Best Scroll Saws In 2022
Scroll saws have the ability to turn a plain piece of material into a work of art. They are the go-to machine for making the likes of puzzle pieces, marquetry, intarsia, and lettering. Many invest in this power tool to perfect a hobby while others use its abilities to generate an income, either way, this appliance is always handy to have. In fact, a scroll saw is an ideal gifting idea come Father’s Day (hint hint). What one should remember, however, is that making the perfect cut with a saw like this is not always easy and a lot of practise and patience is required. But once you’ve mastered the art, you’ll be hooked. While making a smooth cut might be tricky, shopping for the best scroll saw shouldn’t be as hard. So, instead of heading out into traffic to scour hardware store shelves with endless options, why not casually browse through our list of well-reviewed, reliable, and durable models below. We like to make life easy!
The Best Scroll Saw
1DEWALT 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
Feisty in performance as it is in colour, the striking yellow design of the DEWALT 20-Inch Variable-Speed scroll saw has been engineered to help users create accurate and detailed workpieces with ease. With a double parallel-link arm, a large cast-iron table for material support, and fine-tuned electronic variable-speed control, you’ll be able to cut with the utmost precision. Pumped and ready to work with a variety of speciality materials, the DEWALT model is a perfect choice for both home and light commercial use.
Offering an excellent balance between price, performance, and versatility, this power tool is a popular choice among many professional craftsmen. It also supersedes many other similar models by providing a 20-inch throat of depth, instead of the more common 16 – 18 inches. Another stand-out feature is the tool-free blade clamps that make the blade-changing process quick and easy – giving you more time to focus on the work at hand. Last, but certainly not least, this design gets our nod of approval for its cast-iron stability and user-friendly functionality. Make sure you also check our guide to the best miter saws.
Arm lifts so blade the can be easily threaded through materials
Blade-tensioning lever
20-inch throat of depth
Can be used on most materials
Reduced vibrations for a more precise cut
Flexible dust-blower included
- BrandDEWALT
- ModelDW788
- Weight56 Pounds
The 1.3-Amp motor moves swiftly through materials
Adjusting the speed and tension is very easy
Dust blower helps keep the work area free from debris
Extremely efficient and stable
Blades can be changed in a matter of seconds
A tad overpriced
Becomes slightly noisy at high speeds
A few reviewers have complained about blade alignment when cutting straight
2Dremel MS20-01 Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Probably the best investment for those who are new to scroll saws or power tools in general, the Moto-Saw is extremely well-priced and sits as the most affordable option on our list. Of course, this means that it forfeits some of the premium features of the more professional models but it still manages to get the job done with precision and ease. Capable of cutting smoothly through wood, laminates, PVC, and metals, the variable-speed control ensures optimal cutting each time.
The Dremel MS20-01 has been designed to securely clamp onto a variety of different surfaces to offer a sturdy workspace. If you need more flexibility, however, you also have the option to remove it from its base so that it can perform like a portable motorized coping saw (its light weight makes it easy to hold and manoeuvre). Easy to store, set-up, and operate, the Moto-Saw is perfect for amateur scrollers or for those who won’t need to make use of its functionality too often. We do not recommend this model for commercial use, although it might be just what you need to get your small business up and running before moving onto a more durable option. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best bow saws.
Kit includes 10 cutting blades
Throat depth of 10-1/2 inches
Automatically tensions blades
Fast-clamp base
Dust port adapters keep the workspace clean
Detachable coping function for handheld use
- BrandDremel
- ModelMS2001
- Weight5.29 Pounds
Conveniently compact and portable
Comes equipped with all the blades needed to cut through different materials
Easily clamps to tables, counters, and workbenches
Excellent variable speed control
Under-performs when cutting through very thick materials
The plastic construction makes it feel flimsy and less durable
Gives off a lot of vibrations
3PORTER-CABLE 18
Manufacturing quality tools since 1906, PORTER-CABLE has always managed to deliver superior quality equipment that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The brand’s 18-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw fits the bill for being another one of their power tools that performs effectively and very often, even surpasses expectations. Complete with a sturdy steel stand, a large cutting table, and cam-locking blade tension for faster blade changes, we are certain that this unit would be welcomed in any workshop.
As industrious as this scroll saw looks, however, the motor lacks power in comparison with similar models and might not be the best choice if you plan on using it for commercial purposes. On the other hand, it’s perfectly capable of cutting accurately through a variety of materials and we were very impressed with its ease of use. The stable die-cast aluminium table, for instance, has been designed to tilt at a variety of angles to accommodate intricate cuts while drastically reducing vibrations. For the amateur woodworker or professional hobbyist, this saw is a great choice. You may also like to check our guide to the best tile saws.
Patented table top bevel scale
Built-in adjustable LED work lamp
Tool-less blade holder for quick blade changes
Upfront controls for variable speed
Sawdust blower
1.6 Amp ball bearing induction motor
- BrandPORTER-CABLE
- ModelPCB375SS
- Weight52.4 Pounds
The slack control is brilliant and you can easily replace blades
There is very little vibration and this makes precision-cutting easy
Comes with a 3-year warranty
The light is a great added feature but it could’ve been brighter
This is perhaps not the most durable option available
4Excalibur EX-21K 21
With a powerful name like Excalibur, one should expect no less than an outstanding performance from this product. Sitting on our list as the most premium model that, of course, also comes with a premium price tag, this tilting head scroll is the unit that all passionate scroll-masters have their eye on. With an electronic speed controller, the EX-21K scroll saw has the ability to produce 400 to 1550 strokes per minute, allowing it to perform safe and accurate cuts in wood, plastic or metal.
Featuring an original design, unlike other similar models where the table tilts, the whole head of the Excalibur scroll saw tilts 45-degrees to the right or 38-degrees left. This gives you more flexibility while the table provides a secure and stable platform. As an extremely user-friendly device that’s durable in structure as well as performance, we recommend this unit to scroll-saw connoisseurs or the industrious types who need cutting functionality that never disappoints. Our handy guide to the best band saws features more great products like this.
Large table surface
Foot switch and steel stand included
Built-in work light for improved visibility
Sawdust blower included
Variable speed control
Tool-free blade change
- BrandGeneral International
- ModelEX-21K
- Weight111 Pounds
The head tilts 45 degrees rather than the table
The foot pedal switch and adjusting stand are a great added bonus
Suitable enough for light commercial use
Extremely durable
The price is a little extreme
Much noisier than other similar models