Scroll saws are particularly used to work on intricate curves and joints with speed and accuracy. This power tool can also be utilized to cut dovetail and is a standard tool perfect for thicker intarsia projects.
This makes scroll saws absolutely handy as they can provide excellent detailed work. That is why if your projects involve small and excessively intricate details and you want to have clean and precise results, then a scroll saw will best suit your needs.
If you are looking for a scroll saw but are clueless about where to start, then you have come to the right place. Our team of experts has tested and graded the five best scroll saws available in the market. To have a more detailed look, click on the buttons below to get the best offers on Amazon. So, here are the five best scroll saws we specifically reviewed for you!
Best Scroll Saws Comparison & Rating
1. DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw
Brand | DEWALT |
Voltage | 120 volts |
Weight | 56 pounds |
Color | Yellow |
Are you looking for an extremely accurate scroll saw? This scroll saw is equipped with a 45-degree bevel angle (left and right), which ensures accuracy and precision for intricate work. Its unique design keeps the blade perpendicular to work and has a speed variable of 400 strokes per minute. Plus, this scroll saw can pivot from back to front that allows the blade to thread through the material for inside cuts.
2. Shop Fox W1713 Speed Scroll Saw
Brand | Shop Fox |
Voltage | 110 volts |
Weight | 37.8 pounds |
Color | White |
This scroll saw is on top of our list because of its cutting capacity and cast iron construction. It also provides a dust blower, gooseneck work light, a large 45-degree tilt table, easy blade changes, and a dust port. Also, it is designed to make blade changes with less effort. Lastly, it is equipped with a hold-down shoe that prevents your work from rising and an air nozzle that blows air keeping wood debris away from the cut line.
3. WEN 3921 Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Brand | WEN |
Voltage | 120 volts |
Weight | 25.1 pounds |
Color | Orange |
This scroll saw can cut into hardwood up to 2 inches thick, and its speed can reach up to 1600 strokes per minute. It is also equipped with a sturdy cast iron base that prevents vibration during operation. The table can also bevel up to 45 degrees, perfect for angled cuts. Lastly, it includes a hold-down foot clamp that secures your project in place, along with a 1-½ dust port that keeps your area clean.
4. PORTER-CABLE Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Brand | PORTER-CABLE |
Voltage | 120 volts |
Weight | 45.9 pounds |
Color | Black |
If you are looking for a reliable scroll saw, then this might be the perfect one for you! Aside from having a broad 12-⅝” x 20” aluminum dual tilting table that enables a range of 45 degrees left and 15 degrees right bevel cuts, it also has a convenient and secured bevel scale situated on the tabletop. It also has a tool-less blade holder and a cam-action blade tension adjustment system that allows users to change and regulate blades and pins quickly. Lastly, it is equipped with simplified speed control settings that can be modified between 500 to 1500 strokes per minute.
5. General International BT8007 Scroll Saw
Brand | General International |
Voltage | 120 volts |
Weight | 24 pounds |
Color | Black and Red |
This scroll saw provides functionality and versatility for intricate and artful cuts. With a variable speed of 400 strokes per minute that can be adjusted through the speed knob located on the front of the machine, it also comes with a 16-by-10-inch table that can bevel up to 45 degrees to the left. Additionally, it can easily cut up materials up to 1.9 inches thick. Combine all of these features with a 1.5-inch dust port; then, you would be unstoppable!
Best Scroll Saws - Buyer's Guide
There are two major kinds of scroll blades: flat-end or plain and pin-end. Flat-end blades require clamps to hold the end in place, while a pin-end blade has a pin at each end of the blade to hold the material in place. It is highly recommended that you go for the flat-end blades because pin-end blades tend to be too large and cannot handle delicate interior cuts.
The throat length is the distance between the saw’s back and the saw blade. The minimum length is 16 inches. However, some saws come with a 30-inch throat. In this light, 16 to 20 inches are 95% perfect for any project.
This is the maximum cutting thickness you can cut with the saw. The most recommended thickness of cut you should get should be capable of cutting 2 inches in depth. Plus, this would significantly contribute to your project’s outcome and overall success.
Scroll saws measure speed by the strokes per minute. Some saws are equipped with a variable speed, while some have two speeds, and others have a pulley set-up where you have to adjust the belt to get the preferred speed. It is good to have two speeds. However, a variable speed saw allows you more options for cutting materials besides wood.
It would be best if you purchase a scroll saw that has minimal to no vibrations. The more vibrations, the less accurate and reliable the machine will be. As much as possible, testing out the product before buying it would make a big difference. If you are purchasing online, relying on articles like this or the product’s online reputation can significantly help you narrow down your choices.
Best Scroll Saws - FAQs
Scroll saws are particularly used to cut intricate curves and joints. A scroll saw can quickly and efficiently provide accuracy in terms of cutting material. They can also be utilized to cut dovetail joints and is a perfect tool for thicker intarsia projects.
Scroll saws are large stationary tools where you lay the material on the table and feed it into its blade to achieve delicate work. On the other side of the coin, jigsaws are handheld power tools where you bring the saw to the material. A jigsaw offers portability and flexibility. However, it cannot provide the results a scroll saw can only achieve.
An excellent scroll saw is an indispensable tool for cutting frames. However, it needs to be a good one. Look out for ones that are heavy to dampen vibrations, a reliable variable speed drive, and an excellent blade-clamping mechanism.
A scroll saw can cut through an array of metal such as bronze, aluminum, copper, brass, cold-rolled steel, and many more. The standard metal thickness is no more than ⅛ inches. However, it can still cut thicker. Conversely, softer metals are easier to cut. And steel is not impossible to cut with the help of patience.
