For detailed cuts, the WEN 3921 is our top pick. Its two-direction blade clamp, 400-1600 stroke speed range and cast iron table keep a thin blade vertical and centered exactly where the work happens, which is what separates clean fretwork from a wandering cut line.
A scroll saw moves a hair-thin vertical blade up and down while you push the work into it. Detail work lives or dies on whether that blade stays straight and quiet, so arm design, vibration control, throat depth and blade clamp type are the four specs that matter. We compared 10 heavily reviewed saws on exactly those criteria.
If you also cut cabinet stock or framing lumber, our guides to the best table saws and best miter saws cover that side of the shop.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Scroll Saws for Detailed Cuts (October 2026)
WEN 3921 16-Inch Scroll Saw
- Two-direction blade clamp
- 400-1600 SPM
- 16 x 11 inch cast iron table
- Tool-free thumb screw adapter
Dremel MS20 Detachable Scroll Saw
- Keyless plug-in blade change
- 1500-2250 SPM
- 18 mm cutting depth
- Detachable handheld head
DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Scroll Saw
- Double parallel link arm
- Variable speed trigger
- 20 inch capacity
- 1.3 amp motor
The 10 Best Scroll Saws for Detailed Cuts at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WEN 3921 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw |
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| Dremel MS20 Detachable Scroll Saw |
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| DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw |
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 Proxxon DSH Two-Speed Scroll Saw |
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 Delta 40-694 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw |
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 SKIL SS9503-00 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw |
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 Shop Fox W1872 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw |
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 RYOBI SC165VS 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw |
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 JET JWSS-18B 18-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw |
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 JET JWSS-22B 22-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw |
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1. WEN 3921 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best Overall for Detailed Cuts
WEN Variable Speed Scroll Saw, 16-Inch with Work Light (3921)
144W motor
400-1600 SPM
16 x 11 in cast iron table
Two-direction blade clamp
Pros
- Two-direction blade clamp accepts blades in either orientation
- Tool-free thumb screw blade adapter
- 16 x 11 inch cast iron table bevels to 45 degrees
- Air jet and dust port keep the cut line clear
Cons
- Plastic pinless clamp knob strips under tightening force
- Table insert sits slightly below the table surface
- Work light is dim and fixed in position
Most 16-inch saws clamp a blade one way only, which forces awkward hand positions on inside cuts. The WEN runs the blade plain or turned 90 degrees, so you can reach into a cutout without twisting the workpiece.
Speed spans 400 to 1600 strokes per minute on a 144 watt motor. The low end is where detail work happens, and I can cut basswood figure slowly and still handle thicker panel stock without changing machines.
The 16 by 11 inch cast iron table bevels to 45 degrees, and the cast iron base gives the reciprocating motion a settled feel. An air jet, a dust port, a flex light and onboard blade storage round out the package.
The honest weakness is the blade clamp. Owners report the plastic tightening knob stripping under the force needed to clamp firmly, with a hex key as the workaround, and the table insert sits slightly below the surface.
Who this saw suits for fretwork and inside cuts
This is the saw I hand to someone starting out, and the one I reach for on small work. The 16 inch throat handles most ornament and puzzle work.
The tool-free thumb screw adapter makes blade swaps between tooth patterns painless, which matters when you change blades every few cuts.
Who should skip it
Cutting dense hardwood all day, the 2 inch thickness limit and 144 watt motor will feel marginal. A 20 inch machine with more mass is the better fit.
Add a clamp-on LED if you work at night or on very pale wood, since the fixed work light is dim.
2. Dremel MS20 Detachable Scroll Saw – Best Value for Small Detail Work
DREMEL MS20
70W motor
1500-2250 SPM
18 mm cutting depth
Detachable handheld head
Pros
- Detaches from its base for handheld work on large pieces
- Keyless plug-in blade changes
- Low vibration and a low hum make long sessions comfortable
Cons
- Limited depth suits softwood and thin material only
- Noticeably loud without dust extraction
- Supplied t-track is a non-standard size
The MS20 is the odd one out here because the saw head lifts off its base. I have clamped the base to a bench for jig work, then carried the head to a large marquetry panel already in place.
Speed control spans 1500 to 2250 strokes per minute. That sits higher than you might want for ultra-fine fret work, which is the one real compromise of an otherwise clever design.
Owners describe clean results on softwood, pine and thin plywood when the work is fed slowly, and the keyless plug-in blade change is the fastest in this roundup.
Limitations are real. The 70 watt motor struggles with hardwood, reviewers call it noticeably loud without dust extraction, and the supplied t-track is a non-standard size that limits jig work.
Who this saw suits
Model makers, scale hobbyists and anyone cutting small marquetry or inlay in thin material. A lever on the head clamps it to a vacuum for dust extraction.
Owners recommend picking up extra MS51 and MS52 blades, because the supplied set wears quickly on pine.
Who should skip it
Fret-scale precision works against the 18 mm depth and the high minimum speed. Hardwood, thick plywood or stacks of material will outgrow it fast.
If you build your own fixtures, the non-standard t-track is an ongoing annoyance.
3. DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Most Versatile for Precision
DEWALT Scroll Saw, 1.3 Amp, 20 in Steel Blade, With Variable-Speed Trigger, For Precise Cuts (DW788)
1.3 amp motor
20 inch capacity
Double parallel link arm
3 year warranty
Pros
- Heavy rigid frame resists flexing on tight curves
- Variable speed trigger for fine control
- 20 inch capacity handles thicker material
- Double parallel link arm tracks consistently
Cons
- Heavy 30 kg frame needs a permanent spot in the shop
- Costs more than entry-level variable speed saws
The DW788 is the saw owners on scroll saw forums call a workhorse, and the reason is mass. A rigid frame does not flex, so a blade pushed into a tight radius stays on the line instead of walking off it.
Control is a variable speed trigger rather than a dial, so you can feather the saw while the other hand guides the work. With 1.3 amps and 20 inches of capacity it handles thicker solid material than any 16 inch model here.
Owner reports are strong on cut consistency, and the saw carries a 3 year limited warranty. Stepping up from a lighter machine, the stability is the first thing you notice.
One recurring complaint is worth knowing: some owners report blade alignment drifting off-center at higher speeds. Running detail work in the lower half of the range and checking centering with a straightedge keeps it in check.
Who this saw suits
This suits woodworkers who cut both delicate scroll work and thicker stock, and who would rather buy once. The 20 inch throat also opens up larger pieces.
It is the machine most often recommended in the used market, where an older unit gets you this frame mass for less than a new mid-size saw.
Who should skip it
Space is the limit. At 30 kg with a large footprint, it is something you put in a permanent spot, not a portable setup.
Beginners on a tight budget get more usable saw per unit of money from a 16 inch benchtop model.
4. Proxxon DSH Two-Speed Scroll Saw – Best for Quiet Shops and Fine Marquetry
Proxxon Dsh 2-SPD Scrollsaw240V
205W two-speed motor
45 degree angle
Die-cast aluminium frame
Lift-out air blower tube
Pros
- Very low noise and virtually no vibration
- Die-cast aluminium and cast steel construction
- Adjustable air blower tube lifts clear for inside cuts
Cons
- Table is small for larger workpieces
- No quick-release blade tension clamp
- Table alignment is slightly off square
The Proxxon is the quietest saw here, and on a detail saw that is not a minor feature. With two speed settings and a 205 watt induction motor, owners report holding a fine blade on a very small piece without the wander lighter machines show.
Construction is die-cast aluminium and cast steel, which is why owners describe it as a tool that lasts. A 45 degree cutting angle and fine-tooth blades ship in the box, and a blade change takes about 15 seconds once practised.
The adjustable air blower tube lifts out of the way when cutting an inside hole instead of working around it. Owners who mount the saw to a solid base report that residual vibration drops noticeably.
The catch is the small table, and there is no quick-release tension clamp. Owners also flag confusing blade length standards, with 127 mm and 130 mm pinned and pinless options that do not all interchange.
Who this saw suits
Working in a small or shared space makes this the pick, and it is equally at home on fine marquetry and intarsia.
The two speeds map cleanly onto thin decorative work and slightly heavier stock.
Who should skip it
Large panels needing a big flat support surface are a poor fit for the small table.
Change blades dozens of times a day and the rear clamping screw will feel slow next to a lever or keyless adapter.
5. Delta 40-694 20-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Top Rated for Blade Handling
Delta Power Tools 40-694 20 In. Variable Speed Scroll Saw
1.3 amps
400-1750 SPM
2-1/8 in capacity
Lift-and-lock upper arm
Pros
- Single-lever tool-free blade tensioning
- Lift-and-lock upper arm for blade changes
- 16 x 24 inch cast iron table tilts 0-45 degrees
- 5 year limited warranty
Cons
- Heaviest machine in this group at 60 lb
- Large floor-standing footprint
The Delta treats the two things detail woodworkers do constantly: change blades, and reach into the cut. The upper arm lifts and locks raised, so the blade sits at eye level instead of down inside a frame.
Single-lever tool-free tensioning clamps and sets blade tension in one motion, which extends blade life and holds accuracy. Speed is electronic, from 400 to 1750 strokes per minute with a 3/4 inch stroke.
The 16 by 24 inch cast iron table is the largest work surface in this group and tilts 0 to 45 degrees, which is real support for a big marquetry panel. The 5 year warranty is the longest coverage among the mid-size saws listed.
The trade-off is honest: at 60 pounds with a 39 inch assembled footprint, this is a floor-standing machine that stays where you put it.
Who this saw suits
This is the saw for someone who changes material constantly. Marquetry, intarsia, sign making and layered decorative cutting all mean frequent blade changes.
Buyers stepping up from a lighter benchtop saw usually point to the lift-and-lock arm as the reason.
Who should skip it
Limited floor space, or anyone who wants a saw they can move between benches, belongs on a 16 inch benchtop machine.
The weight is not a flaw, it is the price of the stability, but it is a real constraint in a small shop.
6. SKIL SS9503-00 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best Budget Pick for a First Saw
SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with LED Work Light for Woodworking – SS9503-00
1.2 amp
45 degree tilt
16 x 10 inch table
Keyless blade change
Pros
- Keyless blade change needs no tools
- Integrated LED light illuminates the cut line from several angles
- Integrated dust removal keeps the line visible
- On-tool blade storage
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less rigid than cast iron rivals
- Newer model with a smaller pool of owner feedback
The SKIL is designed around the two things that ruin a beginner’s first project: not seeing the cut line, and struggling to change a blade. The integrated LED throws light from several angles instead of one fixed spot.
Integrated dust removal keeps the line clear without reaching for a blower mid-cut, and blade changes are keyless, with no tools and no tensioning lever to learn.
The 16 by 10 inch table tilts 0 to 45 degrees, electronic speed control covers different materials, and on-tool storage keeps spare blades with the machine. The warranty runs 3 years.
Owners describe the plastic construction as lighter and less rigid than cast iron rivals, and as a newer release it has a smaller pool of long-term feedback.
Who this saw suits
New woodworkers, students and anyone setting up a first bench get the most usable combination of lighting, dust control and blade handling here.
It also works as a second saw for a classroom or small workshop where noise and space matter more than cut capacity.
Who should skip it
If you already cut hardwood or plan to grow into denser material, the 1.2 amp motor and plastic body will feel thin.
Heavy users wanting cast iron stability should look at a Delta or a used DeWalt instead.
7. Shop Fox W1872 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best for Foot Switch Control
Shop Fox W1872 16″ VS Scroll Saw with Foot Switch, LED, Miter Gauge, Rotary Shaft
0.6 amp
550-1600 SPM
2-1/4 in capacity
Foot switch included
Pros
- Foot switch frees both hands for guiding the work
- Accepts both pinned and pinless blades with an adapter included
- Air blower and LED light keep the cut line clear
Cons
- Light enough to move during a cut unless bolted down
- Upper guide opening is wide for small intricate pieces
- Lower blade access makes interior cuts tedious
The foot switch is a genuine upgrade for detail work, because both hands stay on the workpiece when a small scroll shape needs constant rotation.
A 1-1/4 inch dust port, a blower and an LED light complete the control package. Speed runs 550 to 1600 strokes per minute, and maximum cutting thickness is 2-1/4 inches.
The cast aluminum table tilts from minus 5 to 45 degrees, and it accepts pinned and pinless blades because a pinless adapter is included. A miter gauge and flexible rotary shaft ship with it.
For detail work specifically, reviewers are more pointed. At 26 pounds the saw can wander unless bolted down, and the wide upper guide opening cannot hold a small piece securely.
Who this saw suits
People who want hands-free control and who cycle between pinned and pinless blades get real value from the pedal and the adapter.
Bolting it to a 3/4 inch plywood board or a solid bench is close to mandatory for consistent cuts.
Who should skip it
Fine fretwork and tiny parts are the weak spot, since a wide guide opening and light weight work against holding a small piece steady.
Several owners ended up using a smaller saw for the fine work, and the battery light is dim.
8. RYOBI SC165VS 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best for Model Making and Thin Pieces
RYOBI 1.2 AMP Corded 16 in. Scroll Saw SC165VS
1.2 amp
45 degree angle
16 inch blade
Tool-free blade change
Pros
- Tool-free blade changes are easy to learn
- Integrated dust blower aids visibility
- Clean cuts on delicate thin material
- Popular with model hobbyists
Cons
- Warranty is only 30 days
- Plasticky housing construction
The SC165VS posts one of the highest average ratings in this group at 4.6, because it cuts delicate thin material cleanly. Model hobbyists rate it particularly highly.
It is a 1.2 amp corded 144 watt saw with variable speed, a 16 inch carbon steel blade, tool-free blade changes and an integrated dust blower, cutting at up to 45 degrees.
A blade, hex wrench and switch key come in the box, and at 27 pounds it is a normal benchtop size that bolts to a bench like the rest.
Owners call it a solid, dependable, no-frills machine that performs where a heavier saw’s inertia is not needed.
The standout drawback is the 30 day warranty, the shortest here by a wide margin. Buyers who are comfortable maintaining the saw rate it higher than those who want long coverage.
Who this saw suits
Model makers, ornament cutters and anyone working in very thin material on a small budget. The easy tool-free blade change matters if you are new.
It is a straightforward first saw rather than a machine you grow into.
Who should skip it
If you cut hardwood or expect to grow into bigger work, the 1.2 amp motor is the limit rather than the design.
Anyone treating warranty length as a proxy for build confidence should pick multi-year coverage instead.
9. JET JWSS-18B 18-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best for a Serious Shop
JET 18-Inch Variable-Speed Scroll Saw, 120V 1Ph (JWSS-18B)
400-1550 SPM
1/4 inch thick steel table
Under-table dust port
5 year warranty
Pros
- Thick steel table damps vibration
- 2-in-1 blade holder clamps and tensions in one step
- Spring-loaded top lift arm holds open
- Removable under-table dust port
Cons
- 15 amp draw needs a dedicated circuit
- Only 40 customer reviews so long-term data is thin
This is a professional shop machine, and the build says so. The 11-5/8 by 21 inch table is a quarter inch thick steel plate, which is the best answer to vibration on this list, and vibration is what makes a blade wander.
The 2-in-1 upper blade change mechanism clamps and tensions in one step, the table is slotted for faster lower blade access, and the spring-loaded top lift arm raises 10 inches and stays up.
A removable 2-1/2 inch dust port under the table collects sawdust at the source rather than letting it settle on the cut line. Speed runs 400 to 1550 strokes per minute.
The barriers are practical. The 15 amp rating needs a dedicated circuit, and with 40 customer reviews the base of long-term owner evidence is thin.
Who this saw suits
Full-time woodworkers, small production shops and anyone cutting all day in the same space, provided they can give it a permanent floor position and a dedicated circuit.
The under-table dust port pairs with a shop vacuum most shops already own.
Who should skip it
Hobbyists cutting a few ornaments a month will not get their money back in machine time.
If the electrical setup cannot spare 15 amps, or the shop is rented and light, a mid-size cast iron saw fits better.
10. JET JWSS-22B 22-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw – Best for Large Workpieces
JET 22-Inch Scroll Saw w/ Foot Switch, Variable Speed, 120V 1Ph (JWSS-22B)
22 inch capacity
400-1550 SPM
Cast iron table
Foot switch
Pros
- Arm tilts while the table stays flat for accuracy
- 12-7/8 x 23 inch cast iron table
- Footswitch hands-free operation
- On-board blade storage and built-in wrench
Cons
- 68 lb weight and a large footprint for a home shop
- Only 40 customer reviews so less owner evidence
This is the largest capacity saw here, and its most interesting feature is how it tilts. The arm tilts 45 degrees both ways while the table stays flat, so the workpiece is not supported on a slope when you cut an angle.
That removes a source of drift you may not have realized was there. The table is 12-7/8 by 23 inches of cast iron, which limits vibration and gives large panels something substantial to rest on.
Speed runs 400 to 1550 strokes per minute, the same 2-in-1 blade mechanism clamps and tensions at once, and foot switch operation keeps both hands on the piece.
Blade storage slots for pre-loaded blades plus a built-in wrench save a lot of fumbling when you run many tooth patterns.
Who this saw suits
Shop owners cutting large panels, signage and architectural scale work, where 22 inches of capacity avoids splicing a pattern across two passes.
The flat-table tilting arm makes it a strong choice for bevel and compound detail work on big pieces.
Who should skip it
Home hobbyists will feel the 68 pound weight and the 33 inch footprint immediately, and the 15 amp draw again calls for a dedicated circuit.
The capacity only pays off if you regularly work with material wider than 18 inches.
What Actually Makes a Scroll Saw Good at Detailed Cuts
Arm type is the first filter. A C-arm saw pivots, so the blade angle changes slightly through the stroke, while a parallel arm keeps the blade vertical. On fretwork and tight inside corners that difference is the whole ballgame, and it is why the DEWALT with its double parallel link arm holds its line so consistently.
Speed range matters more than most people expect. Detail cuts live at the bottom of the range, and a saw starting at 800 strokes per minute forces you to rush the feed. Every machine here reaches 400 or 500 SPM, and the Delta tops out at 1750, the widest range on the list.
Throat depth decides whether your piece fits, and for inside cuts the practical trick is to drill a pilot hole with a bit slightly larger than the blade, drop the blade through, then start cutting. A 16 inch throat covers most ornament and puzzle work, while 20 or 22 inches avoids repositioning larger stock.
Mass is the quiet hero. A cast iron table and base resist flex, and that is the difference between a blade that tracks and one that wanders. Lighter plastic-bodied machines need bolting to a solid bench or a 3/4 inch plywood board, which owners describe as close to mandatory. If you break down boards first, our best table saws guide covers the ripping and crosscutting side of the shop.
Two smaller features earn their place. A dust port or blower keeps the cut line visible, and a work light matters more at detail scale than anywhere else in the shop, because the blade is thin and the cut is small. A foot switch is a real upgrade when both hands belong on the workpiece.
Pinned vs Pinless Blades: What Changes for Fretwork
A pinned blade has a small metal pin at one end that clamps into a hole in the lower holder. A pinless blade, or plain end blade, is gripped by a clamp at each end instead. Pinless wins for fretwork because there is no pin hole to line up, nothing to snap off a finished piece and no small part to lose in the sawdust.
The catch is the clamp hardware, and owners on the forums describe pinless clamps as fiddly for first-time users. The WEN 3921 has a specific version of that problem with a plastic knob that strips under force, while the Shop Fox W1872 handles it neatly by including a pinless adapter and accepting both styles.
On our list, the WEN 3921 and the Dremel MS20 use pinless or plug-in blade systems as standard, and the Shop Fox W1872 takes both with the included adapter. The DEWALT, Delta, SKIL, RYOBI and JET machines run pinned systems, which stay accurate and often have a slightly wider range of tooth patterns.
Spiral blades are the premium fret option because the teeth push the workpiece down and almost eliminate drift. They are typically plain end or pinless designs, and a pinned spiral blade is less common because the pin hole puts a fragile point exactly where you want strength least.
Choosing the Right Blade for Detail Cuts
Blade number refers to thickness, not length, and higher numbers are thicker. For most fretwork and scroll work you want #1 to #3, which cut fast and stay sharp on soft material. Thin hardwood and plastic call for #5 or finer, because a thick blade wanders before it cuts.
Tooth pattern matters as much as thickness. Skip tooth blades have a large gap between the teeth and are the standard for clean cuts in thin plywood. Reverse tooth blades push the workpiece down and are the right choice when splintering is the enemy. Crown tooth blades sit in between, and spiral blades are the enthusiast choice for very fine fret and intarsia work.
Match the saw to the work rather than the other way around. Fine blades and high speeds do not mix, and owners report breaking blades repeatedly when running fast with fine detail teeth. The WEN 3921, Delta 40-694 and both JET machines all give you a wide enough low range to feed a fine blade slowly.
Finally, sort out blade length and pin style for your specific saw before buying a box of blades. Standards differ between manufacturers, and matching the wrong set wastes both the blades and an afternoon. For heavier demolition or site work, our best reciprocating saws guide is the relevant one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scroll saw for fretwork and other detail work?
The WEN 3921 is our pick for most people. Its two-direction blade clamp accepts plain end blades in either orientation, speed runs from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute, and the 16 by 11 inch cast iron table stays steady at low speed. If you want maximum quietness, the Proxxon DSH is the alternative.
What are pinless scroll saw blades and why do they matter?
A pinless blade, also called a plain end blade, has no metal pin at either end and is held by a clamp instead. Nothing has to line up with a pin hole, so blade changes are faster and there is no small part to lose. That is why they are preferred for fretwork and for inside cuts.
What size scroll saw blade should I use for detail cuts?
For most fretwork, scroll work and thin plywood, a number 1 or number 2 skip tooth blade is the right starting point. Move to a number 5 or finer blade for thin hardwood, plastics and very fine detail. Blade number describes thickness, so higher numbers are thicker and cut slower with less wandering.
Why does my scroll saw blade wander, and how do I fix it?
Wander usually means vibration, a blade that is too thick for the material, or alignment that has drifted off-center. Check blade centering with a straightedge, run detail work in the lower half of the speed range, use a blade matched to the material, and bolt a lightweight saw to a solid bench to damp movement.
Should I buy a used scroll saw instead of a new one?
Often yes. Owners on scroll saw forums frequently recommend a used DEWALT DW788, describing it as a workhorse that outlasts cheaper new machines, and larger used Delta models turn up regularly as a long-term option. Inspect the arm, blade guides and table surface, and budget for a new blade set either way.
Our Best Scroll Saw Recommendations for 2026
For most people cutting detailed work in 2026, the WEN 3921 is the machine to buy. It pairs a two-direction blade clamp, a genuinely low speed range and a cast iron table, and it leaves room in the budget for a good blade set, which is where the real money in this hobby goes anyway.
Pick the Proxxon DSH if noise is a problem, the Delta 40-694 if you change blades constantly or cut large panels, the DEWALT DW788 if you want one heavy machine covering both fretwork and thicker stock, and either JET model if you are outfitting a dedicated shop. Buy used when you want cast iron and cast steel mass without new-machine money, and bolt any lightweight saw to a solid bench before chasing a wandering blade.