A scroll saw is a small saw which is used to make intricate cuts on a lot of materials. It has a fine reciprocating blade which allows the user to create delicate curves. Some people think that it is only a woodworker’s tool. But one of the best scroll saw can be used by anyone in doing crafting or other projects more efficiently than other tools.
Best Scroll Saw For Beginners Comparison Table
| Product Name | Table Size | Strokes Per Minute (SPM) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 3921 Two-Direction Scroll Saw | 16” X 11” | 400-1600 SPM | Details |
| DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Scroll Saw | 16” X 23-3/4” | 400-1750 SPM | Details |
| Dremel MS20-01 Portable Scroll Saw Kit | Portable | 1500-2500 SPM | Details |
| Delta Power Tools 40-694 20 In. Scroll Saw | 16” X 24” | 400-1750 SPM | Details |
| Shop Fox W1713 Adjustable Speed Scroll Saw | 16” X 9” | 550-1700 SPM | Details |
| ShopSeries RK7315 16" Scroll Saw | 16” | 500-1700 SPM | Details |
| EXCALIBUR 16" Woodworking Scroll Saw | 12” X 18-1/2” | 400-1400 SPM | Details |
Why we need a scroll saw
If you need a saw for making highly precise or well-defined cuts, you should go for a scroll saw. The super delicate and complex cuts and joints are mandatory for various artwork, marquetry, diy and 3-D fractals. It gives you move control and better performance than a regular jigsaw.
It is also more long-lasting and faster than a jigsaw. A scroll saw is almost as same as a band saw but having reciprocating blades instead of a continuous loop of metallic teeth. Even a regular scroll saw can give a better cut than the narrowest band saw blade.
Its ultra-fine blade and variable speed control facility also increase the accuracy and shape of the material. Most of the scroll saws have a flexible arm to grab and dust blower facility for cleaning the dirt. Overall, It is quieter, more comfortable, and more suitable for everyday use than other saws.
7 Best Beginner Scroll Saw – Reviews in 2021
You may be still confused about which scroll saw you need to buy. But there is nothing to worry about; we will help you out in this regard. So, we are enlisting the reviews of seven best scroll saw for beginners for your further consideration:
WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
The WEN 3921 is the best rated scroll saw according to the users. Let’s see its basic features:
Reciprocating blade
It is a 16-inch saw having a unique design of two direction blades. This facility enables infinite ripping capability in both standard and 90-degree direction. The fast reciprocating blade can cut up to 2-inch thick wood in its standard position using a throat depth of 16-inch.
User control
It provides more control to the user for ensuring their comfortability and ease of working. You can change the speed from 400 strokes per minute to 1600 strokes per minute based on the toughness of your project.
You have to turn a knob for the speed control mechanism. This variable speed machine supports and handles both pinned and unpinned blades. You can change the blade whenever you need to. As it features a screw blade adapter, you can change them without using any tools.
Included elements
It contains a flexible work led light that can be moved and adjusted to light up work pieces. It also includes a cast iron base, a dust port, a foot lock clamp, three blades, and onboard storage.
The air pump is also adjustable for cleaning the dust from your workplace while giving you a clear vision. The 1-1/2-inch dust port also helps to clear the work area, as you focus on cutting.
Working table
It has a spacious working table which is 16-by-11-inch in size. The beveling table can form a slope up to 45 degrees for making precise angled cuts.
Warranty
You will receive a warranty for two years when you buy it. With its incredible power, fantastic performance and cheap cost, it is undoubtedly the best scroll saw for the money.
Pros
- Accepts blades in two directions, standard and 90 degrees
- 16” X 11” Large table with 45 degree bevel capacity
- Infinite ripping capability
- Onboard blade and holder storage
- Foot lock clamp
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Some customers have found vibration issue
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Scroll Saw, Variable-Speed
With its 56 lbs weight, the DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw can provide the performance and accuracy you are expecting. It is approved by CSA, listed by U.L. and also meets OSHA standards. Here are its main characteristics:
Motor
It operates by a 1.3 Amp motor which provides sufficient power to work continuously. This high-performance motor enables cutting capability up to two inches thick wood. It is a 20-inch scroll saw implementing variable speed control technology.
You can change speed ranging from 400 strokes per minute to 1,750 strokes per minute for a smooth workflow.
Arm design
Its unique arm design with double parallel-link helps to decrease the level of noise as well as vibration during cutting. You can lift the arm easily for threading the blade through woods or other material to create a deep cut.
Adjustable blade
The blades are removable and adjustable. The users can change the blades using the blade clamps and don’t need any other tools at all.
Featured machine parts
It features a flexible dirt blower for keeping the workplace clean and clear of unwanted dust and debris. It situates on the upper arm. You can move and adjust the cleaning fan at any position you want to.
It also features an exclusive on-off switch for easy starting and stopping the motor. Its blade-tensioning lever, as well as the on-off switch, situates on the front side of the upper arm.
Cast-iron table
It has an oversized and cast-iron table that delivers incredible material support as well as 45 degrees beveling capability to both right and left side. The size of the table is 16 x 23-3/4 inches.
Pros
- Double parallel link arm for reducing vibration and noise
- All controllers located on the front upper arm
- Double bevel adjustment
- Easy to lift arm design for more accurate cuts
- Variable speed control
Cons
- Expensive
Dremel MS20-01 Compact Portable Scroll Saw Kit
If you are seeking for the best scroll saw under 200, give this one a try. We guarantee you will not be disappointed. It has the following advantages:
MS52 blade
The MS50 side cutter blade is best to make both straight and angles cuts in large timber with a precise and well-defined finish.
The MS51 blade is perfect for cutting in a straight and curved line in wood, foam, plastic and other soft elements. The MS52 blade is usually used for woods where MS53 is a metal cutting blade.
Speed control technology
It is designed to cut various materials such as plastic, wood, metal, etc. You can control the speed by selecting a different speed level for cutting various materials.
Other features
It has a dust port adapter that gives a clear line-of-sight and cleans the debris as well. It features an automatic blade tensioning facility for enhancing the equipment safety and functionality.
The quick-change mechanism allows easy changing of blades and accessories of this product. It has a fast clamp base that can be attached to numerous surfaces and tables
Coping function
Another amazing characteristic of this tool is its detachable coping function. It means the saw serves the purposes of a regular scroll saw, but you can convert it to a portable coping saw removing it from the base.
It doesn’t include the locking levers showed on the packaging, so you have to buy it separately if you want it. But the machine works well without it.
Performance
It offers a quick and compact solution for creating delicate curves efficiently. In short, it is highly effective, delivers excellent performance and easy to store with other advantages.
It is undoubtedly one of the best scroll saw for marquetry art.
Pros
- Detachable handling function for portable use
- Fast-easy-clamp base attaches to tables, benches or any surfaces
- Cuts wood, plastic, laminates and metal
- Auto tensioning quick change
Cons
- Not ideal for cutting material of more than 3/4-inch thickness
Delta Power Tools 40-694 20 In. Scroll Saw
This 20 Inch scroll saw is available without stand and led light. It weighs 60 pounds only. This product is manufactured from the Delta Power Equipment Corporation, which has been satisfying the need of its customers with incredible performance and high reliability. Let’s discuss its characteristics:
Powerful motor
It achieves the operating power from a 1.3 Amp motor. It allows the user to change the speed from 400-1,750 Stroke per minute for cutting a wide variety of materials.
The cutting capacity is more than 2-inch at 90-degree and more than 1.5-inch at 45-degree. It can be your best scroll saw for metal works
Blade changing facility
It provides two straight blades. You need to find a safe blade storage area for storing the sharp blades. It includes a storage unit where you can store these blades safely. It includes a tool-free blade clamp allowing fast blade changes within a few seconds.
Adjustable arm
It is equipped with a double parallel link arm construction, which significantly reduces vibration and noise while enhancing quality and accuracy. The user can lift the upper arm and lock it in the desired position when he/she is adjusting the blade position or changing the blade.
Tilt table
It includes a tilt table which height is adjustable for creating the perfect design. You can bevel it from 0 to 45 degrees in both the right and left. The table size is 16-inch x 24-inch large enough to do big projects.
Dust blower
It also features a dust blower for blowing out dirt and debris to maintain a neat and clean work area. It comes out with a light, which is adjustable for maximizing the clarity of cutting.
Pros
- Dual parallel link arm design to reduce vibration
- Ideal for heady duty work
- Rapid blade tensioning
- Enormous cutting capacity
- Electronic variable speed
Cons
- Noisy
- Expensive
Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Adjustable Speed Scroll Saw
The Shop Fox W1713 is one of the best scroll saws for the money. It is operated by a 60Hz motor with 1/8HP, 110-Volt, and 1.2-Amps. It is CSA certified and meets UL 987-6th standards. Some of its important characteristics are described below:
Blade
It allows a maximum 16-Inch cutting width with its pin or regular blades. You can change the blade speed from 550 to 1700 SPM based on the intensity of your project.
You can change or adjust the blades depending on the material you are going to cut. The sharp blades have the highest cutting capability of 2 inch thick items.
Working table
You will get a large tilt table for precise angle-cutting. You can create an angled cut of 0 to 45 degrees due to the tilt table feature. The buyers can position the table using the tilt scale and the knob of the table. It weighs only 31 lbs, so relatively lighter than most other scroll saws.
Dust blower and port
It comes out with a dust blower, work light, and dust port. The dust blower features two-way dust control for cleaning the work table. The dust port is 1-1/4 inch in size. As it features a hold-down shoe, it prevents the blade from rising with its force.
Warranty
It has a cast-iron structure which makes the product robust and long-lasting. As a result, it will give you trouble-free services for a long time. Even if you face any problems, you don’t need to spend a penny on it. Because you will get a warranty of two years while purchasing this.
If you are looking for a cheap, but good-quality saw, you should consider this one.
Pros
- Table tilt scale
- Adjustable hold-down shoe for preventing the work piece from rising up
- Extra cutting capacity
- Less vibration and noise
Cons
- Poor blade changing mechanism
ShopSeries RK7315 16″ Scroll Saw
The ShopSeries RK7315 is one of the best budget scroll saws one can ever have. For your further consideration, we are presenting the following advantages of the product:
Variable speed control
It is a 16-inch scroll saw featuring variable speed control technology. It comes out two tungsten carbide blades which are five-inch long. The blade’s speed can be varied from 500 to 1700 strokes per minute.
Performance
It consists of a 1.2-amp motor which has enough power for numerous woodworking tasks. With 16-inch throat depth, this saw can cut through a 2.5-inch thick wood piece. It ensures 1-3/16-inch and 2-inch cutting capacity at 45-degree and 90-degree, respectively.
The on-board storage design protects the blades from being damaged and lost. Its 4/5 inch stroke ensures accurate and clean cuts.
User comfortability
This one weighs only 27.1 pounds, so easy to handle, use and store. It is powerful enough for doing a variety of straight and curved designs. It is suitable for both pinned and pinless blades.
Other advantages
It has a die-cast aluminum table which can be leveled from 0 to 45 degrees based on the angle you need for fine cuts. It features a built-in blower to clean the sight-blocking dust when you are working. It also includes a blade holder, blade guard, two blades, and Allen key.
Its blade guard is an innovative tool for storing the dangerous blade safely.
Warranty
Shop Series has brought superior technology for designing tools with maximum precision, reliability, and innovative characteristics. It has a limited warranty of two years, so you can claim new parts in the place of defected parts without paying for the new one.
Pros
- Ideal for intricate cuts, curves, and joints
- Includes 2 durable 5” tungsten blades
- Large die-cast aluminum table
- On-board storage
Cons
- Not ideal for cutting hard wood
EXCALIBUR 16″ Tilting Head Woodworking Scroll Saw
This is a 16-inch scroll saw having uncommon head tilting facilities. It is ETL certified. Check the main properties if you want to purchase this one:
Tilting system
This facility enables 45-degree right and 30-degree left head leaning for delivering better accuracy and control. A 12 x 18.5-inch table is used for a deep and accurate cut.
Blade
Its 9/16-inch stroke allows using both pinless and pinned blades. It allows a maximum 2-inch cutting depth. The customers can change the blades with blade clamps and their fingers quickly without other tools.
Speed control
The variable speed grants natural speed controlling from 400 to 1400 strokes per minute. You can change the speed by the speed knob situating on the front part of the saw.
Protection
It is equipped with the assembly of the top and bottom blade guard for preventing injuries, unexpected accidents or body contact with the sharp blade, etc. The blades fit securely in the blade holder. Besides, it also implements a switch protection mechanism for avoiding unintentional start-up.
Construction and warranty
The Excalibur EX-16 is equipment with good quality and compact design. The cast iron construction reduces the generated vibration and noise level for convenience and precision. Such a structure is sturdy and robust. Last but not least, It comes out with a two years limited warranty.
Other features
Its tension-release switch locates on the front side of the saw. It provides excellent tension controlling with constant torque with the help of its permanent magnet motor. Its onboard dust blower is designed to remove all unwanted debris for giving a better vision.
Pros
- Unique 30° left or 45° right tilting head
- Upper and lower blade guard assembly
- Finger-operated blade clamps
Cons
- Vibration
- Pricy
Bonus Review
Scroll Saw Workbook, 3rd Edition
This workbook is a masterpiece to the scroll saw owner. Learn to master your scroll saw in 25 skill-building chapters. Get the ultimate beginner’s guide with projects to improve your scrolling skills to perfection.
- 25 exercises to build your expertise in operating a scroll saw.
- Step-by-step cutting guidelines and patterns.
- Essential information on blades, accessories, equipment, materials and procedures of use.
- Learn scrolling techniques like stack cutting, relief, inlay, compound, segmentation, and many more.
Buying guide on Best Scroll Saw For Beginners
Selecting the right scroll saw among thousand of options can be a very challenging task. You have to be sure of what kind of scroll saws you need and what kind of features they have. The significant attributes you should check for a good scroll saw are given below:
Speed
The primary factor of choosing a tool is, how fast it can operate. The tough, thick, and large materials always require a high-speed blade for creating curves.
Light
You should be able to grab, hold, and use it without any problems.
Blower
Dust blower helps to blow away the dirt and keep the work surface clean.
Blade type and size
There are a variety of blade types and blade sizes. The blades can be pinned or unpinned. Pinned blades are used for less complex cuts, where the unpinned blades give the fine detailed cuts. You have to select the specific one which is most suitable to perform your tasks.
Worktable
The efficiency of a scroll saw also depends on its platform or work table. If you have to do large artwork, you have to buy such a tool which is large enough to accommodate the big projects.
Budget option
Fix a budget and try to purchase the best one which can satisfy your requirements as well as doesn’t cross this budget.
Conclusion
Scroll saw has been used along with jigsaws, band saws, and even chainsaws in recent times. In this article, we have represented the main features of seven scroll saws, which are undoubtedly the best professional scroll saws you can ever find.
We wish our selected scroll saw reviews and guidelines will help you to choose the right one ensuring your highest satisfaction.
Jake Leach, a gardening power tools researcher, resides in the USA together with his loved ones. In childhood, he saw his dad perform gardening staff all day long. After Jake was 25, he wished to help his dad by discovering what tools could make gardening simpler. From then, he is currently performing his research and discovering what tools may be the very best for any job that is gardening. He is now 30 and expert enough to look for the best gardening tools available on the market.