In a rush? That’s okay, You don’t have to slow down. Here is a brief overview of our top 3 recommendations for the best scroll saw for beginners reviewed in our article below:
Best overall
DEWALT DW788
- This device flaunts a double parallel link arm design and tool-free blade clamp allowing for easy blade switches.
- It also has a liftable arm and a large cast iron table that dampens the vibrational effect of its fast-moving blade.
Runner up
WEN 3921
- This scroll saw can go as fast as 1600 strokes per minute and cuts up to 2 inches deep.
- It also contains a very steady cast-iron work table that’s great for beginners.
- The saw has a 16-inch throat depth.
Best Budget
WEN 3922
- This is one of the most affordable scroll saws on the market, so it’s great for beginners on a budget.
- It offers a speed range between 550 and 1600 strokes per minute.
- The saw also comes with a 45-degree bevel option.
Did you know that the development of the scroll saw actually dates back to Germany in the 1500s? Yes, this saw is that old. Despite being around for nearly 5 centuries, scroll saws are still some of the handiest devices you will find. They are amongst the most lightweight members of the heavy-duty saw family and can cut through pieces of wood up to 40 inches long or more.
If you’re looking for the best scroll saw for beginners, you’re in the right place! Not only have I handpicked the best beginner scroll saws currently available in the market, but I have also included a detailed review for each of them, following by an in-depth buyer’s guide so that you know what to look for when buying a scroll saw.
Read on to learn more about these powerful devices, and feel free to choose whichever one fits your requirements best!
7 Best Scroll Saw for Beginners Reviews
Below is a collection of 7 top scroll saws from well-reputed scroll saw manufacturers. You’ll find many different types of scroll saws in this list, including the tabletop scroll saw and mini scroll saw, amongst other popular options.
1. WEN 3966T
Why you’ll choose it
Double Parallel Link Arm Design:
The DEWALT DW788 has a double parallel link arm design that helps reduce noise and vibration, in turn allowing for remarkably precise cuts.
Tool-Free Blade Clamp:
With the tool-free blade clamp, you can easily switch between blades within seconds.
Liftable Arm:
Easily thread blade through the material by lifting the saw’s arm.
Variable Speed Settings:
Like any good scroll saw, the DEWALT scroll saw DW788 lets you choose from a range of speeds, each one suited to a different type of cut.
Large cast iron table:
Cast iron scroll saw tables, such as those found in DEWALT DW788 scroll saws, are known to easily absorb surface vibrations, allowing for accurate cuts.
What It’s good for
Thanks to its double parallel link arm design, the DEWALT DW788 1.3 amp 20-inch variable-speed scroll saw is excellent at achieving professional cuts with commendable accuracy and precision.
This best scroll saw for beginners is also easy to use for beginners, thanks to its liftable arm and tool-free blade clamp, allowing the user to change the blade with ease and speed.
Who should buy it
I’d recommend this benchtop scroll saw to beginners who want to achieve professional cuts without needing years of practice. This is also an excellent device to consider if you want a low-maintenance scroll saw, and is hence easily one of the best scroll saw for beginners. Do remember that the scroll saw stand must be purchased separately.
Features
- Eye-catching yellow color
- Easy to use thanks to double parallel link arm design
- Contains flexible dust blower
- 2-inch cut depth
- 45-degree bevel
- Dimensions: 29.5 x 19.5 x 12.1 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
- Metric measurement system
- Corded-electric saw
Drawback
- Some users found apparent vibrations when cutting larger, thicker pieces of wood, but not when cutting wood less than 1.5 inches thick
- Heavy as compared to most scroll saws
2. WEN 3921
Why you’ll choose it
Impressive Speed Range:
This variable speed scroll saw can support blade speeds ranging between 400 to 1600 strokes or revolutions per minute.
Significant Cut Depth:
The WEN 3921 scroll saw allows you to cut through wood that’s up to 2 inches thick, which is an excellent range for any scroll saw to have.
Large Table:
This machine contains a spacious 16 x 11-inch table, allowing you to cut large pieces of wood without any trouble
16 Inch Throat Depth:
Easily place and slice through large materials sizes within this machine thanks to its impressive throat depth.
What It’s good for
This device can easily cut through large pieces of wood (and other relevant materials) thanks to its 16-inch throat depth and 2-inch cut depth.
It can also perform extremely fast cuts (up to 1600 strokes per minute!), which allows for remarkable accuracy when slicing through wood.
It can be used both as hobby scroll saws and for heavy duty tasks.
Who should buy it
Anyone looking for a fast, precise, and inexpensive scroll saw can count upon the WEN 3921 to deliver.
This device is ideal for beginners, too, because it supports both spiral and pinned blades. Feel free to employ whichever blade you’re more comfortable with and used to saw with.
Features
- 45-degree bevel DIY scroll saw
- Dimensions: 26.38 x 13 x 14.75 inches
- Thumbscrew blade adapter
- Cast iron base
- Air pump
- Flex light
- Dust port
- Foot lock clamp
- Device comes equipped with 3 blades
Drawback
- Air pump offers average performance
- Better suited to pinned blades than spiral blades
3. WEN 3922
Why you’ll choose it?
Excellent Value for Money:
If you’re looking for a budget scroll saw, do consider this product. Not only is the WEN 3922 remarkably affordable, but it also offers a great range of features for such a low price.
Side Panel Feature:
This saw’s unique folding side panel allows for easy blade changes in between sawing sessions.
45 Degree Bevel:
The 45-degree bevel option allows users to try out a variety of different cut styles with the same device.
Wide Variety of Speed Options:
This device can cut as slow as 550 strokes per minute and go as fast as 1600 strokes per minute.
What it’s good for
This device is good for cutting through materials that are 2 inches deep or less.
It is also an excellent option for users who want to create diverse patterns and cuts with just one device, thanks to its 45-degree bevel feature.
It is also lightweight, allowing for excellent portability.
Who should buy it
Like most of the devices in this list, the WEN 3922 is ideal for both beginners and professionals. This best scroll saw for beginners is also an excellent option for those who are on a tight budget but still want a top-tier device that offers them all the best options.
Furthermore, this scrollsaw is remarkably easy to use. It doesn’t require any hefty maintenance, making it a smart choice for people who want an accessible, convenient device.
Features
- 2-inch cut depth
- 45-degree bevel
- Speed: 550 to 1600 strokes per minute
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Contains thumb screw blade adapter
- Air pump and dust port to address dust and debris buildup
- Cast iron base
- Accepts both pinned and pin-less blades
Drawback
Cannot exceed 1600 strokes per minute range, hence may have trouble cutting through extra-dense wood
4. Dremel MS20-01
Why you’ll choose it
Fast Clamp Base:
This device can easily be clamped onto any surface that serves as a convenient workplace for you.
Expert Cleanliness:
The Dremel MS20-01 moto-saw kit has a dust port adapter that helps maintain a clean workspace at all times.
Automatic Blade Tensioning Mechanism:
This saw’s auto-tensioning system allows you to reach optimal blade tensioning with negligible effort.
Lightweight and Enabled for Handheld Use:
If you can’t find a suitable platform to clamp the saw on, feel free to use this as an effective handheld device. This scroll saw weighs just 9 pounds, so you won’t have any trouble holding it up as you saw through wood.
What it’s good for
The Dremel MS20-01 moto-saw variable speed compact scroll saw kit is good if you’re looking for a lightweight, portable device. You can easily carry it around from one section of your workshop to another or even take it with you if you plan on working off-site. When it comes to scroll saw vs jigsaw, most people prefer jigsaws as they’re handheld but this product solves that problem.
Who Should Buy It
I’d recommend this product to those who want a 2-in-1 handheld and clamping scroll saw. You should also consider this product if you’re keen on neatness and would like to keep your worktable clear at all times. This device makes tidying up notably easier than most, thanks to its expert dust port adapter.
Features
- Extremely lightweight; weighs 9.07 pounds
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 14.5 x 4.75 inches
- Neutral grey color
- Corded electric power source
- Can cut through all sorts of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, PVC, plexiglass, and laminates.
Drawback
Small 9-inch throat limits your ability to saw through larger pieces of wood
5. Delta 40-694
Why you’ll choose it
Variable Speed Settings:
The Delta scroll saw 40 694 allows you to choose any speed rating between 400 and 1750 revolutions per minute.
Liftable Upper Arm (Easy Blade Change):
You can easily lift this device’s upper arm and lock it in a position that’s comfortable for you. Once locked, you can easily change the blade without any hassle.
Left and Right Bevel:
The Delta 40-694 bevels between zero and 45 degrees either way (left and right), allowing you to achieve a wide variety of detailed cuts.
Dual Parallel Link Arm:
The dual parallel link arm feature significantly reduces vibrations caused by high blade speed, ultimately improving blade accuracy and cutting quality.
What it’s good for
The Delta power tools 40-694 20 in. variable speed scroll saw is excellent at achieving accurate, thorough cuts thanks to its dual parallel link arm that helps reduce that blade’s vibrational effect.
Who should buy it
The Delta 40-694 scroll saw model is for everyone, regardless of whether they’re a beginner or an expert. In fact, this scroll saw’s blade accuracy is brilliant enough to make even an amateur hand’s work look like a set of professional cuts.
Features
- Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 13 inches
- On-tool blade storage area
- Includes 2 straight blades
- Electronic variable speed dial for easy blade speed alternation
- Contains flexible dust blower
Drawback
Heavy; weighs 60 pounds
6. Shop Fox W1713
Why you’ll choose it
Gooseneck Scroll Saw Light:
This professional scroll saw comes equipped with a reliable gooseneck-shaped work light to illuminate your workspace, allowing you to work in dim external lighting conditions.
Dual Pin Mode:
You can use both plain (unpinned) and pinned blades with the Shop Fox W1713 16-inch variable speed scroll saw.
Contains Dust Port:
This machine is equipped with a dust port to help keep your worktable clean at all times. The attached shop vacuum takes care of any wood debris you may have.
Brilliant Portability:
The Shop Fox W1713 scroll saw weighs 37.8 pounds, allowing you to move it around your workshop with relative ease.
What it’s good for
This device contains a cast iron work table, which helps dampen the vibrational effect caused by high-speed blade movements, meaning that this product can achieve accurate and high-quality cuts.
Who should buy it
I’d recommend this product to those looking for an easily portable device. Changing the blades on this saw is also super easy, so if you’re looking for something that supports both pinned and unpinned blades, consider this scrow saw.
Features
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 26.4 x 15.9 inches
- Corded electric power supply
- Cast iron scroll saw bench table
- Voltage of 110 volts
Drawback
- Some users felt this product doesn’t work as well on plexiglass and metal as it does on wood
- Some users had difficulty mounting this saw
7. TACKLIFE TLSS01A
Why you’ll choose it
Excellent Speed Variation:
This device allows you to work between a speed range of 500 and 1700 strokes per minute.
Supports Bevel Cutting:
The TACKLIFE TLSS01A lets you employ bevel cutting between zero and 45 degrees.
Tool-Free Blade Changes:
This product allows for convenient blade changes that take under a minute to complete – no tools required!
Foot Switch Feature:
The TACKLIFE scroll saw lets you control blade speed using the handy footswitch, allowing for accurate blade speed and measured cuts.
What it’s Good for
This device is good for cutting through a range of materials at high speeds. This includes wood, metal, and plexiglass. The two pinless blades also avoid any damage to the blades, so you can cut with no worry.
Who should buy it
This model is suitable for those who want a high-speed grinder; this product’s grinder speed ranged from 2400 to 4500 revolutions per minute and the footswitch makes it easy to control speed.
Features
- Dimensions: 25.2 x 13.4 x 13 inches
- 1.2 amp pure copper motor
- Maximum power of 120 watts
- Cord length of 2 meters
- Blade length of 127 millimeters
- Tool-free blade changes
- 45-degree bevel cutting
- Blade speed between 500 and 1700 strokes per minute
Drawback
Average worktable size of 16.3 x 10 inches, which is a bit small
A Complete Buyer’s Guide To Scroll Saws
To make things easier for you, I have drawn up a scroll saw guide for you that’s complete with buying tips and general information about the best scroll saw for beginners.
A lot of people tend to pit scroll saws with another saw: band saw vs scroll saw. However, the two have entirely different uses. While the best scroll saw for beginners will make fine, detailed cuts, band saws make large, aggressive cuts.
Regardless of whether you’re a regular buyer or a first-timer, I’d advise going over the scroll saw buying guide below to help you better understand what you should be looking for in a scroll saw:
i. Cast Iron Table:
When buying a scroll saw, be on the lookout for devices that contain a cast-iron surface table. Cast iron is known for its ability to absorb vibrations (dampening) caused by the fast-moving blade, ultimately allowing you to achieve a cleaner, precise cut.
Scroll saws, especially handheld ones, are known to vibrate more than their larger saw counterparts (hybrid table saws, I’m looking at you!) because of how fast their blade spins. Most scroll saws will offer you a value or range falling between 500 to near 2000 blade revolutions or strokes per minute.
Because of this, it is essential that you purchase a scrool saw containing a cast iron table. This will aid in minimizing the negative effect of these vibrations upon the final cut piece.
ii. Variable Speed Control:
When it comes to scroll saws, different speeds will be able to introduce an all-new type of cut, which is why it’s better to buy a device that contains a variable speed control option.
I’d recommend aiming for a device that has a minimum scroll saw speed of between 400 to 600 revolutions per minute and speeds up to between 1500 and 1800 revolutions per minute.
This will allow you a healthy range to operate within. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start experimenting with friendly slower blade speeds and build your way up to faster ones. Starting slow will allow you to focus on understanding the rest of the scroll saw’s interface, including brushing up on things like wood movement and manipulating the power switch, dust plug, and air pump (if your device contains the latter two).
Once you’ve become familiar with the saw’s general dynamic, go ahead and employ a faster blade speed to enjoy smoother and rapid cuts.
iii. Power Switch Location:
As noted above, the best scroll saw for beginners contains blades that have the potential to move extremely fast. Unfortunately, this means that they pose a safety hazard if you’re not careful.
In case of skin-to-blade contact, you should be able to immediately switch the device off. Hence, it’s better if you own a scroll saw that contains its on/off power switch in an easy and accessible location.
I’d recommend opting for a device that has its power switch seated right in front of you, perhaps on top of its handle or near the blade area.
iv. Throat Size:
Throat size refers to the distance between the back end blades and the saw’s end, or “throat.” A larger throat size means you’ll be able to cut through longer pieces of wood.
Remember, when you double the throat size, you get the length of material your saw can cut through. So, for example, if your device is labeled as a “20 inch scroll saw,” it can fit a piece of material that’s 40 inches long.
Another popular example includes 16 inch scroll saws. These can cut through material that’s 32 inches long but no longer.
If you can see yourself working with longer lengths of material, opt for a heavy duty scroll saw with a large throat size. Choosing a small scroll saw will mean that you’ll have trouble sawing through your materials.
v. Blade Type:
Some scrollsaws will allow you to only use one specific type of blade. Others will be able to accommodate different blade types.
Before buying a scroll saw, be sure to check which blade type(s) it supports.
Here is a quick breakdown of the 2 most popular scroll saw blade types in the market:
- Pinned:
Pinned blades are fine for thick, wide cuts but fair poorly at making highly refined cuts. This is because pinned blades themselves are quite thick and can only provide a limited amount of detail when it comes to cutting.
- Unpinned:
In direct contrast to pinned blades, unpinned (pinless) blades are ideal for making precise cuts and adding detail to materials like wood and plastic. They also come in many different sizes and edge-styles for you to experiment with.
It’s always better to have a scroll saw that supports both blade types. Luckily, most top rated scroll saw options allow users to switch between different blade types, but be sure to double-check, just to be on the safe side!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scroll saw for beginners?
If you’re an absolute beginner, the best scroll saw for beginners is the DEWALT scroll saw (DW788). This saw boasts a double parallel link arm design which allows for expert precision always. These liftable arms can easily be raised to reveal a tool-free blade clamp, which allows for convenient blade switching.
Anyone can navigate this device with minimum expertise and practice. It doesn’t take too long to get used to and comes with a range of fantastic features that make it extremely accessible and easy to use while simultaneously yielding the best results.
Are scroll saws easy to use?
Scroll saws are compact and lightweight, which makes them somewhat easier to manipulate than heavier saw options. They also employ razor-sharp blades that spin at high speeds, which means that you won’t have any trouble cutting through wood.
So yes, when used correctly, scroll saws can be extremely easy to cut with.
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What is the best scroll saw for the money?
If you’re looking for an affordable yet brilliant tool, I’d suggest you consider the WEN 3922. Not only does this device contain some excellent features, like a unique side panel and commendable speed range, but it offers all of these at an economical scroll saw price point.
How do I choose a scroll saw?
Before looking at where to buy a scroll saw, be sure to look into the buyer’s guide above.
Here are some key takeaways that will help you choose the best scroll saw for beginners:
- Check to see if the device accommodates both pinned and pinless blades. Pinned blades are ideal for thick, unrefined cuts, while pinless ones are designed to create thin, delicate cuts.
- Consider throat size: a scroll saw with a larger throat size can accommodate larger pieces of wood/material during the cutting process.
- If you have the option, always opt for saws with a cast-iron work table (as opposed to other materials, like stainless steel), as this will help reduce surface vibrations and create better cuts.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many excellent devices competing for the title of best scroll saw for beginners. These scroll saws bring something unique to the table and are best suited to a specific purpose.
Before buying a scroll saw, it is essential to know your requirements. Once you know what you’re looking for, the purchasing process becomes significantly easier, and you’ll be able to select a device that’s best suited to your purpose.
Be sure to read up on some more scroll saw comparisons and look at different scroll saw brands too for a diverse set of options.
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