For most small-shop woodworkers who expect to make detailed cuts regularly, the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw is the best overall choice. Its 20-inch capacity, front-mounted controls, tool-free blade clamps, and lifting arm make it a practical fit for fretwork, ornaments, signs, and other projects that involve repeated inside cuts. It is a full-size machine, though, so a beginner making occasional small pieces may be better served by the smaller WEN.
Best overall: DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
The DW788 is the pick for a woodworker who wants one scroll saw for regular, detailed work. DEWALT specifies a 20-inch throat, variable speed from 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute, and up to 2 inches of cutting capacity. The double parallel-link arm, cast-iron table, and left-and-right 45-degree bevel give it the feature set that makes a larger saw easier to live with over time.
The detail that matters most for fretwork is the lifting arm. It lets you thread the blade through a starter hole for an inside cut, while the tool-free clamps and front-arm tension control keep the workflow close at hand. A dust blower and the front-mounted speed control are useful when the cut line is the whole project.
Pros
- 20-inch capacity gives larger patterns more room on the table.
- Tool-free blade clamps and a lifting arm suit repeated inside cuts.
- DEWALT lists a three-year limited warranty, one year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- A full-size saw takes more dedicated bench or stand space than a compact 16-inch model.
- It is more machine than an occasional ornament or puzzle project may require.
Choose the DW788 if scroll-saw work will be a regular part of your shop. Skip it if you are still testing whether you enjoy the craft or only need a saw for a few small projects each year.
Best budget pick: WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
The WEN 3921 makes sense for a beginner or occasional maker who wants to learn the basics without starting with a larger 20-inch machine. It has a 16-inch throat, cuts wood up to 2 inches thick, and uses a table that bevels left to 45 degrees. WEN lists variable speed up to 1,600 strokes per minute.
Its unusual feature is the two-direction blade holder. You can set the blade in the standard direction or turn it 90 degrees, which can help when a wider workpiece does not fit comfortably in the throat. The saw also accepts pinned and pinless blades and includes an air pump, flexible light, dust port, hold-down clamp, onboard storage, and three blades.
Pros
- Smaller 16-inch format is easier to fit into a compact bench setup.
- Two-direction blade positioning gives small-project makers another way to manage a workpiece.
- WEN lists a two-year warranty and access to its service technician network.
Cons
- The smaller throat leaves less room for broad signs and large pattern pieces.
- The table bevels left only, unlike the two-sided bevel tables on the DEWALT and Delta.
Choose the WEN when you want a compact first saw for ornaments, puzzles, signs, and other small work. Skip it if frequent fretwork has already made a larger work area and a more involved blade-change workflow important to you.
Best small-shop upgrade: Delta 40-694 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
The Delta 40-694 is the alternative for a woodworker who wants a full-size 20-inch saw with a lock-up upper arm. Delta specifies 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute, 2-1/8 inches of cutting capacity at 90 degrees, a 3/4-inch stroke, and a cast-iron table that bevels left and right from 0 to 45 degrees.
For fretwork, the lock-up arm is its most useful distinction. It stays raised while you change or position a blade, so the saw is worth a close look if inside cuts drive most of your buying decision. Delta also lists tool-free blade clamping, single-lever tensioning, front-mounted controls, onboard blade storage, and a five-year warranty.
Pros
- Full 20-inch capacity for larger patterns and panels.
- Lock-up arm helps with blade changes and fretwork positioning.
- Five-year manufacturer warranty is the longest of these three options.
Cons
- It needs the same dedicated space expected of any full-size 20-inch scroll saw.
- It is an upgrade choice for its documented configuration and warranty, not a promise that it will outperform every other saw in every cut.
Choose the Delta if you specifically want a raised arm that locks during blade changes and a longer manufacturer warranty. Skip it if the DW788's feature set already matches your projects, or if a 16-inch saw is the better fit for your available space.
Which scroll saw should you buy?
Buy the DEWALT DW788 if you want the most balanced full-size choice for regular detailed woodworking. Buy the WEN 3921 if you are starting out and need a smaller format. Pick the Delta 40-694 when its lock-up arm and longer warranty fit the way you expect to work.
Whichever saw you choose, use blades and material within the manufacturer's guidance, secure the workpiece, wear appropriate eye protection, and keep your hands clear of the blade.
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