Dremel 571-5 scroll saw sander Parts

For the Dremel 571-5 scroll saw, we recommend pinless (plain-end) blades for most projects because they give you the cleanest control for tight turns and detailed cuts. Choose pinned blades only when your saw’s blade clamps are designed for pins or when you’re doing simple, thicker cuts.

Quick comparison

Blade type	Best for	Typical tradeoff
Pinless (plain-end)	Fretwork, puzzles, fine inside cuts, tight curves	Takes a little more time to clamp and tension correctly
Pinned	Basic cuts, thicker stock, faster blade changes on older designs	Larger ends limit very small inside cuts and tight radiuses

How to choose for your work

• Pick pinless if you cut intricate patterns, lettering, ornaments, or need small inside cutouts.
• Pick pinned if you mainly do straight or gentle curves in thicker wood and want quick blade swaps.
• Match the blade to the material: finer teeth for thin wood and plastics; coarser teeth for thicker wood.
• If you plan to do inside cuts, pinless blades are easier to thread through smaller starter holes.
• Keep multiple blade sizes on hand; most scroll saw results improve more from correct blade selection than from speed changes.

Setup tips that matter (either blade type)

• Tension: Increase tension until the blade “pings” when plucked; under-tension causes wandering and burning.
• Feed rate: Let the teeth cut; forcing the work overheats the blade and roughens the edge.
• Downstroke direction: Make sure the teeth point down toward the table so the work stays planted.
• Table support: Use a zero-clearance insert (or a tight-fitting auxiliary surface) to reduce tear-out on delicate cuts.

Why it matters

Blade style affects what your Dremel 571-5 can do cleanly. Pinless blades open up finer detail, tighter turns, and cleaner inside cuts, while pinned blades prioritize convenience for simpler work.

For general DIY safety and best practices before servicing or adjusting your tool, review are diy appliance repairs safe.

Last updated: February 2026

The numbers on scroll saw blades generally describe the blade size and aggressiveness: lower numbers are finer for thin material and tight, detailed cuts; higher numbers are larger and cut faster but leave a rougher kerf. This applies well to Dremel model 571-5 scroll saw setups.

Quick guide to blade numbers

In most scroll saw blade systems, the number increases as the blade gets bigger (and usually more aggressive).

• Lower numbers (smaller blades): best for thin stock, delicate work, and tight turns
• Higher numbers (larger blades): best for thicker stock, faster cutting, and straighter lines
• Finer blades: typically have smaller teeth and remove less material per stroke
• Coarser blades: typically have larger teeth and clear sawdust faster
• Your cut quality changes: finer blades usually cut smoother; coarser blades usually cut quicker

Typical blade number ranges and what they are used for

Blade number range	Typical best use	What you will notice
#1 to #3	Very thin wood, veneers, intricate fretwork	Tight turning, slower feed rate
#5 to #7	General-purpose scrolling	Balanced speed and control
#9 and up	Thicker wood, faster rough cutting	Faster cutting, wider kerf

How to choose the right blade number for your project

Use these practical rules of thumb when selecting a blade for your Dremel 571-5 scroll saw sander:

• Match the blade to material thickness first; thicker stock needs a larger blade
• Choose a smaller number when you need tight curves or fine detail
• Choose a larger number when you need speed and mostly straight cuts
• If the blade burns the wood or wanders, reduce feed pressure and consider a different blade size
• If the blade clogs with dust, a slightly larger, more open-tooth blade often clears better

Why it matters

Blade number affects control, cut quality, and how hard the saw works. Using too large a blade for delicate work can cause tear-out and overshooting corners; using too small a blade for thick stock can cause overheating, breakage, and slow cutting.

Helpful DIY reference

If you are troubleshooting power, switch, or cord issues while working on your saw, use how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video to safely check continuity and basic electrical function.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Dremel scroll saw model 571-5, the maximum cutting capacity is 1 inch in softwood and 5/8 inch in hardwood. Staying within those limits gives cleaner cuts, better control, and fewer broken blades.

Thickness guidelines for model 571-5

Use these as practical targets when choosing stock for scrolling, fretwork, and curves:

• 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch: Best for tight turns and fine detail
• 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch hardwood: Maximum hardwood capacity; use a slow, steady feed
• 5/8 inch to 1 inch softwood: Maximum softwood capacity; expect slower cutting as thickness increases
• Over 1 inch: Not recommended for this saw; choose thinner stock or a different tool

What affects cut quality at max thickness

Even at the rated capacity, setup and technique make a big difference:

• Wood density: Maple and oak cut slower than pine and poplar
• Blade selection: Coarser blades clear sawdust better in thicker stock
• Blade tension and sharpness: Proper tension and a fresh blade reduce wandering
• Feed rate: Slow feed prevents burning and helps the blade track
• Curve tightness: Tight-radius cuts require thinner material than straight or gentle curves

Quick reference table

Material type	Max thickness for 571-5	Best use case
Softwood (pine, fir)	1 inch	General shapes, moderate curves
Hardwood (oak, maple)	5/8 inch	Detail work, controlled curves

Why it matters

Cutting thicker than the saw’s capacity increases heat and side-load on the blade. That leads to blade drift, rough edges, burning, and frequent blade breakage.

Helpful DIY resource

• For basic safety practices before any repair or adjustment, use are diy appliance repairs safe.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes; you can do scroll-saw-style cutting with a Dremel when you are using a dedicated scroll saw like the Dremel 571-5. A standard handheld Dremel rotary tool is different because it spins a bit instead of moving a thin blade up and down.

What “using a Dremel as a scroll saw” means

A true scroll saw uses a reciprocating (up and down) blade and a table for control. Here is how common tools compare:

• Dremel 571-5 scroll saw: reciprocating blade for detailed cuts
• Handheld Dremel rotary tool: spinning bit or wheel; better for carving, routing, sanding, and small cutouts
• Jigsaw: reciprocating blade, but typically less precise for fine fretwork

Material thickness limits to plan around

For scroll-saw-style work, thin stock cuts cleaner and tracks better. Most compact scroll saws like the Dremel 571-5 perform best in these ranges:

• Soft wood: up to about 1 inch
• Hardwood: up to about 3/8 inch
• Craft plywood and thin sheet goods: best when well supported to reduce vibration

Quick comparison

Tool	Motion	Best use	Key limitation
Dremel 571-5 scroll saw	Up/down blade	Tight curves, interior cutouts in thin stock	Slow cutting; thickness limits matter most
Handheld rotary tool	Spinning bit/wheel	Detail shaping, trimming, light cutouts	Hard to follow long, accurate curves
Jigsaw	Up/down blade	Faster curved cuts	Rougher, less precise on intricate patterns

Setup and safety tips we recommend

• Clamp the saw to a stable bench to reduce vibration
• Use the right blade for the material; replace blades that wander or burn
• Drill a starter hole for interior cutouts, then thread the blade through
• Let the blade do the work; forcing the cut breaks blades and reduces accuracy
• Wear eye protection and control dust

Why it matters

If you treat a compact scroll saw like a full-size scroll saw, thicker hardwood can burn, stall, or cause blade drift. Matching the tool and blade to thin materials is what produces clean curves and accurate patterns.

For general DIY safety practices, use our guide: are diy appliance repairs safe

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. You can make straight cuts with the Dremel 571-5 scroll saw, but straight-line accuracy depends on setup and technique because scroll saw blades are built to turn easily and can drift. For best results, keep straight cuts guided and relatively short.

Best ways to get straighter cuts

• Clamp a straightedge or use a shop-made fence parallel to your cut line.
• Set blade tension correctly; higher tension (within the saw’s adjustment range) reduces wandering.
• Pick a blade that tracks straight: wider blades and lower TPI (coarser) blades typically drift less in wood.
• Feed the work slowly and evenly; forcing the cut increases deflection and heat.
• Keep the workpiece flat on the table; twisting or lifting steers the blade.
• Use a sharp blade; dull teeth pull the cut off-line.

What to expect (scroll saw vs. other saws)

A scroll saw is designed for curves, inside cutouts, and controlled detail work. It can cut hardwood within its rated capacity, but it is still not the best choice for long rip-style straight cuts.

Task	Scroll saw result	Best practice
Short straight cuts (trim, small parts)	Accurate with a guide	Use a fence or straightedge
Straight cuts in hardwood within rated thickness	Works well with the right blade and feed rate	Use a coarser blade, slow feed
Long straight rip cuts	Drift more likely over distance	Use a table saw or band saw

Quick drift check (takes 2 minutes)

• Draw a straight line on scrap.
• Cut 6 to 10 inches at your normal feed rate.
• If the blade pulls left or right, angle your fence slightly to match the blade’s natural tracking, then re-test.

Why it matters

Reducing drift improves fit-up for joinery, lowers sanding time, and helps prevent blade breakage caused by side-loading.

For general safety practices before adjusting or servicing any power tool, review are diy appliance repairs safe.

Last updated: February 2026