When you’ve got interior cutouts or curves to cut you can’t beat a scroll saw. Scroll saws can make more intricate and smoother cuts than jigsaws. They’re a unique tool for fine woodworking and they can handle some metals and plastics too. A good scroll saw cuts well enough that the user doesn’t need to sand afterward.
The two scroll saws featured inthis article are ideal for sophisticated projects. Let’s see what they can do and which one is the best choice for you.
Delta Power Tools 40-694 20 In. Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Delta has been a trusted name in the saw business for almost a hundred years. Recent changes in ownership and difficulty in getting parts for older machines made some long-term customers nervous about continuing business with Delta. But on the bright side, the 40-694 scroll saw is an updated model that arrived on the scene in 2014 and is fully covered by Delta’s five-year warranty.
The 40-694 is very similar to the DeWalt DW788. The much-loved feature that sets it apart is that the upper arm locks into position when it is raised for a blade change. There’s no struggling to hold it up with one hand or propping it up with a spare piece of wood. This allows the user to focus on the task of changing the blade or threading it through the work-piece for an internal cut.
More features of the Delta 40-694 scroll saw
- User can select stroke speeds between 400-1750spm for smooth and accurate cutting of soft and hard materials
- The saw uses 5” unpinned (plain) blades and has onboard blade storage
- Stroke length is ¾”
- 1.3amp motor runs quietly with almost no vibration
- Moveable integrated dust blower tube keeps cutting area clear
- 20-inch capacity, with a 16×24 inch workspace on the cast iron tabletop
- The table tilts 45 degrees left and right
- Maximum depth of cut is 2-1/8” at 90 degrees and 1-5/8” at 45 degrees
- Power switch, variable speed dial, and the blade tensioning lever are all at the front of the upper arm for ease of use
- Arms are parallel to avoid over- and under-cutting that sometimes happens with C-shaped saws
- The entire saw weighs about 60 pounds and measures 39×16 inches
- Delta covers the saw with a 5-year warranty
DEWALT DW788 1.3 Amp 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw
The DW788 has beena favorite scroll saw for more than a decade. It’s good enough for pro users. Owners have been pleased with its low noise and practically nonexistent vibration. They love the tool-free blade changes. The blade tensioning lever is located right at the front of the arm along with the power switch and variable speed dial so users don’t have to reach far to make adjustments.
More features of the DeWalt DW788
- The upper arm pivots back-to-front and is parallel to the lower arm to avoid under- and over-cutting
- The upper arm lifts up to make it easy to thread blades through work-pieces
- The table bevels 45 degrees left and right for angled cutting
- The adjustable integrated dust blower tube keeps the work area clear
- 1.3amp motor makes about the same amount of noise as a sewing machine
- Cuts with variable speeds adjustable anywhere between 400 and 1750 strokes per minute
- Stroke length is ¾” and depth of cut is 2 inches at 90 degrees
- Uses plain (unpinned) blades
- Capacity is 20 inches and tabletop workspace is 16×24 inches
- The saw comes with a hex wrench and saw blades in the box
- The DW788 weighs about 56 pounds
- DeWalt offers their usual 90-day money back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
Recommendation
It’s a tough choice because these two saws are very similar in ability and both have been popular choices for woodworkers and hobbyists. Either saw would be an excellent tool to add to a workshop.
The Delta 40-694 has one very user-friendly feature: the upper arm lifts and locks into place for blade changes and threading. Delta also offers a five-year warranty, the longest coverage between the two companies.
DeWalt offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee making it low-risk to try their DW788. This model has had lots of positive reviews for over a decade. DeWalt also includes a couple of extras in the box: the hex wrench and blades.
Click here to Check out Delta 40-694 Price on Amazon!
Click here to Check out DEWALT DW788 Price on Amazon!