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The 8 Best Scroll Saws 2026

We looked at scroll saws 2026 using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.

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Quick picks

DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Best Overall

1.DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Brand: DEWALT · Best for: buyers who want the best overall package

ASIN: B000022313

Key specs: 20-inch throat depth, 400-1,750 SPM variable speed, Parallel link arm design for low vibration.

Key Specifications & Features:
  • 20-inch throat depth
  • 400-1,750 SPM variable speed
  • Parallel link arm design for low vibration
  • Tool-free blade change

Strengths

  • Parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws
  • 400 to 1,750 SPM range covers all materials from hardwood to thin acrylic
  • 20-inch throat gives the maximum working room in the benchtop category
  • Tool-free blade change is the standard most scroll saw users expect

Limitations

  • Higher price than most competitor scroll saws
  • No dust blower in the base model
WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Best Budget

2.WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Brand: WEN · Best for: value-focused buyers who want the most for their money

ASIN: B07MC1HLNP

Key specs: 16-inch throat, 400-1,600 SPM variable speed, Accepts pin-end and pinless blades.

Key Specifications & Features:
  • 16-inch throat
  • 400-1,600 SPM variable speed
  • Accepts pin-end and pinless blades
  • Dust port included

Strengths

  • Lowest price in the variable-speed scroll saw category from a reputable brand
  • Accepts both pin-end and pinless blades, giving access to the full blade selection
  • Variable speed from 400 SPM enables control in delicate fretwork
  • Includes dust port for shop vacuum connection

Limitations

  • More vibration than the DEWALT parallel arm design
  • 16-inch throat limits working size compared to 20-inch saws
Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw
Best Premium

3.Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw

Brand: Excalibur · Best for: buyers who want the best overall package

ASIN: B003A0CNFC

Key specs: 21-inch throat depth, Tilting head design for angled cuts without tilting the table, Foot switch controller included.

Key Specifications & Features:
  • 21-inch throat depth
  • Tilting head design for angled cuts without tilting the table
  • Foot switch controller included
  • Virtually vibration-free parallel-link arm

Strengths

  • Virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work
  • Tilting head lets the blade angle while the workpiece stays flat on the table
  • 21-inch throat is among the largest available in a consumer scroll saw
  • Foot switch controller keeps both hands free to guide the workpiece

Limitations

  • Very high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyists
  • Sold mostly through specialty woodworking dealers, not big-box retail
Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit
Best Compact

4.Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit

Brand: Dremel

ASIN: B00AFELU6O

Key specs: Benchtop or handheld use, 6-inch throat, Uses standard scroll saw blades.

Key Specifications & Features:
  • Benchtop or handheld use
  • 6-inch throat
  • Uses standard scroll saw blades
  • Smallest footprint in category

Strengths

  • Smallest footprint of any scroll saw -- works on a small desk or workbench
  • Can be used freehand when detached from the base
  • Uses standard scroll saw blades available everywhere
  • Lowest price in the scroll saw category

Limitations

  • 6-inch throat limits working size to small projects
  • Not a substitute for a full scroll saw -- for very small craft work only
Rikon 10-600VS 16-inch Scroll Saw with Lamp
Best Mid Range

5.Rikon 10-600VS 16-inch Scroll Saw with Lamp

Brand: RIKON

ASIN: B003GXFZ9E

Key specs: 16-inch throat, 400-1,750 SPM variable speed, Parallel link design.

Key Specifications & Features:
  • 16-inch throat
  • 400-1,750 SPM variable speed
  • Parallel link design
  • Tool-free blade change

Strengths

  • Parallel link design at a lower price than DEWALT
  • Same 1,750 SPM max speed as the DEWALT DW788
  • Tool-free blade change system
  • RIKON customer service and parts availability are better than offshore brands

Limitations

  • 16-inch throat vs 20-inch on the DEWALT -- smaller maximum project size
  • Slightly more vibration than the DW788 in direct comparison
Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Best Features

6.Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Brand: Shop Fox

ASIN: B001R23T08

Key specs: Built-in work light, Dust blower, 16-inch throat.

Key Specifications & Features:
  • Built-in work light
  • Dust blower
  • 16-inch throat
  • Variable speed 500-1,700 SPM

Strengths

  • Built-in work light illuminates the cut line without a separate lamp
  • Dust blower keeps the cut line clear -- critical for pattern-following accuracy
  • Both work light and blower are included vs optional on competing saws
  • Solid table and fence for straight cuts

Limitations

  • Less refined arm geometry than RIKON or DEWALT
  • Variable speed range starts at 500 SPM vs 400 on competitors

Key specs: 16-inch throat, Variable speed, LED work light.

Key Specifications & Features:
  • 16-inch throat
  • Variable speed
  • LED work light
  • Easy blade access

Strengths

  • SKIL parts and service network provides accessible support for hobbyists
  • LED work light illuminates the cut line without a separate lamp
  • Good balance of features for a first scroll saw purchase
  • Widely available at big-box retail -- easy to inspect before buying

Limitations

  • Higher vibration than parallel-arm designs
  • Build quality below the RIKON and DEWALT at a similar price
JET JWSS-18B 18-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
Best Large Throat

8.JET JWSS-18B 18-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw

Brand: JET

ASIN: B07H1BBC6Y

Key specs: 18-inch throat depth, Variable speed control, Tilting table for angled cuts.

Key Specifications & Features:
  • 18-inch throat depth
  • Variable speed control
  • Tilting table for angled cuts
  • Cast iron table

Strengths

  • 18-inch throat -- larger than most mid-range saws -- handles bigger workpieces
  • Cast iron table provides a stable, accurate surface for angle cuts
  • JET build quality and parts availability through a national service network
  • Tilting table accommodates bevel cuts without repositioning the workpiece

Limitations

  • Higher price than 16-inch competitors
  • Heavier than smaller-throat competitors

How we chose

  • Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
  • We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.

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