The Best Scroll Saw

Buying Guide

Scroll saws are a type of power tool consisting of a table, arm and a vertically-oriented thin blade intended to work on detailed or intricate pieces. Scroll saws and scroll saw blades are designed for precision rather than power, so they tend to be lower-amperage than other saws. The blade moves up and down through a hole in the table, and it can be threaded through a workpiece to make interior cuts.

Key considerations when purchasing a scroll saw include arm type, throat size, table material and bevel and blade type. The arm of the scroll saw arches over the table and holds the saw blade, and there are three types of arm configurations.

C-type arms contain one pivot point, allowing the blade to mode in an up and down position. However, because there is one pivot point, the blade moves in a slight arc. These arms provide a faster cut, but they can cause a lot of vibration and noise, and generally require more skill to operate.

Parallel type arms contain two arms which meet each other in the middle and contain a pivot point in each arm, allowing the arms to travel simultaneously and allowing the blade to move in a reciprocating motion, upwards and forwards.

Finally, parallel-linked arms, the newest style of scroll saw, greatly reduce noise and vibration, allowing for greater accuracy and precision. The arms on these saws are much shorter than on a C or parallel arm, and they pivot, allowing the blade to reciprocate the motion.

After arm type, throat size is often the next-biggest consideration. The throat is the distance between the blade and the back of the tool where the arms meet, and this determines the size of the work piece that can be maneuvered around the blade.

The most common throat sizes range from 16 inches to 20 inches. A sturdy table material is also a must. Tables are commonly made from aluminum, steel or cast iron. Finally, many scroll saws include amenities such as work lights, dust blowers and dust ports to keep the cut line clearly visible. Blades also impact the type of work that can be done, but they are sold separately, and most scroll saws accept every type of blade.

• Carefully assess your skill level before purchasing a scroll saw. While some scroll saws give a faster cut, they often require more skill to operate. A slower but steadier scroll saw can be a better choice for a beginner.
• It’s also essential to order work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when you purchase your scroll saw. In addition to long-sleeve shirts, long pants and steel-toed shoes, these pieces of safety gear are essential for work with power tools.
• Check the bevel capabilities of the table. While many scroll saw tables cannot bevel (tilt to allow angled cuts), many can do so for up to 45 degrees to the left, right or both. Not all projects or craftspeople require this capability, but it can be the deciding factor between two otherwise comparable scroll saws.
• The type of blade in the scroll saw greatly impacts the work that can be done and the skill level required to do it. Some types of blades, like reverse-tooth blades, are particularly suitable to materials like plywood that can chip when cut.