Scroll saws are an essential tool for any woodworker looking to perform intricate cuts with precision and ease. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, the right scroll saw can elevate your projects to a new level. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, using, and maximizing the potential of scroll saws.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the critical features to look for in a scroll saw, such as throat size, blade types, and variable speed controls.
- Learn about the top models on the market and what makes them stand out.
- Discover tips and techniques for using a scroll saw effectively to enhance your woodworking projects.
Understanding Scroll Saws
A scroll saw is a small electric or pedal-operated saw used to cut intricate curves in wood, metal, or other materials. The fineness of its blade allows it to cut more delicately than a power jigsaw, and more easily than a hand coping saw. Its name derives from its traditional use in making scrollwork, sculptural ornaments which prominently feature scroll-head designs.
When selecting a scroll saw, the primary considerations should include the throat size, which determines how large of a piece can be cut; the type of blade, which affects the kinds of materials it can cut and the intricacy of the details; and the flexibility of speed settings, which can influence the quality of the cut and the ability to cut various materials.
Top Scroll Saw Models on the Market
In the realm of scroll saws, several models consistently rank high among both users and experts. The DeWalt DW788 is renowned for its user-friendly design and reliability. It features a 20-inch throat that allows for cutting larger pieces and a tool-free blade clamp for easy blade changes. Another notable model is the WEN 3921, which offers great value with its unique two-direction cutting capability and variable speed control.
Each of these models has specific strengths that cater to different user needs, such as the Excalibur EX-21 which boasts an innovative tilting head design that makes it easier to make precise cuts without having to adjust the workpiece.
Features to Consider When Buying a Scroll Saw
When shopping for a scroll saw, several features should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. The throat size is crucial as it determines the maximum width of the wood piece that can comfortably fit for cutting. Variable speed control is another significant feature, allowing the user to adjust the speed of the blade depending on the material and the intricacy of the cut required.
Additionally, consider the type of blade the saw accommodates. Some scroll saws use pinned blades, which are easier to change but offer less precision. Others use pinless blades, which are better for intricate cuts but might require tools for changes.
Setting Up Your Scroll Saw
Setting up your scroll saw correctly is vital for achieving optimal results. Ensure that the saw is placed on a stable, level surface to prevent vibration, which can affect the accuracy of your cuts. Additionally, adjust the tension of the blade as recommended by the manufacturer to avoid breaking blades or poor cut quality.
Proper lighting is also crucial. Ideally, position a bright, focused light source so that it illuminates the line of the cut without casting shadows from your hands or the saw components.
Best Practices for Using a Scroll Saw
To get the best results from your scroll saw, it’s important to follow some best practices. First, always use the right type of blade for the material and complexity of the project. Thin, fine-toothed blades are ideal for intricate cuts, while thicker blades can handle heavier materials.
Second, maintain a steady feed rate. Pushing the wood too fast against the blade can result in rough cuts and might break the blade. Let the saw do the work at a pace it can handle comfortably.
Advanced Techniques for Master Scroll Saw Users
For those looking to expand their scroll saw skills, mastering advanced techniques can open up new project possibilities. Techniques like stack cutting, where multiple pieces of wood are cut at the same time, can increase productivity and consistency. Marquetry, the art of creating pictures or patterns from thin veneers of different woods, is another area where advanced scroll saw skills can shine.
Maintenance Tips for Scroll Saws
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your scroll saw in top working condition. This includes cleaning the sawdust from the machine after each use, lubricating the moving parts according to the manufacturer's instructions, and regularly checking the condition of the blade. Replacing blades as soon as they show signs of wear or damage is crucial for maintaining the quality of cuts.
Safety Considerations
Safety should always be a priority when operating any power tool, including scroll saws. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Additionally, use ear protection if you are working for extended periods or with particularly loud materials. Keep fingers at least an inch away from the blade at all times, and always turn off the machine before making adjustments or changing the blade.
Creative Projects to Try with Your Scroll Saw
Scroll saws are incredibly versatile tools that can be used for a variety of creative projects. From intricate jigsaw puzzles and detailed inlays to decorative wooden ornaments and even three-dimensional sculptures, the possibilities are nearly endless. Each project can help you hone your skills and push the boundaries of what you can create with a scroll saw.
5 of the Top Scroll Saws Available on Amazon
We hope you find your next awesome thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — AnnesAnalytics may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding your next awesome thing.
Why We Love This
Are you in search of a band saw that combines compact design with powerful performance? Look no further than the WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw. This robust tool is perfect for tackling large boards, offering precise cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide.
Key Features of the WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw:
- Powerful Motor: Equipped with a 2.8-amp motor, this band saw delivers high-speed performance, rotating the included 1/4-inch blade at an impressive rate of up to 2500 feet per minute.
- Versatile Blade Options: The saw accommodates 59-1/2-inch blades ranging from 1/8 to 3/8 inches in width, allowing for both intricate and powerful cuts.
- Adjustable Work Table: The spacious 12-1/4 x 11-7/8-inch work table not only provides ample space for large projects but also bevels up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.
- Enhanced Cutting Precision: This model includes a miter gauge and a fence, ensuring straight, accurate cuts every time.
- Dust Management System: An onboard 2-1/2-inch dust port keeps your workspace clean and free from dust and debris.
- Durable Construction: The adjustable blade guard with ball-bearing supports offers smooth operation and extends the life of the blade, ensuring years of reliable service.
Additional Benefits:
- Two-Year Warranty: Your purchase is protected by a two-year warranty, providing peace of mind with every use.
- Comprehensive Customer Support: Enjoy access to a friendly customer phone line and a stocked inventory of replacement parts, courtesy of WEN.
Whether you're a professional woodworker or a hobbyist, the WEN 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw is an essential tool for your workshop. Experience the perfect blend of size, power, and precision with WEN, and remember why WEN is a trusted name in tools.
Encouraging Review
"I continue to be impressed with Wen tools. The saw is well made and cuts smoothly. The fence is even pretty decent." Amazon Review by Jeffrey Jones
WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Work Light
Features a Thumb Screw Blade Adapter for Tool-Free Blade Changes
Why We Love This
Unlock the potential of intricate and artistic woodworking with the WEN 16-Inch Variable Speed Two-Direction Scroll Saw. This versatile tool is designed to handle the most delicate projects with ease, allowing cuts in two distinct directions for enhanced flexibility and creativity.
Key Features:
- Variable Speed Control: Easily adjust the cutting speed from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute to match the specific needs of your material and project.
- Robust Construction: The durable cast iron base significantly reduces vibration and prevents the tool from walking during operation, ensuring stability and precision.
- Adjustable Table: The spacious 16-by-10-inch table can bevel up to 45 degrees, facilitating angled cuts and expanding your creative possibilities.
- Clear Line of Vision: An adjustable air pump efficiently clears sawdust from the cutting area, providing an unobstructed view of your workpiece for precise cuts.
- Dust Management: Equipped with a 1-1/2-inch dust port to maintain a clean workspace and enhance safety.
- Enhanced Blade Flexibility: The innovative blade holder accepts both pinned and pinless blades and allows for easy direction changes to suit various project requirements.
- Additional Features: Includes a hold-down foot clamp for securing materials, a flexible work light for optimal visibility, and onboard storage for blades and holders to keep essentials organized.
Why Choose the WEN Scroll Saw?
- Versatility: Whether cutting through hardwoods up to two inches thick or making complex artful cuts, this scroll saw meets diverse woodworking needs.
- Reliability: Backed by a two-year warranty, a nationwide network of skilled service technicians, and a dedicated customer help line, ensuring peace of mind and support when needed.
Elevate your woodworking projects with the WEN 16-Inch Variable Speed Two-Direction Scroll Saw. Experience precision, stability, and versatility in one powerful tool. Remember WEN for top-tier tools that enhance your crafting capabilities.
Encouraging Review
"Again, Wen comes through with a solid machine at an excellent price. This is a really nice saw. Its made well, isn't all plastic, has a good heft to it, cuts square out of the box and is rich with all the features I could imagine needing." Amazon Review by Old Fuzzynuts
Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit
Easy Accessory Change and Optimal Blade Tensioning
Why We Love This
Optimize your DIY projects with the Dremel Moto-Saw, a testament to nearly a century of innovation and engineering excellence. As the original creators of the high-speed rotary tool, Dremel continues to lead the industry, setting new standards in functionality, versatility, and ease of use. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced craftsman, the Dremel system equips you to handle any project, no matter the size.
The Dremel Moto-Saw stands out as a dual-function tool, combining the capabilities of a scroll saw and a coping saw into one compact, easy-to-use device. Ideal for making precise cuts in a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, laminates, and metal, this tool is perfect for detailed work. Its portability and easy storage, along with a tool-free mechanism for quick blade changes, enhance its convenience. The auto-tensioning feature ensures the blade remains taut and ready for action, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Experience cutting versatility with the Moto-Saw's dual-mode functionality. Use it as a stationary scroll saw or detach it from its base for portable coping saw capabilities. Its slim, ergonomic handle is designed for comfort and control in any cutting position. Backed by a two-year limited warranty, the Dremel Moto-Saw is your go-to solution for precision cutting tasks.
Encouraging Review
"This tool is great. Everyone was complaining about the noise, yes it is noisy. To overcome this problem I clamped two hard rubber sheets about a 1/4" to each side of the clamps. It didn't stop all the noise but it helped it." Amazon Review by Jerry
DEWALT Scroll Saw, 1.3 Amp
20 in Steel Blade, With Variable-Speed Trigger, For Precise Cuts
Why We Love This
Our scroll saw stands out in the market with its innovative double parallel link arm design, which significantly minimizes vibration and noise, enabling you to make extremely accurate cuts with ease. This feature is perfect for professionals and hobbyists who value precision and smooth operation in their projects.
Key Features:
- Tool-Free Blade Clamps & Easy Controls: Enjoy the convenience of exclusive tool-free blade clamps. Essential controls such as the on-off switch, electronic variable speed, and flexible dust blower are strategically positioned on the front upper arm for easy access.
- Efficient Arm Design for Versatile Cuts: The arm of our scroll saw pivots from the back to the front and lifts effortlessly. This allows the blade to be easily threaded through the material, making inside cuts simpler than ever. The unique arm structure ensures the blade remains perpendicular to the workpiece, enhancing the accuracy of each cut.
- Robust and Supportive Table: The oversized, cast-iron table provides outstanding material support. It also features the ability to bevel 45 degrees to both the left and right, offering versatility in your cutting angles.
Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a passionate crafter, our scroll saw is designed to provide you with unmatched precision and reliability. Upgrade your workshop with our top-of-the-line scroll saw and experience cutting like never before!
Encouraging Review
"A really nice machine, very little vibration and quiet. Smooth. I do a lot of inlay work and wish there was an easier way to reinsert the saw blade and tension again. I do like the way the arm lifts up during the process. Fun to run." Amazon Review by Schlappy
SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Foot Pedal & LED Work Light for Woodworking
On-Tool Blade Storage
Why We Love This
Enhance your woodworking projects with the SKIL 1.2 Amp 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw, a must-have tool for any enthusiast looking to create detailed cuts and intricate patterns. Perfectly suited for a benchtop workshop, this scroll saw offers exceptional flexibility and precision.
Key Features:
- Variable Speed Control: Adjust the blade speed with electronic controls to cut through various materials effortlessly.
- Hands-Free Operation: Utilize the foot pedal to maintain full control over your work, keeping both hands on the workpiece for optimal safety and accuracy.
- Enhanced Visibility: An integrated LED work light illuminates your project from multiple angles, ensuring you can see your cuts clearly.
- Clean Workspace: The built-in dust removal system effectively clears debris from your line of sight, enabling precise and clean cuts.
- Adjustable Worktable: The saw’s 16- x 10-inch worktable can tilt from 0 to 45 degrees, allowing for precise angled cuts.
- Efficient Blade Changes: Enjoy quick and easy blade changes with the keyless blade change feature, and keep extra blades handy with on-tool blade storage.
Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a hobbyist, the SKIL 1.2 Amp 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw is designed to elevate your crafting capabilities. Its robust features ensure that you can tackle any project with confidence and precision. Make your next project a masterpiece with this versatile and powerful tool.
Encouraging Review
"So far it’s done everything I’ve asked of it, except sweep the shop floor 😆." Amazon Review by Scots Irish
Summary
Choosing and using the right scroll saw can significantly impact the quality and enjoyment of your woodworking projects. By understanding the essential features, setting up your workspace properly, and following best practices, you can maximize the potential of your scroll saw and enjoy a wide range of creative endeavors.
FAQ
Q: What is the best scroll saw for beginners? A: The WEN 3921 is often recommended for beginners due to its ease of use, affordability, and features that are friendly for those new to scroll sawing.
Q: How often should I change the blade on my scroll saw? A: The frequency of blade changes depends on how often you use your saw and what materials you cut. Generally, you should change the blade when you notice a decrease in performance or visible signs of wear.
Q: Can scroll saws cut materials other than wood? A: Yes, scroll saws can cut a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and Plexiglas, provided you use the appropriate blade for each material.