The Rockwell RK7315 scroll saw is a budget friendly model that despite its small price promises not to sacrifice performance and versatility. If you are fresh on the market and looking for a cheap scroll saw, this interesting product from Rockwell does not cost a lot of money to start scrolling. Nevertheless, considering the hundreds of different models out there, is it really worth it? Here is what we think!

#1. Technical Features

Capacity

Since this is a cheap scroll saw intended for mostly for beginners and small time scrolling tasks, it does not have the most powerful motor. Indeed, this model only sports a 1.2-Amp inductive motor. It is not the worst powered motor as it is still adequate for general-purpose scrolling on thin and low-density material.

We're glad to see that Rockwell made up for the smaller motor by including a generous variable stroke speed of 500-1,700 SPM. This will allow you to adapt to the thickness and density of the material on-the-fly. Furthermore, changing the variable speed is very easy thanks to the variable speed control knob situated in a convenient and easy to reach position.

In addition, the depth of cut is not too bad at all. It can comfortably cut through most commercially available material with great ease thanks to its 2-1/2 inches depth of cut. The throat depth is not too shabby as well with its generous 16-inch. Most professionals recommend a throat-depth in range of 16 to 18-inch in a scroll saw. This model fits this recommendation perfectly well. Sure, it is a little bit on the small side for large projects, but for small DIY tasks and general purpose scrolling - it does the job just fine! No biggie.

Accuracy

There are a few factors that contribute to this Scroll Saw's accuracy. The variable speed allows you to match the material you are cutting which drastically help improve your accuracy. The tabletop is perfectly flat and allows you to maneuver material more accurately. Furthermore, the tabletop can be tilted from 0 to 45 degrees to the left. This allows you to make easy and accurate angular cuts in your material.

The only problem we have with this model is that at the highest SPM speed of 1,700, this unit generates vibrations that can cause inaccuracy. Clearly, this model is made to work with relatively thin material of less than 1-inch thickness and at a fairly low SPM. If you can get the right combination of speed and material, this unit will work perfectly fine and deliver great accuracy and intricacy.

Regardless of what you do, this scroll saw is definitely not suited for scrolling on metal as it will lack the power to deliver a polished and clean cut in such a high-density material. Keep it only to wood.

Durability

As with any budget oriented scroll saws, durability is not always the best. Rockwell still tries to do a good job by including a solid cast-iron base but mostly, the main construction material of Rockwell RK7315 is plastic. Including the tabletop and the arm. Definitely not the best build construction out there. This model is really not a Hegner 18” scroll saw.

Stability

As previously mentioned, stability can be achieved in this unit by having the right combination of material and speed. At the highest speed, there are a lot of stability issues to a point that it can make this scroll saw literally unusable, especially if you’re scrolling on high-density material like hardwood or a block of ABS plastic. At the lower speed, there is no such problem and it can comfortably be used. All it needs is just some experimentation and trying to find the “sweet spot” of this device.

User-friendly

We are glad to see that Rockwell made this model very beginner friendly, as after all, it is mostly a beginner scroll saw.

The table can easily be tilted from 0 to 45-degree allowing you to make angular cuts quite easily with great accuracy. It has an adjustable hold-down shoe that is protected by a transparent plastic guard. This keep your fingers at a safe distance from the reciprocating blade. It's a great safety feature that may save you from an injury down the line.

It also has a convenient dust port that allows you to connect your external vacuum via an 1-1/4 inches adapter. It blows a constant stream of air helping keep your cut clean from sawdust, thus boosting your accuracy in the process.

The base even has a mounting insert so that you can fasten this unit to your workbench or scroll saw stand. This is very beneficial as it further helps to boost stability and accuracy when scrolling with this cheap scroll saw.

The Rockwell RK7315 is also a fairly lightweight model at only 37.5 pounds. This means that it can easily be moved about and carried to the job if you have to. Its size of 26.1 x 15.5 x 12.7 inches should also fit in the back of a small car if you need to carry your power tool to your worksite.

#2. Price

The price is definitely the Rockwell RK7315 best attribute. It is significantly less expensive than professional models like the Delta Power Tools 40-694 (which is better at every single scrolling task than this model). It competes directly with other budget scroll saws like the Wen 3920 or Shop Fox W1713 with a slightly better price - especially when compared to the Shop Fox W1713.

However, it loses to the Craftsman 16” which has a better build quality and offer a better scrolling experience at almost the same price. At least, in our opinion. If you are on a strict budget and looking for a beginner scroll saw, we recommend the Craftsman 16” instead.

#3. Pros/Cons

Pros

• Affordable price.
• Variable speed control of 500 SPM to 1700 SPM.
• Decent depth of cut of 2-1/2 inches. Can work with relatively thick material.
• Lightweight at only 37.5 pounds.
• 16-inch throat depth ideal for most DIY projects.

Cons

• The build quality is not the best. It is mostly made from plastic which can also explain the low weight of this unit.
• It generates a lot of vibration at high speed which delivers an inaccurate scrolling experience.

This model does not have best features we have seen in a scroll saw, but the variable speed control and adjustable table make up for those shortcomings, somewhat. You can’t expect more from a budget scroll saw made from plastic.

#4. Who Should Buy?

The Rockwell RK7315 will make a good beginner scroll saw if you are freshly starting out and still learning the trade. It can perform fairly accurate and intricate cuts with a little bit of practice and adjustments.

Before jumping the gun and purchasing this scroll saw, you must first know what you are getting into. This is a budget scroll saw which will not deliver the same performance nor has the same build quality as superior models like the Delta Power Tools 40-694 or DeWalt DW788. If you want a better build-quality scroll saw with an almost similar performance and price range, the Craftsman 16” or Shop Fox W1713 are worth checking out.