Ultimate Guide to the Best Scroll Saw Brands

Project Requirements

To determine the best scroll saw brand for you, you need to know your project requirements.

Required features and functionalities

Depending on your needs, you may not need a saw with all the bells and whistles. Popular saws include several key features that most craftsmen appreciate.

• Speed settings – most saws offer the ability to change speed settings. Speed ranges and setting locations are important because they impact the type of material you can cut and how easy it is to make changes mid-cut.

• Throat length – the throat length determines the depth of the cut that you’ll be able to make with the saw.

• Blades – Check to see how many different blades the saw will accommodate. Also look to see how complex it may be to change saw blades.

• Blade tensioning – A seasoned woodworker will know the correct tension needed for a project. A rookie will benefit from an in-blade tensioning mechanism.

Versatility needs

Do you work on the same types of projects or will they vary over time? If you’re working with the same wood and building similar projects or structures, you may not need a saw with lots of versatility.

User skill level

Are you an expert craftsman or a weekend hobbyist? For those new to woodworking, investing in an expensive saw that you may not use frequently may be a waste of money. Choose a scroll saw that would teach you to make different cuts and patterns.

Budget

Scroll saws range in price from $80 to over $1500 based on their features and size. Choose a saw that gives you the best bang for your buck based on the types of projects you’ll be working on most frequently.

Top Scroll Saw Brands

Once you’ve identified your overall needs and budget, it’s time to choose a scroll saw brand from the over 30 saws and over 15 manufacturers available. We’ve compiled our top five scroll saw brands to help you make a buying decision that’s best for you.

Delta

Delta has 90 years of experience manufacturing woodworking tools. They make some of the most reliable and long-lasting scroll saws available. Delta backs their saws with five-year limited warranties.

The 40-694 model has a 20-inch throat depth provides a 2-1/8 cutting depth, deeper than the 1-3/4 cut depth of less expensive saws. The table is also larger than average at 16″ x 24, ” and it tilts, allowing you to work easily with bigger pieces.

The Delta scroll saw comes extra features including a blade storage compartment on the top of the machine and a built-in dust blower.

The speeds on this saw adjust between 400-1750 SPM, allowing you a comfortable cutting speed regardless of the material you’re cutting.

The 40-694 is a heavier saw, weighing it at 70lbs. This weight makes the saw stationary and stable at all times.

Whether you’re a novice or a pro, the Delta scroll saw is a great option for your workspace.

DeWalt

The best scroll saw brand on the market today is DeWalt. Their DW788 1.3amp 20-inch saw is the scroll saw available and one of the best-selling.

The DW788 saw caters to both the professional and the hobbyist. The double parallel arms reduce both the vibration and the noise. With lower vibration at full speed, it makes smoother, easier cuts.

DeWalt invested in high-quality, strong bearings on this model. It makes for a heavier saw but offers better performance and increased durability.

The DeWalt features a tool-less blade clamp which makes it easy to change blades.

This saw also comes with a large, cast-iron table that bevels 45 degrees.

Whether you’re just starting out, or a seasoned scroll saw veteran, DeWalt is a top choice for scroll saws.

Dremmel

Dremmel scroll saws offer a feature most other scroll saw brands do not: it uses two saws in one. The MS20-01 works as both a coping saw and a scroll saw. At a size less than 20 inches, it can be used as a portable saw.

The MS20-01 saw also features an adjustable parallel guide. The guide can be rotated around to any angle which gives you better flexibility and accuracy on your cuts.

The Dremmel is meant to be portable. At less than 20 pounds, it’s one of the lightest scroll saws available.

It does have a clamp base so it can be attached to tables, benches or other surfaces.

Blade changes are simple, and the auto-tensioner prevent the blade from accidentally falling off.

Shop Fox

Shop Fox is one of the best scroll saw brands for beginners. Despite the low price, the saw has been crafted to high standards using cast iron.

A key feature of the Shop Fox scroll saw is its variable speed control. The variable speeds allow the saw to cut through a range of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood.

Unlike other entry-level scroll saws, the Shop Fox is compatible with both pinned and plain blades.

The Shop Fox W1713 comes with both a built-in gooseneck lamp and a sawdust blower.

Overall, the Shop Fox is a clean, quiet, aesthetically pleasing option best suited for beginners.

WEN

WEN manufactures the best budget scroll saw on the market today. Their 3920, 16-inch model saw offers solid performance at a low price.

The saw comes with several key features, including a dust port, air pump, LED light, three blades and blade storage.

Variable speed controls located on the front of the saw allow for safe and easy speed changes. Speed changes can be done quickly without having to reach over the saw or interfere with sight-lines while you cut.

The throat depth of 16 inches will still allow for cutting thicker pieces of wood. The table bevel can also be turned up by 45 degrees.

The 3920 model can also accommodate both pinned and pinless blades.

Overall Recommendation

There’s a scroll saw brand and model available for every skill level and project-type. Keep checking back with us to stay up to date on the latest scroll saw reviews and other tips and tricks!