
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
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
Ranked from 9 scroll saws that met our standard, compared on throat depth, max cut thickness, variable stroke speed.
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Lightest at 9.09 lb, with a detachable coping function for handheld work.

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

Reaches 1650 spm and has the highest motor power among Skil, WEN 16 in models listing it.
| Spec | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Scoreout of 100 | 62 | 57 | 54 | 47 | 45 | 45 | 42 | 41 | 37 |
| Throat depthin | — | 16.0 in | 16.0 in | 16.0 in | — | 16.0 in | 16.0 in | 16.0 in | 18.5 in (best in row) |
| Stroke speedspm | — | 400–1,600 | 550–1,650 (best in row) | 550–1,600 | 550–1,600 | 550–1,600 | 550–1,600 | 550–1,600 | 400–1,550 |
| Weightlb | 9.1 lb (best in row) | 25.5 lb | 24.7 lb | 24.9 lb | 53.8 lb | 25.4 lb | 26.0 lb | 27.0 lb | 54.0 lb |
| Table widthin | — | 11.0 in | 16.0 in | 16.0 in | 25.6 in (best in row) | 16.0 in | — | — | 21.3 in |
| Table beveldeg | 0 deg | 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) | 45 deg (best in row) | — |
| Max cut thicknessin | — | 2.0 in | — | 2.0 in | 2.0 in | 2.0 in | 2.3 in (best in row) | — | 2.0 in |
| Motor powerW | 75 W | — | 90 W | — | — | — | 124 W (best in row) | — | — |
| Dust port | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tool-free blade change | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | — |
| Work light | — | Yes | Yes | — | — | Yes | Yes | — | — |
| Warrantyyr | 2 years | 2 years | — | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | — | — | — |
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.
These reviews are based on specifications and listing information, not hands-on use. They cover the five highest-ranked models on our Best Score.
A light, portable saw that ranks first on Best Score
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.
VerdictA light, portable pick for small jobs, but not a full-size bench saw.
A 16 in saw that takes blades two ways
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.
VerdictA well-equipped 16 in saw with a broad speed range, held back by a small table.
Skil's 16 in saw has the highest top speed
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.
VerdictA fast, well-lit 16 in saw with missing cut thickness data.
WEN 3922 adds a flip-open panel to a 16 in frame
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.
VerdictA practical 16 in saw built around quick blade changes, without a light.
Best among the reviewed tools
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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