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A Decent/Affordable Multi-Tool

Posted by 141drew Posted onJan 10, 2019 at 10:38 AM and filed under Reviews & Features
Updated onUpdated on May 28, 2021 at 11:37 AM

So I have a project coming up that requires a multi-tool. Whenever I need a new tool, my first thought is to just buy the best. And in this case, I think most folks consider the Fein Supercut to be the best in the market. The thing is though, I don’t think a multi-tool is something I’m gonna use on the regular and spending $400 on an occasional is not something I’m prone to do.

So then, I went down the line… The Bosch uses the same starlock blades and gets good reviews, but again the price scared me away. I’m in the Milwaukee cordless ecosystem, so I checked out their offerings and heard mixed reviews about their performance and rumors of an upcoming tool update… and who wants to buy a new, old tool?

I got frustrated and decided to look at “one-time” tools – something I RARELY do and NEVER advise. Harbor Freight just isn’t an option to my sensibilities, so I just went down to Home Depot and bought the Dremel MM45 which was on special for $115.

To be honest, I’ve never been all that impressed with Dremel branded tools. I’ve had a number of their rotary offerings and none of them have ever struck me as being particularly well made. I didn’t expect the MM45 to be much different.

I was wrong. This thing is actually pretty great given it’s price. It feels as though it is made far better than any Dremel tool I’ve ever owned, fits nicely in the hand, cuts quick as hell, and isn’t all that loud.

I’m certainly not all that knowledgeable about the multi-tool market, but I recommend this thing for sure. It’s great for a guy that doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a tool he isn’t likely to use more than a couple of times a year, but still wants something that can be relied on past a single project.

I looked online for better pricing and couldn’t find anyone else selling the MM45. Given that, it must be a Home Depot exclusive? I dunno… But you can get yours here.

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sberry

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Performax at Menards, 40$. They have a cheaper one but its not the same. 75$ better than the Dremel and probably the same with different color jacket. Looks weighs and feels the same as DeWalt and Rigid. 60$ better than those and comes blades and case.
 
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gahrajmahal

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Hey Ryan, congrats on entering the oscillating multi tool club. You think it will be an occasional use thing, but you will quickly find out it will become your new favorite tool. I bought a refurbished Fein tool probably 10 years ago before everyone made one. I have used it on many wood working projects, plumbing jobs and find it works just as well working on the cars. You purchased the correct tool by choosing the more universal flat blade type. The manufacturers know the real money is in the consumables, so by bypassing the "star" style Fein tool you can use generic blades and cool specialized tools from other manufacturers.

fein profile sander.jpg

Profile sander kit by Fein. It should work with your Dremel. Takes the tedium from sanding inset door trim, elaborate moldings or intricate car parts. The flat triangle sanding pad is super handy too.

Removing grout from your bath or kitchen floor? Purchase the many versions of diamond impregnated blades. Then build an enclosed sanding box with light from a plastic shoe box to attach to your shop vac. (details in this post https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337292

DSCN9034.JPG

DSCN6324.JPG

DSCN6326.JPG

Wear your ear protection. This is a noisy job!

Don't discount the scraper blade that comes with so many assortment kits. You will say to yourself "I am just going to use a regular putty knife, why would I get out my oscillating tool to scrape paint or putty". I use it most successfully when working in an older house wanting to re-wire or access something in the wall. Using the oscillating tool I cut the caulked baseboard joint with the putty knife attachment. 20 ft. can be completed in 2 minutes. Then switch blades to something long and metal nail compatible. Gently pry the baseboard and cut the nails. You create almost no dust and do not damage the walls requiring a repaint.

I could go on and on of the many unique uses I have used it for. My ideal setup would be small size, light weight. Off / on switch with speed control. 15 ft. long cord. LED light at cutting point when on. Hard case with cord wrap and large compartment to hold all the blades and accessories.

Enjoy your new purchase...
 
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Stuey

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I think you made a good choice.

If you were asking, I would have recommended the Bosch or Fein StarLock tools, which are kitted for $150-200. But for the money, the Dremel is good.

There's also the MM40, which is a little less powerful than the MM45, which is only available at certain retailers (such as HD).
 
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Ryan

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I don't do a lot of home improvement repair stuff... and it seems like most of the utility for this thing is there? Hell if I know... I've never owned one.

If I get to where this thing is used a **** load and it doesn't perform, I'll go with a Bosch or Fein. I just really didn't want to spend that dough.

Stuey, where are you finding the German offerings for $150? I would have jumped on that prolly...

Still, I'm REALLY surprised about how nice this Dremel is. Have they been stepping up their game lately or is this just a one hit wonder of sorts?
 
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rlitman

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Dremel is owned by Bosch, so the engineering is certainly there. You got an excellent tool, and one that has a wider range of blade compatibility than most.

For my part, I don't use the multi-tool much, mainly because the noise offends me. But for some jobs, it is simply indispensable. Because mine sits in the drawer for sometimes over a year at a stretch, I chose corded.

BTW, yes, the scraper is one of the best uses of this tool.
 
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Robinson1

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Ive had several my favorite is the 20v Dewalt lt lasts a long time on a 3.0 battery and has as much power as the corded models.

A must have tool for remodels and flooring
 
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snod83

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So - I might get flamed for this, but I bought a multi-tool when Harbor Freight first came out with them. Honestly, it was a value and keeps going! I am sure it is 10x louder than the next competitor, but I wear ear plugs. I don't normally advocate for **** tools, but this seemed to be a good purchase for me.

I do buy nicer consumables, which might be why I have had a positive experience.
 
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M6erfan

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snod83 said:
So - I might get flamed for this, but I bought a multi-tool when Harbor Freight first came out with them. Honestly, it was a value and keeps going! I am sure it is 10x louder than the next competitor, but I wear ear plugs. I don't normally advocate for **** tools, but this seemed to be a good purchase for me.

I do buy nicer consumables, which might be why I have had a positive experience.
Click to expand...

My BIL did the same thing. He's a "handyman" that does everything from painting to kitchen and bath remodels and he uses the HF a lot. No issues at all after about a year of use. He says he likes it. He buys the nicer blades too though.

I have a Bosch and love it.

I considered the Dremel when I was looking but like Ryan, I was concerned about longevity. Their rotary tools are notorious for failing with pretty light use.
 
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Rewind97

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I've thought about getting a multi tool myself. I got a gift card for Lowe's at Christmas, may have to look into one.
 
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Garage_Mahal

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My Dremel is a dang workhorse. My only problem is the vibration as I have nerve damage in my hands. I always wear vibration protection gloves when I use it. I got a Porter Cable cordless version in my kit and it is even rougher on my hands. My buddy's Fein had much, much less vibration.
 
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ford33

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I got to try the Dremel and the Fein side-by-side on one project. I decided that if I a going to use the tool for hour or more at one time or just prefer a high quality tool then the Fein is the choice. For a quick or dirty job, I often bring or use the Dremel in the shop.

Started with the same Dremel multi tool on a bathroom tile re-grout. Removing existing grout is very messy. The Dremel worked well and I wasn't concerned if the grout dust destroyed the inexpensive Dremel tool. Later, while at Home Depot I happened to find a like new FEIN muilt tool returned item for sale. It was about $150. Taking it home, I then used both tools at the same time and noted these differences:

1. Fein was a quieter tool. Some may not consider this a concern but it is when working in a small room and the noise is deafening and at least annoying with ear muffs. Also the occupants of the home appreciate not having to hear a very loud tool running for hours at a time. The tone of the noise is better as well. Not a high pitched whine like the Dremel.

2. Fein transfers a lot less vibration to the hand. Again it matters when holding and positioning the tool. The tool feels better and you feel you have greater control of the cuts and motion.

3. Tool blade changes were easier on the Fein with StarLock.

4. The Fein electrical cord was much longer so I didn't need a bulky extension cord.

5. Dremel blades and others that fit are less expensive and variety is better than Fein.

6. I can find Dremel blades anywhere. So if I break a blade and do not have a replacement with me, I can get a new Dremel blade nearby. Not so with the Fein starlock.
 
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LegacyIndustrial

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I use the Hitachi version and it's pretty good.
If you add a carbide/diamond attachment it will cut/sculpt concrete (tight spots).
Like you said it's a once in a while tool.
 
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MoonRise

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(had a reply mostly typed in and hit the wrong spot, grrr)

Take 2.

Bosch or Fein, with the Starlock blades.

Quieter.

Less vibration into your hands.

Tool-free, fast and easy blade changes. You don't even have to touch the old (possibly hot) blade, just flip the vlade change lever and the old blade pops right off of the blade holder/clamp. If you have the replacement blade sitting on a flat surface before you start, the whole process of ejecting the old blade and installing the new one is about 3-4 seconds without rushing at all.

Have a HF OMT. Single speed . IIRC, I got it 'on sale' for $10-$15. Super loud, vibrates your hands to the point of numbness with 10 minutes or so, blade seems to wiggle around (pivot around the center mounting screw), you need 3 hands AND a hex key to change blades. I almost never used it unless there was no other way to do the task.

Got a Bosch OMT STARLOCK-PLUS version. It is sooooo much nicer to use, that I actually do use it. :lol:

YMMV and all that.
 
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James-W

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I have a Porter Cable one that works really well. As I recall when I bought it the tool was on sale for like something like $89.95 and came with a pouch, some extra blades, a sanding tip, and some sand paper things that fit the sanding tip. I will look around and see if I can find a picture of it.

Found a picture of the tool.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008V4NFC2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
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quadrcr87

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I have had this same Dremel MM45 for the past 3 years and I am impressed so far. It’s lasted through 2 bathroom remodels with no issues.
 
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speed bump

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I have the adjustable speed one from harbor freight. I bought it to see if an OMT was worth owning, now I'm trying to kill it so I can buy a Fein. Definitely a tool that comes in handy for anything requiring plunge cutting.
 
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freekwonder

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What about the ridgid jobmax. I've got a $100 gift card to HD and was thinking of getting an oscillating tool. I've already got some ridgid tools and batteries so I wouldn't need to buy more batteries. And I like the you can swap the head for different tools, like the rotary/drywall cutter, right angle drill/driver and the shear head.
 
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lbhsbz

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The Dewalt 20V is a great tool. I got rid of my Fein after getting the Dewalt...the trigger controllable speed is a very useful feature that the Fein didn't have.
 
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f121

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What am I missing here? I have a bosch multi tool, but regard it as the saw-of-last-resort.

Its noisy as hell, you have to be super careful not to overheat the blades and it cuts really slow. I literally sigh every time I have to go get it out.
 
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Hilltopmasonry

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lbhsbz said:
The Dewalt 20V is a great tool. I got rid of my Fein after getting the Dewalt...the trigger controllable speed is a very useful feature that the Fein didn't have.
Click to expand...



+1

Love my dewalt


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Huxley

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lbhsbz said:
The Dewalt 20V is a great tool. I got rid of my Fein after getting the Dewalt...the trigger controllable speed is a very useful feature that the Fein didn't have.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Indispensable tool that has paid for itself many times over. Funny thing is that I just came into the house from using it then went to GJ & read this. Wondered - for a minute or so - how I was going to enlarge a hole in the side of a laundry cabinet. Grabbed the jiggler. That is the official name on a recent job site and forever after. Was done cutting in no time.

Got mine for $99 off of eBay with a blade & battery. Thx pawn shop.

Vibration is not an issue for me. Grab the sawzall for larger jobs.

f121 said:
What am I missing here? I have a bosch multi tool, but regard it as the saw-of-last-resort.

Its noisy as hell, you have to be super careful not to overheat the blades and it cuts really slow. I literally sigh every time I have to go get it out.
Click to expand...

Buy high quality blades & never look back. I have been using 2 for over a year now. Occasional use when other saws won't fit or do the job. Happens all the time though.
 
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tyyost

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I had a harbor freight one for a few years, did some research this holiday season and got a Makita based on some online reviews and the features. It is much nicer to use, quiet and doesn’t transmit vibration. The blade mounting system is slick and unlike fein or dewalt I can use nearly any blade I can find.

I’m doing a project with a buddy and he has a DeWalt 20volt. It’s nice, and I don’t dislike the trigger as much as I thought I would when I played with them in the store. Like I told him, it’s not the right tool for everything, but it excels at making difficult cuts most other saws would slaughter. Example - trimming a sheet of drywall tacked to the ceiling or flush cutting left over flooring back to the edge of a joist. Made a partial cut with your circular saw but need to get the corners cut out. Couple quick cuts and done, and no long blade hanging down like sawzall or jigsaw to hit pipes or wires. Prying baseboard and having issues, just slip the OMT in and cut the nails.

I wouldn’t do a remodeling job without one, and starting with the Harbor Freight isn’t a bad way to try one out. It took me several jobs where it was the “right tool” before it was part of the kit from the start. Get a good assortment of blades, even if they are the cheap ones. Try them out, and then decide what you need.
 
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Huxley

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Oh! Go cordless or GTFO.

You might as well tether yourself to a water wheel & start to have people call you Jebediah.
 
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sberry

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f121 said:
What am I missing here? I have a bosch multi tool, but regard it as the saw-of-last-resort.

Its noisy as hell, you have to be super careful not to overheat the blades and it cuts really slow. I literally sigh every time I have to go get it out.
Click to expand...

I got one for a small job, got it as a just in case tool. Used it,,, well helper used it 3 or 4 times in as many years. I got by a long time without it, something i try not to use unless I have to.
 
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engineer2

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Rockwell Sonicrafter owner here.
Beefy and well-built.
Tool-less attachment change, variable speed, universal fit for any tool.
They make several different models, so you need to see which version would work for you.
 
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M6erfan

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f121 said:
What am I missing here? I have a bosch multi tool, but regard it as the saw-of-last-resort.

Its noisy as hell, you have to be super careful not to overheat the blades and it cuts really slow. I literally sigh every time I have to go get it out.
Click to expand...

sberry said:
I got one for a small job, got it as a just in case tool. Used it,,, well helper used it 3 or 4 times in as many years. I got by a long time without it, something i try not to use unless I have to.
Click to expand...

Man, for trim I think it's excellent. I recently had to replace a piece cabinet screen moulding and I got right into the corner of the old trim with the Bosch and cut the angle I needed. Also, carbide blade goes through hardy board. I can take a tiny bit off that 1/4 round I over cut just a hair, and cleaner than taking it back to the saw. IDK, when I did our living room and kitchen remodel it came in uber handy.
 
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jd_1138

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Huxley said:
Buy high quality blades & never look back. I have been using 2 for over a year now. Occasional use when other saws won't fit or do the job. Happens all the time though.
Click to expand...

Yep quality blades are a must. I have a corded Ryobi that was $30 new. It has variable speed but not oscillating. It's pretty quiet (probably not as noisy as the HF one, though I've never used a HF one).

HF one (single speed) is $12 with a coupon, and their variable speed one is $25 I think. I'd probably skip it and get a little better one at least.

Besides cutting, they are great for small sanding jobs. You can get the end of it into tight spots for sanding. I used the Ryobi multi-tool when I restored my shed. It made cutting trim super easy, and I used it to make intricate cuts on my flooring. I also used it to sand a few projects.

$30 is cheap compared to hiring a pro. Any tool that allows me to save a lot of money and do a job faster and easier is an automatic buy. It can't replace a circular and reciprocating saw, but it's a great addition to your power tool lineup.
 
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finn

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sberry said:
Performax at Menards, 40$. They have a cheaper one but its not the same. 75$ better than the Dremel and probably the same with different color jacket. Looks weighs and feels the same as DeWalt and Rigid. 60$ better than those and comes blades and case.
Click to expand...

I bought the Performax at Menards several years ago on a whim, without having a well thought out use for it. Glad I bought it, as it’s handy to have around, and often works when nothing else does.

I like it so much that I bought the Dewalt 20v cordless to replace it. Most jobs can be hammered out in a few minutes, perfect for a cordless tool.

That, and I find the rather stiff cord of the Performax makes it somewhat clumsy to store.

I already promised the Performax to son number two.
 
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foodie

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shelteredV said:
Fein
Click to expand...

I have not tried other multi-tools, my first choice was the Fein with starlock blades. Very easy to change and get right back into a project. Yes it was expensive for an initial investment. But OH MY! What a beautiful tool. I had to tear out grout in a large area,...this tool made it a dream...absolutely effortless. It also came with a set of different blades.:) and hard carrying case. I chose the corded one, I did not want to deal with a battery going low on charge in the middle of a project. But that is just me. I know a lot of people like cordless so you are not tide to a tether so to speak. I think that aspect is a personal decision. Glad the Dremel worked out for you after reading the rest of your post.
 
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Kaizen

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Ryan said:
I don't do a lot of home improvement repair stuff... and it seems like most of the utility for this thing is there? Hell if I know... I've never owned one.

?
Click to expand...


I have a cordless rigid one. I think they all perform about the same. Maybe differences in vibration. The real problem with these things is the blade cost. Just bought a half moon cutter to make cedar shingle cuts in my garage trim up on a ladder. Damn near 20 bucks. Hf ones haven’t lasted well.

As for the use. Just another bullet in the gun. I was changing the oil on my kids Jeep for the first time. They have some kind of a plastic shield under the oil filter to direct the oil. Got in the way so unbolted it. Couldn’t get it out with oil filter attached and couldn’t get to filter with it attached. Grabbed my oscillating cutter and cut through it enough to get it out. Wouldn’t have put any other cutting implement up there. Tons of uses you will find.



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Kaizen

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Huxley said:
Exactly. Indispensable tool that has paid for itself many times over. Funny thing is that I just came into the house from using it then went to GJ & read this. Wondered - for a minute or so - how I was going to enlarge a hole in the side of a laundry cabinet. Grabbed the jiggler. That is the official name on a recent job site and forever after. Was done cutting in no time.

Got mine for $99 off of eBay with a blade & battery. Thx pawn shop.

Vibration is not an issue for me. Grab the sawzall for larger jobs.



Buy high quality blades & never look back. I have been using 2 for over a year now. Occasional use when other saws won't fit or do the job. Happens all the time though.
Click to expand...



Anybody ever try sharpening them? Even good ones will fry when you hit a nail or grit. Thought of it when I saw a guy sharpening a dovetail saw.


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theoldwizard1

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I think Fein was one of the first to market a multitool, and they have a typical Fein BIG price tag.

Interesting video about one person who replaced a well worn Bosch mulitool with a Fein. The Fein only lasted a couple of days.
 
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Jazzman442

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I have 2 of them. One is a Dremel that I use for good intricat work with our alot of dust.

The Other is a HF Cheapo for all the dusty crappy work. I am impressed that the HF is still working. But then again it just has to turn on and vibrate..
 
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