Scroll Saws · 9 compared side by side

Best Scroll Saws in 2027

A good scroll saw makes fine, intricate cuts, so a few specs matter most. Throat depth sets how large a workpiece you can turn. Max cut thickness shows how deep it can cut. Variable stroke speed gives control across wood and other materials. A tool-free blade change and a stable table save time and cut down on vibration. We put 9 scroll saws on one spec sheet so you can compare these numbers directly.

Quick answer

  • Best overall: Dremel MS20-01 (#1, Best Score 62)
  • Blades load two directions: WEN 3921 (#2, Best Score 57; throat depth 16.0 in, top stroke speed 1,600 spm)
  • Fastest top stroke speed: Skil SS9503-00 (#3, Best Score 54; throat depth 16.0 in, top stroke speed 1,650 spm)

Ranked from 9 scroll saws that met our standard, compared on throat depth, max cut thickness, variable stroke speed.

Updated November 202613 reviewed · 9 met our standard11 specs comparedBy Comparabo editors

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Top picks

Best overall
#1
Dremel MS20-01

Dremel MS20-01Dremel Moto-Saw MS20-01 Scroll Saw

Lightest at 9.09 lb, with a detachable coping function for handheld work.

Throat depth
—
Top stroke speed
—
Weight
9.1 lb
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Blades load two directions
#2
WEN 3921

WEN 3921WEN Variable Speed Scroll Saw, 16-Inch with Work Light (3921)

Accepts blades standard and at 90 degrees, with a 16 in throat depth.

Throat depth
16.0 in
Top stroke speed
1,600 spm
Weight
25.5 lb
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Fastest top stroke speed
#3
Skil SS9503-00

Skil SS9503-00Skil SS9503-00 16-inch Scroll Saw

Reaches 1650 spm and has the highest motor power among Skil, WEN 16 in models listing it.

Throat depth
16.0 in
Top stroke speed
1,650 spm
Weight
24.7 lb
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Comparison table

Swipe or scroll sideways to see every model.
Top 9 scroll saws
Spec
#1
Dremel MS20-01
Best overallCheck price on Amazon
#2
WEN 3921
Blades load two directionsCheck price on Amazon
#3
Skil SS9503-00
Fastest top stroke speedCheck price on Amazon
#4
WEN 3922
Flip-open blade accessCheck price on Amazon
#5
WEN LL2156
Widest table listedCheck price on Amazon
#6
WEN 3923
Flip-open panel plus lightCheck price on Amazon
#7
Shop Fox W1872
Thickest cut, strongest motorCheck price on Amazon
#8
RYOBI SC165VS
Simple 16 in sawCheck price on Amazon
#9
Jet JWSS-18B
Mid-size 18.5 in throatCheck price on Amazon
Best Scoreout of 100625754474545424137
Throat depthin—16.0 in16.0 in16.0 in—16.0 in16.0 in16.0 in18.5 in (best in row)
Stroke speedspm—400–1,600550–1,650 (best in row)550–1,600550–1,600550–1,600550–1,600550–1,600400–1,550
Weightlb9.1 lb (best in row)25.5 lb24.7 lb24.9 lb53.8 lb25.4 lb26.0 lb27.0 lb54.0 lb
Table widthin—11.0 in16.0 in16.0 in25.6 in (best in row)16.0 in——21.3 in
Table beveldeg0 deg45 deg (best in row)45 deg (best in row)45 deg (best in row)45 deg (best in row)45 deg (best in row)45 deg (best in row)45 deg (best in row)—
Max cut thicknessin—2.0 in—2.0 in2.0 in2.0 in2.3 in (best in row)—2.0 in
Motor powerW75 W—90 W———124 W (best in row)——
Dust portYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Tool-free blade changeYesYesYesYesYesYes—Yes—
Work light—YesYes——YesYes——
Warrantyyr2 years2 years—2 years2 years2 years———
Best in row— not published by the maker yet

How we chose

We reviewed 13 scroll saws and kept only the 9 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, sales rank.

Read the full method

In-depth reviews

These reviews are based on specifications and listing information, not hands-on use. They cover the five highest-ranked models on our Best Score.

Best overall

Dremel MS20-01Dremel Moto-Saw MS20-01 Scroll Saw

A light, portable saw that ranks first on Best Score

Throat depth
—
Top stroke speed
—
Weight
9.1 lb (best of the reviewed tools)
Dust port
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)

The Dremel Moto-Saw MS20-01 takes rank 1 with a Best Score of 64. It is a different kind of saw from the rest. At 9.09 lb, it is the lightest on this page. The maker doesn't publish a throat depth, table width or max cut thickness, so large workpieces are hard to judge.

It lists a 74.6 W motor, variable-speed control and a dust port adapter. The listing describes an auto tensioning quick-change mechanism, and the data confirms a tool-free blade change. The table bevel is listed at 0 degrees, so this saw does not tilt for angled cuts.

Two features stand out. A detachable coping function allows handheld use, so you can bring the tool to the workpiece. A fast-clamp base attaches to various tables, benches and surfaces. It carries a 2 year warranty. The listing also says the blue edge guide locking levers shown on the packaging are not included.

Pros

  • Lightest at 9.09 lb
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Handheld coping function

Cons

  • No bevel, table bevel is 0
  • Throat depth not published
Buy it if
you want a portable saw for small craft projects.
Skip it if
you need to cut large or thick workpieces.

VerdictA light, portable pick for small jobs, but not a full-size bench saw.

Blades load two directions

WEN 3921WEN Variable Speed Scroll Saw, 16-Inch with Work Light (3921)

A 16 in saw that takes blades two ways

Throat depth
16.0 in (best of the reviewed tools)
Top stroke speed
1,600 spm
Weight
25.5 lb
Dust port
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)

The WEN 3921 ranks second with a Best Score of 58. It lists a 16 in throat depth and a 2 in max cut thickness. Stroke speed runs from 400 to 1600 spm. That low starting speed is useful when you want slow, careful control on delicate material.

Its design accepts blades in two directions, standard and 90 degrees. WEN says this allows infinite ripping capacity. The table measures 11 in wide and bevels 45 degrees, though the listing says it bevels to the left. A thumb screw adapter handles tool-free blade changes.

It weighs 25.5 lb and has a cast iron base. A work light, dust port, air pump, foot lock clamp and onboard storage are all listed. It includes three blades and a 2 year warranty. The 11 in table width is the narrowest on the page among models that list it.

Pros

  • Wide 400 to 1600 spm range
  • Blades load two directions
  • Work light included

Cons

  • Narrowest table, 11 in
  • Bevels to the left only
Buy it if
you want slow speeds and a built-in light.
Skip it if
you need a large support table.

VerdictA well-equipped 16 in saw with a broad speed range, held back by a small table.

Fastest top stroke speed

Skil SS9503-00Skil SS9503-00 16-inch Scroll Saw

Skil's 16 in saw has the highest top speed

Throat depth
16.0 in (best of the reviewed tools)
Top stroke speed
1,650 spm (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
24.7 lb
Dust port
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)

The Skil SS9503-00 ranks third with a Best Score of 52. Its stroke speed runs from 550 to 1650 spm. The 1650 spm top end is the highest on this page. A higher top speed can help on thin, softer materials.

It lists a 16 in throat depth, a 16 in table width and a 45 degree bevel. The listing describes the work table as 16 × 10 in, and says it tilts 0 to 45 degrees. The motor is listed at 89.5 W. The maker doesn't publish a max cut thickness or warranty here.

Convenience features include an integrated LED work light, an integrated dust removal system and electronic variable speed control. A keyless blade change needs no tools, and blade storage sits on the tool. It weighs 24.69 lb. Among the 16 in models that list weight, that is on the lighter side.

Pros

  • Highest top speed, 1650 spm
  • LED work light
  • Keyless blade change

Cons

  • Max cut thickness not published
  • Warranty not listed
Buy it if
you want a quick 16 in saw with a light.
Skip it if
you need to know the maximum cut depth.

VerdictA fast, well-lit 16 in saw with missing cut thickness data.

Flip-open blade access

WEN 3922WEN 3922 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Easy-Access Blade Changes

WEN 3922 adds a flip-open panel to a 16 in frame

Throat depth
16.0 in (best of the reviewed tools)
Top stroke speed
1,600 spm
Weight
24.9 lb
Dust port
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)

The WEN 3922 ranks fifth with a Best Score of 47. Its main feature is a side panel that flips open for easy-access blade changes. A thumb screw blade adapter also makes the change tool-free. Frequent blade changes are common in fretwork, so this matters.

It lists a 16 in throat depth, a 2 in max cut thickness and a 16 in table width. The listing describes the table as 16 × 10 in, and it bevels up to 45 degrees. Stroke speed runs from 550 to 1600 spm. The maker doesn't publish a motor power for it.

It weighs 24.87 lb and has a cast iron base. The listing includes an air pump, a dust port, a foot lock clamp and three 5 in blades. There is a 2 year warranty. Unlike the WEN 3923, it has no work light listed, so you would need your own lamp.

Pros

  • Flip-open blade access
  • 16 in throat depth
  • 2 year warranty

Cons

  • No work light listed
  • Motor power not published
Buy it if
you change blades often on 16 in work.
Skip it if
you want a built-in work light.

VerdictA practical 16 in saw built around quick blade changes, without a light.

Best among the reviewed tools

Buying guide

Check throat depth first

Throat depth is the distance from the blade to the rear arm. It sets the widest workpiece you can turn. Most saws here list 16 in. One lists 22.375 in. Choose by the largest piece you expect to cut.

Look at cut thickness

Max cut thickness shows how deep the blade can cut in one pass. Most models that list it say 2 in. One lists 2.25 in. Thick hardwood needs more depth, while thin veneer and plywood need less.

Match speed range to materials

Variable stroke speed lets you slow down for delicate cuts or tight curves. A lower starting speed gives more control. Ranges here start at 400 or 550 spm and top out between 1550 and 1650 spm.

Weigh blade changes and stability

Tool-free blade changes save time when you drill many interior cuts. Heavier saws tend to move less, which helps with vibration. A larger tilting table supports bigger pieces and angled cuts. Portable saws trade some of that for easy carrying.

FAQ

What throat depth should a scroll saw have?

Throat depth is the largest workpiece width you can turn. Most models on this page list 16 in. The JET JWSS-22B lists 22.375 in, the highest here. Pick based on the largest project you plan to cut.

Is a variable speed scroll saw better?

For fine work, yes. Variable speed lets you slow down for tight curves and delicate material, then speed up for easier cuts. The models here list ranges between 400 and 1650 spm.

Do I need a tool-free blade change?

It is helpful if you cut many interior shapes, since each one needs a blade change. Seven of the ten models list it. The JET JWSS-22B uses a 2-in-1 clamp and tension mechanism with a built-in wrench.

How thick can a scroll saw cut?

Among the seven models that list it, max cut thickness is 2 in for most. The Shop Fox W1872 lists 2.25 in, the highest here. Thicker cuts generally need slower speeds and sharp blades.

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Top pick · #1Dremel MS20-01
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