Ryobi SC165VS Scroll Saw Review: — Budget Contender or Another Also-Ran?

⚡ Quick Verdict

The Ryobi SC165VS is a frustratingly average scroll saw for woodworking that does nothing exceptionally well and nothing catastrophically wrong. After six months of regular use, I’ve concluded it’s the definition of a “meh” tool. The 16-inch throat, variable speed, and sub-$200 price point check the right boxes on paper. In practice, the vibration is worse than the WEN 3921, the blade changes are slower than the Shop Fox W1713, and the build quality feels cheaper than both. The integrated dust blower is genuinely decent, and the included stand saves you money, but those small wins don’t offset the overall mediocrity. If you find it on clearance under $150, it’s tolerable. At full retail around $180–$220, the WEN 3921 and Shop Fox W1713 are better buys. For anyone serious about scrollwork, save up for a DeWalt DW788. My rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars. Mediocre in a crowded field.

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Why I Bought the Ryobi SC165VS (And Why I Regretted It)

I’ve tested budget scroll saws from every major brand: WEN, Shop Fox, Dremel, Delta. A reader specifically asked about the Ryobi SC165VS, claiming it was “underrated” and “better than people say.” I was skeptical—Ryobi’s reputation in woodworking circles is mixed at best—but I decided to give it a fair shot.

I paid $189 at a big-box hardware store, which included the saw and a basic steel stand. My hope was that Ryobi had quietly built a sleeper hit: a budget saw that punched above its weight like the WEN 3921 sometimes does.

What I found was a tool that embodies Ryobi’s entire brand identity: adequate for homeowners, underwhelming for enthusiasts, and forgettable for anyone who has used better.

Ryobi SC165VS Specifications and Features

Feature	Spec
Motor	1.2 Amp
Throat Depth	16 inches
Blade Stroke	9/16 inch
Cutting Capacity	2 inches (wood)
Variable Speed	550 – 1,600 strokes per minute
Arm Design	Single pivot arm
Table Tilt	0° to 45° bevel (left)
Blade Change System	Tool-required hex key
Weight	32 lbs
Dust Collection	Adjustable air nozzle
Work Light	Flexible gooseneck LED
Stand	Included (steel frame)
Price	~$180–$220

Unboxing and Assembly: Familiar Budget Territory

The SC165VS arrived in two boxes: saw and stand. Assembly took about 40 minutes. The stand is functional steel tubing with a small shelf—similar to the Shop Fox W1713’s included base but slightly flimsier. The feet are plastic rather than rubber, so the stand slides on smooth floors unless weighted down.

The saw itself is light at 32 pounds. The base is thin cast iron, smaller than the Shop Fox’s and noticeably less substantial than the DeWalt DW788’s. The arm is stamped steel with visible weld seams. The table is adequate but has a rougher surface than competitors, catching workpieces slightly until waxed.

My first power-on test was immediately disappointing. The motor whines at a higher pitch than the WEN 3921, and the vibration is pronounced even at low speeds. I checked bolt tightness, leveled the stand, and added a rubber mat. The vibration remained. It’s simply a poorly balanced design.

Ryobi SC165VS Performance Test: Mediocre Across the Board

Vibration and Smoothness: Worse Than Cheaper Competitors

This is the SC165VS’s biggest weakness. The single pivot arm generates more vibration than the WEN 3921 and Shop Fox W1713—saws that cost the same or less. At 550 SPM, there’s a constant low-frequency buzz. At 1,200 SPM, the table surface vibrates visibly. At 1,600 SPM, the entire saw shimmies on its stand even when bolted down.

I ran the water glass test at multiple speeds. At 1,000 SPM, water rippled aggressively. At 1,600 SPM, it splashed. Compare to the WEN 3921, where water merely ripples at equivalent speeds, and the Ryobi feels like a step backward.

For practical cutting, this means:

Significant hand fatigue after just 20–30 minutes
Difficulty following fine pattern lines due to workpiece shake
Increased blade breakage from uneven pressure
Less confidence on delicate cuts

I found myself taking more breaks, cutting slower, and abandoning intricate projects that I would have finished on the WEN or Shop Fox.

Variable Speed Range: Narrow and Coarse

The speed dial ranges from 550 to 1,600 SPM. The control is a plastic knob with vague detents—harder to set precisely than the WEN’s dial. Speed changes feel jumpy rather than smooth, and the motor audibly strains at the low end when cutting thick stock.

Low speeds (550–700 SPM): The motor labors on 1/2-inch hardwoods. Vibration is present but manageable. This is where I spent most of my time.

Mid-range (800–1,200 SPM): General purpose cutting. Vibration intensifies. The saw feels most comfortable here but never truly smooth.

High speeds (1,300–1,600 SPM): Thin materials only. The vibration becomes aggressive, and precision suffers. I avoided this zone for anything detailed.

Cutting Capacity and Power: Adequate, Nothing More

The 16-inch throat is standard for budget saws and handles most beginner projects. The 2-inch rated capacity is optimistic for hardwoods.

Tested materials:

1/8-inch Baltic birch plywood: Acceptable results. Edges are rougher than the WEN 3921 produces.
1/4-inch cherry: Manageable with sharp blades. More vibration than competitors.
1/2-inch walnut: Motor heats slightly, vibration increases, edges need sanding.
3/4-inch hard maple: Pushed the saw hard. Slow feed, frequent blade changes, and one motor thermal shutdown.
Stacked 1/4-inch plywood (2 layers): Possible with careful taping. Three layers introduced too much vibration.

The 9/16-inch blade stroke is shorter than the 3/4-inch stroke on WEN and Shop Fox models, meaning less efficient dust clearing and slightly more burning on long cuts.

Blade Changes: Slow and Awkward

The SC165VS uses a tool-required hex key system—two small set screws, upper and lower. The process is identical to the Shop Fox W1713 but somehow feels worse. The set screws are smaller, harder to reach, and strip more easily. The included hex key is stubby and uncomfortable to grip.

Typical blade change time: 2–3 minutes. On the WEN 3921, it’s 90 seconds. On the DeWalt DW788, it’s 10 seconds. For projects requiring frequent blade swaps, this friction is exhausting.

The saw accepts both plain-end and pin-end blades, which is standard at this price. But the clamp mechanism doesn’t grip as securely as competitors. I had two blades slip mid-cut during my testing—something that never happened on the WEN or Shop Fox.

Table Tilt and Bevel Cuts

The table tilts 0 to 45 degrees left. The mechanism uses a handwheel and locking lever that feel cheap and imprecise. The angle scale is a sticker rather than engraved markings, and mine started peeling at month three.

I used it for a few simple beveled frames. It functioned but never locked as securely as I’d like. Under pressure from a large workpiece, the table shifted slightly twice. I learned to overtighten aggressively and check alignment constantly.

Ryobi SC165VS Dust Collection and Lighting: Small Wins

Dust Blower

Here’s where the SC165VS actually shines—relatively speaking. The adjustable air nozzle moves more air than the WEN 3921’s blower and rivals the Shop Fox’s. On thin materials, it keeps the cut line visible. On thick hardwoods, it still struggles but performs better than expected for the price.

This is the one feature where Ryobi clearly out-engineered its budget competitors. If only the rest of the saw matched this standard.

Work Light

The gooseneck LED is dim and yellow-tinted, making it hard to distinguish pencil lines from wood grain. After one week, I stopped using it entirely. A $15 hardware store lamp outperforms it easily.

What I Made With the Ryobi SC165VS: A Frustrating Six Months

To test this saw fairly, I attempted my usual project range:

Simple Wooden Puzzles (1/4-inch Baltic Birch)

Result: Acceptable. The saw handled basic curves adequately. Vibration made tight interlocking tabs harder than necessary, but the puzzles functioned. Edges needed more cleanup than the WEN 3921 requires.

Decorative Signs (3/4-inch Pine, Block Letters)

Result: Tolerable. Straight cuts and gentle curves are this saw’s strength. The motor handled thick softwood adequately. But the vibration made long cuts tiring, and I took frequent breaks.

Fretwork Panel (1/2-inch Cherry, Moderate Detail)

Result: Poor. I broke six blades on a single panel—triple my usual rate. The vibration caused uneven feeding, and the blade clamp slips I mentioned earlier ruined two attempts entirely. I finished the panel but was dissatisfied with the result.

Stack-Cut Ornaments (1/8-inch Walnut, 2 Layers)

Result: Barely possible. Even with two layers, vibration caused slight shifting. Three layers were impossible. Compare to the Shop Fox W1713, which managed two layers cleanly, and the Ryobi underperforms.

Dollhouse Furniture (1/4-inch Basswood)

Result: Frustrating. The small scale should suit any 16-inch saw, but vibration made precision elusive. I abandoned the project and finished on my DeWalt DW788.

Ryobi SC165VS Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

✅ What I Liked

Included stand saves money and setup hassle
Better-than-average dust blower for the price point
16-inch throat handles standard beginner projects
Accepts pin-end and plain-end blades
Variable speed covers basic material needs
Compact and relatively light at 32 pounds

❌ What I Didn’t Like

Worst-in-class vibration among budget saws I’ve tested
Slow, awkward blade changes with easily stripped screws
Motor labors on hardwoods and thick stock
Blade clamp slippage during cuts—unacceptable
Cheap table tilt mechanism with peeling angle scale
Dim, useless work light
Shorter blade stroke than competitors (9/16 vs. 3/4 inch)
Rougher table surface requires frequent waxing
Plastic stand feet slide on smooth floors
Overall build quality feels cheaper than WEN and Shop Fox

Ryobi SC165VS vs. Competitors: Losing the Budget Battle

Ryobi SC165VS vs. WEN 3921

The WEN costs $30–$50 less and outperforms the Ryobi in smoothness, blade changes, and build quality. The WEN’s two-directional table is genuinely innovative. The Ryobi’s only advantage is a slightly better dust blower. For most buyers, the WEN is the smarter choice.

Winner: WEN 3921

Ryobi SC165VS vs. Shop Fox W1713

These are similarly priced with similar features. The Shop Fox has a better dust port, comparable vibration, and more reliable blade clamps. The Ryobi’s dust blower is better, but that’s not enough to overcome its other weaknesses. I’d take the Shop Fox.

Winner: Shop Fox W1713 (narrowly)

Ryobi SC165VS vs. DeWalt DW788

Not a fair fight. The DW788 costs 3x more and delivers 4x the performance. If you can save for the DeWalt, do it. The Ryobi will leave you wanting within months.

Winner: DeWalt DW788 by knockout

Who Should Buy the Ryobi SC165VS?

Buy the Ryobi SC165VS if:

You find it on clearance under $150
You specifically need the better dust blower for health reasons
You’re a casual DIYer who scroll saws a few times per year
You already own other Ryobi tools and want brand consistency
You’re buying for a teenager or casual hobbyist who might not stick with it

Skip the Ryobi SC165VS if:

You can afford the WEN 3921 or Shop Fox W1713 instead
You plan to scroll saw weekly or more
You do intricate fretwork, intarsia, or stack cutting
You value smooth operation and minimal vibration
You change blades frequently
You need reliable blade clamps that don’t slip

Ryobi SC165VS Long-Term Durability: 6-Month Report

Six months revealed concerning wear patterns. The table tilt sticker peeled completely off by month four. The blade clamp set screws showed stripping. The motor developed a slight rattling sound under load that wasn’t present new. The stand’s plastic feet cracked.

None of these are catastrophic, but they suggest a shorter lifespan than competitors. I expect 2–3 years of regular use before major issues. For $189, that’s poor value compared to the WEN or Shop Fox.

Final Thoughts: The Problem With “Good Enough”

The Ryobi SC165VS isn’t a terrible tool. It cuts wood. It includes a stand. It has variable speed and a decent dust blower. For a homeowner who needs to cut a few shapes twice a year, it functions.

But “functions” isn’t enough in a competitive market. The WEN 3921 functions better for less money. The Shop Fox W1713 functions better for the same money. The DeWalt DW788 functions dramatically better for a bit more money.

Ryobi seems to have designed this saw by checking boxes rather than optimizing performance. It has all the features budget buyers look for, but none of them are executed well. The vibration is worse than cheaper competitors. The blade changes are slower. The build quality is cheaper. The blade clamps slip.

I wanted to like this saw. I wanted to validate the reader who called it “underrated.” Instead, I found a tool that validates every criticism of the Ryobi brand: adequate for homeowners, disappointing for anyone who cares about their craft.

If you already own one, use it. Learn on it. But when you’re ready to upgrade—and you will be—don’t look back.

Ryobi SC165VS Review Score

Category	Rating
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐
Cutting Performance	⭐⭐⭐
Vibration Control	⭐⭐
Ease of Blade Changes	⭐⭐
Build Quality	⭐⭐
Dust Collection	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Motor Power	⭐⭐⭐
Long-Term Durability	⭐⭐
Overall Enjoyment	⭐⭐

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)

Would I keep the Ryobi SC165VS? Only as a backup or loaner saw. Would I recommend it to anyone? Only if they found it heavily discounted and understood its severe limitations. In a crowded budget market, this is the saw to skip.

Have you used the Ryobi SC165VS? Did you find it as underwhelming as I did, or did I get a bad unit? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.

Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw Review: Portable Power or Compromised Toy?

⚡ Quick Verdict

The Dremel MS20 Moto scroll Saw for woodworking is a niche tool that excels at one thing and struggles at everything else. After five months of using it for small projects, detail work, and on-the-go cutting, I can say it’s genuinely useful for hobbyists who need portability above all else. The compact size, lightweight design, and ability to switch between stationary scroll saw mode and handheld coping saw mode are clever innovations. But the 2-inch throat depth is crippling for standard scrollwork, the vibration is harsh, the blade changes are fiddly, and the motor bogs down on anything thicker than 1/4 inch. At around $80–$100, it’s cheap enough to be an impulse buy, but most woodworkers will find it too limited for serious use. My rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars. Clever concept, flawed execution.

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Why I Bought the Dremel MS20 (And What I Hoped For)

I’ve tested full-size scroll saws from the $130 WEN 3921 to the $850 Excalibur EX-21. But a reader asked about something I hadn’t considered: what if you don’t have a shop? What if you craft at a kitchen table, take projects to friends’ houses, or need something that stores in a closet?

The Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw promised exactly that. Marketed as a “compact scroll saw and coping saw in one,” it’s designed for hobbyists, crafters, and DIYers who need cutting capability without dedicated space. I paid $89 for the kit, which includes the base unit, four blades, and a carrying case.

My hope was modest: a tool that wouldn’t replace my Excalibur EX-21, but would handle small projects, quick cuts, and situations where dragging out a 70-pound machine made no sense.

Some of that hope was realized. Much of it wasn’t.

Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw Specifications and Features

Feature	Spec
Motor	0.9 Amp
Throat Depth	2 inches (stationary mode)
Blade Stroke	Not specified (approximately 1/4 inch)
Cutting Capacity	3/4 inch (wood), 3/8 inch (plastic/metal)
Variable Speed	1,500 – 2,250 strokes per minute
Arm Design	Single pivot, compact
Table Tilt	None
Blade Change System	Tool-free quick-release
Weight	3.5 lbs (handheld), 5 lbs with base
Dust Collection	None
Work Light	None
Special Feature	Detachable handheld mode
Price	~$80–$100

Unboxing and First Impressions: Tiny and Plastic

The MS20 arrived in a box smaller than a shoebox. The carrying case is genuinely useful—everything fits neatly inside, and the whole package stores on a shelf. Unpacking it felt like opening a power tool from a different category entirely. This isn’t a benchtop machine; it’s a Dremel rotary tool that happens to accept scroll saw blades.

The construction is almost entirely plastic. The base is lightweight ABS plastic with rubber feet. The arm is a thin metal stamping. The “table” is a small plastic platform with a throat insert. Everything feels disposable, which at this price point, it essentially is.

Assembly takes two minutes: attach the base, insert a blade, plug it in. The blade change system is actually clever—flip a lever, insert the blade, flip back. Tool-free and fast, though the small scale makes it fiddly for larger fingers.

My first power-on test was jarring. The motor whines at a high pitch, and the vibration is immediate and aggressive. This is not a smooth machine. It shakes in your hand in handheld mode and dances on the table in stationary mode. I had to clamp the base to a heavy board to keep it still.

Dremel MS20 Performance Test: Pushing a Tiny Saw to Its Limits

Vibration and Smoothness: Harsh and Unrelenting

The MS20’s vibration is its defining characteristic. In handheld mode, it numbs your fingers within minutes. In stationary mode, it rattles the base against the table unless firmly clamped. There’s no escaping it—the small motor, lightweight construction, and high stroke rate combine into a buzzy, unpleasant cutting experience.

I tested it against my other saws using the water glass method. At any speed, the water splashed. There’s no meaningful vibration damping here. This is a tool you use for short bursts, not long sessions.

For practical cutting, this means:

Hand fatigue sets in quickly—15 minutes is my personal limit
Precision suffers because the workpiece shakes along with the saw
Blade control is difficult in handheld mode, where the saw wants to wander
Delicate materials crack from the aggressive vibration (I broke thin plywood and acrylic)

Variable Speed: Limited Range, High Pitch

The speed range is 1,500 to 2,250 SPM—noticeably higher at the low end than any full-size scroll saw. There’s no slow, controlled cutting here. Even at minimum speed, the blade moves fast and aggressively.

Low speed (1,500 SPM): Still feels fast. Best for thin plywood and softwoods under 1/4 inch.

High speed (2,250 SPM): Aggressive and loud. Useful for quick rough cuts in soft materials, but precision is nearly impossible. The motor sounds strained and the vibration intensifies.

There’s no sweet spot for fine detail work. The MS20 is built for speed, not finesse.

Cutting Capacity: Severely Limited

The 2-inch throat depth is the MS20’s fatal flaw for standard scrollwork. You cannot cut anything wider than 4 inches in diameter without rotating the workpiece around the blade—a clumsy process that ruins pattern alignment. Compare this to the 16-inch throat of budget benchtop saws, and the limitation is stark.

I tested various materials:

1/8-inch Baltic birch plywood: Cuts adequately in stationary mode. Edges are rougher than a real scroll saw but acceptable for casual projects. Handheld mode is harder to control but works for quick notches.

1/4-inch pine: The practical limit for clean cuts. Motor handles it but vibrates heavily. Edges need significant sanding.

3/8-inch oak: Motor bogs down. Blade wanders. Burn marks appear. This is pushing the tool beyond its design.

1/2-inch soft maple: Struggled constantly. Slow feed rates, frequent stalls, and one smoked motor smell convinced me to stop.

Acrylic sheet (1/8-inch): Melts and re-welds behind the blade. Requires very fast feed to prevent melting, which compromises control. Results were poor.

Thin aluminum (1/16-inch): The included metal-cutting blade handled this surprisingly well. One of the MS20’s better applications.

Corian/countertop material: Forget it. The motor lacks torque and the blade lacks aggression.

The Two-Mode Gimmick: Useful or Gimmick?

The MS20’s headline feature is its detachable handheld mode. Press a button, lift the saw from the base, and use it like a powered coping saw for plunge cuts and tight spaces.

Stationary mode: Functions like a micro scroll saw. The tiny table supports small workpieces. The 2-inch throat limits project size severely. I used it for cutting small wooden shapes, trimming dowels, and notching thin stock.

Handheld mode: More versatile in theory than practice. The saw is front-heavy and vibrates intensely. Plunge cuts are possible but scary—the blade kicks when it bites. I used it for trimming laminate, cutting PVC pipe, and rough-notching plywood. It worked, but never felt safe or controlled.

The mode switch itself is well-designed. The release button is positive, and the saw seats securely in the base. Dremel’s engineers solved the mechanical problem; they just couldn’t overcome the physics of a 3.5-pound vibrating tool.

What I Made With the Dremel MS20: Finding Its Niche

To test this tool fairly, I attempted projects suited to its scale and limitations:

Small Wooden Ornaments (1/8-inch Plywood, Under 3 Inches)

Result: Acceptable. The stationary mode handled these adequately. Vibration made detail work hard, but simple shapes cut cleanly enough. I wouldn’t sell these, but they’d pass as handmade gifts.

Dollhouse Furniture Components (1/4-inch Basswood)

Result: Frustrating. The small scale should suit the MS20, but precision was elusive. Chair legs and table tops came out slightly uneven. Sanding fixed most issues, but the tool fought me.

Plastic Model Part Modifications (Handheld Mode)

Result: Surprisingly good. This is where the MS20 shines. Removing sprues, notching plastic pieces, and trimming thin styrene were all easier than with a knife or coping saw. The high speed and small blade work well on soft plastics.

Quick PVC Pipe Cuts (Handheld Mode)

Result: Functional. Faster than a hacksaw for small-diameter pipe. Messy edges, but adequate for plumbing projects where appearance doesn’t matter.

Laminate Trim Work (Handheld Mode)

Result: Useful. Trimming countertop laminate edges was faster than manual methods. The small blade reaches tight corners. This is genuinely practical DIY work.

Attempted Fretwork Bookmark (1/8-inch Walnut)

Result: Abandoned. The vibration, limited throat, and lack of table tilt made this impossible. I switched to my Excalibur and finished in five minutes what the MS20 couldn’t start.

Dremel MS20 Pros and Cons: The Brutal Truth

✅ What I Liked

Extremely compact and portable — stores anywhere, travels easily
Two-mode versatility — stationary and handheld in one package
Tool-free blade changes — fast and genuinely convenient
Carrying case included — everything fits neatly
Affordable price — impulse-buy territory
Decent on soft plastics and thin materials — finds a niche here
No setup required — plug in and cut within seconds

❌ What I Didn’t Like

Severe 2-inch throat limitation — cripples standard scrollwork
Aggressive, unrelenting vibration — numbs hands and compromises precision
High minimum speed — no slow, controlled cutting option
Motor bogs down on materials over 1/4 inch
No dust collection — sawdust everywhere with no mitigation
No work light — hard to see cut lines on small workpieces
Plastic construction feels disposable rather than durable
Rough cut quality — edges need extensive cleanup
Handheld mode is front-heavy and hard to control precisely
Loud, high-pitched motor whine — unpleasant to use for extended periods

Dremel MS20 vs. Competitors: An Unfair Comparison

Dremel MS20 vs. WEN 3921 / Shop Fox W1713

These budget benchtop saws cost $50–$150 more but offer 8x the throat depth, significantly less vibration, and actual scroll saw capability. The MS20’s only advantages are portability and handheld mode. For any project larger than a coaster, the benchtop saws win decisively.

Winner: WEN 3921 / Shop Fox W1713 (for scrollwork); Dremel MS20 (for portability only)

Dremel MS20 vs. Full-Size Scroll Saws (DeWalt, Delta, Excalibur)

This isn’t a comparison; it’s a different category entirely. Full-size saws offer 10–20 inch throats, smooth operation, precise control, and professional results. The MS20 offers convenience. Choose based on whether you need a tool or a toy.

Winner: Full-size saws by knockout

Dremel MS20 vs. Manual Coping Saw

Here’s an interesting comparison. A $15 coping saw cuts slower but with more control and no vibration. The MS20 cuts faster but rougher. For occasional trim work, the coping saw is more pleasant. For production cutting, the MS20 saves time at the cost of quality.

Winner: Tie (depends on priority: speed vs. control)

Who Should Buy the Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw?

Buy the Dremel MS20 if:

You need a truly portable cutting tool for travel or small spaces
You work primarily with soft plastics, thin plywood, and craft materials
You want a quick-trim tool for DIY projects (PVC, laminate, dowels)
You build plastic models and need faster sprue removal
You have no shop space and craft at a kitchen table or desk
You want a second tool for rough cuts so your good saw stays sharp
You’re buying for a child or teen who wants to experiment safely

Skip the Dremel MS20 if:

You want to do standard scroll saw work (fretwork, puzzles, intarsia)
You cut hardwoods over 1/4 inch regularly
You value smooth, vibration-free operation
You need precision results for selling your work
You can fit even a small benchtop saw in your space
You plan to scroll saw for more than 15 minutes at a time
You expect professional-grade cut quality

Dremel MS20 Accessories and Reality Checks

The kit includes four blades: two wood-cutting, one plastic/laminate, one metal. They’re adequate for testing but dull quickly. Replacement blades are proprietary and cost roughly $10 for a 5-pack—expensive relative to standard scroll saw blades.

There’s no meaningful upgrade path. You can’t add a light, improve dust collection, or reduce vibration. What you buy is what you get.

Long-Term Durability: 5-Month Report

Five months of moderate use revealed no mechanical failures, but the plastic construction shows wear. The base feet are compressed and less grippy. The blade lever feels slightly looser. The motor still runs but smells slightly different under load—possibly brush wear.

I don’t expect this tool to last five years. At $89, that’s acceptable if it serves a specific need. But don’t buy it as an investment.

Final Thoughts: The Right Tool for the Wrong Job

The Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw isn’t a bad product; it’s a good product solving a problem most woodworkers don’t have. If you absolutely need portable, compact cutting for small materials, it works. I’ve used it more than I expected for quick trims, plastic work, and situations where dragging out the Excalibur felt absurd.

But calling it a “scroll saw” is misleading. The 2-inch throat eliminates 90% of scrollwork. The vibration eliminates precision. The motor eliminates thick materials. This is a powered craft knife with aspirations, not a real scroll saw.

If Dremel doubled the throat to 4 inches, added vibration damping, and included a basic dust blower, the MS20 could be genuinely useful. As it stands, it’s a niche gadget that most woodworkers will use twice and forget.

My recommendation: buy it only if you’ve identified a specific need it fills. Don’t buy it hoping it will substitute for a real scroll saw. It won’t.

Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw Review Score

Category	Rating
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐
Portability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cutting Performance	⭐⭐
Vibration Control	⭐
Ease of Blade Changes	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Build Quality	⭐⭐
Versatility	⭐⭐⭐
Long-Term Durability	⭐⭐
Overall Enjoyment	⭐⭐

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)

Would I keep the Dremel MS20? Yes, but only as a specialized trim tool, not as a scroll saw. Would I recommend it to a woodworker? Only with heavy caveats and a clear understanding of its severe limitations.

Have you found a genuine use for the Dremel MS20, or did it disappoint your scroll saw expectations? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.

Excalibur EX-21 Scroll Saw Review: 10 Months of Daily Use — Is This the Last Scroll Saw You’ll Ever Buy?

⚡ Quick Verdict

The Excalibur EX-21 is the scroll saw that ruined all other scroll saws for me. After ten months of using it as my primary machine, I can say without hesitation that it’s the finest scroll saw I’ve ever owned. The tilt-head design is genuinely revolutionary for large workpieces, the parallel-link arm delivers buttery-smooth operation, and the build quality feels like it will outlast me. At around $800–$900, it’s not cheap. But for anyone who spends serious time at the scroll saw—intarsia artists, puzzle makers, fretwork specialists, or production craft sellers—this machine pays for itself in comfort, precision, and pure cutting joy. Yes, it’s overkill for occasional hobbyists. Yes, the price stings. But if scroll sawing is central to your woodworking life, stop reading and start saving. My rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars. Exceptional.

See on Amazon.

Why I Finally Upgraded to the Excalibur EX-21

I’ve been scroll sawing for nearly a decade. I started on a cheap benchtop machine, moved to a WEN 3921, then a Delta 40-694, then settled on a DeWalt DW788 for years. Each step up taught me what I valued: less vibration, faster blade changes, more throat capacity, better dust collection. The DW788 served me well and still sits in my shop as a backup.

But two things pushed me toward the Excalibur. First, I started selling my work at craft fairs and online, which meant longer cutting sessions and higher standards. Second, I got into large-scale intarsia pieces—wall art with dozens of individual wood species fitted together like a wooden jigsaw puzzle. These projects required cutting huge workpieces at awkward angles, and tilting the DW788’s table became a constant frustration. The workpiece would slide, the angle was hard to maintain on big panels, and I dreaded bevel cuts.

I saved for eight months. When I finally unboxed the EX-21, I was prepared for disappointment. Premium tools often promise more than they deliver. This one didn’t.

Excalibur EX-21 Specifications and Features

Feature	Spec
Motor	1.3 Amp
Throat Depth	21 inches
Blade Stroke	3/4 inch
Cutting Capacity	2 inches (wood)
Variable Speed	400 – 1,550 strokes per minute
Arm Design	Double parallel-link with tilt-head
Head Tilt	0° to 45° left and right
Table Tilt	0° to 45° left
Blade Change System	Tool-free quick-release
Weight	73 lbs
Dust Collection	Adjustable air nozzle + dust port
Work Light	Flexible gooseneck LED
Price	~$800–$900

Unboxing and First Impressions: This Is a Different Class of Tool

The EX-21 arrived on a pallet. At 73 pounds, it’s substantially heavier than my DW788, and every pound feels purposeful. The cast-iron base is massive. The arms are thick steel. The table is ground flat and smooth with a machined surface that makes workpieces glide effortlessly.

Assembly took thirty minutes, mostly because I kept stopping to admire the engineering. The tilt-head mechanism is the star: instead of tilting the table (which shifts your workpiece and pattern), the entire upper arm assembly tilts left or right up to 45 degrees. The table stays flat and level. Your workpiece stays put. Your pattern stays aligned.

My first test cut was on a scrap of 1/2-inch walnut, and the experience was almost unsettling. The saw turned on with a muted hum. The table didn’t vibrate. The blade moved in a silent, hypnotic arc. I fed the wood into the blade and it sliced through like the wood wanted to be cut. No resistance, no chatter, no fatigue in my fingertips. I actually laughed out loud. It felt like cheating.

Excalibur EX-21 Performance Test: Pushing It to the Limit

Vibration and Smoothness: The Gold Standard

I’ve used the DeWalt DW788. I’ve tried Hegners in showrooms. Nothing I’ve experienced matches the EX-21’s smoothness. The double parallel-link arm system, combined with that massive cast-iron base, creates a cutting platform that simply doesn’t move.

I conducted a simple test: place a glass of water on the table and run the saw at full speed. On the DW788, the water rippled. On the EX-21, the surface stayed nearly still. That difference translates directly to cutting feel. After three-hour intarsia sessions, my hands feel fresh. On the DW788, I’d need breaks every hour. On cheaper saws, I’d be done in thirty minutes.

For stack cutting, this stability is transformative. I’ve successfully cut six layers of 1/8-inch Baltic birch with zero layer shift. The blade stays true through the entire stack, and the edges come out clean enough to use without sanding.

Variable Speed Control: Refined and Predictable

The speed range is 400 to 1,550 SPM—slightly lower top-end than the DW788’s 1,750, but I never missed the extra speed. The control dial is large, knurled metal with precise detents. It feels like something from a precision machine tool, not a consumer appliance.

Low speeds (400–600 SPM): Thick hardwoods, aggressive blades, maximum control. The EX-21 maintains torque even at crawling speeds, which is crucial for tight internal cuts where you need to turn the workpiece while the blade barely moves.

Mid-range (700–1,100 SPM): My default for 90% of work. The sweet spot where power, smoothness, and control converge.

High speeds (1,200–1,550 SPM): Thin materials and rapid roughing. The EX-21 stays smooth even here, though I rarely need top speed.

The Tilt-Head Design: Why It Matters

This is the feature that justifies the price for serious users. Here’s the problem with tilting the table: when you clamp a large workpiece and tilt the table 30 degrees, gravity wants to slide everything downhill. Your pattern alignment shifts. Your hands fight to hold position. It’s workable for small pieces, miserable for big ones.

With the EX-21’s tilt-head, the table stays perfectly flat and level. The upper arm tilts instead. Your workpiece never moves. Your pattern stays aligned. You cut bevels with the same comfort and control as straight cuts.

I recently completed a 24-inch diameter intarsia eagle with beveled feather edges. On the DW788, this project would have been a nightmare of clamps, shims, and frustration. On the EX-21, I tilted the head 15 degrees left, cut one side of each feather, tilted 15 degrees right, cut the other side, and the pieces fit together with hairline gaps. The tilt-head didn’t just make this possible—it made it enjoyable.

Cutting Power and Capacity

The 1.3-amp motor matches the DW788 and Delta on paper, but the EX-21 feels more powerful in practice. I suspect the parallel-link mechanism transfers energy more efficiently to the blade. I’ve cut:

1/8-inch plywood: Effortless. Like cutting warm butter.
3/4-inch hard maple: Smooth, no bogging, clean edges.
1.5-inch soft pine: Required slower feed but handled it confidently.
Stacked 1/4-inch walnut (6 layers): Clean through all layers with a #5 blade.
Corian and acrylic: With appropriate blades, the EX-21 handles non-wood materials better than any saw I’ve used. The smooth stroke prevents melting and chipping.

The 21-inch throat is one inch more than the DW788, which sounds minor until you’re cutting a 40-inch circle and that extra inch gives you breathing room.

Tool-Free Blade Changes: Fast and Foolproof

The quick-release system is similar in concept to the DW788 but executed with tighter tolerances. Flip two levers, swap the blade, flip back. The blade seats perfectly every time. The clamps grip with reassuring solidity. I’ve never had a blade slip, even during aggressive cuts.

What sets the EX-21 apart is accessibility. The upper clamp is positioned so you can reach it easily even when cutting deep into a large workpiece. On the DW788, changing blades with the arm deep inside a big panel requires awkward reaching. The EX-21’s design considers this and eliminates the struggle.

Dust Collection: Actually Functional

The EX-21 has both an adjustable air nozzle and a vacuum dust port. The air nozzle is the best stock blower I’ve used—powerful enough to clear thick hardwood dust without redirecting every two minutes. The vacuum port connects directly to my shop vac and captures probably 70% of dust at the source.

After ten months, my shop is noticeably cleaner than when I used the DW788. My lungs are happier. My pattern lines stay visible. It’s not perfect—some dust still escapes—but it’s the first scroll saw where I didn’t immediately plan aftermarket dust collection upgrades.

What I’ve Made With the Excalibur EX-21

Ten months of ownership means dozens of projects. Here are the highlights:

Large-Scale Intarsia Wall Art (Multiple Species, 24×36 Inches)

The project that sold me on the tilt-head. Dozens of individual pieces from walnut, maple, cherry, padauk, and purpleheart, each with slightly beveled edges for a 3D effect. The EX-21 handled everything from rough-cutting large shapes to trimming hair-thin fitting adjustments. Final assembly required minimal sanding—pieces fit together like they were machined.

Production Wooden Puzzles (1/4-inch Baltic Birch, 50+ Units)

Where smoothness becomes profitability. I sell these at craft fairs for $35 each. On the DW788, I could make three per day before hand fatigue set in. On the EX-21, I comfortably make five or six. The reduced vibration means less blade breakage (saving money) and cleaner edges (saving sanding time). The saw paid for part of itself in the first season.

Decorative Fretwork Panels (1/2-inch Cherry, Intricate Patterns)

Precision under pressure. Some patterns have lines just 1/16 inch wide between cuts. One slip and the piece breaks. The EX-21’s stability gives me the confidence to cut faster and closer to the line. My scrap rate dropped by half compared to the DW788.

Stack-Cut Ornaments (1/8-inch Walnut, 6 Layers)

Maximum efficiency. Six identical pieces in one cut. The EX-21’s stability prevents layer shift even without excessive clamping pressure. I use painter’s tape between layers and cut freely. Results are indistinguishable from single-layer cuts.

Custom Signage (3/4-inch Pine and Cedar)

Thick stock, long cuts. Script lettering in thick softwood requires power and control. The EX-21 delivers both, and the dust collection keeps the cut line visible through long passes.

Excalibur EX-21 Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

✅ What I Loved

Virtually zero vibration — the smoothest scroll saw I’ve ever used
Tilt-head design revolutionizes bevel cutting on large workpieces
21-inch throat handles oversized projects with room to spare
Tool-free blade changes are fast, secure, and accessible
Exceptional build quality — machined surfaces, solid hardware, substantial feel
Effective dust collection with both blower and vacuum port
Maintains power at low speeds for maximum control
Stack cutting stability that preserves alignment through multiple layers
Non-wood cutting capability for Corian, acrylic, and thin metals

❌ What I Didn’t Love

Price is steep — $800–$900 puts it out of reach for many hobbyists
Heavy at 73 lbs — not moving this around without help
Work light is merely adequate — functional but not exceptional
Lower top speed (1,550 SPM) than some competitors — rarely an issue in practice
No stand included — budget another $150–$250 for a proper base
Overkill for casual users — if you scroll saw twice a year, this is wasted money
Replacement parts can be slow — smaller company than DeWalt with less distribution

Excalibur EX-21 vs. Competitors: Where It Stands

Excalibur EX-21 vs. DeWalt DW788

The DW788 is the best value in the mid-range category and was my daily driver for years. But side-by-side, the EX-21 is superior in every way that matters to serious users: smoother operation, tilt-head convenience, better dust collection, and more refined blade changes. The DW788 is 80% of the EX-21 at 60% of the price. For hobbyists, that’s the smarter buy. For professionals and dedicated enthusiasts, the EX-21’s extra 20% is worth every penny.

Winner: Excalibur EX-21 (for serious users); DeWalt DW788 (for hobbyists)

Excalibur EX-21 vs. Hegner Multimax

Hegner is the legendary German brand that many consider the ultimate scroll saw. I’ve used Hegners at shows and in friends’ shops. They’re exquisite—perhaps slightly smoother than the EX-21, with even more refined engineering. But they start around $1,200 and climb past $2,000. The EX-21 delivers 95% of Hegner performance at 60–70% of the price. For my money, the EX-21 is the sweet spot.

Winner: Hegner (if money is unlimited); Excalibur EX-21 (for rational humans)

Excalibur EX-21 vs. Delta 40-694

No contest. The Delta is a budget alternative to the DW788 with compromises. The EX-21 operates in a completely different league. If you’re considering the Delta, you’re not ready for the Excalibur—and that’s fine. But don’t compare them directly.

Winner: Excalibur EX-21 by knockout

Who Should Buy the Excalibur EX-21?

Buy the Excalibur EX-21 if:

You sell your scroll saw work and need production efficiency
You specialize in intarsia, large fretwork, or complex puzzles
You cut large workpieces where table-tilting is impractical
You spend 10+ hours per week at the scroll saw
You value smoothness and precision above all else
You’ve outgrown a mid-range saw and want your final upgrade
You cut non-wood materials like Corian or acrylic regularly
You have the budget and consider this a long-term investment

Skip the Excalibur EX-21 if:

You scroll saw occasionally for personal projects
You’re new to the craft and still learning basic techniques
Your budget is under $500 — the DW788 will serve you well
You only cut small workpieces where tilt-head offers no advantage
You need a portable saw for classes or demonstrations
You’re not sure you’ll stick with scroll sawing long-term

Excalibur EX-21 Accessories and Setup

If you invest in this saw, also budget for:

A quality stand — The 73-pound saw deserves a solid base. I built a cabinet with storage. Excalibur sells a matching stand for around $200.
Premium blades — Flying Dutchman, Pegas, or Olson. Buy assortments in #2, #3, #5, #7, and #9. Good blades on this saw feel like magic.
A magnifying lamp — The included light is fine, but a magnifying lamp with LED ring illumination transforms detail work.
Foot switch — Essential for production work. Start and stop without taking hands off the workpiece.
Hold-down foot — Useful for thin materials that want to lift with the blade stroke.

Long-Term Durability: 10-Month Report

Ten months isn’t enough to declare a tool immortal, but the EX-21 shows every sign of lasting decades. The bearings are still silent. The table surface shows minimal wear despite constant use. The paint finish is thick and chip-resistant. The tilt-head mechanism operates as smoothly as day one with no play or looseness.

I apply light machine oil to the arm linkage monthly and keep the table waxed. That’s it. The saw asks for almost nothing and gives everything.

My one concern is parts availability. Excalibur is a smaller company than DeWalt or Delta, and while their reputation for support is good, they’re not stocked in every hardware store. I keep a spare set of blade clamps and a drive belt on hand, just in case.

The Real Cost of Ownership

Let’s talk numbers. The EX-21 costs roughly $850. A stand adds $200. Premium blades, a foot switch, and a magnifying lamp add another $150. You’re looking at $1,200 all-in.

That’s serious money for a hobby tool. But here’s my perspective: in ten months, I’ve sold enough work to cover the saw’s cost. The increased productivity—more pieces per day, less sanding time, fewer broken blades—accelerated that payback. More importantly, the enjoyment factor is real. I look forward to cutting on this machine. That matters when you spend hundreds of hours per year at the saw.

If you’re a hobbyist who never sells work, the math is different. The EX-21 becomes a luxury purchase, like a premium camera for an amateur photographer. It won’t make you a better woodworker—skill still matters most—but it removes the barriers between your skill and your results.

Final Thoughts: The Last Scroll Saw You’ll Ever Buy?

That’s the question Excalibur implicitly asks with the EX-21. After ten months, my answer is: probably yes, for me. I can’t imagine wanting more than this saw delivers. The smoothness, the tilt-head, the build quality, the dust collection—it all adds up to a tool that disappears into the background and lets me focus entirely on my work.

Is it perfect? No. The work light could be better. The top speed is slightly lower than competitors. The price excludes many buyers. The weight makes it permanent furniture in my shop.

But these are quibbles. The EX-21 is the finest scroll saw I’ve ever used, and I say that after owning or testing nearly every major competitor. It transformed my productivity, elevated my work quality, and reminded me why I fell in love with scroll sawing in the first place.

If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: wait until you can afford it without stretching uncomfortably. Don’t go into debt for a tool. But when the money is there, don’t hesitate. The EX-21 is one of those rare purchases that delivers more than it promises.

Excalibur EX-21 Review Score

Category	Rating
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cutting Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vibration Control	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Blade Changes	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dust Collection	⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Tilt-Head Design	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Motor Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Long-Term Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Overall Enjoyment	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.8/5)

Would I buy the Excalibur EX-21 again? In a heartbeat. Would I recommend it to my closest woodworking friends? Only the ones I like enough to want them sharing in this level of joy. It’s that good.

Have you used the Excalibur EX-21 or made the jump from a mid-range saw to a premium one? I’d love to hear whether you found the upgrade worth it.

Delta 40-694 Scroll Saw Review: 8 Months of Hands-On Testing — The Forgotten Middle Child?

⚡ Quick Verdict

The Delta 40-694 is a frustratingly capable scroll saw for woodworking that sits in an awkward no-man’s land between budget and premium. After eight months of regular use, I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with it. On paper, it matches the DeWalt DW788 spec-for-spec: 20-inch throat, variable speed, tool-free blade changes, and a cast-iron base. In practice, it cuts smoothly, handles thick stock well, and has a few genuinely clever design touches. But the vibration is worse than the DeWalt, the blade clamp system is finicky, and Delta’s declining reputation for customer support left me nervous when a bearing started making noise at month six. At around $450–$550, it’s priced too close to the DW788 to justify the compromises. If you find it on sale below $400, it’s a solid buy. At full price, save another $50 and get the DeWalt instead. My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Good saw, wrong price.

See on Amazon.

Why I Bought the Delta 40-694 (And Why I Was Curious)

I’ve owned a DeWalt DW788 for years and consider it my benchmark for mid-range scroll saws. When a local woodworking store went out of business last fall, I snagged a Delta 40-694 for $380—well below its typical $500+ retail price. I’d heard mixed things: some woodworkers swore it was a hidden gem, others called it a DeWalt knockoff with worse quality control. I decided to find out for myself.

I used the Delta as my primary scroll saw for eight months, alternating between it and my DW788 on identical projects to compare head-to-head. What I discovered is a saw that does most things right but never quite matches the polish of its main rival.

Delta 40-694 Specifications and Features

Feature	Spec
Motor	1.3 Amp
Throat Depth	20 inches
Blade Stroke	3/4 inch
Cutting Capacity	13/16 inch
Variable Speed	400 – 1,750 strokes per minute
Arm Design	Single pivot arm (not parallel-link)
Table Tilt	0° to 45° bevel (left)
Blade Change System	Tool-free upper and lower clamps
Weight	55 lbs
Dust Blower	Adjustable air nozzle
Work Light	Flexible gooseneck LED
Price	~$450–$550

Unboxing and First Impressions: Familiar but Different

The Delta 40-694 arrived in a box nearly identical in size and weight to my DW788. At 55 pounds with a cast-iron base, it feels substantial and shop-worthy. Assembly was straightforward—attach the base, install the table insert, and you’re ready to cut.

Side-by-side with the DW788, the family resemblance is obvious. Both are 20-inch variable-speed saws with cast-iron bases, tool-free blade clamps, and front-mounted speed controls. But the differences emerge quickly:

The Delta’s arm is a single pivot design, not the DeWalt’s parallel-link system
The paint finish is slightly thinner and more prone to chipping
The on/off switch feels cheaper and less positive
The included work light is marginally better than the DeWalt’s nonexistent one

My first test cut was on 1/2-inch cherry, and the Delta performed well. Smooth, quiet, and accurate. But when I ran it side-by-side with the DW788 at the same speed, the vibration difference was immediately noticeable. Not dramatic, but present. The kind of subtle vibration that accumulates into hand fatigue over a long session.

Delta 40-694 Performance Test: Real Projects, Real Results

Vibration and Cutting Smoothness: The Parallel-Link Problem

This is where the Delta 40-694 loses ground to the DeWalt DW788. The single pivot arm design is inherently less stable than the DW788’s double parallel-link system. At low speeds (400–800 SPM), the difference is barely perceptible. Both saws feel smooth and controlled.

Crank them up past 1,200 SPM, and the gap widens. The Delta’s table develops a subtle buzz that transmits into your fingertips. The workpiece doesn’t dance, but you find yourself gripping tighter to maintain control. After an hour of cutting, my hands felt more tired on the Delta than the DeWalt.

For casual cutting—simple shapes, gentle curves, straight lines—the vibration is a minor annoyance. For intricate fretwork with dozens of tight turns and internal cuts, it becomes a genuine handicap. I broke more blades on the Delta during detailed work, not because the saw is bad, but because the vibration made it harder to feed smoothly through tight spots.

Variable Speed Control: Smooth and Responsive

The speed dial ranges from 400 to 1,750 SPM, identical to the DW788. The control feels slightly more granular than the WEN 3921 I tested, with less jump between settings. I spent most of my time between 600 and 1,200 SPM, and the Delta maintained consistent power throughout that range.

One small advantage over the DeWalt: the Delta’s speed dial has clearer detents and markings, making it easier to return to a favorite setting. A minor thing, but appreciated.

Cutting Capacity and Power

With a 20-inch throat and 13/16-inch rated capacity, the Delta handles the same project range as the DW788. I tested it on:

1/8-inch Baltic birch plywood: Effortless. Clean edges, no tear-out at moderate speeds.
1/2-inch cherry and walnut: Smooth cutting with a sharp blade. The 1.3-amp motor never bogged down.
3/4-inch hard maple: Required slower feed rates but completed cuts without stalling.
Stacked 1/4-inch plywood (3 layers): More vibration than the DW788 on identical cuts, but results were acceptable.

The 3/4-inch blade stroke clears sawdust effectively, and I experienced minimal burning when using appropriate blades and speeds.

Tool-Free Blade Changes: Good Idea, Flawed Execution

The Delta uses a tool-free blade clamp system similar to the DW788—flip levers on the upper and lower arms to release and secure blades. In theory, this should match the DeWalt’s convenience. In practice, it’s slightly less refined.

The upper clamp lever requires more force to flip, and the blade alignment isn’t as intuitive. I found myself fiddling more to get the blade seated properly, especially with smaller plain-end blades. Once installed, the clamps hold securely. But the process takes 20–30 seconds versus the DW788’s effortless 10 seconds.

For occasional blade changes, this is fine. For projects requiring frequent swaps between blade sizes, the extra friction adds up.

Table Tilt and Bevel Cuts

The table tilts 0 to 45 degrees left for bevel cuts. The tilt mechanism uses a handwheel underneath with a locking lever. It works smoothly and locks securely, though the handwheel feels slightly less robust than the DeWalt’s. I used it for a few decorative beveled edges and inlay grooves without issue.

One annoyance: the angle scale is printed rather than engraved, and the markings started wearing off after a few months of use. Not critical, but indicative of cost-cutting on details.

Delta 40-694 Dust Collection and Lighting

Dust Blower

The adjustable air nozzle is a step up from the DeWalt’s weak puff. It moves enough air to keep the cut line visible on most materials, and the adjustability lets you aim it precisely. On thick hardwoods where dust production is heavy, it still struggles, but it’s among the better stock blowers I’ve used.

I paired it with a shop vac positioned near the table, and visibility was rarely a problem.

Work Light

The included gooseneck LED is adequate. Brighter than the WEN 3921’s dim blue-tinted light, but not as good as a dedicated shop light. The gooseneck holds its position well, and the light covers the cut area reasonably. I used it for the first few months, then replaced it with a higher-quality lamp when the LED started flickering.

What I Made With the Delta 40-694: Project Breakdown

To test this saw fairly, I replicated projects I’d previously made on my DW788:

Intarsia Wall Art (Multiple Wood Species)

Result: Very good. The Delta’s smooth low-speed operation shined here. Cutting small, irregular pieces from different hardwoods requires patience and control, and the Delta delivered. Final fit was tight and required minimal sanding.

Wooden Puzzle (1/4-inch Baltic Birch, Interlocking Pieces)

Result: Good. Tight internal curves were manageable, though I broke two blades on sharp direction changes—more than I typically break on the DW788. The finished puzzle looked professional.

Decorative Fretwork Panel (1/2-inch Cherry, Intricate Pattern)

Result: Acceptable. The vibration became noticeable on long cutting sessions. I completed the panel, but my hands were more fatigued than usual. Edge quality was slightly less crisp than the DW788 equivalent.

Stack-Cut Ornaments (1/8-inch Walnut, 4 Layers)

Result: Good. The cast-iron base provided enough stability for clean stack cutting. Results were nearly indistinguishable from the DW788.

Custom Signage (3/4-inch Pine, Script Lettering)

Result: Very good. The motor handled thick softwood easily, and the tool-free blade changes made switching between roughing and detail blades tolerable.

Delta 40-694 Pros and Cons: The Full Picture

✅ What I Liked

20-inch throat handles large workpieces and wide patterns
Solid cast-iron base provides stability and reduces vibration
Tool-free blade changes (once you get the hang of them)
Smooth variable speed from 400–1,750 SPM
Better-than-average dust blower with adjustable nozzle
Included work light is functional if not exceptional
Strong motor that doesn’t bog down on thick stock
Competitive price when found on sale

❌ What I Didn’t Like

More vibration than the DeWalt DW788 due to single pivot arm design
Blade clamp system is finicky compared to the DW788’s effortless design
Paint and finish quality is thinner and chips more easily
Angle scale wears off with use
Customer support concerns — Delta’s brand has changed hands multiple times
My unit developed a bearing noise at month six (more on this below)
Priced too close to the DW788 to justify the compromises

The Bearing Issue: A Concerning Development

At approximately six months of moderate use (maybe 40–50 hours of cutting time), my Delta 40-694 developed a faint grinding noise from the upper arm area. It started subtle—easy to miss over the sound of cutting—but grew more noticeable over the following weeks.

I contacted Delta customer support, and here’s where things got uncomfortable. Delta Power Equipment Corporation has gone through ownership changes and restructuring in recent years. Getting through to a human took multiple attempts. When I finally did, the representative was helpful but vague about parts availability. They suggested I take the saw to an authorized service center, but the nearest one was 90 miles away.

I ended up opening the upper arm myself and found a slightly dry bearing. A shot of quality bearing lubricant quieted it down, and it’s been fine since. But the experience left me uneasy. If a major component fails in year three, will I be able to get parts? Will Delta still be around in its current form? These questions wouldn’t nag me with DeWalt, which has stable corporate backing and ubiquitous service networks.

For a hobbyist who can do their own maintenance, this is manageable. For someone relying on warranty service, it’s a gamble.

Delta 40-694 vs. Competitors: Where It Fits

Delta 40-694 vs. DeWalt DW788

This is the comparison that matters most, and the Delta comes up short. The DW788’s parallel-link arm delivers measurably less vibration. Its blade changes are faster and more intuitive. Its fit and finish feel more refined. And DeWalt’s support network is more reliable.

The Delta’s advantages? A slightly better dust blower, an included work light, and occasionally lower sale prices. For me, those don’t outweigh the DW788’s smoother operation and peace of mind.

Winner: DeWalt DW788

Delta 40-694 vs. WEN 3921

No contest. The Delta is heavier, smoother, more powerful, and better built in every dimension. The WEN is a budget starter saw; the Delta is a serious tool. If you can afford the Delta, skip the WEN.

Winner: Delta 40-694

Delta 40-694 vs. Excalibur EX-21

The Excalibur is a step up in price and performance. Its tilt-head design (instead of tilting the table) is genuinely useful for large workpieces, and the build quality is a notch above. But at $800+, the Excalibur targets a different buyer. The Delta offers reasonable value for those who can’t stretch that far.

Winner: Excalibur EX-21 (if budget allows)

Who Should Buy the Delta 40-694?

Buy the Delta 40-694 if:

You find it on sale for under $400
You want a 20-inch throat and tool-free blade changes without paying DeWalt prices
You do mostly moderate-detail work rather than ultra-fine fretwork
You’re comfortable doing your own maintenance and minor repairs
You prefer the included work light and better dust blower over the DW788’s smoother operation
You already own other Delta tools and want brand consistency

Skip the Delta 40-694 if:

You can afford the DeWalt DW788 at regular price — the extra $50–$100 is worth it
You do intricate, vibration-sensitive work regularly
You rely on robust warranty and customer support
You change blades constantly and value the fastest possible swaps
You want a buy-it-for-life tool with guaranteed long-term parts availability

Delta 40-694 Accessories and Upgrades

If you buy this saw, consider adding:

Quality plain-end blades — Flying Dutchman, Olson, or Pegas. The included blades are mediocre.
A better work light — The included LED flickered on me after a few months.
Bearing lubricant — Keep those arm bearings happy. I use a light machine oil monthly now.
A heavy stand or bench — The 55-pound base helps, but a solid mounting surface still matters.
Shop vac or dust collector — Even the decent blower needs backup for thick cuts.

Final Thoughts: The Middle Child Syndrome

The Delta 40-694 reminds me of a talented athlete who never quite made the starting lineup. It’s capable, well-equipped, and performs adequately in most situations. But it lives in the shadow of the DeWalt DW788, which does everything the Delta does slightly better for a marginally higher price.

If Delta had priced this saw at $350, it would be a no-brainer recommendation for budget-conscious buyers wanting serious capacity. At $500, it asks too much when the DW788 hovers around $550–$600. The vibration, the finicky blade clamps, the quality control concerns, and the bearing issue on my unit all add up to a tool that doesn’t inspire the same confidence as its rival.

That said, I made good work on this saw. The intarsia pieces came out beautiful. The puzzles fit together perfectly. The signs sold at craft fairs. The Delta didn’t hold me back from creating—it just made the process slightly less enjoyable than my DW788.

If you find a Delta 40-694 for $380 like I did, grab it. It’s a steal at that price. But at full retail, do yourself a favor and save for the DeWalt. Your hands, your ears, and your future self will thank you.

Delta 40-694 Review Score

Category	Rating
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐
Cutting Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vibration Control	⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Blade Changes	⭐⭐⭐
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐
Dust Collection	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Motor Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer Support Confidence	⭐⭐
Long-Term Durability	⭐⭐⭐

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

Would I keep the Delta 40-694 as my only scroll saw? Only if I got it at a steep discount. Would I recommend it to a friend? With reservations, and only if they found it significantly cheaper than a DW788. It’s a good saw trapped in the wrong price bracket.

Have you used the Delta 40-694 or faced similar quality control concerns with Delta tools? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.

WEN 3921 Scroll Saw Review: Is This Budget Saw Worth Your Money?

⚡ Quick Verdict

The WEN 3921 is the best scroll saw for woodworking under $150 for beginners and casual hobbyists. After six months of regular use, I can confirm it delivers surprising value for the price. The 16-inch throat, variable speed (400–1,600 SPM), and unique two-directional table make it versatile enough for puzzles, fretwork, and basic decorative cutting. But let’s be real: this is a budget tool. The vibration is noticeable, the blade changes require a hex key, and the included blades are terrible. If you’re just starting out or only scroll saw occasionally, it’s a smart buy. If you’re serious about precision work, save up for a DeWalt DW788 or better. My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Good value, not great performance.

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Why I Bought the WEN 3921 (And Who Should Consider It)

I’ve been woodworking as a hobby for about eight years, and I already own a DeWalt DW788 for my serious scrollwork. But when a friend asked me to recommend an affordable starter saw for her teenage son, I decided to put my money where my mouth was. I bought the WEN 3921 for $139 and used it as my primary scroll saw for six months to see if it could genuinely serve a beginner.

Here’s what I learned: the WEN 3921 is exactly what it claims to be—a capable, no-frills scroll saw at a price that won’t scare off newcomers. It’s not pretending to be a professional machine, and it doesn’t need to. For under $150, it gets you cutting. Period.

WEN 3921 Specifications and Features

Feature	Spec
Motor	1.2 Amp
Throat Depth	16 inches
Blade Stroke	9/16 inch
Cutting Capacity	2 inches (wood)
Variable Speed	400 – 1,600 strokes per minute
Table Tilt	0° to 45° bevel (left)
Unique Feature	Two-directional table (accepts pin-end and plain-end blades)
Weight	28.5 lbs
Dimensions	26.38 x 13 x 14.75 inches
Price	~$130–$150

Unboxing and First Impressions: Light but Functional

The WEN 3921 arrived in a compact box weighing just under 30 pounds. Assembly took about 15 minutes—attach the base, install the table, and figure out the blade clamp system. At 28.5 pounds, this saw is light enough to move around easily, which is great if you don’t have a dedicated shop space.

My first impression was mixed. The painted steel base feels thin compared to the cast-iron heft of premium saws. The table surface is adequate but not perfectly flat—I noticed a slight dip near the blade slot. The variable speed dial feels plasticky and has some play in it. But then I reminded myself: this costs one-third of what I paid for my DeWalt.

I turned it on, and the motor hummed to life. The vibration was immediate and unmistakable. Not violent, but present. The kind of vibration that makes your fingertips tingle after ten minutes of cutting. I knew right away this would be a different experience from my DW788.

WEN 3921 Performance Test: Cutting Through Different Materials

Vibration and Stability: The Budget Compromise

Let’s address the elephant in the room. The WEN 3921 vibrates. It’s not unmanageable, but it’s constant. At low speeds (400–600 SPM), the vibration is mild and mostly tolerable. Crank it up past 1,200 SPM, and the whole saw starts to dance on the bench. I ended up clamping it to a heavy plywood base, which helped significantly.

Does the vibration ruin your cuts? Not necessarily. But it does make precision work harder. When I’m cutting tight fretwork patterns, I have to concentrate more on steadying the workpiece. Freehand curves require a firmer grip. After 30-minute sessions, my hands feel more fatigued than they do with my DW788.

For simple cuts—straight lines, gentle curves, roughing out shapes—the vibration is a minor annoyance. For intricate detail work, it’s a real limitation.

Variable Speed Range: Adequate but Not Refined

The speed dial ranges from 400 to 1,600 SPM. Here’s how I found each zone:

Low speeds (400–700 SPM): Best for thick hardwoods and controlled cuts. The motor labors slightly on 3/4-inch oak at the lowest setting, but it gets through. This is where I spend most of my time for general work.

Mid-range (800–1,200 SPM): The sweet spot for 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch plywood and softwoods. The saw feels most confident here, with decent cutting action and manageable vibration.

High speeds (1,300–1,600 SPM): Thin materials and tight curves. The vibration gets pronounced up here, and I found myself avoiding the top end unless absolutely necessary. The motor also sounds strained at maximum RPM.

Compared to the DW788’s silky 400–1,750 SPM range, the WEN feels rougher and less controlled. The speed increments aren’t as smooth, and there’s a noticeable jump between settings.

Cutting Capacity and Throat Depth

The 16-inch throat is the practical minimum for most scrollwork. You can cut a circle up to 32 inches in diameter, which covers most hobby projects. I made several wooden puzzles and a few decorative signs, and the throat never felt limiting.

The claimed 2-inch cutting capacity is optimistic for hardwoods. In practice, I could cut through 1.5-inch soft pine comfortably, but 1-inch maple was pushing the motor. For typical scroll saw work—1/8-inch to 3/4-inch stock—it’s fine. Don’t buy this saw expecting to resaw thick lumber.

The Two-Directional Table: Clever but Imperfect

Here’s where WEN tried something interesting. The table has two slots: a standard slot for plain-end blades and a wider slot for pin-end blades. You rotate the table 90 degrees to switch between them.

Pin-end blades have a small cross-pin at each end that hooks into the clamps. They’re easier to install and tension but come in limited sizes. Plain-end blades offer infinite variety and better precision but require more fiddling to clamp.

For beginners, the pin-end option is genuinely helpful. My friend’s son used pin-end blades for his first month and had no trouble changing them. When he was ready for finer work, we rotated the table and switched to plain-end blades.

The downside? The table rotation mechanism feels flimsy. The locking screws are small and easy to strip. And because the table isn’t perfectly flat to begin with, rotating it sometimes introduces a slight wobble. It’s a clever feature on paper that works okay in practice but won’t survive heavy use.

Blade Changing: Prepare for Frustration

This is where the WEN 3921 shows its budget roots. Blade changes require a small hex key (included) to loosen two set screws—one on the top arm, one on the bottom. The process:

Turn off and unplug the saw
Loosen the bottom set screw with the hex key
Loosen the top set screw
Remove the old blade
Insert the new blade
Tighten both set screws
Check tension and adjust

On a good day, this takes 60–90 seconds. On a bad day, you drop the hex key, fumble the blade alignment, and spend five minutes muttering under your breath. Compare that to the DW788’s 10-second tool-free changes, and the difference is stark.

The hex key is tiny and easy to lose. I ended up taping mine to the power cord, which helped. The set screws also tend to back out slightly over time, so I found myself retightening them mid-project.

For someone doing simple cuts with one or two blade sizes, this is tolerable. For intricate work requiring frequent blade swaps, it’s exhausting.

WEN 3921 Dust Blower and Work Light: Hit and Miss

Dust Blower

Surprisingly, the dust blower on the WEN 3921 works better than the one on my much more expensive DW788. It’s a simple plastic tube connected to a small air pump, and it actually moves enough air to keep the cut line visible on most materials. On thin plywood and softwoods, it does its job. On thick hardwoods where dust production is higher, it struggles but still outperforms the DeWalt’s anemic puff of air.

Work Light

The included work light is a small, flexible LED on a gooseneck. It’s… okay. The light is dim and has a blueish tint that makes it hard to distinguish pencil lines from wood grain. I ended up using my shop’s overhead lighting and ignoring the included light entirely. For a beginner working in a dim garage, it’s better than nothing. For anyone with decent shop lighting, it’s redundant.

What I Cut With the WEN 3921: Real Project Results

To test this saw fairly, I made the same types of projects I typically do on my DW788. Here’s how it went:

Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles (1/4-inch Baltic Birch)

Result: Good. The saw followed curves reasonably well, though I had to slow down on tight turns to prevent blade drift. The vibration made stack-cutting two layers risky—the top layer shifted slightly. Single-layer cuts were clean enough with a sharp blade.

Decorative Fretwork Panel (1/2-inch Cherry)

Result: Challenging. The thin connecting pieces between cuts vibrated more than I’d like, and I broke three blades from excessive side pressure trying to compensate. The finished piece looked fine from three feet away but lacked the crisp edges I get from the DW788.

Custom Name Sign (3/4-inch Pine)

Result: Acceptable. Straight cuts and gentle curves were no problem. The script lettering required patience and multiple blade changes, which got old fast. The final sign looked professional enough to sell at a craft fair.

Stack-Cut Ornaments (1/8-inch Walnut, 4 layers)

Result: Poor. The vibration caused layer shift even with careful taping. I managed one decent set by clamping the stack heavily and cutting very slowly, but it wasn’t efficient or enjoyable.

Basic Toy Parts (1-inch Soft Maple)

Result: Fine. Simple shapes, no fine detail. The saw handled this without complaint, and the results were perfectly usable.

WEN 3921 Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

✅ What I Liked

Incredible price-to-performance ratio — under $150 gets you a functional 16-inch scroll saw
Two-directional table accommodates both pin-end and plain-end blades
Decent dust blower that actually works
Lightweight and portable — easy to move and store
Variable speed covers the basic range needed for different materials
16-inch throat handles most beginner and intermediate projects
Straightforward assembly — up and running in 15 minutes

❌ What I Didn’t Like

Significant vibration at mid-to-high speeds
Tool-required blade changes that slow down workflow
Plastic speed dial feels cheap and imprecise
Included blades are terrible — immediate replacement necessary
Table isn’t perfectly flat — slight dip near the blade slot
Motor strains on thick hardwoods
Work light is dim and poorly colored
Lightweight construction means you need to bolt it down or accept movement

WEN 3921 vs. Competitors: How It Compares

WEN 3921 vs. DeWalt DW788

This isn’t a fair fight. The DW788 costs 3–4x more and is objectively better in every category except dust blowing. But if you’re choosing between them, ask yourself: do you scroll saw for fun a few times a month, or is it a core part of your woodworking? For occasional use, the WEN saves you $350+. For regular, detailed work, the DeWalt’s smoothness and quick blade changes pay for themselves in frustration avoided.

WEN 3921 vs. Skil 3335-01

The Skil is similarly priced and specced. I haven’t used it personally, but online consensus suggests the Skil has slightly less vibration but a smaller throat (14 inches). For the extra 2 inches of capacity and the two-directional table, I’d lean WEN.

WEN 3921 vs. Used Premium Saws

Here’s an alternative worth considering: a used DeWalt DW788 or Delta 40-694. If you can find a well-maintained used saw for $250–$350, it might outlast and outperform a new WEN. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and estate sales.

Who Should Buy the WEN 3921?

Buy the WEN 3921 if:

You’re a total beginner wanting to try scroll sawing without a big investment
You need a secondary or portable saw for occasional job site or classroom use
You only scroll saw a few times per month for simple projects
You’re buying for a teenager or student who might lose interest
Your budget is strictly under $200 and can’t be stretched

Skip the WEN 3921 if:

You plan to scroll saw weekly or more often
You want to do intricate fretwork, intarsia, or stack cutting
You value smooth, vibration-free operation
You change blades frequently during projects
You can save up $300–$400 for a mid-range saw that will last years longer

WEN 3921 Long-Term Durability: 6-Month Update

Six months isn’t enough to declare a tool bulletproof or doomed, but I can share what I’ve observed. The motor still runs strong with no overheating issues. The table rotation mechanism has developed slight play—the locking screws don’t grip as tightly as they did new. The paint on the base is chipping where clamps contact it. The power switch feels looser than when new.

None of these are dealbreakers at this price, but they suggest a 3–5 year lifespan with regular use rather than the decade-plus you might get from a premium saw. For $150, that’s acceptable math.

WEN 3921 Accessories and Upgrades Worth Buying

If you do buy this saw, budget an extra $30–$50 for:

Quality plain-end blades — Flying Dutchman, Olson, or Pegas assortments. Skip the included junk.
A hex key holder — Tape it to the cord or buy a magnetic base. You will lose the tiny included key otherwise.
A heavy plywood base — Bolt the saw to a 3/4-inch plywood sheet. This alone reduces vibration by 50%.
A better work light — Any $20 gooseneck LED from a hardware store outperforms the included light.
Blade lubricant — A stick of blade lube or beeswax reduces friction and extends blade life, which matters when you’re fighting vibration.

Final Thoughts: The WEN 3921 Value Equation

The WEN 3921 is not a great scroll saw. But it is a good enough scroll saw at a great price. It gets beginners cutting without requiring a major financial commitment. It handles basic projects competently. It teaches you what you like and don’t like about scroll sawing before you invest in premium equipment.

My six months with this saw reminded me that skill matters more than tools. I made pieces on the WEN that looked nearly as good as what I make on my DW788—they just took longer, required more patience, and left my hands more tired. The saw didn’t hold me back from learning; it just made the learning process slightly less comfortable.

If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: buy the WEN 3921 if you need to scroll saw now and can’t spend more. Use it for a year. Learn the craft. Save your project earnings. Then, when you’re ready, upgrade to a DeWalt, Excalibur, or Hegner and appreciate the difference. The WEN will have earned its keep as a gateway tool.

But if you already know you’re serious about scrollwork, skip the stepping stone. Save for three more months and buy something smoother. Your hands will thank you.

WEN 3921 Review Score

Category	Rating
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cutting Performance	⭐⭐⭐
Vibration Control	⭐⭐
Ease of Blade Changes	⭐⭐
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐
Dust Collection	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beginner Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Long-Term Durability	⭐⭐⭐

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

Would I keep the WEN 3921 as my only scroll saw? No—I’ve already gone back to my DW788 for serious work. Would I recommend it to someone curious about scroll sawing who doesn’t want to spend much? Absolutely. It’s the right tool for the right person at the right price.

Have you used the WEN 3921 or another budget scroll saw? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how it held up for you.

DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw Review: Six Months of Daily Use — The Good, The Bad, and The Sawdust

DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw Review⚡ Quick Verdict

The DeWalt DW788 is the scroll saw for woodworking I wish I’d bought years ago. After six months of using it nearly every day, I can say with confidence that it’s one of the best values in the 20-inch category. The double parallel-link arm design makes it remarkably smooth and quiet, blade changes take literally seconds with no tools, and the variable speed range handles everything from fragile 1/8-inch plywood to thick hardwood stock. It’s not flawless—the dust blower is weak, and the stock blades are forgettable—but for anyone serious about scrollwork, this machine removes the frustration and lets you focus on the craft. My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

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How I Ended Up With the DW788

I’ve been woodworking as a hobby for about eight years, but scroll sawing was always something I dabbled in rather than committed to. The reason?

My previous scroll saws were cheap, entry-level machines that vibrated so much they walked across the bench, required constant blade re-tensioning, and made following a pattern feel like trying to draw a straight line during an earthquake.

Last winter, I decided to get serious. I wanted to make wooden puzzles for my nieces, decorative fretwork panels for a cabinet project, and maybe try my hand at intarsia.

I knew I needed a real tool, not a toy. After reading forums, watching hours of YouTube comparisons, and visiting a local woodworking store to test a few models in person, I settled on the DeWalt DW788.

I paid around $480 for the saw alone (no stand) during a holiday sale. Six months and probably fifty projects later, here’s my honest, unfiltered take.

First Impressions: This Thing Has Heft

When the box arrived, I knew immediately this wasn’t my old saw. The DW788 weighs 56 pounds, and most of that mass sits in a solid cast-iron base. Unboxing and assembly took about twenty minutes—attach the base, install a blade, plug it in, and go.

The first thing I noticed was the arm design. Instead of the single pivot arm you see on most scroll saws, the DW788 uses a double parallel-link system.

Two linked arms on each side guide the blade in a vertical arc. In theory, this cancels out the side-to-side vibration that plagues traditional designs. In practice? It actually works.

I turned it on, ran it up to full speed, and placed my hand on the table. Barely a tremor. I could feel the motor running, but the table itself stayed almost perfectly still.

That first moment sold me. I’d never used a scroll saw this smooth.

The Specs That Matter

Here’s what you’re working with:

Motor: 1.3 amp, which doesn’t sound like much but is plenty for scroll saw work
Throat depth: 20 inches—meaning you can cut a circle up to 40 inches in diameter
Blade stroke: 3/4 inch, which helps clear sawdust and prevents burning
Cutting capacity: 13/16 inch through hardwood
Variable speed: 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute
Table tilt: 0 to 45 degrees left for bevel cuts
Power cord: 15 feet, which is longer than most and genuinely useful in a crowded shop

Real-World Performance: What Six Months Taught Me

Vibration and Smoothness

This is the DW788’s superpower, and I can’t overstate it. On my old saw, vibration was a constant battle. The table shook, the workpiece bounced, and my hands fatigued quickly from holding everything steady.

With the DW788, I can make cuts for hours without that tension in my forearms.

The smoothness translates directly to accuracy. When I’m cutting a tight internal curve for a puzzle piece or following a delicate fretwork pattern, the blade goes exactly where I guide it.

There’s no drift, no chatter, no unexpected jumps. For stack cutting—where you layer multiple pieces of wood and cut them all at once—this stability is essential. I’ve successfully stack-cut up to five layers of 1/4-inch Baltic birch with clean edges on every piece.

Variable Speed Control

The speed dial sits on the front panel, right where your left hand naturally rests. It ranges from 400 SPM on the low end to 1,750 SPM at the top. Here’s how I’ve learned to use that range:

Low speeds (400–700 SPM): Thick stock, aggressive blades, straight cuts where control matters more than speed. I use this range when cutting 3/4-inch oak or when I’m stack-cutting and need the blade to clear chips without overheating.

Mid-range (800–1,200 SPM): My default setting for most work. Good balance of speed and control for 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch hardwoods and plywoods.

High speeds (1,400–1,750 SPM): Thin materials, tight-radius curves, and delicate fretwork. The higher stroke rate makes the blade feel more responsive in tight turns, and the reduced per-stroke bite prevents tear-out on fragile edges.

Being able to adjust speed on the fly without stopping the saw is genuinely useful. Different woods behave differently, and having that dial right there lets me fine-tune as I go.

Cutting Power

A 1.3-amp motor isn’t going to win any horsepower contests, but scroll sawing isn’t about brute force—it’s about finesse. The DW788 has never bogged down on me, even feeding 3/4-inch maple fairly aggressively. The key is using the right blade for the material and letting the saw do the work rather than forcing the cut.

The 3/4-inch blade stroke is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to clear sawdust effectively (reducing burning and blade wear) without feeling unwieldy on delicate work.

Blade Changing: My Favorite Feature

I change blades a lot. A single project might use three or four different sizes—maybe a #2 or #3 blade for tight internal cuts, a #5 for general curves, and a #9 for roughing out waste. On my old saw, blade changes were a five-minute ordeal involving hex keys, dropped fasteners, and muttered curses.

The DW788 uses a tool-free blade clamp system. Flip a lever on the bottom arm, flip a lever on the top arm, swap the blade, flip both levers back. Total time: under ten seconds. The first few times, I kept reaching for a wrench out of habit. Now, the speed feels almost luxurious. I can try a cut, decide I need a finer blade, and have it swapped before the motor even stops spinning down.

The clamps hold securely. In six months of use, I’ve never had a blade slip, pop out, or shift in the clamps. The system accepts both plain-end and pin-end blades, though I stick to plain-end for the variety and cost savings.

The Table and Work Area

The cast-iron table is generous and flat. Mine had a slight oil residue from the factory (common with cast iron), but a quick wipe with mineral spirits took care of it. The table surface is smooth enough that workpieces slide easily without sticking, but not so slick that they skate around uncontrollably.

The table tilts up to 45 degrees to the left for bevel cuts. The tilt mechanism uses a large handwheel underneath with a locking lever. It moves smoothly and locks solidly—no play or wobble once tightened. I don’t do a ton of bevel work on the scroll saw (I prefer the table saw or bandsaw for most angled cuts), but I’ve used it for a few decorative edges and inlay grooves, and it performed fine.

One nice touch: the table has a small slot for a blade guard or hold-down, though I rarely use either. The saw also comes with a small plastic throat plate that sits flush with the table surface, preventing thin pieces from tipping into the blade slot.

The Dust Blower: Let’s Be Honest

If there’s one area where DeWalt clearly cut costs, it’s the dust blower. It’s a small plastic nozzle that directs a stream of air at the cut line. In theory, this clears sawdust so you can see your pattern line. In practice, it’s underpowered and poorly aimed.

On thin cuts with minimal dust production, it works okay. But when I’m cutting thick stock or making long, continuous cuts, sawdust accumulates faster than the blower can clear it. I’ve found myself stopping frequently to blow the line clean with my mouth or a quick puff from an air nozzle.

My workaround: I mounted a flexible gooseneck LED lamp with a small fan attachment near the saw, and I keep a shop vac hose positioned close to the table. Some woodworkers run a secondary air line from a compressor to a nozzle aimed at the cut. It’s an annoyance, and it’s the single biggest weakness of this saw. If DeWalt upgraded the blower in a future revision, this would be a near-perfect machine.

Noise Level: Shop-Friendly

I work in a garage shop attached to my house, and noise matters. The DW788 is noticeably quieter than any scroll saw I’ve used before. The parallel-link design doesn’t just reduce vibration—it dampens sound as well. At low speeds, it’s almost conversation-level quiet. At full speed, it’s still quieter than my router or table saw.

I can use this saw in the evening without worrying about waking the household. For extended sessions, I still wear hearing protection (old habit), but for quick cuts, I often skip it. Compared to the angry-bee buzz of my previous saw, the DW788 sounds almost refined.

What I’ve Made With It

To give you a sense of real-world capability, here’s a sample of projects from the past six months:

Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles: I made a set of animal-shaped puzzles for my nieces using 1/4-inch Baltic birch. The tight internal curves and interlocking tabs required #2 and #3 blades, and the DW788 handled the precision beautifully. No tear-out, no chipped edges.

Decorative Fretwork Panels: For a cabinet door project, I cut intricate floral patterns in 1/2-inch cherry. The patterns had lines as thin as 1/16 inch between cuts. The saw’s stability let me follow the lines without wandering, and the variable speed let me slow down for the most delicate sections.

Stack-Cut Christmas Ornaments: I layered five sheets of 1/8-inch walnut and cut matching snowflake ornaments. The key to stack cutting is keeping the layers aligned and preventing shift. The DW788’s minimal vibration meant the layers stayed put, and the blade cut cleanly through all five without deflection.

Custom Name Signs: Script lettering in 3/4-inch pine for a friend’s nursery. The continuous curves required frequent blade direction changes, and the saw’s responsiveness made the tight turns manageable.

Intarsia Experiments: My first attempts at this wood-mosaic art form. Cutting small, irregular pieces from different wood species and fitting them together. The precision of the DW788 made the difference between pieces that fit and pieces that gapped.

In every case, the saw was the least of my worries. When a cut went wrong, it was my technique, not the machine.

The Included Blades: Replace Them Immediately

The DW788 comes with a small starter set of blades. My advice: don’t even install them. They’re generic, dull quickly, and will give you a poor first impression of what the saw can do. Order a quality assortment of blades before the saw arrives. I prefer Flying Dutchman blades (available from several online retailers), but Olson and Pegas also make excellent options. A good #3, #5, and #9 will cover 90% of your work.

What I Added (And You Probably Should Too)

A good LED work light: The cut area is somewhat shadowed by the upper arm. A flexible gooseneck lamp makes pattern lines much easier to see.
A foot switch: Not essential, but convenient for starting and stopping without reaching for the power switch.
A stand: The DW788 doesn’t come with one. I built a simple plywood cabinet with a solid top at the right height. DeWalt sells a matching stand, and some retailers offer saw-plus-stand bundles.
Quality blades: As mentioned, this is non-negotiable.
Supplemental dust collection: Shop vac, air nozzle, or both.

Who Should Buy This Saw?

You should buy the DW788 if:

You’re a hobbyist woodworker ready to move beyond entry-level equipment
You do fretwork, intarsia, puzzles, decorative cutting, or detailed inlay
You value smooth, accurate cuts over raw speed
You change blade sizes frequently and want a tool-free system
You have a dedicated shop space and don’t need a portable saw
You want professional-grade results without paying professional-grade prices

You should look elsewhere if:

You need a lightweight, portable saw for job sites or shared spaces
Your budget is strictly under $300 (look at Wen or Skil models, but expect compromises)
You primarily need to resaw thick stock (get a bandsaw)
You want a saw with integrated, effective dust collection out of the box

Price and Value

The DW788 typically lists around $599, but I see it on sale regularly for $450–$500. At full price, it’s still a strong value. At sale price, it’s exceptional. The next tier up—saws like the Excalibur EX-21 or Hegner models—starts around $800 and climbs past $1,200. The DW788 gives you 90% of that performance at roughly half the cost.

Over six months, I’ve had zero mechanical issues. The motor runs cool, the bearings are still smooth, and nothing has loosened or worn prematurely. If it holds up this well for years, the cost-per-project will be negligible.

Long-Term Durability: Early Signs

Six months isn’t long enough to speak definitively about long-term durability, but I can share what I’ve observed. The cast-iron table shows no wear or rust (I apply a light coat of paste wax monthly). The arm linkage has zero play or looseness. The blade clamps still grip as securely as day one. The speed control dial turns smoothly with no dead spots.

The only maintenance I’ve done is blowing dust out of the motor housing with compressed air and occasionally wiping the table with mineral spirits followed by wax. It’s a simple machine mechanically, which bodes well for longevity.

Comparisons: How It Stacks Up

I tested a few competitors before buying, and I’ve used friends’ saws since. Here’s my informal comparison:

vs. Wen 3921 (16-inch): The Wen is cheaper (around $150–$200) and perfectly adequate for occasional use. But it vibrates more, has a smaller throat, and the blade changes require tools. If you’re serious about scrollwork, you’ll outgrow it quickly.

vs. Delta 40-694: Similar price and features to the DW788. The Delta is a good saw, but I found the DW788 smoother and the blade change system faster. The Delta’s table tilt mechanism also felt less robust in my hands-on testing.

vs. Excalibur EX-21: The Excalibur is a step up in price and refinement. The tilt-head design (instead of tilting the table) is genuinely useful for large workpieces. But for most hobbyists, the DW788’s performance is close enough that the price difference is hard to justify.

vs. Hegner: Hegner saws are the Rolls-Royce of scroll saws—beautiful, precise, and expensive. If money is no object and you want the absolute best, consider a Hegner. For everyone else, the DW788 delivers 95% of the experience at a fraction of the cost.

The Verdict

The DeWalt DW788 isn’t a perfect scroll saw, but it’s close enough that I rarely think about its limitations. The smooth, vibration-free operation makes cutting a pleasure rather than a chore. The tool-free blade changes keep me in the flow of work instead of breaking my rhythm. The variable speed and solid construction handle everything I throw at it, from delicate fretwork to thick hardwood.

Its flaws are real but manageable. The dust blower needs help. The stock blades belong in the trash. You’ll want to add a light and figure out dust collection. But these are accessories and upgrades, not fundamental problems.

If you’re sitting on the fence between a cheap entry-level saw and the DW788, save up for the DeWalt. The difference in experience is night and day. Scroll sawing should be about the joy of creating detailed, precise work—not about fighting your equipment. The DW788 removes that fight and lets you focus on the craft.

Six months in, I’m still impressed every time I turn it on. That’s not something I can say about many tools.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. In fact, I only wish I’d bought it sooner.

Have you used the DW788 or another scroll saw you love? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

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Blade Changes: Slow and Awkward

Table Tilt and Bevel Cuts

Ryobi SC165VS Dust Collection and Lighting: Small Wins

Dust Blower

Work Light

What I Made With the Ryobi SC165VS: A Frustrating Six Months

Simple Wooden Puzzles (1/4-inch Baltic Birch)

Decorative Signs (3/4-inch Pine, Block Letters)

Fretwork Panel (1/2-inch Cherry, Moderate Detail)

Stack-Cut Ornaments (1/8-inch Walnut, 2 Layers)

Dollhouse Furniture (1/4-inch Basswood)

Ryobi SC165VS Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

✅ What I Liked

❌ What I Didn’t Like

Ryobi SC165VS vs. Competitors: Losing the Budget Battle

Ryobi SC165VS vs. WEN 3921

Ryobi SC165VS vs. Shop Fox W1713

Ryobi SC165VS vs. DeWalt DW788

Who Should Buy the Ryobi SC165VS?

Ryobi SC165VS Long-Term Durability: 6-Month Report

Final Thoughts: The Problem With “Good Enough”

Ryobi SC165VS Review Score

Why I Bought the Dremel MS20 (And What I Hoped For)

Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw Specifications and Features

Unboxing and First Impressions: Tiny and Plastic

Dremel MS20 Performance Test: Pushing a Tiny Saw to Its Limits

Vibration and Smoothness: Harsh and Unrelenting

Variable Speed: Limited Range, High Pitch

Cutting Capacity: Severely Limited

The Two-Mode Gimmick: Useful or Gimmick?

What I Made With the Dremel MS20: Finding Its Niche

Small Wooden Ornaments (1/8-inch Plywood, Under 3 Inches)

Dollhouse Furniture Components (1/4-inch Basswood)

Plastic Model Part Modifications (Handheld Mode)

Quick PVC Pipe Cuts (Handheld Mode)

Laminate Trim Work (Handheld Mode)

Attempted Fretwork Bookmark (1/8-inch Walnut)

Dremel MS20 Pros and Cons: The Brutal Truth

✅ What I Liked

❌ What I Didn’t Like

Dremel MS20 vs. Competitors: An Unfair Comparison

Dremel MS20 vs. WEN 3921 / Shop Fox W1713

Dremel MS20 vs. Full-Size Scroll Saws (DeWalt, Delta, Excalibur)

Dremel MS20 vs. Manual Coping Saw

Who Should Buy the Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw?

Dremel MS20 Accessories and Reality Checks

Long-Term Durability: 5-Month Report

Final Thoughts: The Right Tool for the Wrong Job

Dremel MS20 Moto-Saw Review Score

Why I Finally Upgraded to the Excalibur EX-21

Excalibur EX-21 Specifications and Features

Unboxing and First Impressions: This Is a Different Class of Tool

Excalibur EX-21 Performance Test: Pushing It to the Limit

Vibration and Smoothness: The Gold Standard

Variable Speed Control: Refined and Predictable

The Tilt-Head Design: Why It Matters

Cutting Power and Capacity

Tool-Free Blade Changes: Fast and Foolproof

Dust Collection: Actually Functional

What I’ve Made With the Excalibur EX-21

Large-Scale Intarsia Wall Art (Multiple Species, 24×36 Inches)

Production Wooden Puzzles (1/4-inch Baltic Birch, 50+ Units)

Decorative Fretwork Panels (1/2-inch Cherry, Intricate Patterns)

Stack-Cut Ornaments (1/8-inch Walnut, 6 Layers)

Custom Signage (3/4-inch Pine and Cedar)

Excalibur EX-21 Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

✅ What I Loved

❌ What I Didn’t Love

Excalibur EX-21 vs. Competitors: Where It Stands

Excalibur EX-21 vs. DeWalt DW788

Excalibur EX-21 vs. Hegner Multimax

Excalibur EX-21 vs. Delta 40-694