Scroll Saws: A Complete Guide for Woodworkers and Hobbyists
Introduction
A scroll saw is a specialized woodworking machine designed for making intricate cuts, fine curves, and delicate patterns. With its thin reciprocating blade, it excels at detail work that would be impossible on a band saw or jigsaw. Popular among furniture makers, sign carvers, model builders, and intarsia artists, the scroll saw offers unmatched precision in both woodworking and crafts.
History & Development
Scroll saws have their roots in the foot-powered fret saws of the 19th century, which were used for cutting decorative patterns in wood. Early mechanical scroll saws emerged in the late 1800s, powered by treadles or line shafts in factories. By the early 20th century, companies like Delta and Hegner produced electric scroll saws for small shops. The mid-1900s saw scroll sawing rise as a popular hobby, supported by magazines, patterns, and craft fairs. Today, scroll saws are compact, affordable, and widely available, appealing to both artisans and hobby woodworkers.
Types of Scroll Saws
- Parallel-Arm Scroll Saws – The most common modern design; both arms move in unison for smooth, accurate cuts.
- C-Arm Scroll Saws – Feature a single pivot point, offering simplicity but more vibration.
- Parallel-Link Scroll Saws – High-end models with reduced vibration, excellent for precision work.
- Variable-Speed Scroll Saws – Allow users to adjust blade speed for different materials and cut quality.
Key Components
- Blade – Very thin, available in pin-end and plain-end styles, with sizes for fine or coarse cutting.
- Table – Flat, adjustable surface, often tilting for bevel cuts.
- Arm Assembly – Moves the blade up and down; design affects vibration and cut control.
- Tensioning System – Keeps the blade taut for precise cuts.
- Dust Blower & Collection – Clears the cut line and keeps the workspace clean.
- Foot Switch/Pedal – Optional accessory for better control while cutting.
Safety Features & Innovations
- Blade Guards – Help protect fingers from accidental contact.
- Hold-Down Foot – Keeps material in place while cutting.
- Variable Speed Control – Adjusts cutting speed for safety and precision.
- Quick-Change Blade Clamps – Reduce downtime when switching blades.
- Low Vibration Designs – Modern saws use improved mechanics to increase comfort and safety.
Uses & Applications
Scroll saws are prized for:
- Intricate fretwork and pattern cutting.
- Intarsia and marquetry, creating decorative inlays.
- Making wooden toys, puzzles, and models.
- Cutting letters, signs, and plaques.
- Fine, detailed work in crafts and artistry that requires delicate blade control.
Manufacturers: Past & Present
Vintage Scroll Saw Manufacturers (Early to Mid-20th Century)
- Delta Specialty Company (Founded 1919, WI) – Produced popular scroll saws and promoted hobby woodworking through kits and magazines.
- Walker-Turner (1927–1950s, NJ) – Offered small scroll saws for schools and hobbyists, later absorbed by Delta.
- Craftsman (Sears, Mid-1900s) – Sold affordable scroll saws that introduced thousands of hobbyists to fretwork.
- Oliver Machinery (MI, early 1900s) – Produced heavy-duty industrial scroll saws for schools and shops.
- Dremel (Founded 1932, WI) – Created compact scroll and moto tools that expanded hobby woodworking markets.
Modern Scroll Saw Manufacturers (Past 50 Years)
- Hegner (Germany) – Considered the “Rolls-Royce” of scroll saws, renowned for precision and durability.
- Excalibur (Canada, now under General International) – Known for parallel-link design and smooth performance.
- DeWalt – Popular DW788 model offers professional quality at a mid-range price.
- Delta Machinery – Long history in scroll saws, with modern models for hobbyists.
- Pegas (Switzerland) – High-end blades and precision scroll saws favored by professionals.
- Dremel – Produces small scroll saws ideal for hobbyists and DIY projects.
Buying Guide
Key factors to consider when purchasing a scroll saw:
- Throat Size – The distance from blade to frame, determining maximum cutting width.
- Variable Speed – Essential for cutting different materials.
- Vibration Control – Heavier, well-built saws run smoother.
- Blade Type – Pin-end blades are easier to change, plain-end offer finer control.
- Tilt Table – Adds versatility for bevel cuts.
- Budget – Entry models start under $200; premium saws can exceed $1,000.
Comparison Snapshot:
| Type | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Hobby | Crafts, small patterns | $100–$250 |
| Mid-Range | Advanced hobby, light pro use | $300–$600 |
| Professional | Artisans, production work | $700–$1,500 |
Maintenance & Care
- Keep blades sharp and change them often.
- Clean dust from moving parts and table.
- Lubricate arm pivots and bearings as recommended.
- Check blade tension before each use.
- Keep the table surface smooth and rust-free.
Safety Tips for Users
- Always keep fingers clear of the blade path.
- Use the hold-down foot to secure workpieces.
- Select the proper blade for material and thickness.
- Cut at appropriate speeds—don’t force the blade.
- Wear safety glasses and dust protection.
Accessories
- Variety of Blades – From fine (higher TPI) to coarse for thicker stock.
- Foot Switches – Improve control during intricate work.
- Magnifying Lamps – Enhance visibility of fine patterns.
- Pattern Holders & Templates – Help guide fretwork designs.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the difference between a scroll saw and a band saw?
A scroll saw uses a thin reciprocating blade for intricate details, while a band saw uses a continuous loop blade for curves and resawing.
Q2: Can a scroll saw cut metal?
Yes, with the correct blade and speed settings, thin metals like brass or aluminum can be cut.
Q3: What throat size is best for beginners?
A 16-inch throat is sufficient for most hobby work; professionals may prefer 20 inches or more.
Q4: Are scroll saws noisy?
They are among the quieter woodworking machines, making them ideal for home workshops.
Q5: What materials can a scroll saw cut?
Wood, plastic, thin metals, and even bone or shell with the right blade.
Conclusion
The scroll saw is a unique woodworking machine that combines precision with artistry. From the early cast-iron models of Delta and Walker-Turner to today’s high-end Hegner and Excalibur machines, scroll saws have enabled woodworkers and hobbyists to create everything from intricate fretwork to personalized gifts. If your craft demands detail, control, and creativity, the scroll saw is the tool that makes it possible.
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A scroll saw is a small usually bench mounted saw for cutting intricate curves. Sometimes called a jig saw, it gets its name from the intricate small radius curves found on the interlocking pieces of a jig saw puzzle.
Anytime you’re working with detailed crafts, fretwork, or simply need to make precise freehand cuts, the flexibility of the scroll saw makes it the best tool choice. They are often used for intricate crafts, sign making, puzzle making, and also for internal cuts in stock where band saw cannot reach. The are usually used on thin stock but are capable of cutting stock up to two inches thick.
The scroll saw is a popular choice of many hobby woodworkers. It is a fairly versatile tool and takes up relatively little space in the shop. They are also one of the safer machines in the shop.
Scroll saws have been manufactured by many companies for a number of years. Delta, Walker Turner, Boice Crane and others used to manufacture heavy cast iron version of 24″ and sometimes larger scroll saws.
Scroll Saw Size
The recent trend had been toward a smaller lighter version of a bench mounted saw. They are typically available in 12 inch to 18 inch models and occasionally you’ll find a 24 inch model. The size of the scroll saw indicates the distance between its blade and the rear frame or body of the saw. This is called the “throat.” A 24 inch scroll saw, for example, could cut to the middle of a 48 inch diameter work piece.
Vintage scroll saws typically had a separate motor mounted behind or below the saw and a belt transferred power to the blade mechanism. Newer models have direct drive motors, many of which are variable speed.
Other features found on scroll saws include work
lights that are mounted very near where the blade cuts the wood. This reduces eye strain and makes it easier to follow the line. A blower mounted near the blade is useful to blow off the saw dust and makes it easier to see the cut lines.
Variable speed controls or variable speed motors allow you to set the speed to match the material you’re cutting. A tilting table allow you to make bevel or compound cuts in one pass.
Work hold downs also make the saw easier to use and hold the stock flat on the table.
Scroll Saw Blades
Next to the motor, the most important part of the scroll saw in the blade. Blades are rated by the number of teeth per inch. The higher the number of teeth per inch the smoother the cut.
There are many different types of blades including those for cutting wood, metals, and plastic. Typical scroll saw blades are 5 inches long. The major types are:
Skip tool blade – has a tooth, a gap, then another tooth
Double skip tooth – has two teeth, a gap, then another two teeth
Crown – has teeth pointing both up and down so it cuts on both the up and down stroke of the saw.
Spiral blades – a twisted flat scroll saw blade forming teeth on all sides. This allows you to feed stock into the blade from any direction
Vintage Scroll Saws
- Walker Turner Scroll Saw
For Sale on Facebook Condition – Used Good Price: $100 Seller Description: Vintage Walker Turner company scroll saw from their famous “The Driver Line” series. Model SJ-30. In great condition and all parts are there and complete. Made out of cast iron, heavy and sturdy. Motor mount hardware also complete and just needs a motor … Read more - Walker Turner Scroll Saw SJ-30 For SaleFor Sale on Facebook Condition – Used Good Seller Description: Vintage Walker Turner company scroll saw from their famous “The Driver Line” series. Model SJ-30. In great condition and all parts are there and complete. Made out of cast iron, heavy and sturdy. Motor mount hardware also complete and just needs a motor and blades. … Read more
- 24 inch Craftsman Scroll Saw Model 103.23440
Craftsman Scroll Saw Model 113.23340 Machine Manual (pdf) - Craftsman Scroll Saw
by Ralph(Kokomo, IN, USA) Don’t know age of saw, found in estate. Would like to know if it is possible to find parts? It appears in good condition. Who made this scroll saw for Craftsman? - Craftsman Scroll Saw, Rockwell Band Saw, & Jointer Planer
by Terrie(Oklahoma) I have 3 items that belonged to my father before he passed and I’m trying to find out information and what the items would be worth. So far I haven’t been able to track down any information on them. Craftsman Planer Jointer Model #103.23340Craftsman motor1/2 HP Capacitor motor3450 RPM Ball BearingModel 1157556Type CRI8OK9 … Read more - Craftsman Model 103.23150
by Ed Nicholson(Lexington, SC) Purchased this 18″ scroll saw via local CL. Saw is complete (all saw parts, no motor or stand)and all parts run smoothly. Needs a good stripping/cleaning/painting. Will be looking for a period stand and period 1/3 hp motor to complete the project. I will post updated photos as the project moves … Read more - 1937 Delta 24″ De-luxe Scroll Saw No. 1200
“The Finest Scroll Saw Ever Made” For Heavy Work as Well as Light The Delta 24″ De-Luxe Scroll Saw No. 1200 was one of the finest scroll saws ever made for heavy duty as well as light duty work. This machine, from the moment it was first introduced, has been the standard of comparison for … Read more - Craftsman 18 Inch Scroll Saw
The Craftsman 18 inch scroll saw table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees for mitering and beveling wood up to 2 inches thick. It also cuts plastics and non-ferrous metals. It uses 5 or 6 inch plain-end blades scroll saw blades. The saw features an oil sealed bearing for smooth, quiet operation. Craftsman 18 Inch … Read more
Craftsman 18″ Scroll Saw
Delta 24″ De-Lux Scroll Saw No. 1200 (1937)
Walker Turner Direct Drive 24″ Scroll Saw
