7 Best Scroll Saws for Precise and Intricate Cuts

Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Barry Gray

One of my favorite parts of woodworking is getting to create beautiful patterns on the wood. Taking a chunk of wood and turning it into art is something that will never stop being rewarding to me. 

Before I started woodworking, I used to think all the intricate patterns were carved by hand. Then, one day, my grandfather took me to his workshop and introduced me to the scroll saw. My first thought was, “you’re kidding! There is a tool for that?”

Dear readers, he was not kidding, and neither am I. Here are 7 of the best scroll saws. Now you can make delicate cuts easily, too! Don’t miss out on the scroll saw guide at the end!

making precise cut with scroll saw

Each one of these scroll saws has been tried and tested by yours truly, so you can be sure that they are the best ones out there. Let’s dig in!

Best Scroll Saw for BeginnersDremel Moto Saw MS20-01

  • Throat length: 10 inches
  • Maximum strokes-per-minute: 2250 SPM
  • Power source: Battery powered
  • Blade type: Pinned
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs

The Dremel Moto Saw is not exactly a traditional scroll saw, but it allows you to scroll like any other scroll saw. It also has some additional features, so it’s a win-win according to me. This tool is compact, lightweight, versatile, and easy to use, making it the perfect scroll saw for beginners

My favorite feature is its dual function. It comes with a quick-clamp base that can be attached to tables and benches and used as a traditional scroll saw. However, it can also be detached and used as a handheld coping saw. Its variable speed settings allow you to work on a variety of materials. The operation is also relatively quiet– making it a great scroll saw for beginners and hobbyists. 

The auto-tensioning feature keeps the blade taut and ready to cut. This also means you don’t need any tools to change the blade. The parallel guide attachment helps you make precise straight cuts. The base has a built-in dust collection port which helps you keep your workplace clean. It uses pinned blades which are always better since they are easy to change. 

Pros

  • Dual function- can be attached to tables or used as a handheld coping saw
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy to use- perfect for beginners or hobbyists
  • Variable speed settings
  • Relatively quiet operation
  • Auto-tensioning feature
  • Dust collection port
  • Pinned blades
  • Low vibration

Cons:

  • Suitable only for simple cuts
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty work.

My Thoughts: If you are a beginner or someone who wants a scroll saw for light projects, this is one of the best tools you can choose. It is very easy to use and super compact. I love that it is versatile as well!

Best Scroll Saw for Professional UseDelta 40-694

  • Throat length: 20 inches
  • Maximum strokes-per-minute: 1750 SPM
  • Power source: Corded Electric
  • Blade type: Pinless
  • Weight: 70 lbs

With a throat length of 20 inches, the Delta 40-694 scroll saw is designed for precision and quality. With a 1.3 Amp motor and variable speed that can be adjusted from 400 – 1750 SPM, this scroll saw can take on any scrolling job you throw its way. The large cast-iron table is an excellent support and bevels 0-45 degrees left and right. It is a powerful machine which makes it perfect for professional use. 

It has several features that make it easy to use. It has an on/off switch and an electronic variable speed dial to let you control the speed with ease. The flexible dust blower and blade tensioning lever are located upfront on the arm for easy accessibility. The dual parallel link arm design reduces vibration and provides greater accuracy and stability. 

The blade is very stable and stays still at a wider range of speeds, letting you work well on intricate projects. For safe blade changes, you can lift and lock the upper arm in a raised position. The on-tool blade storage is a nice touch.  

Pros

  • Powerful and durable
  • Great for professional use
  • Variable speed settings
  • Adjustable cutting angle
  • Accurate and precise cutting
  • Reduced vibration
  • Easy to use
  • 5 year warranty

Cons

  • Heavy
  • A bit noisy
  • Doesn’t come with a stand
  • No dust bag included

My Thoughts: This tool makes for a great scroll saw for professional use. It has many features that make it easy to use, and is quite powerful and stable, too. You can work on any type of intricate cuts!

Best Scroll Saw for The Money – Dewalt DW788

  • Throat length: 20 inches
  • Maximum strokes-per-minute: 1750 SPM
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Blade type: Pinless
  • Weight: 56 lbs

The Dewalt variable speed scroll saw has  a throat length of 20 inches which allows it to make cuts upto 2 inches thick. Despite its weight, the scroll saw is compact enough to move it around easily. With a 1.3 Amp motor and a variable speed that can be adjusted from 400 – 1750 SPM, this tool allows you to create detailed workpieces on a variety of materials. 

The cast-iron table is oversized and provides a lot of space for larger workpieces. It also tilts 45 degrees to the left and right. The on/off switch as well as the electronic variable switch help you adjust speed and power on/off with just a click. These two switches as well as the flexible dust blower and tension lever are located at the front of the arm for easy access.

The arm is designed in such a way that it pivots from the back of the saw to the front. This allows you to lift the blade quite easily and thread it through the material for inside cuts. It also keeps the blade perpendicular to the work piece.

Its parallel arm design reduces vibrations. The scroll saw comes with a metal hold-down foot that prevents your line of sight from being blocked. The toolless blade clamp makes blade changes very easy! Its operation is also relatively quiet.

Pros

  • Compact and powerful
  • Best scroll saw for the money
  • Variable speed settings
  • Easy to use
  • Parallel arm design
  • Reduced noise and vibrations
  • Large cast-iron table
  • 3 year warranty

Cons

  • Complaints of screws loosening
  • No dust collector

My Thoughts: This is definitely a workhorse of a scroll saw, and one of the best you will get for the money. It is very easy to use, and can be used to make accurate cuts by beginners and professionals alike. A great investment, if you ask me. 

Best Rated Scroll SawRockwell RK7315

  • Throat length: 16 inches
  • Maximum strokes-per-minute: 1700 SPM
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Blade type: Pinned, Pinless (with adaptor)
  • Weight: 25.6 lbs

The Rockwell variable speed scroll saw comes with a 1.2 Amp motor and variable speed between 500 to 1700 SPM. The die-cast aluminum table bevels from 0 to 45 degrees, ensuring accurate cuts by adjusting the table. This lightweight scroll saw is great for beginners and hobbyists

This scroll saw can make cuts that are 2.5 inches deep. It comes with a blade guard to protect your hands from the blade. The onboard blade storage makes sure that your blade won’t get lost or damaged. It comes with a built-in blower and a dust collection port, which is great for keeping your workplace clean. 

Pros

  • Perfect for beginners and hobbyists
  • Variable speed settings
  • Not very heavy
  • Can make cuts that are 2.5 inches deep
  • Blade guard and onboard blade storage
  • Built-in blower and dust collection port
  • 2 year warranty

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy-duty projects
  • Using pinless blades with an adaptor is a hassle
  • Vibrates a lot

My Thoughts: This is a great scroll saw if you need it for occasional hobby work and don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for the same. It is easy to use and not too heavy, making it portable. 

Best Budget Scroll Saw – WEN Two-direction 3921

  • Throat length: 16 inches
  • Maximum strokes-per-minute: 1600 SPM
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Blade type: Pinned, pinless (with adaptor)
  • Weight: 25.5 lbs

The WEN speed scroll saw is capable of cutting wood up to 2 inches deep and has variable speed settings ranging from 550 to 1600 SPM. The table is spacious enough to accept larger workpieces and the cast iron base reduces vibrations when the tool is in operation. 

The best thing about this scroll saw is that it has a unique design which accepts blades in two directions (both standard and 90 degrees), giving you an infinite ripping capacity. Now you can make artful cuts in two different directions! The hold-down foot clamp helps you secure your workpiece in place. It also has an LED work light which can be bent and adjusted. 

The scroll saw comes with an adjustable air pump and a dust port to clear away the sawdust from your work area. The thumb screw blade adaptor makes for tool-free blade changes and the onboard blade storage ensures your blades will always be safe. No more running around trying to find where you stored them! Overall, a great affordable scroll saw that you can make amazing patterns with!

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Variable speed settings
  • Spacious table
  • Accepts blades in two directions giving infinite ripping capacity
  • Capable of handling larger workpieces
  • LED work light
  • Hold-down foot clamp
  • Air pump and dust port
  • Tool-free blade changes
  • Onboard blade storage
  • 2 year warranty

Cons

  • Heavy vibrations when it is not clamped down onto a steady surface
  • Air pump bellows are a little short

My Thoughts: This scroll saw is very affordable and offers a great deal of bang for the buck. The bi-directional balde acceptance is a very nice touch. I highly recommend this for your projects, you will be pleasantly surprised!

Best Scroll Saw Under $200Ryobi #SC165VS

  • Throat length: 16 inches
  • Maximum strokes-per-minute: 1600 SPM
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Blade type: Pinless, pinned
  • Weight: 26.5 lbs

The Ryobi corded scroll saw has a 1.2 Amp motor and variable speed settings ranging from 550 to 1600 SPM. You can adjust the speed settings easily with the help of the electronic variable speed knob. The 16 inch throat length allows for maximum cutting capacity and intricate cuts. The cast iron base reduces vibrations and helps you make more accurate cuts and the table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees.

It has a keyless blade change feature and an integrated dust blower as well as a dust port to clear the debris away and keep your workplace clean. It is lightweight as well, making it portable. This will be a great saw for basic scrolling projects!

Pros

  • Variable speed settings
  • Reduced vibrations
  • Dust blower and dust port
  • Keyless blade change feature
  • Accepts both pinned and pinless blades
  • Lightweight
  • Blade is easy to change
  • 3 year warranty.

Cons

  • Blade housing vibrates at lower speeds
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty projects

My Thoughts: If you are looking for a scroll saw under $200 for basic DIY projects, this one would be a good fit. With a 16 inch throat and a maximum SPM of 1600, it is good enough to take care of all your light-duty project needs. 

Best Scroll Saw for Cutting Metal – Shop Fox W1713 with FOXBC Blade

  • Throat length: 16 inches
  • Maximum strokes-per-minute: 1700 SPM
  • Power source: Corded electric
  • Blade type: Pinned and pinless (with adaptor)
  • Weight: 37.8 lbs

Powered with a 1.2 Amp motor and a variable speed of 550 to 1700 SPM, the Shop Fox scroll saw can easily cut through hard woods that are 2 inches thick.

It can cut through metal as well, but you need to install special blades for that- such as the FOXBC 5 inch Scroll Saw Blade for Metal Cutting. The blades are made from corrosion-resistant SK5 Japanese carbon steel and are strong enough to saw through soft metals. Install them in your Shop Fox scroll saw and start cutting!

Note: These blades are compatible with most scroll saws that have a throat length of 15/16 inches. 

Since the Shop Fox has a throat length of 16 inches, you can cut through soft metals with ease. The spacious cast iron table reduces vibrations. If you need some extra stability, just bolt the base to a workbench! The table lock knob and tilt scale allow you to easily tilt the table 45 degrees to the left for perfect bevels. The blade is easy to change and the gooseneck work light does a great job of illuminating your workpiece. 

The scroll saw comes with a dust port and a dust blower to keep your workplace clean. The dust port can even be connected to a shop vacuum, which means you no longer need to clean the accumulated debris! There is also a clear-view finger guard with a hold-down shoe to keep your material on the table as you work.

Pros

  • Can cut through soft metals with special metal-cutting blades
  • Powerful
  • Great cutting capacity
  • Spacious cast iron table
  • Gooseneck work light
  • Easy tilting of the table
  • Dust blower and a dust port
  • Dust port can be attached to a shop vacuum
  • Hold-down shoe
  • Easy blade changes

Cons

  • May take a bit longer to cut denser materials
  • Mounting is a challenge
  • Too much force on the blade tends to bog down the motor

My Thoughts: If you are a beginner or an intermediate who is looking for a scroll saw to cut through soft metals, this one does the job, and does it well! It has a great cutting capacity and a 16 inch throat length. Spend some time tweaking and adjusting the tool to your liking, and you will find that it runs great!

working on the project with scroll saw

Now that we have taken a look at 7 of the best scroll saws in the market, it is time for an in-depth guide that will teach you what to look for in a scroll saw!

But, How To Choose The Best Scroll Saw? 

Scroll saws are handy little tools for when you want to add a little craftsmanship to your woodworking projects. But how do you choose the best one for your needs? Read on to find out!

Throat Length

Throat length is the distance from the saw blade to the back frame of the saw. The throat capacity determines the width of the material you can cut without rotating it to the other side. A throat length of 16 to 20 inches should be more than sufficient for any home woodworking project you want to tackle, although professionals might need to select scroll saws with a higher capacity. 

Blade Type

Scroll saws typically use one of two common types of blades, although there are scroll saws that accept both. The most common blade length is 5 inches!

  • Pinless blades (also known as plain-end blades): Pinless blades are held together by clamps. They are very thin and can make the most intricate cuts easily. You usually need the help of a tool to change these types of blades.
  • Pinned blades (also known as pin-end blades): Pinned blades are held in place by a tiny pin at each side of the blade. They are very easy to change because you don’t need any additional tools to change them. However, they tend to be wider and thicker and cannot make very intricate cuts. 

Pinless blades are usually considered the better of the two since they can make delicate cuts more easily. But pinned blades are easier to change and also keep the blades more secure, cutting down on vibrations. So, go for the one that suits your needs best!

If you need to cut special materials – such as metal – look for blades designed specifically for this. You will have to get them separately and attach them to your scroll saw. 

Speed

The speed of a scroll saw is measured in strokes-per-minute (SPM). It is best to choose scrolls saws that offer variable speeds as this will help you when working with different types of materials

Softwoods generally need slower speeds while hardwoods require faster ones. Higher speeds also allow you to make more precise cuts, but make sure your blade isn’t getting too hot. The most common speed range found in scroll saws is between 500 to 1800 SPM. 

Dust Blower and Collector

There is no way around it. Working with a scroll saw is bound to generate some amount of dust. As time goes by, this will get accumulated on your workpiece, making it harder for you to make accurate cuts. This is where a dust blower comes in. 

Most scroll saws come with a dust blower to blow the dust away from your workpiece. Some of them even have a dust collector for added comfort, so you don’t have to spend extra time cleaning it away. 

Other Features

  • Vibration. Look for a scroll saw that cuts down on vibrations as much as possible. This will make the tool easier to use and you won’t have to keep adjusting your workpiece. 
  • Weight. There are both heavy as well as lightweight scroll saws. If you are planning to move your scroll saw around a lot, it might be better to look for one that is lightweight and compact. 
  • Tilt. If you are planning to make a lot of angled cuts, the tilt might be something you want to look at. Most saws offer a tilt of 45 degrees at least on one side, although there are ones that tilt on both sides. Tilting both ways is always a handy feature to have, otherwise you will have to flip the workpiece to cut on the other side. 
  • Stand. Most scroll saws can be clamped onto benchtops and tables, but investing in a solid stand will do you a world of good. It makes working with the scroll saw more comfortable.

That’s it, folks! We have reached the end of our scroll saw guide. Choose the best scroll saw according to your needs and add beauty to your woodworking projects. Happy woodworking!

Photo of author

Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.

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