Scroll saws are not all like other saws, the majority of which have round rotating blades for making straight cuts through wood.
Instead, they are the go-to power tools for making interconnecting pieces, wooden dolls, intarsia, and inclined blades.
They are anything but a fundamental piece of machine for most DIYers. However, if you love taking on point-by-point carpentry projects, you need the best scroll saw.
With the right model, you’d be able to make precise cuts for all kinds of projects like gingerbread trim, adornment boxes, wooden signs, or perch rooms.
The best part is that it can create almost smooth blades, so you won’t have to spend hours sanding to achieve the perfect shape.
Best Scroll Saw Reviews
1. Delta Power Tools 40-694 20” Scroll Saw
The Delta Power Tools 40-694 Scroll Saw runs on a powerful 1.3-amp motor and has an impressive 20-inch depth of throat.
Using the speed dial, you can adjust the blade’s speed from 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute, depending on what your current needs are.
As for the stroke length, it measures 3/4 inches, allowing the blade to make powerful yet clean cuts.
This means you can use this machine to tackle small and bigger carpentry projects, regardless of whether you’re new to the scene or not.
More specifically, it is designed to have a cutting capacity of 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees.
This scroll saw boasts a dual parallel link arm, which helps improve cut quality and accuracy by reducing under and over-cutting.
Moreover, the 24-inch x 16-inch worktable ensures you have plenty of space to work on bigger cuts of wood.
Depending on what needs to be done, you can easily tilt the worktable from zero to 45 degrees to the right and left.
What makes the Delta Power Tools 40-694 easy to use is the fact that the upper arm can be lifted and secured in position.
The blade clamp also requires no tools, so changing the blade or adjusting its position becomes effortless and safe.
In turn, it helps you make accurate cuts and maximize blade life.
To keep the workpiece tidy, this scroll saw has a built-in dust blower that is flexible. You can find this conveniently on the arm, so it is easy to access.
You will also find a built-in adjustable light so that you can have sufficient lighting when working on more intricate designs.
Included in the package are two straight blades, which you can store neatly and safely right inside the on-tool blade container.
Pros:
- Solid steel build quality
- Good value for money
- Comfortable to use
- Produces less vibration and noise
- Comes with a five-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Not very durable unless kept with immense care
- The stand is sold separately
2. PORTER-CABLE PCB375SS 18” Scroll Saw with Stand
If you are looking for a scroll saw with a solid steel stand, you won’t go wrong with the PORTER-CABLE PCB375SS.
The brand has been in the tools manufacturing business since 1906, so you can be sure it has more than enough experience to deliver only the best.
In particular, this scroll saw will benefit all kinds of woodworkers, whether you’re a cabinetmaker or do home renovations.
It has a stable dual-tilting work surface made of die-cast aluminum and measures 20 inches x 12-5/8 inches.
Like the previous unit, the table can tilt to about 45 degrees to the right and 15 degrees to the left.
At 1.6 Amps, the ball-bearing induction motor of this unit is slightly more powerful than the Delta 40-694. However, it comes with a bit shorter depth of throat at 18 inches.
Thanks to the powerful motor, the PORTER-CABLE PCB375SS has variable speeds from 500 to 1,500 SPM that you can adjust via a user-friendly control knob.
The stroke length is 3/4 inches, while the depth of cut is 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees and 1-1/4 inches at 45 degrees.
That said, there is plenty more to love about this scroll saw.
For instance, not only does it have a built-in LED light so you can see better while you work but also a table-top bevel scale to ensure accurate readings.
In case you need to replace the blade, either when worn out or you need a different one for a different task, changing it out is easy.
The PORTER-CABLE PCB375SS blade holder needs no tools, so you can switch between blades without much hassle.
Depending on your goals, you can use a five-inch pinned or black-end blade.
To top it all off, it boasts a built-in blower that will allow you to get rid of sawdust and tidy up your work area.
Pros:
- Easy to operate and maneuver
- Runs smoothly and quietly
- Spacious worktable
- Comes with a three-year limited warranty
- Includes a 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Short blower tube
- Plastic table insert
3. WEN 3921 16” Scroll Saw
If you like doing intricate designs on wood, there’s no doubt you will appreciate the WEN 3921 16” Scroll Saw.
It has a one-of-a-kind design that lets you install the blade in two directions: standard or 90 degrees. In turn, this gives you more control over your cuts.
You can also use either a pinned or pinless cutting blade, depending on what your preference is.
Switching between different blades is also easy, thanks to the thumb screw adapter that lets you do it without using any tools.
That said, this scroll saw has the smallest worktable among the three options, measuring only 16 inches x 11 inches.
Though, like the other two models, you can easily tilt the work surface 45 degrees to either side when you need to do angled cuts.
In the standard position, the 16-inch depth of throat allows you to cut wood up to two inches thick.
The blade can go anywhere from 550 to 1,600 strokes per minute, which should be more than enough to deliver clean cuts.
While not the most powerful scroll saw you’ll find on the market, you can use it for various types of wood projects.
It even has a built-in work light that is flexible and easy to position to illuminate whatever it is you’re currently working on.
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners
- Versatile blade support
- Easy to operate
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Quality of the mechanism of the blades is poor
- Smaller worktable
Buyer’s Guide
A scroll saw is handy for cutting intricate curves on metal, wood, and other materials compared to jigsaws.
If you like adding delicate craftsmanship to your projects, it is advisable to have this tool in your workshop.
How do you choose the suitable one for your woodworking needs? Let’s look at some things you need to look for in a scroll saw:
1. Blade Type
Typically, scroll saws use two types of blades, both with a standard length of five inches.
- Pinless or Plain-end
The first type is the pinless or plain-end blade held by clamps. Apart from being widely available, it is what most woodworkers prefer.
Its thin blade can easily make some of the most intricate and complicated cuts on all kinds of workpieces.
However, changing a pinless blade typically requires using specific tools, which some users may find irritating.
- Pinned or Pin-end
The pinned or pin-end blade is called such because of the tiny cross pins on its ends used for connecting to the device.
Changing a pinned blade requires no unique tool, but you must keep an eye on the mechanism connecting it to the device.
Also, a pinned blade is broader and thicker, making it unsuitable for more intricate cuts but more secure and easier to change.
You must change the blade to the appropriate variety to make more detailed cuts on materials like metal.
2. Dust Blower and Collector
Like its bigger counterparts, a scroll saw can also accumulate dust on your workpiece, making it challenging to complete your task.
Hence, the need for a dust blower. This feature helps in keeping the dust away from what you are doing. Some models even come with a dust collection system for convenience.
3. Speed
If you want to work with different materials, try to look for a scroll saw with variable speeds. Generally, its average speed range is between 500 to 1,800 SPM or strokes per minute.
For softwood, you need a scroll saw with a slower speed, while hardwood requires a faster rate of motion.
Also, moving a scroll saw faster can help you make accurate cuts, but you have to ensure that the blade will not overheat.
4. Throat Length
Another critical factor you need to consider is the scroll saw’s throat length. It is the distance between the saw blade and the tool’s back frame.
Knowing its measurement gives you an idea of the material size you can cut on the scroll saw without turning the workpiece.
A 16 to 20 inches throat length is more than enough for any woodworking project you want to finish at home.
However, professionals with more significant projects might need extended throat length.
As a rule of thumb, you can cut a material double the size of your scroll saw throat length.
5. Other Considerations
Look for a device with as little vibrations as possible to avoid constantly adjusting your workpiece and let you complete the task.
One way to prevent vibrations is to set up your scroll saw on a sturdy stand or clamp it securely on workbenches or tables.
Scroll saws come in lightweight and heavy models. For those who plan to work in different locations, it is best to choose a more portable model.
If your project requires plenty of angled cuts, consider looking for a scroll saw with the appropriate tilting feature.
Most of these tools offer a 45-degree tilting option on one side, but a device that can tilt on both sides is more convenient.
Scroll Saw FAQs
1. Where to use a scroll saw?
Scroll saws have ribbon-like blades that move with quick up-and-down motions. They can make curved and intricate cuts on wood projects requiring detailed work.
Also, other people use this tool for making wood pieces for intarsia, a mosaic-like art form where wood pieces are cut and fitted together.
You can also use the scroll saw for cutting other materials like foam, plastic, plexiglass, and thin metal.
2. Can you use scroll saws for making straight cuts?
You can use scroll saws to make straight cuts, but it will be more challenging and frustrating. Thus, it would be better to use a table saw instead.
3. Can you cut acrylic with a scroll saw?
Scroll saws can cut through acrylic because it’s a variety of plastic. However, you need to change the blade into a crown-toothed style.
To succeed in cutting this material, you have to ensure your blade does overheat and melt the acrylic.
Although it will reseal after a few seconds, it will result in uneven cut lines or, worst, broken acrylic.
You can prevent these things from happening by doing the following tips:
- Turn on a fan and face it toward your workstation as you cut the acrylic.
- Set your device to the lowest cutting speed setting.
- Finish cutting the acrylic first before removing any protective paper.
- Ensure to lubricate your scroll saw’s blade before cutting your material.
4. What is a scroll saw cutting thickness capacity?
Generally, standard scroll saws can cut material up to two inches. Some better models can accurately cut hardwood without straining the device.
5. Can you prevent scroll saw vibration?
Because of the scroll saw blade’s rapid movement, they vibrate. Ideally, the vibration it creates must be similar to a sewing machine.
If there are excessive vibrations, check if you have installed the device correctly. Also, ensure it is firmly screwed to the table or stand.
Next is to check the saw’s counterweight near the tool’s base. You can use a small sandbag to add weight or other heavy items if there is none.
Another trick is to place the scroll saw on top of a rubber mat to prevent excessive vibration during operation.
You can also stick rubber shock absorbers under each leg of your table or workbench to minimize vibrations.
Some working techniques can also cause extreme vibrations to your machine. Some examples are holding the material too firmly, pushing the workpiece, or running the saw too slowly.
Which Scroll Saw Tops the List?
From this list, we think the Delta Power Tools 40-694 20” is the best scroll saw for a few reasons.
Not only is it easy to operate but also produces less noise and vibrations. However, it doesn’t come with its own stand, so you’ll have to get one separately.
If you want one that already comes with a stand, check out the PORTER-CABLE PCB375SS 18” instead.
It has a slightly shorter depth of throat and a smaller worktable but runs on an equally powerful 1.6-amp motor.
