The Best Scroll Saws for 2021
/
Best Scroll Saw
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are affiliate links in this post. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a commission if you purchase through my link. I will only ever promote the products and services that I trust and 100% recommend. You may read my full disclosure policy for more information. Thank you for supporting my business in this way.
These versatile saws offer a wide variety of options when cutting wood, plastics, or laminates and allow for extremely fine, precise control. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best scroll saws currently available.
UPDATED: September 16, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the DEWALT DW788 because it features a durable cast-iron table, built-in flexible dust blower, and quick change tool-free blade clamp.
What is a scroll saw?
A standard scroll saw produces a cutting action that operates by using a motor that is typically mounted at the rear of the machine with two arms extending to the front which holds the blade.
The specific design depends on the manufacturer but the two basic types are the "C-arm" and the more common "parallel arm" to move and support the blade. The C-arm uses a solid "C" shape with a single pivot point. As the name implies, in the parallel version the arms stay equidistant from each other.
One important difference to point out is that in the event of a blade breakage, the parallel version’s upper arm will move and the machine will stop - a nice safety feature - while in the C-arm version, it will keep running until it is turned off.
RELATED:
The Best Band Saws
The Best Reciprocating Saws
Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a model of scroll saw:
Blade Types
There are two common types of scroll saw blades: pin end and pinless (plain end). Some saws will work with both others will only use one or the other.
As the name implies, pin end blades have a small pin at both ends. The pins attach to the blade clamps to hold it firmly in place. The disadvantage of pin end blades is they not going to be as fine as pinless so they can't do as precise of cuts or pass through tiny holes. There are also fewer options available for pinned blades.
Pinless or plain end blades are simply held in place at either end by friction from clamps. These can be a bit more challenging when changing blades and is generally not as fast to change as a pinned option.
Check out this video that shows the differences between the two blade types:
Some scroll saws work with jigsaw blades, so if you already have one it cuts down on the number of different blades in the workshop. However, since jigsaw blades are generally much wider than scroll saw blades it will not allow for as intricate of cuts.
Blade Clamp
The blade clamp is what locks the blade in place when in operation. Look out for saws with keyless/tool-less clamps. As the name implies, it does not require a wrench or tool to change blades. This makes it faster and easier to swap out saw blades while working.
Variable Speed
Depending on the model, most saws have a variable speed that is controlled through a dial on the side of the unit. This allows for greater flexibility when working on a range of applications.
Strokes per Minute (SPM)
As the name implies, it is the number of times the blade moves in one minute. Generally speaking, the higher the number the faster the cuts. The standard maximum speed is around 1,600 SPM.
Throat Depth
The throat depth is the distance from the blade to the inside of the supporting arm. This is an important dimension to note because it will determine the maximum width of material that can be cut in a single pass. It will often be included in the title of the saw, for example, the DEWALT DW788 20" Variable-Speed Scroll Saw, indicates a 20-inch throat depth.
A larger throat depth will allow for a greater range of cutting projects but will also make the overall dimensions of the tool larger, which takes up more shop space.
Integrated Dust Blower
The more advanced models include an integrated dust blower that removes dust as it accumulates making it easier to see the workpiece and cut line.
Dust Collection
On models equipped with a dust collection feature, they include a tube that can be to be connected directly to a shop vac to remove dust as it is produced.
Bevel Cuts
Most scroll saws feature a bevel function that uses an adjustable table. This allows cutting angles typically up to 45 degrees in both directions.
Lights
Some models include an onboard light that can help to provide illumination of the cutting area in low-light work areas.
Self-Supporting Base
Most saws are designed to be placed on a table or workbench. However, some models will include a self-supporting base. This offers the advantage of not taking up valuable work surface area and can be placed almost anywhere. However, it does make it less portable and harder to transport.
So here is my list of The Best Scroll Saws for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw
The DEWALT DW788 20" saw features a variable speed control from 400 up to 1,750 SPM for a range of different projects and applications.
Equipped with a dust blower to remove debris from the work area and make it easier to see the cut line.
Features a double parallel-link arm design to reduce vibration and noise.
Equipped with a cast-iron table that bevels 45 degrees left and right for angled cuts.
Features a tool-free blade clamp that allows for quick and easy blade changes.
Works with pinless (plain-end) blades for a greater range of options.
Runner-up: WEN 3921 Scroll Saw
The WEN 3921 saw features a 9/16-inch stroke that cuts through wood up to two inches thick.
Equipped with a cast iron base prevents vibration and walking during operation.
Features an adjustable speed from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute with the simple turn of a knob.
Features a 16 by 11-inch table that bevels up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.
Includes an adjustable air pump that clears sawdust from the cutting area.
Features a flexible work light to illuminate the work area.
Equipped with a blade holder that accepts both pinned and pinless blades.
Includes a hold-down foot clamp for securing material.
Best Portability: Dremel MS20-01 Scroll Saw
The Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw features a portable design that makes it easy to set up and transport.
Offers a unique design that offers the ability to be removed from that base to be used as a coping saw.
Features an auto-tension system that keeps the blade taut while cutting.
Equipped with variable speed control for cutting a range of different materials.
Features a tool-free blade clamp that allows for quick and easy blade changes.
Includes a clamp that secures the saw to a table or bench for a secure hold.
Works with pinned blades.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the blades.
Best Value: Shop Fox W1872 Scroll Saw
The Shop Fox W1872 Scroll Saw features a variable-speed dial that adjusts the speed from 550 up to 1650 strokes per minute.
Offers the ability to cut at angles from -5 to 45-degrees with the table tilt mechanism.
Features a table lock knob and tilt scale are used to tilt the table for horizontal angle cuts.
Equipped with a dust port to connect a shop vacuum to keep the work area clear.
Accepts standard plain or pin-end saw blades and is designed to make blade changes easy with the included adapters.
Equipped with an adjustable hold-down shoe to prevent the workpiece from rising up with the force of the moving blade.
Equipped with an air nozzle blows air at the cutting location to keep wood debris away from the line of the cut.
Best Pedal Control: BUCKTOOL 16” Variable Speed Scroll Saw
The BUCKTOOL 16” scroll saw is powered by a variable-speed motor with a 550 to 1,600 SPM blade speed.
Includes a pedal switch for hands-free operation.
Equipped with a 9” x 16” cast iron table.
Features a 0 to 45-degree table tilt to the left for making angled cuts.
Works with a blade size of five inches, either pinned or pinless.
Features a cutting depth of two inches and a throat depth of 16 inches.
Includes a front-mounted LED light for increased visibility while working.
Features a side panel with quick open door for quick blade changes.
Best for Professionals: General International Excalibur EX-21K Scroll Saw
The Excalibur EX-21K is equipped with a unique tilt system that moves the entire head (instead of the table) 45 degrees to the left or the right for angled cuts.
Features a large 21-inch throat depth for a range of project applications.
Features a variable speed motor that operates from 400 up to 1,550 SPM.
Includes an adjustable height base for stable cuts while keeping the workbench clear.
Equipped with a dust blower to remove debris from the work area and make it easier to see the cut line.
Includes a convenient foot switch for hands-free control.
Works with pinless blades.
Best High Speed Option: Delta Power Tools 40-694 Scroll Saw
The Delta Power Tools 40-694 features a variable speed from 400 up to 1,750 SPM for a range of cutting applications.
Equipped with a 20-inch throat for cutting wide workpieces.
Features a dual parallel-link arm that is designed to reduce vibration and noise.
Equipped with a single lever blade tensioning system that allows for quickly adjusting the blade without tools.
Features a tool-free blade clamp that allows for quick and easy blade changes.
Equipped with a cast-iron table that bevels up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.
Best Budget Option: Rockwell ShopSeries RK7315 Scroll Saw
The ShopSeries RK7315 saw features variable speed control from 500 to 1,700 SPM.
Offers a 3/4-inch blade stroke length.
Equipped with an aluminum table that bevels up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.
Features a throat depth of 16 inches
Offers a cutting capacity of up to two inches at 90 degrees and 1-3/16" at 45 degrees.
Equipped with a built-in blower to keep dust clear from the cutting area.
Includes a dust collection port to remove dust and debris.
Equipped with a blade guard for safety in the event of a blade break or flying debris.
Best Base: PORTER-CABLE 18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw
The PORTER-CABLE PCB375SS features a variable speed control that ranges between 500 and 1,500 SPM.
Equipped with an aluminum dual tilting table that moves up to 45 degrees left and 15 degrees right for angled cuts.
Includes a tool-free blade clamp that allows for quick and easy blade changes.
Features a large cast iron base that is designed to reduce vibration.
Offers a maximum cutting height of up to 2-1/4 inches.
Features an 18" throat depth for a range of cutting applications.
Includes blade storage and a sturdy steel stand.
Works with pinned or pinless blades.
Best for Rip Cuts: Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Scroll Saw
The Rockwell RK7323 BladeRunner X2 uses standard T-shank jigsaw blades so it cuts down on the number of different blades in the workshop.
Equipped with a hold-down guard and splitter combined with the jigsaw blade makes it ideal for rip cuts.
Features a tool-free blade clamp that allows for quick and easy blade changes.
Offers a lightweight, compact design with a built-in carry handle for easy transport.
Equipped with a built-in vacuum port that to reduce dust and debris.
Includes a blade-holding compartment for easy access and storage.
I hope this list of the best scroll saws was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
