Review Summary-
Features-
- LED work light that is fully adjustable
- Two phase dust system, utilizing a blower as well as a dust collection port
- Variable speed control knob
- Optional Foot Pedal for additional Speed control option
- Tilting table allows you to utilize it from 0 to 45 degrees
- Material clamp
- On board storage
- Keyless Blade Changes
Specs-
- 16 inch table
- Max HP 3/25
- No load speed from 550- 1650 RPMs
- 120 V
- Steel Table
The Bottom Line-
SKIL launched a new line of Benchtop tools, something I know I have been eagerly anticipating! Today I focus on the new SKIL Scroll Saw, full of features you'll love like the LED light, keyless blade changes, easy to adjust material clamp and a slew of features that make scrolling on this saw nothing short of a joy! If you're in the market for a new Scroll Saw- look no further that this model from SKIL!
SKIL Tools have been around for a long time, and their legacy is well documented in their tools. From a full line of new cordless power tools to their newest lineup of benchtop tools, almost everything has been fully revamped. Let’s kick off our look at the new benchtop lineup, let’s hop into the SKIL Scroll saw Review.
About the Tool
SKIL Scroll Saw Review
Scroll Saws are a fascinating tool. The origins date back to the 1800s at least, with the first recorded patent held by Mr. M’Duff in 1829. What’s amazing is the tool has been left largely unchanged over its history. While tech advances have increased their precision and versatility, it’s pretty impressive to see a tool design stand the test of time.
And it makes sense since Scroll Saws are a really useful tool in the shop. They excel at intricate details and allow the user unparalleled control to transform raw material into virtually every shape imaginable. Scrolling is largely considered an art form and with good reason! Spend some time behind a scroll saw and you’re bound to be obsessed with the process too, making it perfect for beginners and professionals alike.
My Thoughts
SKIL Scroll Saw Review
For many years, SKIL Power Tools dominated the market for most users, offering a great value tool with a solid warranty. While they maintained a great market, they were in desperate need of a full revamp. We have seen that come to both their battery-powered tools as well as their OPE tools in recent years, but the area I had most eagerly awaited was the update of their benchtop lineup, and we finally have it!
The SKIL Scroll Saw really brings back the SKIL focus on benchtop tools. With a solid lineup of features, you would be hard-pressed to find a better value in a Scroll Saw. SKIL utilizes a 1.2 Amp motor, giving it sufficient power for most materials. I tested this saw on both softwood and hardwood and found it to perform flawlessly, there was more than enough power, and the tool itself was smooth and offered great comfort for extended use.
The speed can be controlled by both the onboard dial and by using the optional foot pedal to control the speed hands-free. As well, the safety power switch ensures user safety while in use. Onboard storage for the wrench and spare blades lends the tool increased portability, and the integrated work light improves workpiece visibility for even better results.
Changing blades is made simple with the keyless blade change system using pinless blades. SKIL includes 3 with the tool too, and they are great general-purpose blades. SKIL also utilizes an onboard dust collection system in two phases, a blower to remove dust from your cut line for visibility and a port that can be easily connected to any dust collector.
The capacity of this saw is ideal too. While you can find larger scroll saws, for most users, a 16-inch table will be more than sufficient for almost any project, and the compact footprint allows you to take it from benchtop to mobile with ease. The table can be tilted from 0 to 45 degrees as well. The material clamp does an excellent job of adding a bit of stability to a workpiece and is easy to adjust to your material.
How Does it Compare
SKIL Scroll Saw Review
I have a larger 20-inch DeWalt Scroll Saw that I have used for many years that comes in at just shy of $600 dollars on Amazon at posting. Without question, it has treated me well and I have put a lot of hours into it over the years.
Comparing the Dewalt and SKIL Saws though, there is very little difference in performance. The only notable variances would be size and power. The DeWalt has a 20-inch capacity whereas the SKIL has a 16-inch capacity. The SKIL operates using a 1.2 Amp motor, while the DeWalt offers a 1.3 Amp. In practice, I consider both of these differences to be negligible for the vast majority of users given the significant cost difference.
SKIL has truly every feature you could ask for in their Scroll Saw and with the pricepoint being just under $160 on Amazon, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to spend the additional coin without significant reasons. It’s just hard to beat such a solid tool at such a solid price point.
Where to Find It
SKIL Scroll Saw Review
You can find the SKIL 16-inch Scroll Saw on Amazon for $159.00 – this includes the saw, a wrench, a hex wrench, and 3 blades.
Final Thoughts
SKIL Scroll Saw Review
Scroll Saws aren’t going anywhere. as it is used in the most intricate forms of wood art. I have always enjoyed scrolling, and find it to be one of the most calming things you can do in the shop. Since incorporating the SKIL Scroll Saw into my shop, I find myself drawn to it more and more, and honestly, I think that says a lot in and of itself.
SKIL combined the best of their newest technology into this classic tool. It’s smooth and comfortable to use, light enough to be easily moved, and feels intuitive from the get-go. With performance on par with much more expensive models and features that make the tool safer and more comfortable to use, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything negative to say about the SKIL Scroll Saw!