Dremel 1680 scroll saw Parts

On a Dremel 1680 scroll saw, the blade number generally indicates how fine or aggressive the blade is: lower numbers are finer for thin material and tight detail work, while higher numbers are coarser for faster cutting in thicker stock. For blade types and sizes your saw accepts, use the 1680 owner's manual.

How blade numbers translate to real cutting performance

Most scroll saw blade numbering systems correlate to tooth size and teeth-per-inch (TPI):

• Lower blade numbers: finer teeth, higher TPI; smoother cuts and tighter curves
• Higher blade numbers: larger teeth, lower TPI; faster cuts and more sawdust, rougher edge
• Narrower blades: turn tighter radiuses (better for intricate patterns)
• Wider blades: track straighter in thicker wood but cannot turn as tightly

Blade selection rules we use for the Dremel 1680

The Dremel 1680 uses 5-inch pin-end or 5-inch plain-end blades. We choose blades using these practical rules from the manual:

• Keep at least 3 teeth in contact with the workpiece at all times
• Use very fine, narrow blades for thin wood (about 1/4 inch thick or less)
• For thicker wood, use wider blades with fewer TPI
• Feed thicker stock slowly; increase blade tension and avoid twisting the blade
• Replace blades often; typical sharp life is about 1/2 hour to 2 hours of cutting

Quick guide: fine vs. coarse blades

If you are cutting…	Choose…	What you will notice
Thin wood, veneers, delicate fretwork	Lower-number, fine-tooth blade	Cleaner edge, slower feed rate
General scrolling in 1/4 to 3/4 inch wood	Mid-range blade	Balanced speed and control
Thicker wood or faster rough cutting	Higher-number, coarse-tooth blade	Faster cut, rougher finish

Why it matters

Matching blade “number” (fineness) to material thickness prevents burning, wandering cuts, and premature blade breakage. It also helps you get accurate curves without forcing the workpiece.

If you need replacement blades or other parts for your Dremel 1680, we recommend starting with the model parts list, or searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Dremel 1680 scroll saw, we cut wood up to 2 inches thick when the saw is set up correctly and you use the right blade and feed rate. For best control and blade life, we get the cleanest results on wood under 1 inch thick (see the owner's manual).

What “16-inch scroll saw” means vs. thickness

A “16-inch” scroll saw rating usually describes throat capacity (how far you can cut from the blade to the rear frame), not how thick the wood can be.

Spec type	What it affects	What to expect on the Dremel 1680
Throat size (16-inch class)	How wide a workpiece you can maneuver	Project size and reach, not thickness
Cutting capacity (thickness)	Maximum material thickness	Up to 2 inches in wood
Practical thickness	Cut quality and blade life	Best under 1 inch

How to get clean cuts in thicker wood (1 to 2 inches)

When we cut thicker stock, technique matters as much as the saw.

• Feed the wood very slowly; forcing the cut flexes the blade and breaks it.
• Increase blade tension to match the blade type and thickness.
• Use a wider blade with fewer teeth per inch (TPI) for thicker wood.
• Keep at least 3 teeth in contact with the workpiece at all times.
• Avoid twisting the workpiece; side pressure makes the blade wander.
• Expect faster blade wear in plywood, hardwood, and thick stock.

Blade selection guidance (based on the Dremel 1680 manual)

This saw uses 5-inch pin-end or plain-end blades. Blade packaging typically lists the intended thickness range.

Wood thickness	Blade style to prioritize	Why
Under 1/4 inch	Very fine, narrow blade	Tight detail cuts, less tear-out
3/16 to 1 inch	General-purpose blade	Balanced speed and control
3/8 to 2 inches	Wider blade, lower TPI	Better chip clearing and stability

Why it matters

Cutting near the maximum thickness increases heat, blade deflection, and drift with the grain. Slowing your feed rate and matching the blade to the stock thickness gives straighter cuts, fewer broken blades, and better accuracy.

If you need blades or accessories for the Dremel 1680, we recommend searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The Dremel scroll saw model 1680 uses 5-inch scroll saw blades only, and it accepts both pin-end and plain-end blade styles. For best results, match the blade width and teeth-per-inch (TPI) to your material thickness and the tightness of the curves you need.

Blade size and what it means

On the Dremel 1680, “blade size” typically refers to blade length and blade type:

• Length: 5 inches
• Types: pin-end or plain-end
• Stroke: 3/4 inch (this affects cutting performance, not blade length)

For the exact blade requirements and blade-change steps, use the 1680 owner's manual.

Choosing the right blade for your cut

We recommend these practical guidelines when selecting a 5-inch blade:

• Use narrower blades for tight radius curves and detailed scrollwork.
• Use wider blades with fewer TPI for thicker wood and straighter cuts.
• Keep at least 3 teeth in contact with the workpiece while cutting.
• Expect blades to dull faster in plywood, hardwood, or when you push sideways on the blade.
• Replace the blade if it starts wandering, burning, or breaking frequently.

Quick reference table

What you’re doing	Blade choice (still 5-inch)	Why it helps
Tight curves, intricate patterns	Plain-end, narrow	More control for detail work
General cutting in thicker stock	Wider blade, lower TPI	Clears sawdust, cuts straighter
Thin wood (about 1/4 inch or less)	Very fine, narrow	Reduces tear-out and overcut

Why it matters

Using the correct 5-inch pin-end or plain-end blade helps the Dremel 1680 track accurately, reduces vibration, and improves cut quality. The wrong blade style or an overly aggressive blade choice is a common cause of rough cuts and broken blades.

For replacement parts and accessories by model number, start with the model parts list, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, but only if you use a Dremel tool that is designed to function as a scroll saw. The Dremel 1680 is a dedicated benchtop scroll saw; it uses 5-inch pin-end or plain-end blades and is intended for controlled scroll cutting (not handheld rotary cutting). See the 1680 owner's manual for blade types, setup, and safe operation.

What “using a Dremel as a scroll saw” really means

A handheld Dremel rotary tool is built for grinding, sanding, and cutting with rotary accessories. A scroll saw is a reciprocating blade saw designed for tight curves and detailed cuts.

Use a scroll saw (like the Dremel 1680) when you need:

• Tight-radius curves and intricate patterns
• Inside cuts (pierced work) with a fine blade
• Better control on thin stock and delicate work

What the Dremel 1680 is designed to do

From our Dremel 1680 documentation:

• It uses 5-inch blades in pin-end or plain-end styles.
• Best results are achieved cutting wood under 1 inch thick.
• Blades wear quickly in normal use (often about 1/2 hour to 2 hours of cutting), so keeping spare blades on hand is normal.

Blade selection basics (quick guide)

• Keep at least 3 teeth in contact with the workpiece.
• Use narrow, fine blades for thin wood and tight curves.
• Use wider blades with fewer teeth per inch for thicker wood.

Task	Typical blade choice	Why it matters
Thin wood (about 1/4 inch or less)	Very fine, narrow blade	Cleaner detail cuts, tighter turns
General scrolling under 1 inch	Medium blade	Balance of speed and control
Thicker stock (over 1 inch)	Wider blade, slower feed	Reduces blade twisting and breakage

Safety and setup that affect results

For safe, accurate cutting on the Dremel 1680:

• Turn the saw off and unplug it before changing blades or accessories
• Keep the access door closed before operation
• Set the quick release tension lever down before operating
• Wear ANSI Z87.1 safety goggles

Why it matters

Trying to “make” a rotary tool act like a scroll saw usually leads to rough cuts, poor control, and higher risk of kickback or broken accessories. Using the correct tool (a true scroll saw with the right blade tension and tooth count) gives cleaner curves and safer, more predictable results.

If you need replacement parts for the Dremel 1680, start with the parts list for model 1680, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. You can make straight cuts with the Dremel 1680 scroll saw, but it takes careful setup and a steady feed because scroll saw blades tend to drift and can follow the wood grain. For long, perfectly straight cuts, other saw types are usually easier.

How to get straighter cuts on a Dremel 1680

• Set blade teeth to cut on the downstroke (teeth pointing down toward the table).
• Adjust blade tension correctly; higher tension reduces deflection.
• Use a wider blade when you want straighter tracking; narrow blades are for tight curves.
• Feed slowly and evenly; pushing too fast bends the blade and increases drift.
• Keep the work flat on the table and support large pieces at table height.

Blade and material guidance

The 1680 uses 5-inch pin-end or plain-end blades. For accuracy, keep at least three teeth in contact with the workpiece; thicker wood needs a slower feed and extra care to avoid twisting the blade.

Cutting situation	Setup focus	Typical result
Thin wood (around 1/4 inch)	Narrow blade, controlled feed	Easy to steer, drift is manageable
General straight cuts	Wider blade, firm tension	Straighter tracking
Thick wood (over 1 inch)	Very slow feed, higher tension	More drift risk if forced

Why it matters

Straight cuts go off-line when the blade flexes or follows grain. Proper blade direction, tension, and support keep the kerf consistent and reduce wandering.

For operating and setup details (blade direction, tension, and safe feeding), use the 1680 owner's manual. To find replacement blades and other parts by model number, use the parts list for this model or search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026