Customer Reviews

Dremel 1680 1.4 Amp 16-Inch 1/6-Horsepower Benchtop Variable Speed Scroll Saw

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Speed control at intermediate speeds was slightly erratic and caused mechanism backlash noises under no-load conditions. The underside of the upper arm housing has sharp edges - watch your hands if you pick it up there. The hinge on the blade storage compartment isn't strong enough and the door closure detent doesn't always line up. The lamp isn't bright enough. The hole in the table is a little large - an insert would be nice. The blade tensioner quick release has a pinch zone - can catch flesh. The knob on the lower blade jaw can hit the bottom of the table in one of the 45 degree tilts. Finally, this saw has a fairly aggresive fore-aft blade movement when cutting; cuts fast but not so good for fine work.

When I received the Dremel Scroll saw I was very excited. This was one thing I wanted for a long time. Since it didn't come with an idea book, I asked my wife to draw something up so I could make it. She then proceeded to write her name DEBBIE in 1" high letters. Although I encouraged her to write it larger, this is the way it was to be. I had to use the scroll saw blades that don't have the cross bar to complete her design. These blades come with the kit. Needless to say, it took me a little while to get the hang on how to work with these blades without them constantly pulling out when working with the piece. After a little practice, it wasn't a problem. Her name definitly wasn't a beginners project. After a little use, I did have problems with the on/off switch. I called Dremel and sent them an E-Mail. They responded to both promptly and had a work-around that worked, and had my replacement switch in the mail. They even answered some additional questions I had for them on what books they recommend for beginners.

Of course, I already had a wish list ready for them. A more powerful air blower, and a more powerful light so I can see the small lettering my wife draws. Anyways, I think you will be happy with the scroll saw. Make sure to wax the table top so it doesn't pick up any rust.

I too found several areas of this saw to be rather hastily designed for production. The larger table top is a nice feature, but, the blade opening on mine needed filing to remove casting flash. I will one day use some oil and xxxx fine cloth to polish the top to where I would like it. I found the pin blade feature somewhat awkward on access holes on the interior of a workpiece, often not catching. And, as noted, the forward bias in cutting action will produce heat strain on a blade, so, I cut several 12" circles from ply and center scored them with a small center hole to keep small cut-offs from falling through, and, I clamp or double side tape them to get more use from a blade. It is a nice machine, but, often, again, the accountants nixed a better design for "comparitive value engineering" saw. If a user looks at the type of work they are undertaking, they can come up with a few jigs and devices to accomplish the job. It is the best and, newest scroll saw I own. One is almost as old as I am, but, it has a side powershaft attachment that is not on the newer model. All in all, I think it is a good, forgiving saw to work with. The no tool blade change (plain end blade) is a very handy feature. Makes it a twist to install a new blade.

I use my Dremel scroll saw to create decorative scroll work for a furniture making shop that does most of it business in grandfather clocks and high-end dining room furniture. I like the speed control and power switch located up front where they are easy to use. Blade changes are far simpler that my old saw that required special tools in order to change a blade. The blade tension system is superior to anything else I've tried. Blade tensioning tip: When installing a new blade, tighten the tension knob until the blade first feels taught. Then rotate the tensioning lever 1 1/2 turns and that will provide the perfect tension for most blade types.

When I bought the tool two years ago, I had one problem with the saw. It just quit working one day. One call to the Dremel toll-free number solved the issue. It seems they did have an issue with dust getting into the switch and making the saw not work. They sent me a new switch (for free) with dust boots on it and the problem was solved. I now see that this saw has dust boots on its switches as standard equipment.
Other that that, I get pro-quality results for a hobby price.

Since I've retired I've been earning my living with my Dremel Scroll saw. I checked four different brands before choosing the Dremel. It has all the features required to do quality work: variable speed, tilt table, dust blower, light, soft start, large work table, and the ability to use plain-end blades.

I heard that this saw had a problem with dust getting in the switch so I called Dremel customer service before buying. They said the problem was fixed when they added dust-boot covers over the switches (which mine has) to keep the fine dust out. All Dremel saws now have boots over the switches. I have had zero problems with the switch and I use the tool approximately five days a week. (I sell at art fairs on weekends).

What I like best is the smooth operation of the motor. I find little vibration or noise and it has power to cut domestic and imported hardwoods. Thanks Dremel for a great tool ...!

I just broke into the scrolling field about 3 months ago. I did little researching on the various saws but could see real quick that the Dremel, with all of its comparable features to the more expensive models, was a very good value for the money. I find it very user friendly. But after a few projects I could quickly discern its minor drawbacks. The light is dim. The plastic spare blade storage door is flimsy and tends to misalign, making it hard to close. Just recently, the upper arm is starting to knock on the upper housing if the blade isn't fairly tense. I've got to call Dremel about this one yet. The stand included was ok to put together but I couldn't get some of the holes to line up with the base of the saw. The vibration is somewhat dissapointing but not major with this price range. Not recommended for fretwork. Bottom blade holder is hard to get to with large hands. The on and off switch gets a little tiring after several pushes during a project. Get a foot switch! The blade holders are a snap with changing. In short, a very good buy for the hobbyist.

I'm new to scroll sawing, but I've been a woodworker for quite some time, so talents on a bandsaw have come in handy here. I really like this saw, despite the tone of some other reviewers. I have used the saw a fair amount without any mechanical trouble at all. The upfront controls make it safe, and I find the light really quite useful. The speed range makes it possible to safely cut through both very thin, fragile materials, and hard, thick materials. As an example of how versatile this saw is, I have cut oak 2x4 with fair results, though I don't recommend doing this. Like all scroll saws, it's at its best in material <.5" thick.

My only complaints are minor: the bottom blade release is really in quite a tight location for big hands, and the blade storage drawer is too tight to be useful without wasting lots of time. The only other scroll saw I've used was a Delta 40-540, and this saw is drastically better and safer than that one, though I don't know how it compares to more expensive saws.

After looking at the various scroll saws available, I chose this one because of the 90 degrees of table angles available (only the Craftsman also has that feature) and the fast angle settings which lock into the metal positioning plate which make returning to various settings very quick. I also had excellent experiences with Dremel products in the past.

The only problem experienced so far was the similar "clanking" sound another reviewer mentioned, but I was able to fix that by removing the two screws which hold the motor cover in place, adjusting the holes and re-installing it so the weight on the motor shaft no longer hit the inside of the cover.

I also agree with one of the other reviewers that the switches are tiresome after a while because they are so small and somewhat difficult to operate under the rubberized dust covers.

The "free" stand went together easily, and by not fully tightening all the bolts on the stand I was able to align all the holes before fully tightening down the saw. I did have to add two washers to two of the mounting holes on the top because the metal wanted to bent when tightening the saw to the stand.

The light is bright enough for me as it is not the only light I use near the saw, and it doesn't get too hot to work around. It does however get in the way at times when working with larger pieces if the table is at an extreme angle, but this is normally not an issue.

All in all the saw works fine, and has been reliable. Next time I would spend the few extra dollars and buy the new Delta which is much heavier for less vibration, and has even easier blade changing and tension setting adjustments, both of which I feel are more important features.

I bought this saw a little over a year ago. 2 weeks after I had the first on the motor just shut down. I was able to return the unit to where I bought it for a replacement. Since then it's worked great. Last week this unit just shut down. It's not the reset switch as I've tested that. So now I'm faced with getting it repaired. While I like the oversized table and the vibration was good. I'm disappointed in this problem with the unit just stopping. I wish I had bought the Dewalt unit I was looking at.

I have owned this saw for a year now and have probably 40 or 50 hours scrolling on it-- and I have to say it is a very good saw- IF YOU TILT THE TABLE TO CHANGE BLADES!

Pros-
Light
Blower
Good variable speed
all except tension release is in the front

Cons-
Blade tension release is in back
some vibration
difficult blade change unless you tilt table
some motor bog down (strangely both when under load and not)

I recently found out about tilting the table all the way to the right to allow access to the blade attachment knob on the bottom-- this greatly eases blade changes!

Thanks for taking the time to read this review, overall this is a great saw, nicer then the ryobis,craftsmans,and delta but nowhere near the dewalt or excaliburs.
Lawrence