scroll saw

American  

noun

1. a narrow saw mounted vertically in a frame and operated with an up-and-down motion, used for cutting curved ornamental designs.

2. such a saw mounted in a power-driven machine.

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scroll saw British  

noun

1. a saw with a narrow blade for cutting intricate ornamental curves in wood

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Etymology

Origin of scroll saw

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Using jigsaws, band saws and a scroll saw, carpenters then cut those shapes from plywood, medium-density fiberboard and Masonite.

From New York Times • Mar. 12, 2021

He installed a scroll saw next to the bed in his studio apartment in Los Angeles.

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2020

“I threw a lot of pieces in the garbage,” said Spain, whose favorite subjects for his scroll saw have religious and patriotic themes.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2018

Now, the everyday volunteer at Veterans Freedom Center in Dubuque is as familiar with a scroll saw or a spindle sander as he is the national anthem.

From Washington Times • May 28, 2017

The hole can be bored out with an expansive bit, or sawed out with a scroll saw, and filed perfectly round with a half-round wood file.

From Mission Furniture How to Make It, Part 2 by Windsor, H. H. (Henry Haven)