Wen 3922 scroll saw review
Some of my earliest memories of woodworking with my dad were using his Sears/Craftsman “jigsaw” (it was a scroll saw, but a lot of folks referred to it as a jigsaw then) to cut out various fun shapes for decorations, ornaments, etc. The scroll saw is one of the safest tools in the shop, and I was using it when I was still in grade school (my son used the scroll saw for the first time when he was around 7 or 8). It’s a great way to get into woodworking; you can start up without having to spend a lot of money, it can be done IN your house (if need be), and it’s really about as safe as power tools get.
I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of interest in the scroll saw classes I offered in 2023, as well as the enthusiasm of some who took the classes for wanting to continue to scroll. So, with that in mind, I thought I’d review an affordable, entry-level saw here.
Below are stock photos of the WEN 3922 16-inch Variable Speed Scroll, purchased for $104.23.
If you do a search on the internet for “scroll saw reviews” or something similar, you’ll find this saw (or a variation of it) at the top of several lists. I’m skeptical about such lists, unless they’re attached to a reputable publication such as Fine Woodworking, etc., but the Wen 16” saws were at the top of quite a few lists…. so, I bought one. Purely out of curiosity, and figuring I could advise people about them when asked (and I’ve been getting asked quite a bit since starting the scrolling classes).
There are several variations on this saw - I chose this specific one because the title of the saw includes “EASY ACCESS BLADE CHANGES”. Seeing these online, it looked as though getting to the lower blade clamps could be awkward, so I figured this would be the best choice. My expectations were low, but I placed the order.
Here are the features, as specified by the manufacturer:
Unique side panel flips open for easy-access blade changes
Variable speed goes from 550 to 1600 strokes per minute
Spacious 16-by-10-inch table bevels up to 45 degrees for angled cuts
Cuts wood up to 2 inches thick with a 16-inch throat depth
Features a thumb screw blade adapter for tool-free blade changes, a cast iron base, an air pump, a dust port, a foot lock clamp, and three 5-inch blades
The saw was packaged very well. Easy to take out of the box. The specs say it weighs just under 25 pounds, but it felt lighter to me. There’s a weird “extra” piece in the dust port - it’s just for packing, and can be thrown away.
It comes with a small assortment of pin-end blades. Throw them away. They are garbage.
I inserted a pinless #5 skip tooth blade into the saw. It actually wasn’t bad inserting a new blade. The side of the saw flips down out of the way so that you can get to the lower blade clamp. I didn’t think it was awkward - just something that I’d have to get used to, and certainly would over time.
You’ll need to attach the air hose when you get the saw. It’s very simple, and takes just a few seconds.
Upper blade clamp
The blade clamp knobs were a little small and uncomfortable, but again I think I could get used to them (or make a wooden tool to go over them to aid in tensioning/loosening). The dust blower is connected to the hold-down (the actual hold-down can be removed) - I found this a bit inconvenient, as I typically remove the hold-down from my saw so it’s not in the way - but again, I think this is something I could get used to.
Blade tension
The blade tension is at the back of the saw, and is easy to use. I’m used to the tensioner being closer to the front (or right up front, as is the case with my Excalibur).
I spent about 30 or 40 minutes cutting with it - thin stock, thick stock, table tilted, etc. - I tried to really get an idea of just how good/bad this saw would perform.
First, the good:
This is a solid, well-built saw that would make a great starter saw for anyone looking to start scrolling.
It takes both pin-end and pinless blades, and the blade changes are fairly straightforward and easy.
It has a variable speed motor. The speed control is on the front of the machine. The motor (brushless) has plenty of power (I cut through 1 1/4” fir with no problem, and the cut quality was very nice).
The dust blower works well, and the vac port helps to keep dust to a minimum.
The table tilts, and has a set screw to return it to 90 degrees without much fuss.
Now, for the not-so-goods:
There is significant vibration, even when clamping or bolting the machine down. I wouldn’t say it’s a deal-breaker, but I found it to be a nuisance.
The table insert: it’s “ok”. Better than some others I’ve come across, but not great. If I were planning to use it long-term, I’d shim it to get it exactly level with the table, and/or make my own insert. Again, this isn’t a deal-breaker - make a table to fit over the factory table with a much smaller hole for the blade, and problem solved.
The table is flimsy and rattles when in use. I put a piece of rubber between the table and the 90 degree set screw, and it was better, but still a little noisier than I’d like.
Final assessment: if you’re looking to get started in scrolling for a small investment, I would definitely recommend this machine. I think it would be fine for cutting most projects (perhaps not so much for small, delicate work), and definitely would be sufficient to practice scrolling and develop your skills. Overall, it exceeded my expectations (which were low), and I feel comfortable recommending it as an entry-level saw. I would definitely opt for the model pictured above with the “easy access blade change” over other models (some have a light, etc.). Without the flip-down panel, blade changes in the lower clamp would be awkward/frustrating.
Quality of cut
Because of the significant vibration, I opted to leave the hold-down on the saw and make use of it. Combined with a good blade, the cuts were all of surprisingly good quality.
Just to be clear: I am not selling these saws (I do have several used scroll saws available, but none are Wen saws). I was not paid or sponsored to give this review. These are my own opinions, and I stand by them. I purchased the saw from an online retailer, but it is available from a number of sources, including at least one of the big box stores. I get no money/fee if you decide to purchase one of these saws. This review was written in response to people asking me for advice on a good entry-level saw.
I welcome your questions/comments below, or feel free to email me. Thanks for reading.
