WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Last updated date: October 19, 2020

DWYM Score

WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Why Trust The DWYM Score?



We looked at the top Scroll Saws and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Scroll Saw you should buy.

Overall Take

The unique design of this scroll saw allows for the use of blades in both standard and 90-degree directions for greater ripping capacity. The 16-inch throat, adjustable work light and variable speed (400 to 1600 strokes per minute) give you the flexibility you need for detailed projects. In our analysis of 16 expert reviews, the WEN WEN 16-In Two Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw placed 3rd when we looked at the top 9 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

Editor's Note October 19, 2020:
Checkout The Best Scroll Saw for a detailed review of all the top scroll saws.

Expert Summarized Score
1 expert reviews
User Summarized Score
1,406 user reviews
Our Favorite Video Reviews
What experts liked
Users like the price and ease of set up and use. Takes either pin or pinless blades. LED light is bright enough for most cutting work. Hassle free warranty replacement.
- BestReviews
What experts didn't like
Switching blades can be a hassle. Vibrates heavily if not clamped down well to a sturdy surface. Sawdust doesn't clear away as some users would like.
- BestReviews

From The Manufacturer

Remember when your scroll saw could cut in two different directions? Take on the most intricate and artful cuts with the WEN 16-Inch Variable Speed Two-Direction Scroll Saw. The 9/16-inch stroke saws through hard woods up to two inches thick. Adjust the speed anywhere from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute with the simple turn of a knob. The cast iron base prevents vibration and walking during operation while the spacious 16-by-11-inch table bevels up to 45 degrees for angled cut. The adjustable air pump clears saw dust from your work area to give you a clear line of vision as you cut. This combined with the 1-1/2-inch dust port keep your work area clean so you can focus on your woodworking. The saw also includes a hold-down foot clamp for securing your project in place along with a flexible work light that bends and adjusts to whatever position your heart desires. This unique blade holder accepts both pinned and pinless blades while also allowing users to change the direction of their cut to accommodate their particular workpiece. For pinned blades, simply pop the pins out of the front holder and turn the blade 90 degrees. Now, your cuts are no longer confined by the 16-inch throat of the scroll saw. On top of that, our removable pinless blade holder design tightly grips blades to prevent them from coming loose during operation. Onboard blade and holder storage creates simple organization solutions between jobs. And because its a WEN product, your scroll saw comes backed by a two-year warranty, a nationwide network of skilled service technicians and a friendly customer help line, all to make sure you remember WEN.

Overall Product Rankings

DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw, 1.3 Amp
1. DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw, 1.3 Amp
Overall Score: 9.8
Expert Reviews: 1
TACKLIFE TLSS01A Variable Speed Scroll Saw
2. TACKLIFE TLSS01A Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Overall Score: 9.4
Expert Reviews: 1
BUCKTOOL 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
5. BUCKTOOL 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Overall Score: 7.3
Expert Reviews: 3
RYOBI 1.2 Amp Corded 16-Inch Scroll Saw
6. RYOBI 1.2 Amp Corded 16-Inch Scroll Saw
Overall Score: 6.7
Expert Reviews: 2
Jet 22-Inch Scroll Saw With Stand
7. Jet 22-Inch Scroll Saw With Stand
Overall Score: 6.4
Expert Reviews: 2
SKIL 3335-07 16-Inch Scroll Saw With Light
9. SKIL 3335-07 16-Inch Scroll Saw With Light
Overall Score: 6.3
Expert Reviews: 2

An Overview On Scroll Saws

Scroll saws are a type of power tool consisting of a table, arm and a vertically-oriented thin blade intended to work on detailed or intricate pieces. Scroll saws and scroll saw blades are designed for precision rather than power, so they tend to be lower-amperage than other saws. The blade moves up and down through a hole in the table, and it can be threaded through a workpiece to make interior cuts.

Key considerations when purchasing a scroll saw include arm type, throat size, table material and bevel and blade type. The arm of the scroll saw arches over the table and holds the saw blade, and there are three types of arm configurations.

C-type arms contain one pivot point, allowing the blade to mode in an up and down position. However, because there is one pivot point, the blade moves in a slight arc. These arms provide a faster cut, but they can cause a lot of vibration and noise, and generally require more skill to operate.

Parallel type arms contain two arms which meet each other in the middle and contain a pivot point in each arm, allowing the arms to travel simultaneously and allowing the blade to move in a reciprocating motion, upwards and forwards.

Finally, parallel-linked arms, the newest style of scroll saw, greatly reduce noise and vibration, allowing for greater accuracy and precision. The arms on these saws are much shorter than on a C or parallel arm, and they pivot, allowing the blade to reciprocate the motion.

After arm type, throat size is often the next-biggest consideration. The throat is the distance between the blade and the back of the tool where the arms meet, and this determines the size of the work piece that can be maneuvered around the blade.

The most common throat sizes range from 16 inches to 20 inches. A sturdy table material is also a must. Tables are commonly made from aluminum, steel or cast iron. Finally, many scroll saws include amenities such as work lights, dust blowers and dust ports to keep the cut line clearly visible. Blades also impact the type of work that can be done, but they are sold separately, and most scroll saws accept every type of blade.

DWYM Fun Fact

The origins of the scroll saw are not entirely clear, but a patent for one from 1829 has been discovered. As fretwork — the sawing of intricate shapes from wood — became more popular, the scroll saw evolved.

While fretwork dates back to ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman times, this woodwork was carved by hand. Mechanical means of creating fretwork did not come about until the 1860s in America. The great variety of blades, with eight popular blade types currently in use, grew out of the popularization of this craft and hobby.

The Scroll Saw Buying Guide

  • Carefully assess your skill level before purchasing a scroll saw. While some scroll saws give a faster cut, they often require more skill to operate. A slower but steadier scroll saw can be a better choice for a beginner.
  • It’s also essential to order work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when you purchase your scroll saw. In addition to long-sleeve shirts, long pants and steel-toed shoes, these pieces of safety gear are essential for work with power tools.
  • Check the bevel capabilities of the table. While many scroll saw tables cannot bevel (tilt to allow angled cuts), many can do so for up to 45 degrees to the left, right or both. Not all projects or craftspeople require this capability, but it can be the deciding factor between two otherwise comparable scroll saws.
  • The type of blade in the scroll saw greatly impacts the work that can be done and the skill level required to do it. Some types of blades, like reverse-tooth blades, are particularly suitable to materials like plywood that can chip when cut.