Shop Fox W1713 Variable Speed Scroll Saw Review

Are you running a carpentry business and looking for a woodworking tool that is specially designed for performing delicate design on wood? Or you are working in a home improvement project where you need to make cabinets, drawers, desks? In all of those cases, Shop Fox W1713 Variable Speed Scroll Saw would be the ideal tool for you. Here, we will discuss different features of the tool so you get a clear idea of why the tool is worth purchasing.

Scroll saw has several other uses in carpentry work. You can use the tool to write signs or letters on your home’s door. It can be used to scratch portraits on the wood surface. The machine has other advanced uses, for example, making intarsia, creating dovetails, maquery.

Who is this Product Ideal for?

The tool is particularly useful for people running furniture business since it can create an aesthetic design on furniture. The scroll saw is also a learning tool for newbie carpenters. They can learn a lot of woodworking tasks by using the tool. One contemporary use of scroll saw is scratching artwork on the wood surface. So, artists can demonstrate their skill using this special type of saw.

Key Features of Shop Fox W1713

Powerful and Controllable Cutting Ability:

Shop Fox W1713 scroll saw offers powerful cutting. Its maximum cutting ability is 16 inches’ width of the wood. What’s more, you can control the speed of the cutting operation.

Table Equipped with Tilt Mechanism:

Scroll saws have some common parts. One such common part is a table. It is the part where you place your workpiece for performing different types of design or cutting operation. The table of the Shop Fox W1713 scroll saw is made of cast iron and is equipped with a special mechanism called ‘Tilt mechanism’.

The table can be tilted by using table lock knob and tilt scale. The flexibility of tilting the table allows the user to cut something horizontally or in some desired angle ranging from 0 degrees to 45 degrees.

Dust Port and Dust Blower:

You want to run the machine smoothly and keep your workplace clean, right? Shop Fox W1713 Scroll Saw comes with 1-1?4 inch dust port and dust blower. Connect the port with a shop vacuum. The vacuum will collect all wood particles resulting from cutting operation and keep your shop clean.

Robust Construction:

Only part of the tool is plastic made. Except for that part, the Construction of the saw is made of heavily built steel or metal. Thanks to its rigid construction, the machine delivers smooth operation for a prolonged period of time. Only does this model manufactured by Shop Fox has such heavily built scroll saw in this price range.

Two Types of Blades Compatibility:

The scroll saw supports both plain and pin-end blade. No other models of scroll saw within this price range has such a feature. Moreover, the saw includes adapters that make the change of blades process easier.

Gooseneck Lamp:

Delicate woodwork requires well-lit workpiece. The saw includes a Gooseneck lamp that is pretty useful in woods craftsmanship.

Cuts Through Both Soft and Hardwood:

The saw can handle wood as hard as oak or as soft as pine. The user also does not require to apply much force. So, cutting wood using the saw is not laborious.

Specifications at a glance

Pros

• Sturdy structure
• Ideal for both DIY home improvement project and commercial use
• Delivers mal-function free service for years
• Full control over cutting speed
• The quiet operation even when the machine runs in full force
• Cuts through both soft and rugged wood.

Cons

• Blade change takes much time for beginner level user.
• If you are a seasoned woodworker and have experience of using a powerful motor, you may find this motor functions slowly.
• Prolong the time of operation leads to a heated motor. The motor will not resume functioning until it cools down completely.
• The table may wobble when performing massive cut

Common Questions and Answers

• Question: what is the maximum thickness the saw cut through?
  Answer: The saw can cuts through as thick as 16 inches.
• Question: what is the weight of the machine?
  Answer: the machine weighs 31 pounds.
• Question: is the saw comes with a stand?
  Answer: No, the saw does not include any stand.

Our Findings

I started to learn the woodworking task recently since I intended to start a carpentry business. I purchased this product because many professional woodworkers recommend that this is the product is ideal for learning and using different woodworking projects- both commercial and domestic. Here is my authentic experience regarding the tool.

Performance:

The first feature that impressed me greatly is that the machine operates quietly. It does not make excessive noise even when it operates in full throttle. The second impressive feature of the machine is it’s easy to exchange blade feature. While many online reviewers claimed that changing blade of the machine is a real hack, but after some time, I found that blade change is not a big deal.

The third amazing performance of the machine is it includes both dust blower and dust port. These two features keep my workplace clean. In addition, the dust blower keeps the wood particles away from the line of cutting. So, the machine cut through without any interruption.

When it is about the limitation of the machine, I must admit that the manufacturer does not include any user manual with the product. Well, this is not a performance related issue. But the problem is if a novice user faces some difficulty while using the machine, he will frantically search online to find a solution. This could be a hassle. So, I recommend the manufacturer should include a manual with the upcoming product.

Ease of use:

Whether you are a rookie carpenter or a professional one,  you can cut through woods of different types and varying width with Shop Fox W1713 scroll saw. The machine does its job with ease.  The included Gooseneck lamp illuminates the workpiece that further facilitates the cutting task.

How to Use and Work Precisely With This Product?

As we stated earlier, the saw is easy to use. The process of using the tool involves drawing your motif either on wood or metal workpiece, wearing protective gear, fixing up the settings of the machine, placing the workpiece on the table and start cutting. While performing a cutting operation, it is immensely vital to control cutting speed. Apply excessive cutting speed will not deliver you fine, precise cutting. Instead, it may ruin your project.

To determine optimum cutting speed, test the cutting speed of the saw first on scrap wood. After determining the desired cutting speed, guide the blade of the machine carefully through your design. When you are done with your cutting operation and you are satisfied with your finished product, switched off the machine completely, remove the blade and store it in a secure place.

Our Final Thoughts

There is no point of argument that the Shop Fox W1713 Variable Speed Scroll Saw comes with an unbeatable price. Looking at its price, you may assume that it is a poorly designed product. But the opposite is true. It’s an s quality product that includes some features that are only available in high-end scroll saws. Another positive point of the product is it offers a 2-year limited warranty. No scroll saw with this price range offers that extent of the warranty.

Apart from the 2-year warranty, the manufacturer also allows you to upgrade the warranty product. Spend just $20, and you will get an extra 4 years of warranty. Amazing right! Don’t delay and get this useful, affordable product today.