Scroll Saw Basics

A scroll saw is an electric saw, which is small in size and used most commonly for delicate jobs where larger saws would not be appropriate. Similar to band saws, scroll saws operate by moving up and down in a quick, reciprocating motion. Scroll saws are available with various blades, made for many different jobs.

Size

Scroll saws are identified by size, which is the distance to the rear frame from the blade. The size determines how large a piece of wood can be cut, ranging from 12 inches to 30 inches.

Function

Scroll saws are used by hobbyists and professional woodworkers to cut inlays, veneers, intricate curves, and pictures within wood. They can also be used to stack cut veneers, resulting in very complicated pictures within the wood.

Types

The most common type of scroll saw is the parallel arm, which contains two parallel arms and a motor attached to the back. Other types of scroll saws include the C-arm, rigid arm, and parallel link.

Blades

Blades for scroll saws come in many different types. They are typically around 5 inches long. Common blade types include skip tooth, double skip tooth, crown, spiral and diamond blades.

Precautions

To ensure the scroll saw provides peak performance, the blade must be checked frequently. Vibration should also be checked, as it has a direct effect on the quality of the work produced.