Best Scroll Saw For The Money – Complete Buying Guide
If you’re a wood crafter or just a hobbyist looking to make intricate cuts in wood, plastic, or other materials, you need the best scroll saw on the market. As you can expect, the market is full of choices, and choosing the right tool for your needs is often daunting.
Here's a list of Top 5 Best Scroll Saw
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To help you out, we selected and rated some of the most popular choices. Check out our top picks below, but before, here are a few things to consider before buying.
How to Choose a Scroll Saw
Picking the right scroll saw for the job may not be easy, but checking the features below could make it less daunting to decide which is the right tool for you.
Speed
Scroll saws can have one or two fixed speeds or fully adjustable speeds that range from approximately 400 to 1,800 strokes per minute. You may believe that fully adjustable speeds make the machine more versatile, but the truth is that there are higher chances to benefit from a single or dual (low and high) speed scroll saw.
Blade Type
These machines can come with two types of blades:
Table Tilt
A tilting table is undoubtedly more versatile than a fixed one. It allows you to perform accurate bevel cuts so that you can make sure the work pieces match perfectly between them. However, not all tilting tables were created equal, and there are huge differences between low-end and high-end models
Most entry-level and a few mid-range machines come equipped with tables that can bevel in just one direction, to the left or to the right, depending on the model.
Commercial scroll saws can usually tilt in both directions.
Most scroll saws can tilt to an angle of 45°, although there are exceptions. If you want a more versatile machine though, know that it may come at a heftier price.
With this in mind, let’s check out the best scroll saws on the market in 2019.
Top 5 Best Scroll Saw
1. DEWALT DW788
Highlights
Performance
The DEWALT DW788 is a highly performing machine designed to operate quietly and smoothly. It delivers outstanding accuracy thanks to the perpendicular arm developed to reduce over and undercutting. We also like the double parallel-link arm that reduces noise and vibration, helping provide even more accurate cuts.
Material Support
This scroll saw is designed with the pros in mind and comes with an oversized table that ensures outstanding material support. An exclusive tool-free blade clamp also allows you to switch the blade in a breeze, so you can tackle all projects. Another nice thing is the exclusive arm lift that allows threading the blade through the material for inside cuts, so you can achieve the most intricate designs.
Overall Assessment
This scroll saw is designed with the pros in mind and comes with an oversized table that ensures outstanding material support. An exclusive tool-free blade clamp also allows you to switch the blade in a breeze, so you can tackle all projects. Another nice thing is the exclusive arm lift that allows threading the blade through the material for inside cuts, so you can achieve the most intricate designs.
DeWalt DW788 Video Review
Highlights
Detachable Coping Function
The Dremel MS20-01 is one of the most versatile scroll saws on the market. Not only it comes with a table, but you can even detach it. A convenient handle lets you use this tool like a handheld, so you can easily achieve the most intricate cuts and patterns. Compatible with a wide range of blades, this scroll saw is also ideal to use on a variety of materials.
Auto - Tensioning Quick Charge
Changing the blades on this tool is a breeze thanks to the convenient auto-tensioning quick change mechanism. This function tilts the unit’s head for a no-frills and no-tool blade change. Once you have the right blade in place, you can even use the fast-clamp base to secure the scroll saw to your work surface.
Overall Assessment
Cheap but extremely versatile, the Dremel MS20-01 impresses amateurs and professionals alike. It has a quick-change blade system and can be used as a handheld saw for quick and easy cuts into a variety of materials. Use it for your woodworking, plastic, metal, and even Plexiglas cutting, either fixed to the bench or in your hand.
Dremel MS20-01 Video Review
3. WEN 3921
Highlights
Unique Design
The WEN 3921 impresses all users with a unique design feature. It accepts the blades in two directions, either standard or 90 degrees, allowing for infinite rip cutting capacity. Alongside this versatile design, the performance of this tool is enhanced by the variable speed control that lets you select the desired strokes per minute between 400 and 1,600.
Dust Management
Besides the outstanding design, this scroll saw also impresses with its dust management features. The brand knew exactly how to incorporate an air pump and dust port to help you keep your work surface clean at all times. Furthermore, we also love the foot lock clamp and onboard storage capabilities.
Overall Assessment
The easiest way to define WEN 3921 is as simply outstanding. This tool comes with a bunch of interesting features including a spacious table and 45-degree bevel capacity. It can perform accurate angle cuts on each workpiece, so you can brag with your creative project. Quick blade changes, onboard storage, and three included blades boost versatility and bring even more value for money.
WEN 3920 Video Review
4. Rockwell BladeRunner X2
Highlights
Portability
If you’re looking for a portable scroll saw you can take with you anywhere, check out the Rockwell BladeRunner X2. This lightweight and compact machine is powerful and versatile, ready to cut wood, metal, tile, plastic, and aluminum in seconds. It comes with a convenient built-in tabletop carry handle and weighs less than 15 pounds, so you can take it anywhere.
Performance
Despite its compactness, this scroll saw is a beast ready to slice whatever you’re throwing at it. It’s compatible with a wide range of blades and comes with a hold-down guard and splitter for wider materials. We also like the instant tool-free blade change and the included vacuum port.
Overall Assessment
Convenient to use wherever you want to slice a material, this scroll saw is ideal for constructors. You can take it around the job site and use it to cut tile or PVC pipes. It can even handle aluminum and steel, while the 3,000 strokes per minute at no speed ensure utmost performance. An incorporated vacuum port, miter gauge, and 5-piece starter blade set are just a few other things that add value for money.
Rockwell Bladerunner Video Review
5. Shop Fox W1713
Highlights
Power
The last on our list of the best scroll saws, the Shop Fox W1713 is built for performance and comes equipped with a 1/8-horsepower, 1.2-amp motor. At this power, it’s capable of slicing through most materials, and it even accepts both plain or pin blades. Variable speed also ensures performance, and this machine works at 500-1,700 strokes per minute.
Easy Power Adjustments
Built with the professionals in mind, this scroll saw comes with a bunch of interesting accessories. The one we like best is the gooseneck work light that will keep your workpiece illuminated. Furthermore, the unit also comes with a convenient dust blower and dust port, both designed for fast and efficient dust and debris management
Overall Assessment
Reliable and extremely powerful, this scroll saw is another excellent machine to consider for most of your crafting projects. Its greatest strength is the possibility to accept both plain and pin blades. Changing between them is fast and easy, and you’ll even get sufficient speed for whatever project you’re tackling. Whether it’s wood crafting or something else, this machine can undoubtedly satisfy you.
Shop Fox W1713 Video Review
Conclusion
A scroll saw is an essential tool in many creative projects, and it can even help contractors and professionals on job sites. Whatever the use for it, finding the best is not always easy. Nevertheless, we hope you now know which are some of the most promising models.