We evaluated scroll saws based on accuracy, ease of use, power, versatility, and extra features. Our top pick is the DEWALT DW788, which is a versatile scroll saw well-suited to the needs of beginners or more experienced woodworkers alike. Here are our favorite scroll saws in several categories. The DEWALT DW788 is the whole package when it comes to scroll saws—this model is relatively quiet, easy to operate, and versatile enough to meet the needs of beginner and more discerning woodworkers alike. One of the top overall scroll saws, the DEWALT DW788 has a throat depth of 20 inches that allows cuts up to 2 inches deep. It accepts only pinless (straight) blades, which may be a bit of a learning curve, but allows for easy, tool-free blade changes with less frustration. The power switch, speed control, and tension lever are all conveniently located on the front of the upper arm and within easy reach as you work. The oversized cast iron table provides ample workspace for your projects, and the machine has a double parallel-link arm that helps reduce vibrations. While the DEWALT DW788 isn’t the most robust scroll saw on the market, it’s an excellent option for woodworkers of any skill level and provides a wide array of options at a mid-range price point. Its simple operation and straight-forward design ensure that you’ll spend less time fiddling with the machine’s operation and more time creating the unique shapes and intricate cuts that a scroll saw is known for. Price at time of publish: $536 For less than $200, this budget scroll saw still offers plenty of useful features and versatility. A cast aluminum tilting table can be set between 0 and -45 degrees, which is useful for beveled projects like inlays and bowls. The machine also accepts either pinned or pinless blades, depending on your preference. A cast iron base supports the saw and minimizes machine movement, although you’ll still have to deal with some vibration. While this budget scroll saw may not be able to handle intense scrolling projects, it’s a fine choice for basic woodworking crafts. Since it’s lightweight, it’s easy to move on and off the workbench. This is a great entry-level scroll saw if you’re looking for an affordable way to complete basic scrolling projects or want a scroll saw with a tilting table that won’t throw your budget off balance. Price at time of publish: $254 This Dremel has variable speed settings that let you easily control the saw’s cutting motion, and it offers surprisingly quiet operation—which many people appreciate when using it for home crafts. The Dremel Moto-Saw only uses pinned blades, which are easier and quicker to change than pinless blades. However, they limit the types of cuts you can do and are better for simpler projects. One other thing to know about this entry-level scroll saw is that it lacks a miter gauge or rip fence, but these can be purchased as add-ons through the manufacturer if desired. A bonus of the Dremel Moto-Saw is that can be used in handheld mode, making it a go-anywhere coping saw.  Price at time of publish: $112 Model 40-694 from Delta is a scroll saw with a 20-inch throat, which allows for cutting wider pieces of wood than a 16-inch or 18-inch throat. The table tilts between 0 and 45 degrees to allow for beveling. Plus, for added convenience, the upper arm can be lifted and locked into position when making blade changes or adjusting blade angle. You’ll appreciate speeds up to 1,750 strokes-per-minute to cut through even tough woods like walnut, and the dust hose efficiently keeps up with sawdust as you work, keeping pattern lines or the work surface free of dust and debris. Out of the box, this scroll saw from Delta Power Tools will only accept pinless blades. If you want to use pinned blades, you’ll need to shop for an adapter. Price at time of publish: $529 Of course, the Excalibur has other great features as well, including variable speeds from 400 to 1,400 spm, The saw has a 16-inch throat and can cut to a maximum thickness of 2 inches. Changing the pinless blades is a snap, as is adjusting the blade’s mounting position. The 1.3-amp motor keeps the saw humming at a steady, smooth pace, allowing you the freedom to focus on your craft, not your tool. Price at time of publish: $570 This scroll saw accepts both pinned and pinless blades, allowing you the choice of blade type. Additionally, you can position the blades in a standard or 90-degree position, giving you more flexibility when following scrolling patterns. One thing to know is that pinless blade changes aren’t as easy on this scroll saw as some other models—the threading attachment is hard to reach and you’ll need an Allen wrench to complete the job. Overall, the Wen 3921 has an impressive feel for its affordable price tag, and it has the power and versatility needed to make basic cuts and shapes easily. It might not be the most high-powered or intricate scroll saw on the market, but the WEN 3921 wins for its versatile blade placement, variable speed settings, and suitability as a basic pattern scroll saw. Price at time of publish: $121 The 16-inch throat is accompanied by a maximum 2-1/4-inch cutting depth, a cast-aluminum table that can tilt from -5 to 45 degrees, and a dust port that can attach to your shop vac. The saw accepts pinned or pinless blades, and has an X/Y axis miter gauge for accurate angled cuts. It even includes a flexible rotary tool attachment for extra versatility. All in all, this is a handy tool for any crafter, woodworker, or DIYer’s workshop. Price at time of publish: $210 But what you’ll like most about the Bucktool scroll saw if you’re a toymaker is its smooth, quiet, and very-low-vibration performance, which makes it ideal for small, detailed projects that require concentration. This scroll saw has a 16-inch throat and can cut to a maximum thickness of 2 inches. Its variable speed control ranges from 550 to 1,600 spm. The tool has a work light and onboard blower to keep debris away from your cut line. You can use either pinned or pinless blades, and no tools are required to change them. Price at time of publish: $200 There are scroll saws with throats as small as 12 inches and as large as 30 inches, but the majority are 16 to 20 inches. For most DIY and hobby projects, a throat of 16 or 18 inches is sufficient, but if you routinely work with very wide pieces of wood, you’ll want to go larger.

Blade Type

There are two basic types of scroll saw blades: pinned and pinless, also called plain. Some scroll saws only accept one or the other, while other saws accept both types. Pinned blades are held in place by small pins at the end of the blade. The advantage of this type of blade is that it’s easy to switch out if you want to insert a different blade. The downsides are that there are fewer varieties of pinned blades and they tend to be thicker than pinless blades, so not as well suited to making very delicate cuts. Pinless blades are held in place by small clamps. Some scroll saws require the use of a small tool to switch out these blades, making them a little less convenient than their pinned counterparts. However, there are many more types and sizes of pinless blades to choose from and they are better suited to making delicate or complex cuts.

Speed

The speed of a scroll saw’s blade is measured in strokes per minutes. Some scroll saws, particularly lower-end or older models, have just one set speed, but it’s much better to have at least two speed settings, and best of all to have variable speeds so you can tailor the tool to your needs; generally, you’ll use a slower speed on softer woods and a higher speed for harder wood. A fairly common range for a variable-speed scroll saw is 400 spm to 1,800 spm.

Table Tilt

Many scroll saws have tilting tables, which makes it much easier to cut wood or other materials at an angle, such as cutting bevels. The most common option is a 45-degree tilt to the left, but some saws tilt in both directions, which is very convenient if you do a lot of angled cuts.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of scroll saws, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback. Further input came from Johnny Pastos, founder of Pastos Co, a sustainable furniture company. But you aren’t limited to cutting wood with your scroll saw; this versatile tool also cuts through thin metal, plastic, plexiglass, and foam. The trick to cutting acrylic successfully, however, is to prevent the buildup of heat. Because the saw blades generate a lot of friction, it’s very common for the acrylic to melt slightly and then reseal just a few seconds later, leaving you with uneven cut lines or even shattered acrylic. To avoid this, direct a fan towards your workbench while you cut, do not remove any protective backing paper from the acrylic until after it’s cut, set your saw to the lowest speed that still cuts effectively, and lubricate the saw blade before starting to make the cut. The first step you should take is to check that your saw blades are properly installed. Then make sure your scroll saw is firmly screwed down to your workbench; an unsecured scroll saw is prone to more vibration than normal, and might even move itself along your workbench, potentially leading to disaster.  If both of those steps check out, the next step is to check your tool’s counterweight. This will be near the base of the tool, and might be on the front or on the back, depending on the brand. If your saw doesn’t have a counterweight, you can add weight yourself with a small sandbag, dumbbell plate, or other heavy item that can be balanced at the base of the saw without interfering in any way with the blade action.  Another trick for dampening excessive vibration is placing a rubber mat, about the thickness of a mouse pad, underneath your scroll saw. You can even glue rubber “shock absorbers” under the legs of your workbench, which helps reduce vibration from all of your power tools.  If none of the above tips help, it is possible that your technique is causing the excessive vibrations. Running the saw too slowly, holding the material you are cutting too firmly on the saw, or pushing the material rather than letting the saw do the work for you all can add to the tool’s normal vibration level.