Find The BEST Scroll Saw for Your Shop…
In this awesome article you'll find...
If you do plenty of work with wood or an avid DIYer, then you are sure that among the tools that would come in handy is a Scroll saw. However, given the many and diverse brands and options that are available, picking the one that is ideal for your for your needs can prove to be a challenge even with all kinds of scroll saw reviews telling you which is the best scroll saw.
However, knowing what you are looking for in a review can help make the process much easier and allow you to get the perfect tool for you.
What is a scroll saw?
A scroll saw is a great intermediary of a jigsaw or a coping saw and it comes in handy when you are looking to cut intricate curves on a variety of different materials. Depending on the scroll saw that you pick, the mode of operation can differ between electric and pedal operated. The later, however, is ideal for those that only have simple jobs as it can get tiresome. But don’t get confused with a band saw, band saw vs scroll saw, they are different. You can click on that link to see the differences.
Key features.
To allow you make the best pick possible, each one of the scroll saw reviews ought to have a comprehensive collection of features. This is vital since they are the ones that create a difference. Among the features that you should look out for include;
Speed.
Ideally, there are three variations of speed with regards to the scroll saws, and each is meant for a different type of user. There is the high range, slow and medium range speeds and depending on the nature and demand of your work, you can make a selection relying on the range of speed of the scroll saw.
Controls.
The controls of the machine should also be well covered in the different reviews for scroll saws. The controls give the user a hint of how easy it is to use the tool or how complex it can be. Again, if you are just a DIYer, there is no need for you to get a machine that has a lot of controls but if you’re looking for something that is more intricate, then by all means make sure that you do not hold back.
Others.
While these might be the two most essential features to lock your attention on, you should also make sure that you get sufficient information about other equally important features like the type of blades that the machine has, the components and the drive. And you can check out our reviews of the best scroll saw blades here if you are looking to grab some quality blades with your new machine.
Pros and Cons.
Usually, these are aspects of the scroll saw reviews that most users never get to. Once you are able to find one with the features that you prefer, the search most likely ends there. However, it is important to make sure that you understand the benefits and more importantly the downsides that these features have to offer.
With that said, it is important to make sure that you pick a machine that has more pros than cons and go for reviews that highlight both ends of the spectrum. This is because, it is impossible to find a machine that does not have a disadvantage and highlighting each of the sides shows that a review is unbiased.
Overview.
A neatly tied up conclusion that is not salesy or pressurizing helps to tie up the scroll saw reviews and if the user is still confused this can be the part that sheds light into their insight and helps them finally identify if this is truly their pick.
My Porter Cable Scroll Saw Review
Before you purchase your next piece of hardware, you need to know exactly what it is you’re getting in to and how to fulfill your handyman needs. The Porter Cable Scroll Saw is a great choice, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the product to help you decide if this is the right saw for you.
This piece of equipment is an automate saw that has a shape similar to a sewing machine with a thin band of an extra-sharp blade in the place of a needle. It sits on top of a four-legged stand and stays in one place as you use it. This tool is specifically for smaller, curved or more intricate cutting on the edge of your material.
The blade moves in a scrolling motion at a high speed, helping it bit through wood smoothly and create curves and details as the wood is moved around the blade.
Main Features
Besides the stand and the blade, this saw also includes a small storage compartment on one side where you can store extra scroll saw blades. This can save you the time you might spend hunting around your shop and keeps what you need to work close at hand. Another great feature is an easy-to-use on and off switch right on top of the saw.
This will keep users safe as they can switch the saw off immediately should anything go wrong. There is also a speed dialer and a tension control switch, both located right on top for extra convenience.
Value
The Porter saw will cost you about $179, a much better price than the $500 DeWalt scroll saw that serves the same function. All purchases are backed with a three year warranty and the company offers full customer support.
Pros
The first plus for this saw is the price. When it comes to scroll saws, woodworkers don’t want the cheapest thing on the market, but there’s no reason to go broke buying a new tool. $179 is a great price point almost every tool man can afford.
Another great plus is the slack control. This helps you relieve or increase tension and makes it much easier to remove and replace a blade. The dust blower that curves in from the side keeps visibility high and makes clean up much easier.
There’s also very little vibration at on the bevel of the saw making the work easier on the user’s hands.
Cons
There are some cons to this tool. First, the light over the work area could be a bit brighter. It’s there, but the wattage is a bit low. Also, the blade’s motor has a bit of a stutter at lower speeds, but gets smoother as the speed is raised.
Overview
For the amateur woodworker or professional in the shop, this is one of the best scroll saw for beginners and is a great choice. It won’t break the bank and does some solid, controlled cutting for the little bits and pieces you need to make your project shine.
In the rare instance of problems with the saw, the customer is protected and supported by the company. The Porter Cable Scroll Saw is a great addition to any workshop or garage.
Ryobi Scroll Saw Review
Woodworking has been in vogue lately and a lot of people have been going crazy over scroll saws. While the professional woodworkers flood the YouTube with unpacking and demo videos of their shiny new scroll saws, several others are being inspired to take up woodworking as a hobby.
With the rise in demand for basic, easy-to-use equipment, a lot of reputed brands like Ryobi, Craftsman, Dewalt Rockwell and Genesis have doled out a range of affordable, entry-level scroll saws for the beginners. Ryobi Power Tools have thrown their hat in the ring by launching the Ryobi ZRSC164VS 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw.
Let’s take a look at the specifications.
Top 10 Main Features
- The Ryobi Scroll Saw weighs 14 kg. The physical dimensions are 13” x 26.4” x 14.4”.
- The saw runs on a powerful 1.2 A, 60 Hz motor that uses 120 Volt.
- It facilitates change of speed which varies between 550 and 1600 SPM.
- The depth of the throat is 16 inches, which offers decent cutting surface area to volume ratio.
- The cast aluminum work table can be tilted up to 45 degrees to either side. It takes a lot of weight off the saw, making it easy to haul around.
- Maximum cutting thickness on flat work table – 2 inches. Maximum cutting thickness when work table is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees- 1 inch
- The saw supports both pin-end and plain-end blades to achieve cuttings of different styles on different kinds of material.
- The built-in Accuclear dust blower keeps the work table clean and free from sawdust and enhances the visibility while the saw is in use.
- The saw has an integrated 1.25” dust port that can be attached to the shop vacuum for easy cleaning.
- The Ryobi Scroll saw comes with one year warranty.
Value
The Ryobi Scroll Saw costs around $99. It is the perfect example of you get what you pay for. This saw performs satisfactorily for the beginners, but might fail to impress the intermediate users and professionals.
Pros
- Lightweight saw with enhanced portability.
- The Accuclear dust blower keeps the sawdust off the work table so that you can operate on a clean area hence focus on cutting.
- No assembly required. The saw comes with a perfectly tensioned, pre-installed 5-inch pin blade and is ready to use right off the box.
- Adjustable speeds make it easier to work on different types of wood and soft metals.
- Changing the blades is a hassle-free process and does not require any tools either.
Cons
- Since the work table is made from cast aluminum, it is not durable, neither is it sturdy enough.
- Though the Ryobi Scroll Saw is lighter, it impedes its stability and precision while the saw is in use,which may reduce its effectiveness to a considerable extent though. The vibration can hinder the cutting accuracy and may also pose risks to the operator.
Overview
Despite all its shortcomings, the Ryobi Scroll Saw is a versatile piece of equipment. Like we mentioned before, it is best suited for entry-level users only. Heavy use can cause significant damage to the work table and throw the saw’s functionality into disarray.
Hegner Scroll Saw Review
When it comes to comparisons and considerations about which scroll saws to choose for our own use, the Hegner scroll saw always strikes as one of the best scroll saws in the market today. It has been regarded as one of the strongest and most durable scroll saws in the world, and it is thanks to quite a number of attractive features that make it so popular among crafters and woodworkers alike.
What makes the Hegner scroll saw so popular?
The first feature of this scroll saw is its electronic motor with variable speeds. It can alternate between speeds of 400 and 1700 revolutions per minute in a matter of seconds, and its sealed induction design means that no maintenance will ever be needed in the lifetime of this scroll saw motor.
A seasoned craftsman knows all too well how convenient it is to be able to adjust the cutting speed while working to produce quality work.
Its Patented Hegner Quicklock system of tensioning is yet another feature that makes this scroll saw preferable compared to other saws. This system allows you to change blades quickly and very easily. These two tension rods are conveniently located on the upper arm for easy access and the rear tension rod can be adjusted even while you are in the middle of sawing.
The Hegner scroll saw is very popular for being precise during cutting, thanks to its slotted saw table that is capable of tilting in both the left and the right direction. In addition to this, the Hegner Sawdust System of Management is available on the table to either blow the dust away from the cutting line, or collect it into a containing device for later disposal, giving you a clear view of the work in progress.
Thanks to its strong parts that are made of a combination of cast iron on the base and lighter alloy materials for the upper arm, the Hegner scroll saw is able to create sound and vibration dampening effects with very little weight of reciprocation. This is what makes It so quiet.