12 best scroll saw for beginners

A scroll saw for beginners is a versatile and user-friendly woodworking tool that is ideal for those who are new to the craft of scroll sawing and woodworking. It's commonly used for creating intricate and detailed cuts in various materials, including wood, plastic, and thin metals. Here's some information about scroll saws for beginners:

  1. Basic Function: A scroll saw is a stationary power tool with a fine, narrow blade that moves up and down rapidly. The blade is used to make intricate cuts and curves in materials. It's especially well-suited for creating decorative and detailed patterns.

  2. Ease of Use: Scroll saws are considered one of the more user-friendly woodworking tools, making them suitable for beginners. They offer precise control and are less intimidating than some other power tools.

  3. Blade Types: Scroll saws use various blade types, including plain-end and pin-end blades. Beginners often start with plain-end blades, as they are easier to work with and change.

  4. Variable Speed: Many scroll saws come with adjustable speed settings, allowing beginners to choose the right speed for their project and material.Slower speeds are typically used for intricate cuts, while faster speeds are better for straight cuts.

  5. Throat Size: The throat size of a scroll saw determines the maximum width of material that can be cut. Smaller throat sizes are suitable for beginners, as they provide more maneuverability for intricate cuts.

  6. Table Tilt: Some scroll saws have tiltable tables, which can be handy for making beveled cuts or creating angled designs.

  7. Dust Collection: Dust can be a concern when working with woodworking tools. Some scroll saws come with built-in dust collection systems or can be connected to external dust collectors to keep the workspace clean.

  8. Safety Features: Beginners should pay attention to safety features like blade guards and hold-down clamps, which help prevent accidents while using the scroll saw.

  9. Accessories: There are various accessories available for scroll saws, including blade holders, magnifying lights, and foot pedals for hands-free operation, which can enhance the experience for beginners.

  10. Resources for Learning: For beginners, there are plenty of books, online tutorials, and woodworking clubs where you can learn the basics of scroll sawing and gain inspiration for your projects.

  11. Project Ideas: As you gain experience, you can create a wide range of projects with a scroll saw, including intricate wooden puzzles, decorative ornaments, wooden jewelry, and more.

When choosing a scroll saw for beginners, consider factors such as your budget, the types of projects you plan to undertake, and the available space in your workshop. With practice and patience, you can develop your scroll sawing skills and create beautiful, detailed woodworking projects.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best scroll saw for beginners on the market
  

Scrolling 101: Everything the Beginner Needs to Know (Fox Chapel Publishing) Scroll Saw Basics, Choosing Blades, Adapting Patterns, Using a Starter Saw, Sanding, and a Skill-Building Exercise Pattern

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Scroll Saw Workbook, 3rd Edition: Learn to Master Your Scroll Saw in 25 Skill-Building Chapters (Fox Chapel Publishing) Ultimate Beginner's Guide with Projects to Hone Your Scrolling Skills

Design Originals

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Product features

25 Skill-Building Chapters

John Nelson has taught hundreds of students how to quickly and safely use the scroll saw to make practical and beautiful projects. Now it's your turn!

This book is like having an experienced scroller in your shop, looking over your shoulder to tell you step-by-step how to get great results from your scroll saw.

Learn Essential Skills

Follow along with each of 25 skill-building practice projects to help you master all the essential scroll saw skills, from the basics of cutting crisp, sharp corners to segmentation—an introduction to intarsia.

25 Lessons & Patterns

Each exercise project comes complete with step-by-step cutting instructions, photographs, and the required pattern. Each new lesson builds on the skills you've learned with earlier exercises.

Master Your Scroll Saw

Follow the lessons and exercises in this book from beginning to end to build your skills and experience. By the time you've completed the book, you'll be ready to tackle any scroll saw project with confidence!

Guide to Scroll Saws, Blades, & Accessories

For the beginning scroller, find an objective guide to today's scroll saws, advice on blade choices and accessories, plus a discussion of the features to look for in your scroll saw, as well as selecting and using patterns and materials.

25 Skill-Building Lessons

Begin with the basics of cutting straight, curved, and jagged lines, and then progress to more advanced techniques like stack cutting, relief, inlay, and segmentation. Each lesson builds on the last to help you hone your scrolling skills to perfection one technique at a time.

Attractive Practice Projects

You'll use each skill you learn to make fun practice projects including a fish silhouette, a butterfly with interior cuts, a hummingbird ornament, puzzles, and a collapsible basket. As each lesson builds on the skills of the last, the projects will become more and more intricate as you work your way through the book.

Mastering Your Scroll Saw

This ultimate beginner's scroll saw guide will give you the experience, skills, and confidence you need to approach any scrolling project. Following along with John Nelson's lessons and exercises as his progressive learning approach teaches you every skill you need to become a scrolling master!

Big Book of Scroll Saw Woodworking: More Than 60 Projects and Techniques for Fretwork, Intarsia & Other Scroll Saw Crafts (Fox Chapel Publishing)

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The Big Book of Scroll Saw for Beginners: A Woodworker Guide to Crafting 20 Woodworking Scroll Saw Patterns, Designs and Projects Plus Scrolling Tools and Tips to Get You Started

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Intarsia Woodworking for Beginners: Skill-Building Lessons for Creating Beautiful Wood Mosaics: 25 Skill-Building Projects (Fox Chapel Publishing) Step-by-Step Instructions, Patterns, Tips & Tricks

Design Originals

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Woodworker's Pattern Book: 78 Realistic Fretwork Animals (Fox Chapel Publishing) Detailed, Ready-to-Use Wildlife Patterns for Your Scroll Saw, Expert Tips & Techniques, & a Gallery of Finished Works

Design Originals

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Animal Puzzles for the Scroll Saw, Second Edition: Newly Revised & Expanded, Now 50 Projects in Wood (Fox Chapel Publishing) Designs including Kittens, Koalas, Bulldogs, Bears, Penguins, Pigs, & More

Design Originals

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Big Book of Christmas Ornaments and Decorations: 37 Favorite Projects and Patterns (Fox Chapel Publishing) Scroll Saw Designs for Santas, Wreaths, 3D & More using Fretwork, Compound, Intarsia, & Inlay

Design Originals

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North American Wildlife Patterns for the Scroll Saw: 61 Captivating Designs for Moose, Bear, Eagles, Deer and More (Fox Chapel Publishing) Ready-to-Cut Patterns from Lora Irish for Fretwork or Relief

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Wooden Clocks: 31 Favorite Projects & Patterns (Fox Chapel Publishing) Cases for Grandfather, Pendulum, Desk Clocks & More with Your Scroll Saw; Includes Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Designs

Design Originals

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Scroll Saw Christmas Ornaments: More Than 200 Patterns (Fox Chapel Publishing) Full-Size Drawings of Religious & Traditional Designs: Santas, Snowmen, Fretwork, Ornate Words, Novelties, and Wildlife

Design Originals

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D Patterns for the Scroll Saw, Revised Edition: Time-Saving Tips & Ready-to-Cut Patterns for 44 Unique Projects (Fox Chapel Publishing)

Design Originals

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