Unlike most power saws, which typically have large round rotating blades, scroll saws have thin, ribbon-like blades that saw very rapidly in an up-and-down motion. This is definitely not the tool for making long cuts along thick materials, or even for performing basic cuts, such as crosscuts. Where the scroll saw shines is in performing cuts that are curved, intricate, or entirely contained within the material without extending out to the side. That makes scroll saws the tool of choice for cutting wood into toys, puzzles, jewelry boxes, and other detailed work. Scroll saws are also excellent for creating pieces for intarsia, which is an artform consisting of wooden pieces cut and fitted together like a mosaic.  But you aren’t limited to cutting wood with your scroll saw; this versatile tool also cuts through thin metal, plastic, plexiglass, and foam.