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Quick verdict
Choose the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw if you want parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws. Choose the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw if you'd rather have virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work. Overall we rank the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Scroll Saws 2026 list.
Winner overall: DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw
Keep researching
- Best Scroll Saws 2026
- DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw review
- Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw review
- All woodworking
Bottom line
Choose the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw if you want parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws. Choose the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw if you'd rather have virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work. Overall we rank the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Scroll Saws 2026 list.
Best OverallDEWALT
Parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws
- 20-inch throat depth
- 400-1,750 SPM variable speed
- Parallel link arm design for low vibration
- Tool-free blade change
✓ Pros
- Virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work
- Tilting head lets the blade angle while the workpiece stays flat on the table
- 21-inch throat is among the largest available in a consumer scroll saw
- Foot switch controller keeps both hands free to guide the workpiece
✕ Cons
- Very high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyists
- Sold mostly through specialty woodworking dealers, not big-box retail
Best PremiumExcalibur
Virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work
- 21-inch throat depth
- Tilting head design for angled cuts without tilting the table
- Foot switch controller included
- Virtually vibration-free parallel-link arm
✓ Pros
- Virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work
- Tilting head lets the blade angle while the workpiece stays flat on the table
- 21-inch throat is among the largest available in a consumer scroll saw
- Foot switch controller keeps both hands free to guide the workpiece
✕ Cons
- Very high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyists
- Sold mostly through specialty woodworking dealers, not big-box retail
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw or the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw?
Choose the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw if you want parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws. Choose the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw if you'd rather have virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work. Overall we rank the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Scroll Saws 2026 list.
What is the difference between the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw and the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw?
The DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw stands out because parallel link arm design reduces vibration dramatically compared to single-arm saws, while the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw stands out because virtually vibration-free operation -- Excalibur is a scroll saw benchmark for precision work. The trade-offs differ too: the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw's ma in caveat is that higher price than most competitor scroll saws, and the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw's is that very high price -- difficult to justify for casual hobbyists.
Is the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw worth it over the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw instead if higher price than most competitor scroll saws is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw instead of the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw?
The Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw suits buyers who want the best overall package, while the DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw is best for buyers who want the best overall package.
Keep researching
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Excalibur EX-21 21-Inch Tilting Head Scroll Saw
