Best Scroll Saw For Marquetry In [year]

Marquetry is an art of creating beautiful designs and patterns on pieces of wood. With a great scroll saw, you can create perfect decorative patterns. After analyzing five prominent scroll saws for various features, we found that the DEWALT Scroll Saw to be a perfect match for marquetry. Additionally, there’s also a buying guide to ensure that you choose the best scroll saw for marquetry.

Best Scroll Saw for Marquetry

1. DEWALT Scroll Saw – The Best Overall

The one thing that we like the most about DEWALT scroll saw is its tension lever mechanism. In other equipment, you have to pass the blade through the hole and re-attach it. However, in this equipment, you just need to turn the thumbscrew and loosen the tension lever.

It saves a lot of time while doing fretwork. While reviewing, we also found that it’s very easy to clean up. The under-table area of this equipment is open and not closely boxed. Therefore, you can access it with ease.

We tested it with a variety of hose clamps, PVC insert fittings, and zip ties. While testing, it produced a very little amount of sawdust. Therefore, if you are cutting a lot of MDF or hardwood, the DEWALT scroll saw will be very handy for you.

We were not satisfied with the quality of the blades. It seems like they’re providing a cheap set of blades. You’ll likely have to buy more of it. However, for a beginner woodworker, we’d suggest you go for this saw and use spiral blades.

We also liked its durability and well-versed to build quality. Based on our experience, we can say that it will last for years. It does not produce any vibrations and provides quieter workability. The accuracy is highly precise and the controls are greatly responsive as well.

After using it for a while, we noticed something strange with the locking mechanism of the upper arm. Even after numerous attempts, we were not able to lock the upper arm. However, by using some kits, we fixed the issue.

The fan also works well. Although it is a bit complex to secure the bottom connection of this equipment while installing a new blade, you’ll soon get familiar with it. It could have been better if it had an attached LED light.

Bottom Line

All in all, we’re highly satisfied with the DEWALT scroll saw and believe it to be the best scroll saw for marquetry. With its fast cutting speed, easy blade change mechanism, and minimal vibrations, it’s no less than a dream come true for woodworkers. Even though it’s a bit pricey, you can expect a great work-life from it.

2. Delta Power Tools Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best for Double Bevel Marquetry

After having a satisfying experience with DEWALT, we moved towards the Delta Power Scroll saw. You may call it a coincidence but we found a lot of similarities in both the equipment. However, it is a little cheaper than the DEWALT.

While reviewing, the first thing that caught our attention was the parallel link design of this saw. For those who don’t know, there are two types of saws namely parallel link and parallel arm. The parallel link saws are usually better.

They produce lesser vibrations, provide front controls, and allow a hole to hole blade movement. We read the instruction manual and it said that the saw is fully assembled. However, we found that the knob assembly and the bevel were not attached to the equipment.

After a certain amount of research, we found that the knob was prone to damage and was fragile. That’s why it is packed unattached to the saw. It made the task of assembling the saw very complex but it didn’t take much time.

Once we got it into the operating stage, we started noticing the differences between the DEWALT and DELTA scroll saws. Firstly, Delta’s table is wider than that of DEWALT. Secondly, the Delta scroll saw provides a locking pin that keeps the upper arm in place when changing blades.

We also loved the covered compartment provided by DELTA for storing spare blades. Then, we tested it against different types of wood and we were very amazed at the results that it showed to us.

Due to its parallel-arm design, it is certainly a perfect match for double bevel marquetry. The controls are pretty easy to understand as well. At such a price range, we were not expecting such a high-level performance.

Bottom Line

If the Delta Scroll saw would have been priced similar to the DEWALT, we would have a hard time in shortlisting one of them. However, at such a competitive price, the Delta scroll saw provides more than you ask.

3. Shop Fox Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best For Veneer Marquetry

The first thing that caught our attention in the Shop Fox Scroll Saw is its on, off, and speed controls. Although it takes a little time to acquire the speed but performs well. However, don’t exert much pressure on the blade to prevent slowdown.

The vibrations are non-noticeable and they also provide adapters for non-pin blades. But we had a hard time mounting the saw. There’s no template provided and the two holes are very difficult to mark. However, a marker pen or a pointy pencil just works fine.

The best thing about this tool is its dust blower. You won’t have to deal with dust or wood particles on your workstation. Moreover, the lights are usable in a dark room. Although it casts a yellowish light, you can certainly get your work done.

There’s also a hold-down foot to help you cut small pieces perfectly. This makes it a great tool for veneer marquetry. Moreover, with its excellent blade protector, you can always expect accurate cuts while maintaining a good speed.

While using it against hardwood, we were impressed by the installation and removal of pin blades. We didn’t even require to remove the plug to insert and remove the pin blades. This saved us a lot of time while working on the project.

Among the different types of wood, it cut through pine, oak, and maple very smoothly. Moreover, the cuts were straight and corners were very tightly rounded. It can easily cut through hardwood even at the slowest speed.

We found it very easy to change blades in this tool. All you need to do is move up the arms and enjoy the plenty of space available for your blades. Furthermore, mounting it to a table is also a cakewalk and they’ve provided sufficient space for it.

Bottom Line

All in all, we found the Shop Fox Variable Speed Scroll Saw to be a great machine for beginner marquetry enthusiasts. Even though it has some minor drawbacks, it will get the job done for you.

4. Shop Series RK7315 16” Scroll Saw with Variable Speed Control – Best For Window Method Marquetry

The Shop Series Variable Speed Scroll Saw is yet another good option for marquetry. Initially, we observed a little vibration but with a couple of vibration dampers, it almost became non-noticeable. This allowed us to make accurate soft waste veneer cuts for window method marquetry.

The variable speed control dial in this equipment works great. It instantly shifts to variable speeds without taking time to charge up. The saw supports a tilt of 45 Degrees and you can easily use it to make beveled and angled cuts while doing marquetry by window method.

Unlike other equipment, its very lightweight and fits perfectly in hands. Talking about the blades, it works fine with pinned blades. However, if you are planning to use pin-less blades, it’s a big no. Every time you remove the pin-less blade, it takes a lot of time to fit in again.

Even though the dust blower is not so flexible, it blows away the dust out of your way. This saw is constructed well and provides you a sturdy body. At such a price range, we were not expecting such great durability.

Primarily, the saw is made specifically for entry-lever scrollers and beginner woodworkers. It has a 1.2-amp inductive motor that’s not the most powerful but works well for general purpose scrolling. It works pretty fine in the voltage range of 110-115 V.

We found the throat depth to be the most impressive feature of this saw. It provides a 16″ of throat length. At such a price range, you cannot expect a longer throat length. It is a highly budget-friendly scroll saw.

The base is made up of cast iron and the rest of the body is made up of plastic. It might be a personal preference but the color palette of black and sandy brown provides it a contemporary look. Its lightweight body makes it easier to carry while traveling.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, if you are just starting in woodworking, you can’t find a better companion than the Shop Series Variable Speed Scroll Saw. With its lightweight and durable construction, you can easily get your job done.

5. WEN Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best Under Budget 

WEN Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw

The most noteworthy thing about the WEN Two-Direction Scroll Saw ( compare it with band saw ) is the ability to change its blades without using any tools. Its base is designed with a cast iron base that acts as a reliable and steady foundation for your work.

It features a 16-inch throat size that provides you sufficient working room for your woodworking. The cast iron base also ensures that the tool produces lesser vibration and provides you a higher level of accuracy.

In addition to it, the table supports a level of up to 45 degrees to help you get the right angles for your cuts. This saw provides you a great design and the price is highly genuine. With this scroll saw, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a quality scroll saw.

Apart from the workability, the saw offers various special features such as air pump, dust port, and lights. The lights are bright, adjustable, and provide great visibility to your work. Overall, the saw is highly accurate and user-friendly.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the WEN Scroll Saw is made with high-quality materials with a great design. Even though it’s not as powerful as other equipment, it comes with a highly reasonable price tag. Additionally, it is equipped with several features as well.

Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Scroll Saw for Marquetry

Marquetry is a job that required both stability and accuracy. A scroll saw certainly fits the bill for this work. However, while purchasing a scroll saw, you need to consider certain aspects to make a better purchase decision. Let us take a look at some vital things to look while buying the best scroll saw for marquetry:

1. Angle of Blade

If you want to create beveled edge cuts, you need to make sure that you can angle your saw as per your requirements. For an ideal scroll saw, the angle of tilt must be 45 degrees on both sides. However, you may also find a lot of other tools that provide you a tilting angle of 15 Degrees. The one that fits the best for you depends on the type of job that you want to accomplish. We found the Shop Series RK7315 16 Inch Scroll Saw ideal for beveled and angled cuts.

2. Depth of cutting

In a scroll saw, you don’t need to have a huge depth of cutting like other saws used for woodworking. All you need to do is make sure that the saw is capable of making a cut of 2 inches in the wood. Among all the tools we tested, the DEWALT Scroll Saw has the greatest depth of cutting.

3. Size of the throat

You may think that the size of the throat doesn’t affect the quality of your work, it is still an important factor to consider. The throat size accounts for the quality of your scroll saw.

In easy words, it is the space allotted to you for cutting. It is calculated as the distance between the holding arm and the blade when the wood it hitting the back. As a general rule of thumb, you can choose to have a throat size between 16-20 inches.

4. Speed Control

While doing marquetry, it is essential for you to have a controllable varying speed for your scroll saw. That’s because different materials require different speeds to cut efficiently. Therefore, the output of your craft will depend on the speed you match with the wood type that you are cutting.

5. Noise

Scroll saws are majorly known for their quietness when being used. Even though noise is not a big factor to consider, it may help you to identify the cheaply made scroll saws that make a very loud noise when operating. Therefore, you can either run the saw to test it or read the noise unit in the manual.

6. Vibration

When using a scroll saw, vibration can be a dominating factor in determining the quality of your work. Lesser vibrations mean that you won’t have to deal with numerous distractions and you can complete your work with higher accuracy. If vibration is a concerning factor for you, we’d suggest you to go with WEN Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw.

7. Management of sawdust

When you are working with wood, you’ll have to deal with a lot of sawdust that you need to clean after completing your job. While scroll saws do not produce a lot of sawdust, you may find it annoying while doing marquetry. Therefore, make sure that you choose a model that provides you a good dust collection mechanism. Based on our testing, we found the Shop Fox Variable Speed Scroll Saw to have the best dust collection mechanism among other scroll saws for marquetry.

8. Blade changing mechanism

For different projects, you will require a different set of blades. This certainly points towards changing blades very often. Therefore, you must have a scroll saw with a good blade changing mechanism.

FAQs

1. How long does a scroll saw blade lasts?

Usually, a scroll saw blade can last for 10-50 minutes of continuous usage. However, it is affected by factors such as type of wood (hardwood, thick), speed of operation, and issues related to tension. All of these factors result in a shorter lifespan of your scroll saw blades.

2. Is it easy to use a scroll saw?

Yes, using a scroll saw for marquetry is easy for beginners. To get started, you can use a pattern through which you can make professional cuts and create beautiful designs. However, in case you don’t need a fixed pattern, you have all the liberty to go with the old method.

3. How thick can a scroll saw cut?

For most of the home users, the scroll saw that provide a capacity of 16-18 inch are ideal. Moreover, the thickness of a material is determined by the depth of the cut that you make. Generally, the majority of the scroll saws tend to provide you a depth of 2 ¼ and 1 ¾ inch.

4. What can we do with a scroll saw?

Usually, a scroll saw is used to make intricate curve cuts and joints. It can provide great accuracy and quick workflow in making joints. Moreover, they can also be used to make dovetail joint cuts. They are also commonly used for projects with thicker intarsia.

5. How do the jigsaw and scroll saw differ?

Both of these tools can be utilized to make plunge cuts and curved lines. However, the main difference lies in the fact that a scroll saw is specifically designed to make precise curved lines while a jigsaw can only provide a decent result.  

The Takeaway

A great scroll saw needs to be precise, flexible, and capable of making clean cuts. All the products mentioned in the rundown are worth your money. However, if you are overwhelmed and looking for a suggestion, we’d highly recommend you to go with the DEWALT scroll saw. Its ease of usage and high versatility makes it the best scroll saw for marquetry.