The UK's bestScroll Saws2022 Review

How to Choose The Best Scroll Saw

Scroll saws are used for cutting ornate, delicate and intricate designs in materials such as wood, metal or plastics. They are also known as electric fret saws or fret saw machines. They are large stationary tools that you position on a workbench and feed the material into. They have a fine reciprocating blade that allows you to use them for very delicate work.

The best scroll saws are easy to use, quiet in operation, produce little dust and are relatively safe. They are ideal for a range of woodworking, metalworking and crafting applications. You can use a scroll saw for a range of projects including pierce cuts, fretwork, marquetry and intarsia, among many others. There are a large variety of scroll saws available, from smaller hobbyist models to much larger and more powerful products.

If you are new to scrollsaws there are several things you should keep in mind when choosing a best scroll saw for the UK market.

Firstly, scrollsaws come in fixed or variable speed models. A variable speed machine allows a wider range of material to be cut. If you want to cut acrylic or plastic then a slow speed is essential. Also you may find that some woods burn at a faster speed.

The second important factor is whether the machine can use both pinned and pinless blades. Pinless blades allow you to thread the blade into small holes in the boards to make inside cuts.

If you want to make detailed cuts, then a pinless blade with be more suitable. There is a wide variety of pinless blades available and this allows a greater variety of work. Pinned blades are more suitable for thicker wood rather than fine detail.

Other features to consider include a saw that is sturdy and does not vibrate too much. Too much vibration will affect the accuracy of your cuts and will certainly not allow for extremely fine cuts.

A hold down foot is a useful extra for holding the work piece nice and steady. It is like the foot on a sewing machine and can be lifted and depressed as you work.

Finally a dust extraction or air blowing system is essential. Without it your work piece will collect dust and make it difficult to see what you are doing. A dust extractor also means less mess to clear up when you are done!

Scroll Saw FAQ

What safety precautions should I take when using a scroll saw?

A scroll saw or fret saw is one of the safest woodworking tools available. It is a nice stable workbench tool that cuts slowly and is easy to turn off. Nonetheless it can be dangerous if not used correctly.

Always work in a clean and tidy, well ventilated and well-lit environment. Ensure there are no obstacles or trailing wires around the machine as you work.

Check the machine before you begin work to make sure the blade is tightly fitted and the tension is correct. Run the machine for a few moments before use to check everything is working, and listen out for any unusual noise that might suggest something is wrong with the machine.

Wear safety goggles and a mask when working. Dust particles, especially those from composite boards, can be extremely harmful to health. Safety goggles are essential in case a blade snaps and flies off. Most scroll saws are equipped with a spring in the arm so that, when a blade breaks, the broken top half does not come shooting out. However it always pays to be safe. Stand with your face and body to one side of the blade and out of line with a possible thrown piece in case the blade should break.

Of course, you should always keep your fingers clear of the blade. Do not hand hold small pieces, and use a jig to ensure your hands do not go under the blade guard.