Scroll Saw

For years I used a hand scroll saw to cut small pieces when a large saw was overkill.  I never used it to cut a shape or explore it's full potential.  

In 2019, I needed to cut some new round batts for my pottery wheel and decided to invest in a variable speed scroll saw.  After reading reviews I chose a WEN 3923 16 inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw with a work light.  Features that attracted me to this scroll saw were the following:

1.  Price not too cheap nor to much for hobbyist.

2. Cast iron base and sturdy construction.  The manufacture cut corners to keep price low but not where it counts.

3. Easy remove side panel that flips open for easy-access blade changes and dust cleanout.  

4. The variable speed ranging from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute.  

5. The large 16-by-10-inch table that can bevel up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.  

6. Saw cuts up to 2 inches thick wood and a wide 16 inch throat depth.  

7. A foot clamp reduces vibration during up strokes of the blade.  

8. An air pump keeps the cutting area clear of dust and a light helps you see where to cut.  

9. Blades are easy to change without tools by using a thumb screw blade adapter located on the arm near the back of the saw.  

10. Dust collector port for vacuum. 

Additions and Modifications

I knew of reported problems when I purchased the scroll saw.  The following are my work arounds.

• Vibrating light arm

Black electrical was wrapped around the light to form a shield.  This shields the lens so it does not shine in the eyes and you do not notice the vibration but the light still shines on the piece.  

• Hose pops off the air pump.

A T fitting used for drip irrigation was added to the hose line.  This removed the stress of a bent hose going into the pump.  

• Unit difficult to turn on or off when sawing.

A on/off foot switch was purchased from Harbor Freight.  

• Extra saw blades were somewhere.

A door magnet advertisement was added to the top of the arm so blades were easy to access.

• I can not see the pattern when cutting.

Poor eyesight was the problem.  A Helping Hands 4X magnifier was purchased from Harbor Freight.  The arm of the magnifier was attached to the saw arm so the magnifier could be positioned in front of the blade.  

• Blade changes were not easy because the top of the blade becomes unhooked while trying to hook the bottom.

Solved by using a small alligator clamp prevent the top blade from popping out of the holder.

• The saw vibrates.

A rubber pad was used as a washer when screwing the saw to the bench.  Not sure it dampened the vibration but worth a try.   

• Table flimsy.

Have not notice it is a problem but have not used a scroll saw with a sturdy table so no comparison. 

• Dust collector port not on side and too small.

The dust collector port is currently plugged with a cork to keep dust from dribbling out.  I found it was easier to remove the access panel and periodically  vacuum than to connect  connect my shop vac.   

Practice makes perfect.

Youtube has several tutorials with patterns that will help you improve your scroll saw skills.  They provide a foundation for using the scroll saw with ideas for transferring patterns to the work piece and how to cut impossible pieces.  Practice with their patterns because they force you to learn new ways to use your new scroll saw.  

Thoughts and Hacks

1. If you do not like how saw is cutting purchase a narrow blade.

2. Practice on several scrap pieces using patterns from the tutorials before starting to use the saw for work.  

3. Do not plan on cutting a straight line.  Use a regular saw if you need to cut a straight line.

Final Thoughts

The WEN scroll saw meets my needs as a hobbyist.  No, not perfect but found workarounds.  It is my go to saw when I want to cut small pieces or patterns.