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Best Scroll Saws 2026: 8 Scroll Saws for Beginners and Advanced Woodworkers

Our research-backed shortlist of the 8 best Woodworking for 2026, what each pick does well, where it falls short, and who should buy it.

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Our top picks

Short on time? Our top recommendation is the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw (best overall). Here's how the shortlist breaks down.

  1. DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

    #1 · Best Overall

    DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

    Parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws

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

    #2 · Best Budget

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

    Lowest price in the variable-speed scroll saw category from a reputable brand

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

    #3 · Best Premium

    Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw

    Virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work

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

    #4 · Best Compact

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

    Smallest footprint of any scroll saw -- works on a small desk or workbench

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

    #5 · Best Mid Range

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

    Parallel link design at a lower price than DEWALT

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

    #6 · Best Features

    Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

    Built-in work light illuminates the cut line without a separate lamp

    Check price
  7. SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with LED Work Light

    #7 · Best Beginner

    SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with LED Work Light

    SKIL parts and service network provides accessible support for hobbyists

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

    #8 · Best Large Throat

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

    18-inch throat -- larger than most mid-range saws -- handles bigger workpieces

    Check price
Jump to the full breakdowns
Compare

At a glance

The specs and traits that separate these picks, side by side.

How to read this table
Why it stands out: its biggest strength
Keep in mind: the main trade-off
Best for: the buyer it suits
Comparison: Best Scroll Saws 2026: 8 Scroll Saws for Beginners and Advanced Woodworkers
PickWhy it stands outKeep in mindBest forPrice
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw product photo
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw		Parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm sawsHigher price than most competitor scroll sawsbuyers who want the best overall packageCheck price
WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw product photo
WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw		Lowest price in the variable-speed scroll saw category from a reputable brandMore vibration than the DEWALT parallel arm designvalue-focused buyers who want the most for their moneyCheck price
Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw product photo
Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw		Virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision workVery high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyistsbuyers who want the best overall packageCheck price
Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit product photo
Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit		Smallest footprint of any scroll saw -- works on a small desk or workbench6-inch throat limits working size to small projectsmost buyers in this categoryCheck price
Rikon 10-600VS 16-inch Scroll Saw with Lamp product photo
Rikon 10-600VS 16-inch Scroll Saw with Lamp		Parallel link design at a lower price than DEWALT16-inch throat vs 20-inch on the DEWALT -- smaller maximum project sizemost buyers in this categoryCheck price
Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw product photo
Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw		Built-in work light illuminates the cut line without a separate lampLess refined arm geometry than RIKON or DEWALTmost buyers in this categoryCheck price
SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with LED Work Light product photo
SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with LED Work Light		SKIL parts and service network provides accessible support for hobbyistsHigher vibration than parallel-arm designsmost buyers in this categoryCheck price
JET JWSS-18B 18-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw product photo
JET JWSS-18B 18-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw		18-inch throat -- larger than most mid-range saws -- handles bigger workpiecesHigher price than 16-inch competitorsmost buyers in this categoryCheck price
In depth

The 8 best woodworking, explained

Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who it suits best.

DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Best Overall

1. DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw

DEWALT

Keep in mind that higher price than most competitor scroll saws.

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

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • Higher price than most competitor scroll saws
  • No dust blower in the base model

Best for: buyers who want the best overall package

Product details Check price on Amazon
WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Best Budget

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

WEN

Best budget scroll saw. Its case rests on lowest price in the variable-speed scroll saw category from a reputable brand and accepts both pin-end and pinless blades, giving access to the full blade selection. Keep in mind that more vibration than the DEWALT parallel arm design.

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

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • More vibration than the DEWALT parallel arm design
  • 16-inch throat limits working size compared to 20-inch saws

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

Product details Check price on Amazon
Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw
Best Premium

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

Excalibur

Best premium scroll saw. Its case rests on virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work and tilting head lets the blade angle while the workpiece stays flat on the table. Keep in mind that very high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyists.

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

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • Very high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyists
  • Sold mostly through specialty woodworking dealers, not big-box retail

Best for: buyers who want the best overall package

Product details Check price on Amazon
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

Dremel

  • Benchtop or handheld use
  • 6-inch throat
  • Uses standard scroll saw blades
  • Smallest footprint in category

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 6-inch throat limits working size to small projects
  • Not a substitute for a full scroll saw -- for very small craft work only

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon
Rikon 10-600VS 16-inch Scroll Saw with Lamp
Best Mid Range

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

RIKON

  • 16-inch throat
  • 400-1,750 SPM variable speed
  • Parallel link design
  • Tool-free blade change

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 16-inch throat vs 20-inch on the DEWALT -- smaller maximum project size
  • Slightly more vibration than the DW788 in direct comparison

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon
Shop Fox W1713 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Best Features

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

Shop Fox

Best scroll saw for features per dollar. Its case rests on built-in work light illuminates the cut line without a separate lamp and dust blower keeps the cut line clear -- critical for pattern-following accuracy. Keep in mind that less refined arm geometry than RIKON or DEWALT.

  • Built-in work light
  • Dust blower
  • 16-inch throat
  • Variable speed 500-1,700 SPM

Pros

  • 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

Cons

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

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon
SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with LED Work Light
Best Beginner

7. SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with LED Work Light

SKIL

Best beginner scroll saw. Its case rests on sKIL parts and service network provides accessible support for hobbyists and lED work light illuminates the cut line without a separate lamp. Keep in mind that higher vibration than parallel-arm designs.

  • 16-inch throat
  • Variable speed
  • LED work light
  • Easy blade access

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • Higher vibration than parallel-arm designs
  • Build quality below the RIKON and DEWALT at a similar price

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon
JET JWSS-18B 18-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
Best Large Throat

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

JET

And cast iron table provides a stable, accurate surface for angle cuts. Keep in mind that higher price than 16-inch competitors.

  • 18-inch throat depth
  • Variable speed control
  • Tilting table for angled cuts
  • Cast iron table

Pros

  • 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

Cons

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

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon
Head-to-head

Compare the top picks

Torn between our leading picks? These side-by-side comparisons settle it.

How we chose these picks

This shortlist is the product of research, not advertising. We cross-checked manufacturer specs against independent reviews and long-term owner feedback, then ranked by value for real use cases.

Mistakes buyers often make

  • Choosing the cheapest option without checking warranty and support quality.
  • Assuming all models work with your existing setup, verify compatibility first.
  • Skipping the measurements: returns most often come from fit surprises.
  • Chasing the newest release when last year's model does the same job for less.

How we chose these picks

  • We started from manufacturer specifications and feature lists, the verifiable foundation.
  • We weighed reputable independent reviews from established tech and consumer publications.
  • We read large volumes of verified-owner feedback to find patterns in reliability and satisfaction.
  • We scored value: what you get for the price, not just absolute performance.
  • We excluded products with thin, suspicious, or heavily incentivized review profiles.

We don't claim hands-on testing we haven't done. Assessments synthesize manufacturer specifications, reputable independent reviews and documented owner feedback. Read our methodology.

Before you buy

Buying guide

How to choose: the factors that matter

  • Capacity and sizing, Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
  • Build quality and materials, Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
  • Ease of use and setup, Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
  • Maintenance and cleaning, Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
  • Warranty and support, A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.

The bottom line

If you want the short answer: the top pick above suits most buyers, the value pick suits tight budgets, and the specialist picks suit specific needs. Match the pick to your use case, not to the hype.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What are the best scroll saws 2026 right now?

Our top pick is the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw (best overall), because parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws. The runner-up is the WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw (best budget), followed by the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw.

What is the best budget option among scroll saws 2026?

Our best-value pick is the WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw: lowest price in the variable-speed scroll saw category from a reputable brand. Check the current price on Amazon, since deals change often.

Which of the scroll saws 2026 should I buy?

It depends on what matters most to you. For overall, choose the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw. For budget, choose the WEN 3921 16-inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw. For premium, choose the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw. For compact, choose the Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit.

Is the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw worth it?

For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our scroll saws 2026 research, though higher price than most competitor scroll saws.

Keep researching

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