutting metal and increase it when cutting through thin wood or paper.
The best thing about DEWALT is that all of their products are very durable. The manufacturer guarantees the quality of this particular model by giving a 3 year limited warranty. Read full review here.
2. Delta Power Tools 40-694
Your scroll saw has to be vibration-free and to allow you to pick from several different speeds. That is why Delta Power Tools 40-694 might be the best choice for you.
Probably the thing that puts this scroll saw ahead of its competition is the fact that you can change its speed, depending on the type of material you are using for the patter. If, let’s say, you are using metal, you can switch the saw to 400 strokes per minute. However, if your pattern material is paper or thin wood, you can increase the speed up to 1,750 strokes per minute.
When it comes to stability, this model allows you to make precise cuts, because the saw’s design eliminates problems with vibrations. In fact, the dual parallel link arm design that’s used for this scroll saw can help you a lot with it. The upper arm is movable, so you can adjust the blade when doing fret work. Read full review here.
3. Shop Fox W1713
The perfect scenario would be if the saw you got had a flash installed. That is exactly the case with Shop Fox W1713.
The body of the scroll saw is made of metal and is pretty have. The total weight of the saw is just over 35 pounds, with most of it being in the base part. Because of that, the saw is very stable and almost free of vibrations, which are the enemies of precise cuts.
Speaking of precise cuts, you can’t make them without a good visibility. This model helps you with it, because a gooseneck work light is attached to it.
On top of that, the product has a dust bin and an air pump that are great pieces of equipment when it comes to solving the problem of sawdust. Because of these features, cleaning the saw is extremely easy. Read full review here.
4. WEN 3920
WEN 3920 is a great product for a number of reasons. The saw is very variable, because it allows you to switch through several different speeds. The lowest possible speed is 400 strokes per minute, which you should use for rough materials like metal for example.
Increase the speed a bit if you’re cutting through plastic, while you should choose the maximum speed for cutting paper and thin wood. The maximum number of strokes per minute of this model is 1,600.
The WEN 3920 comes with two different blades, which you can change in a matter of seconds as no additional tools are needed. One blade is with large teeth, which you should use for metal patterns, while for wood piece; your choice should be the other blade, the one with smaller blade teeth. Read full review here.
5. Proxxon 37090 DSH/E
If you need something to make you fall in love with woodwork, you should look no further than Proxxon 37090 DSH/E. This model allows you to make cuts through wood or any other kind of material with ease.
This scroll saw model is among the best on the market for doing woodwork. It is designed for cutting through all kinds of wood. Because of that, the saw features a speed controller, which enables you to switch through speeds from 990 and 1,500.
The Proxxon 37090 DSH/E comes with 10 different blades, separated in two sets of 5. The first set contains coarse blades with different shapes and sizes of teeth. Five fine saw blades are in the other one. With 10 different blades to choose from, you can pick the best one according to the material of which the pattern is made. Read full review here.
6. Hegner 18″ Variable Speed
If you are an amateur hobbyist, who is looking to take their woodwork to the next level, you will be delighted with this product. Hegner 18″ Variable Speed Scroll Saw is one of the best scroll saws on the market, which is a fact that is supported by its rather high price.
It’s extremely precise and unbelievably reliable and with the 7-year warranty, this saw is a proper investment. The total weight of the Hegner 18″ is 50 pounds, but it doesn’t come with the recommended stand. Still, you can use it without the stand and not even notice anything.
The base of the saw is made of metal and is heavy, thus making the product very stable. Compared to other similar models, the scroll saw is one of the most precise. Read full review here.
7. Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw
The Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw is not only a scroll saw, but a coping saw as well. If you get yourself this product, you can be sure that you’ll be able to make detailed work on all sorts of material.
When it comes to the speed control, it allows you to easily change the number of scrolls per minute, depending on the type of the material of which the pattern is made of. If changing speed is not enough, to fit the material better, you can change the blade. This process is extremely easy to be done as a mechanism on the saw allows you to take the blade off and place a new one in a matter of seconds.
You would think that with the size of 18.5 x 14.5 x 4.8 inches, only a couple of features could be a part of this saw, but it even has a dust port adapter. It can be very useful as sawdust can create a lot of problems for you when doing detailed work as a cloud of sawdust could make stop you from seeing the pattern. Read full review here.
8. Ryobi SC165VS
The Ryobi 16-inch Corded Scroll Saw #SC165VS has a speed controller, which allows you to switch through the number of strokes per minute. We advise you to use low speed for rough materials like metal or hard wood.
For soft materials like paper or plastic, go with the maximum speed. Speaking of maximum speed, the highest number of strokes per minute this model can achieve is 1,600. The lowest speed is 550 strokes per minute.
Another feature of this scroll saw model is the dust blower. It can help you a lot with the visibility and the comfort while operating it. The thing is that sawdust can make a lot of problems for you. It can create fog that will make you problems in doing precise cuts. Read full review here.
How to Choose the Best Scroll Saw in 2018
When looking for a scroll saw, there are some factors you should consider:
1. Throat Size
The distance from the blade to the rear frame is called the throat of the saw. The size of the throat of is what separated different types of scroll saws. The bigger the throat, the larger the chunk of wood is that the particular scroll saw can cut.
Apart from determining the range of usage, throat size also determines saw’s price. Saws with throat size bigger than 20 inches can be few times more expensive than those with, let‘s say a 12 inch throat.
2. Depth Capacity
One of the factors according to which buyers decide on a certain scroll saw model is its depth capacity. In short, depth capacity means the maximum size of the wood (or some other material) piece the saw can cut.
3. Speed
The speed is an important factor, because it determines which kinds of materials you can work with. Slower saws, with less than strokes per minute can be used for cutting pieces of material that’s brittle, such as soft plastic or veneer.
Faster models, some of which can reach even 1,700 strokes per minute can easily deal with leather, paper, and all kinds of wood. You might not need the fastest of them all, but a scroll saw that produces about a thousand strokes per minutes should to the work.
The best scroll saw models are those which allow you to control their speed. That means that depending on the type of the material you are cutting, you are able to adjust the number of strokes per minute.
4. Blade Control
An ideal scenario would be if you could purchase a scroll saw that allows fast replacement of the blades. This means that you might want to look for models that don’t require any additional tools for blade replacement.
5. Drive Option
There are several drive options when it comes to scroll saws. The two most popular types are the parallel arm drive and the parallel link. It is advisable to look for models with those two drive options, although this shouldn’t be the decisive factor in choosing the right model of scroll saw.
6. Scroll Saw Support
In order to achieve stability of the saw, manufacturers often include additional support pieces. By using these, you should be able to make more precise cuts. Most common support accessories include saw stands. Clamps used to fix the saw to a table can also do a good job in eliminating vibrations and assuring precise cuts.
7. Scroll Saw Controls
Apart from on/off button, most of the scroll saws also have buttons that regulate speed. It’s wise to look for models that have the control table in an easily reachable place, so you can press the buttons whenever you want. Most models have control board placed close to your index finger.
8. Proper Lighting
Scroll saws are designed for fine detail work, but simply owning a good saw sometimes is not enough. For precise work, you would also need proper lightning. It would be best if you could purchase a model of the scroll saw that has a light source already installed. However, even if you decide on getting a scroll saw without a light, you have nothing to worry about. Simply buy an add-on light.
An important part to pay attention to when it comes to lighting of a scroll saw is that it is adjustable. You don’t need a light source that’s too strong or too week. You need one that you can adjust to what suits your eye. That way, you will be able to work during any time of day, regardless of the amount of the natural light.
9. Dust Disposal
Any kind of work related to cutting wood produces a lot of sawdust. It can be a huge problem if you are working indoors. Apart from messing the whole house up, the sawdust can make you sneeze or cough, or even worse, cause an allergic reaction. On top of that, solving the dust issue will also allow you better visibility.
Luckily, most of modern scroll saw models come with installed dust disposals. In most cases, the disposals are bags, which you can simply unzip and empty once it’s full. An alternative is to use glasses or a mask, but they won’t help you with the visibility.
10. Scroll Saw Adjustability
Depending on the type of work you’re planning to do with your scroll saw, you can pick a several different options according to their adjustability. Scroll saws that are mounted on the table usually can be tilted to a certain degree. However, if you are going to use it mostly for beveled cuts, you might want to think about another type of scroll saw.
In that case, you choice should be one with an adjustable arm. This kind of scroll saw will allow you to cut with better precision. When it comes to difficult interior cuts, you might want to think about a saw with lifting arms as it would allow you to control the whole saw, rather than manipulating the blade.
11. Price
All of the aforementioned factors might mean nothing if the price is too expensive. The best scroll saw for you is not the one you like the most, but the one you can afford.
Our advice is to think carefully before making the purchase, taking into consideration for what are you going to use the saw and how often. Usually, a higher price means better quality, so if a scroll saw is an important tool for you, be prepared to spend a little cash.
However, there is a way to find an affordable scroll saw (under $200) that has all the features you need.
12. Warranty
Even if you decide to purchase the most expensive scroll saw from the offer, this is not the guarantee it’ll work forever. The best thing is to play it safe and avoid buying items without a warranty. Still, a huge majority of manufacturers of scroll saws will give you some kind of a warranty.
13. Customer Reviews
One of the most important criteria when making the final decision about which scroll saw model to buy is what other users think of it. Items with positive customer reviews are likely to be worthy a purchase. That is why it is important to do your work before going shopping for a scroll saw.
For example, Amazon is a great place to find real users’ testimonies. You need to pay attention to the star rating of the items. Scroll saws with a huge number of 5 stars are likely to be worth a purchase.
How to Use a Scroll Saw – the Beginner’s Guide
A scroll saw is a useful tool for a number of things, although it’s primarily used for things related to woodworking. If you use it properly, scroll saw can help you can create some amazing works made of wood or similar materials.
Image by StartWoodworking.com
So, stay tuned and learn all you need to know about using the scroll saw the right way. In the following text, we will provide you with advices about everything from the beginning to the end of the pattern cutting process.
1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment
The fact that occurrence of injuries is minimal when it comes to operating scroll saws doesn’t mean you should not use safety equipment. If you are cutting wood, sawdust is likely to spread and you don’t want to let it in your eye. Because of that, wearing safety glasses is a priority.
The same goes for a dust mask, unless you want to hold your breath the whole time while operating the scroll saw. Wearing gloves is also advisable, although this might impact the way you operate the pattern, especially if you don’t feel totally comfortable wearing the gloves.
2. Prepare Wood
Once you choose the material you are going to work with, the next step is to cut it to optimal size. Most people use wood, but you can pick from a number of other materials, like plastic or paper, depending on the type of your scroll saw. To ensure easy and precise cutting, it is of essence that you draw patterns onto the piece. If the lines are visible, it will help you a lot when cutting.
You can write the patters on a wood piece using a simple pencil. When it comes to other materials, you could transfer the patterns onto the piece.
3. Prepare the Scroll Saw
The first thing to pay attention to is the blade of the scroll saw. You should pick it in accordance to the material you are using. The rule is simple, the thicker the material, the bigger teeth of the blade should be. Before starting with the cutting, it would also be wise to install the lightning or turn it off as your scroll saw model comes with it.
To ensure the stability of the scroll saw while working, it is necessary to use clamps to stick it to the working surface. If you manage to eliminate vibrations, you will be able to make more precise cuts. Another important thing to do before starting with cutting is to install the dust bin or dust blower. This way, you will eliminate most of the sawdust spreading around the room.
The final step is to test your scroll saw. It is advisable to do it on a small piece of the same material as your main project. That way you will be able to see if the saw blade is suitable and whether you need to make some changes.
4. Start Cutting
Just before starting cutting, it is important to set up the right speed, that is the number of strokes per minute. Although all might seem the same to you, the truth is that different speeds should be used for different materials.
Basic rule is that the thicker and rougher the material is, the slower the speed of the scroll saw should be set. Metals, for example require a slower speed, less than 700 strokes per minute. For thin materials, like paper for example, you would need a higher speed of the scroll saw in order to ensure proper cutting, without ruining the material.
When you turn on the scroll saw, it’s now time to move the material in order to make the first cut. We advise you to use both hands for this, so you could make as precise cuts as possible. Taking it slowly is extremely important as this is a factor that will keep you safe from injuring yourself and, on top of that, will assure the cuts are precise.
5. Making a 90 Degree Turn
When you get into the position that you need to make a 90 degree turn in order to keep on working, you don’t need to turn off your scroll saw. The solution is simple – carefully move the blade back over the cut line, making sure you don’t make any additional cuts. When you remove the piece from the saw, it’s time to make the 90 degree turn and start cutting from the adjacent line.
6. Finishing up the Pattern
Once you are done with cutting, turn the saw off and remove the pattern. Now, make a thorough inspection of the piece to see if you are completely satisfied with the work. Make additional changes if you believe some lines need to be fixed.
If all is okay, you should turn off and de-install the scroll saw. First, make sure you plug it out from the power source. The next step is to remove the blade and unclamp the saw from the table that you’ve previously attached it to. If the saw comes with a dirt bag, it’s the time to dump its content. Also, it is advisable to clean the saw of any traces of sawdust.
When it comes to finishing up the pattern, you should wipe it to remove all of the pieces of sawdust. Inspect the pattern carefully and sand the rough edges.
Conclusion
Same as everything in life, buying a scroll saw in 2018 can be tricky if it’s done in a rush. The best advice we can give you is to take it slowly. Hopefully this article will help you find the best scroll saw for your needs. Our advice is to pay attention to all of the factors mentioned above.
However, the final decision is yours. You need to see which factor is the most important for you and according to it make your purchase.