DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed vs WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable
Both made our Best Scroll Saws 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. 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 WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw if you'd rather have variable speed handles thin veneers and thick hardwood in the same session. Overall we rank the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw higher: #1 versus #2 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 WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Scroll Saws 2026 | #2 of 8 in Best Scroll Saws 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Scroll |
| Brand | DEWALT | WEN |
| Key features | 20-inch throat depth; 400-1,750 SPM variable speed; Parallel link arm design for low vibration | Variable speed: 400–1,600 SPM; 16-inch throat capacity; Tool-free blade changes |
| Biggest strength | Parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws | Variable speed handles thin veneers and thick hardwood in the same session |
| Main trade-off | Higher price than most competitor scroll saws | Scroll saw is a different tool than a table saw, check category before buying |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
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 WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw section.
#2 pick · Best Scroll
Choose the WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw if…
- Variable speed handles thin veneers and thick hardwood in the same session
- 16-inch throat capacity is generous for intricate fretwork
- Tool-free blade tensioning system speeds up blade changes significantly
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
WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Pros
- Variable speed handles thin veneers and thick hardwood in the same session
- 16-inch throat capacity is generous for intricate fretwork
- Tool-free blade tensioning system speeds up blade changes significantly
- Tilting table enables beveled cuts for decorative woodworking
Cons
- Scroll saw is a different tool than a table saw, check category before buying
- Dust blower is underpowered for heavy cutting sessions
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw vs WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw: common questions
Which is better, the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw or the WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed 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 WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw if you'd rather have variable speed handles thin veneers and thick hardwood in the same session. Overall we rank the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Scroll Saws 2026 list.
What is the difference between the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw and the WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed 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 WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw stands out because variable speed handles thin veneers and thick hardwood in the same session. 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 WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw's is that scroll saw is a different tool than a table saw, check category before buying.
Is the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw worth it over the WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw instead if higher price than most competitor scroll saws is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw instead of the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw?
The WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw is best for buyers who want the best overall package.