DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed vs Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head
Both made our Best Scroll Saws 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw if you want parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws. Choose the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw if you'd rather have virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work. Overall we rank the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Scroll Saws 2026 list.
Winner overall: DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw vs Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Scroll Saws 2026 | #3 of 8 in Best Scroll Saws 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Premium |
| Brand | DEWALT | Excalibur |
| Key features | 20-inch throat depth; 400-1,750 SPM variable speed; Parallel link arm design for low vibration | 21-inch throat depth; Tilting head design for angled cuts without tilting the table; Foot switch controller included |
| Biggest strength | Parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws | Virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work |
| Main trade-off | Higher price than most competitor scroll saws | Very high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyists |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | buyers who want the best overall package |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw if…
- 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
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw section.
#3 pick · Best Premium
Choose the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw if…
- 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
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw section.
Pros and cons of each
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
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
Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw
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
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw vs Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw: common questions
Which is better, the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw or the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw?
Choose the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw if you want parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws. Choose the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw if you'd rather have virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work. Overall we rank the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Scroll Saws 2026 list.
What is the difference between the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw and the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw?
The DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw stands out because parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws, while the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw stands out because virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work. The trade-offs differ too: the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw's main caveat is that higher price than most competitor scroll saws, and the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw's is that very high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyists.
Is the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw worth it over the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw instead if higher price than most competitor scroll saws is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw instead of the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw?
The Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw suits buyers who want the best overall package, while the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw is best for buyers who want the best overall package.