The Record Power SS16V scroll saw is a pretty lightweight model for a fretsaw of its class; thus, it can be easily mounted on a working table or fixed to a stand single-handedly. Moreover, people who work in small workshops or garages and need a portable device that won't take much space when stored will highly appreciate this scroll saw. If you are interested in woodwork, you need to know how a scroll saw works. Getting this knowledge will help in boosting your production when making intricate cuts as well as shapes from different workpieces. It works in various ways, and the parallel arm remains the commonest mode of operation. You can use both, pin-end and pin-less blades which can, yet again, be easily replaced without getting any tools involved. Being able to use both types of blades offers you a lot more flexibility. Start Cutting Your Material: Your type of design will determine whether you are going to use a single pass or different blade angles. If you are cutting straight lines and corners alone, you can use a single pass, while cutting circular shapes and curves require more time and careful manoeuvres. Working table– You also need to consider the size of your work table. Does it provide enough room to work on a piece comfortably? This is important because you need to be able to spin the workpiece freely and have it completely supported whilst you are cutting. In addition to the size, you should make certain that the material and surface of your work table is extremely smooth so as not to create resistance when trying to work and move a workpiece. Still, the table should be sufficiently solid to hold the material you are cutting. Try to avoid a wooden table and go for steel or aluminium.

The biggest fault I found with this model is that when changing the blades, you need to remove the side panel to reach the bottom clamp. And while this can be done without the use of tools, it is still annoying, not to mention potentially dangerous as this is where the motor shaft can be found spinning. Yet again, the table size is 16 inches and, just like the rest of the scroll saws we review in this article, it features a dust extraction outlet. Dust disposal– Working with wood will perpetually create a considerable amount of sawdust. As a scroll saw has a small blade, it does not necessarily create a lot of dust but will eventually accumulate with a great deal of cutting. Therefore, pay attention to models that have a dust disposal mechanism that removes the waste from the cutting line making it easier to see what you are doing.Stable Base with a Clamp System: This is essential if you want to achieve the most satisfactory result. A clamp system will enable you to secure your machine to a heavy bench so that noise and vibration will be reduced. You need a scroll saw with variable speeds. Being able to control the speed of your blade gives you better control over your cuts. You can even change the angle of the table, giving you more flexibility in terms of the cutting shape. That’s really important in work like marquetry, for example. The Dremel Moto-Saw MS20-1/5 2-in-1 Compact Scroll Saw is an easy-to-use and compact tool for making intricate cuts in different materials. It comes with a range of different blades that ensures that you can cut a variety of materials; softwood, hardwood, laminate, PVC and soft sheet material. The largest blade is the sturdiest and best for wood. The finest blade is good for metal, however, it will not cut wood precisely because it sheers off at an angle. Foot Switch: This makes it convenient for you to use the machine at all times. You don’t need to remove your hand from work if you need to pause and resume operations. Basic scroll saws have fixed rectangular or circular tables, supporting a cutting depth of up to 50mm. More sophisticated models allow the table to tilt at 45 degrees for bevel cuts and fine detailing.

Besides woodworking, scroll saws can also be used for cutting other materials too, such as metal and plastic. The accuracy of a scroll saw gives you complete control over your workpiece and are well worth considering.This scroll saw has all the fundamental features that you’ll need to make beautifully crafted pieces of woodwork while still keeping things simple enough for the first time user.

It also comes with a workpiece hold-down accessory that ensures the workpiece is securely held in place. Even more, the tool can be affixed directly to a workbench to encourage even more accurate cutting. A blow-off function keeps the work area free of chips and this gives a great view of the workpiece. Therefore, you can easily cut exactly along the marked contours on workpieces. Furthermore, there’s a dust extractor adaptor that will ensure that your workplace is agreeably clean. Specification Safety guards help keep fingers and thumbs safe, usually comprising a Perspex housing on all sides of the blade. Foot Pedal For a start there is the variable speed controls that are quite precise, the tilting table that can go from 0-45 degrees, and a down holder for securing your work piece to the 408x250mm work table.Unpinned or Pinless Blade Attachments: Pinless blades are widely preferred because they are thinner. Hence, they are less exposed to snapping during tight turns. Also, they are not difficult to thread into drill holes when you want to engage in inside cutting. Like any power tool, it’s critically important to approach a scroll carefully saw. The blade won’t move, but the machine could — some users report issues with devices creeping across worktops.Vibration issues were reported with some of our shortlisted products, so it’s best to clamp them in place. Because you must push the material into the saw, always position your fingers at least two inches from the blade. Also, ensure the material doesn’t contain nails or other objects that might damage the blade or spoil the cut.

Then, you need to make sure your blade is square to the table to ensure clean cuts. You can do that using any sort of measuring tool.

If cost is the driving factor, you may have to live without niceties like dust extraction vacuums and lights. If a foot pedal is crucial, you may sacrifice other features or pay a little extra. All the saws in our comparison guide allow you to perform accurate and stylish cuts on wooden or soft metal materials. That said, the Dremel Compact Scroll Saw is an ideal tool for small-scale craft or hobby applications. It is better than good when used as intended but not perfect. You will find this at a pretty affordable price, making it a great option for anyone on a budget. A pattern will give you the opportunity to practice many of the different types of cuts you’ll come across while scrolling. You can find a few free to use patterns here. This scroll saw is famous for its superior performance and a popular choice for many industrial applications. It is a 2-speed tool with incredible versatility, cutting on a range of materials including wood, plastic, glass fibre, leather, foam and non-ferrous materials. Its cutting depth varies between materials, for instance, 50mm in wood, 30mm in plastic, and 10mm in non-ferrous materials. Does it give you enough room to work your piece? Bear in mind that you need to be able to comfortably spin your piece freely. You should have plenty of room to work on.