Dremel Scroll Saw Review – Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw

The Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw is an affordable scroll saw that has an atypical look. It is mostly meant for those looking for a compact, portable, and entry-level scroll saw that does not cost an arm and a leg. Despite its price, it still comes with very decent features that make it worth the consideration. But just how well does this Dremel scroll saw performs? Let’s find out!

If you want to buy a scroll saw, here are some reviews that I recommend for you to read such as DeWalt scroll saw, Shop Fox scroll saw, Hegner scroll sawRockwell scroll sawCraftsman scroll sawWen 3920 scroll sawDelta 40694 scroll sawExcalibur scroll saw

Dremel MS20-01 Scroll Saw Review

#1. Technical Feature

Capacity

For starters, the motor and cutting capacity is not the best we have seen in a scroll saw. It is certainly not a Delta Power Tools 40-694. But despite being an entry-level scroll saw, the reciprocating blade still manages to make intricate cuts in hardwood. It will manage to work comfortably with any material that is no more than 3/4-inch in thickness.

Ideally, this Dremel scroll saw works the best with material that is 1/2-inch thick or less. Mostly plywood, plastic, carpet and other low-density materials will work just fine with this model. Sadly, the weak motor will not deliver the performance required to cut through thin sheets of metal effectively. Therefore, we recommend it only for wood and plastic scrolling, for working with metal. On the bright side, equipped with the right blade it can even cut through Plexiglas without breaking a sweat.

Since it is small and compact, it only sports a throat depth of 10-1/2 inches. This is not a lot. Realistically, this unit is mostly ideal for working on small DIY projects where materials of only a few inches require scrolling.

Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit

Accuracy

What this model loses in power, it gains in accuracy. This model has a system that automatically tensions the blade for you. A properly tensioned blade delivers more accuracy and a cleaner cut. Newbies will quickly come to appreciate the ease of use of this feature.

In addition, the reciprocating blade makes small forward and backward motions that cut through material more efficiently – delivering less vibrations. Of course, less vibrations immediately translate to more accuracy when scrolling.

Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw Variable Speed Compact Scroll Saw Kit

Lastly, the variable speed control is very useful and make it easy to cut material of different thickness and hardness more accurately. It performs a variable speed 1500 - 2500 SPM, which is a bit high even for the lowest setting. It is better suited for cutting low-density material like plywood rather than hardwood (which requires a low speed). At this speed, it will deliver a smooth and polished cut in material.

Durability

The main build component of this model is plastic. It makes it lighter and this model weighs only a puny 4.7 lbs as a result. It is very portable.

Another plus side is that the table top has a thin aluminum surface that makes it more resistant to wear and tear as well as offer decent scrolling friction. Overall, this Dremel scroll saw is not the most durable model we have reviewed, but that does not mean that it will break easily. With proper care and handling, it should last quite a while.

Stability

Stability is where this model does not deliver, again. It comes with a clampable base that solidly attaches to a workbench, but that is not enough to keep it very stable. The small surface area and plastic construction in this model are the prime reasons for stability issues. In its favors, the short and strong metal arm does a good job limiting vibrations.

There are still vibration issues, especially when cutting high-density material like hardwood – but nothing too significant that will make it perform inaccurate cuts in a skilled hand. It just takes some getting used to.

User-Friendly

The small motor is almost silent, even when cutting tough materials.

​This Dremel scroll saw does not have an inbuilt dust system but comes with a dust port attachment that allows you to connect an external vacuum. It blows a constant stream of air under than scroll saw table that helps keep the cut clear of sawdust and other debris.

​The shoe is made from a clear plastic that allows you to view your blade and cut at all times.

​Out of the box, this model comes with 4 different blades. Side cutting, wood, fine wood and metal blade.

​This model also works as a coping saw when the base is detached. Very versatile.

#2. Price

The Dremel MS20-01 Moto-Saw is unbeatable when it comes to price. It is possibly the cheapest scroll saw we have ever reviewed. A cheap price does not mean bad or non-existent features. It does have attractive and useful features like a variable speed control, for example.

It is certainly not a Delta Power Tools 40-694 in terms of power, versatility and accuracy – but it also costs significantly less. We think that this entry-level model is an excellent beginner scroll saw at a very affordable price.

#3. Expert Review 

Cop Tool made a brief review of this power tool on his YouTube channel. He does not go through a lot of details but does give a hands-on demonstration of this scroll saw. He even manages to make fairly intricate cuts with this power tool. This should give you a good visual idea how well it performs. You can watch his video below:

#4. Pros/Cons

Pros

  • Variable Speed Control. Can easily adapt to your material thickness.
  • Portability and compact. At only 4.7 lbs, it is very portable and will easily fit in a work bag.
  • Clear Shoe. You can conveniently view your cut through the hold down shoe.
  • Coping function. The detachable coping function makes it work as a portable motorized coping-saw.
  • Delivered with 4 blades for cutting different types of material right out of the box.
  • Easily clamped to a workbench.

Cons

  • Under-performs when cutting material of more than 3/4-inch thickness.
  • Plastic construction.
  • Lots of vibrations when working on the highest speed or cutting through tough materials.

#5. Who Should Buy?

This Dremel scroll saw is not meant for professional use. It is too small, produces too many vibrations and will most certainly underperform with materials thicker than 0.75-inch.

Less we forget, this is a budget scroll saw – even if it can’t possibly compete in any measure with models like the Wen 3920 or Rockwell RK7315 that are equally budget scroll saws, but pricier. Its “niche” is mostly DIY enthusiasts who work with small and thin material and still require intricate and fairly accurate cuts.

Beginners are also most welcome to give this model a spin. It is a good practice scroll saw to get some experience scrolling before jumping on to better and more performing models like the Delta Power Tools 40-694.

Last Updated on January 20, 2019 by

Our Score
Tom Bradly
 

My entrepreneurial journey started in 2006, when I dropped out of university. I wanted to work with my hands, to build things. Now I mix my background with computers with my first-hand experience with woodworking to provide insights into the tools I like best. I love everything about woodworking and have been building stuff for over 20 years of my life. I hope to pass some knowledge and expertise. See more at TomBradly.com

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