Using rotary tool as a scroll saw

HI! That set-up would work but it wouldn't be stable or exact. your fingers would be uncomfortably close to a very fast spinning bit! my suggestion would be to use a jig saw tightly fastened to a piece of plywood with a hole for the blade, turn it upside down and fasten or clamp to a workbench. use a fine tooth blade and a lot of light. A variable saw would be best.  If you set up the rotary tool as a router in a table, it is still difficult to freehand exacting work. you should be able to find images on the internet of good jig saw set-ups. But nothing beats a scroll saw! Its super fine blade, tilt table, and variable speed makes it a joy to use. Its a hobby on its own. sort of like a sewing machine! If you buy, research a bit. lot of great books out there and remember: SAFETY FIRST!!!!

There is an assortment of bits and tools with similar purpose.  Roto-Zip.   These tools are a step up from smaller hobby tools.  They seem to work well for some general construction applications.   Click on the underlined phrase to link.   My comment would be a lot of dust and dirt from these high speed tool. compared to a variable speed reciprocating sabre saw or sawzall. 

My big Dremel cordless has a drill press/router/lathe convertible table. I haven't had nearly enough time to play with it this year, but it does work. The biggest problem with it is remembering how to do the upright to horizontal swap--I have the directions taped to the underside of the base plate or I'd never remember all the steps.

--Becky

How about THINKING of your safety? Tools, even smaller ones like a Dremel, can and do lots of damage. You can't move fast enough to miss a bit spinning at 12000 rpm. Do your self a favor and spend a couple of dollars, please buy the correct tool (or get a friend to help you) to do the job you want done.

I acquired a Shop Smith a few years ago at a yard sale. Not for the faint of heart, IMO. I've used the table saw, disk sander, and drill press features.  Changing/adjusting/etc. is interesting at the least.   One tool, one function is a good idea. IMO.

I agree about the safety first thinking. I sprang for a Craftsman scroll saw years ago and never regretted the decision. You need to decide what you're building. I've used my for scratch-building structures, model ship building, major RC scale aircraft building, school projects galore, and every time I need to precisely cut stock that's 1/8" or less. Along with the saw, it's not a bad idea to get one of the imported 1" belt sanders to finish up the job. I also have a large Craftsman power miter box, along with a 35 year old Craftsman saber saw. What I don't have is a table saw and doing rip cuts and paneling cuts is always a challenge. I don't have the floor space for a big table saw and frankly, they scare me a bit. I use my Skil saw or saber saw with a wood plank as a fence to cut straight panel cuts. It works, but it's slow...

Thanks to all respondents.  Based on the preponderance of replies, I will make room for a scroll saw ... and look into a belt sander.