Oscillating Saw and Multi-tool -- Opinions?

[bimmer1980]

I had originally bought the harbor Freight Oscillating saw kit, corded, a few years ago.. I used it every now and again for random projects. It started developing a bad winding. It would not run on occasion, but by moving the cutter a little bit, it would run... Then recently it just stopped...

I have debated about just getting another HF version or stepping up and getting Dewalt, Bosch or something else....
Then I ran across the Rigid JobMax kit and it has gotten me thinking... The value of being able to swap on the right angle impact driver or something else randomly used could be of some value....





Anyone else have one?

Would you go corded or 18 volt?

 

[MoonRise]

IMHO, unless you really-really NEED cordless, get a corded tool.

Also, Fein or the Bosch OMT with the Starlock blade 'system'. Those two tools are pretty much top of the line. Smooth, tool-free blade changes (Yes, you really do want/need the tool-free blade change), and the latest Fein and Bosch OMTs have done a good deal to reduce the buzzy hand vibration feel.

I too started with the HF OMT. Loud, buzzy, hex key and three hands to change the blade. I would only use it when I 'had' to.

I went with the Bosch with the Starlock blades. Smooth, quiet (compared to the HF, I think a chainsaw might be quieter. ), and did I mention the tool-free blade changes? I use this tool sometimes just because it is kind of fun to use and not a hassle.

YMMV and all that.

 

[captain14]

I bought the Ridgid corded version serveral years ago during one of their pre Xmas promotions. I chose the corded model because I was tired of the batteries dying and the tool was useless.

That deal included a free Attachmet so I chose the right angle drill. I have used the saw when I had to replace part of a door jamb due to rot, it did a great job but it was slow. The guy who did used a multi-tool when he replaced my soffit and fascia on the dormers too.

I can’t come comment on the other attachment since I’ve never used it.

 

[lbhsbz]

I hate Ridgid out of principle...and because they gave me hell dealing with problems I had with one of their drills years ago, but that "system" they have with the interchangeable heads is kinda neat for the home gamer.

I have Dewalt stuff so I bought the dewalt 20V multitool...It works very well. I originally had the original Fein too, but couldn't slow it down enough for cutting metal when I needed to so it would toast blades in a hurry. The guy I sold it too took it apart and found some schmoo in the speed control that wouldn't let it slow down all the way...

 

[Rabid Badger]

Pretty much anything is going to be an improvement over your the HF tool, but the control scheme on the Ridgid isn't ideal for an oscillating tool. A speed dial and a sliding switch really is the way to go.

As far as corded vs cordless, if you're going to have power outlets available where you're using it I'd go corded. You get more power and less complexity.

As far as models/brands I love my Fein Multimaster, but you can get the Makita for $40 less and it's really just as good. The only difference is the Makita uses the older blade style, which could be considered a plus as you have a wider/cheaper selection of blades.

 

[jd_1138]

Isn't that Job Max system pretty pricey to the point where you could almost buy the tools separately all for less or the same money?

If you don't need cordless, corded is a better value and more powerful. I think I paid all of $25 for my corded Ryobi multi tool brand new. I've abused it and dropped it a lot, and it still powers through lots of projects.

I paid $5 for a used mint B&D corded jigsaw.

 

[JimNC]

Just buy the Fein.

 

[jgromada]

I have the Ridgid Jobmax 18v.

Yes they also have corded version, a 12v version and at one point a pneumatic version was available. All the Jobmax accessory heads are compatible with the Ryobi Jobmax tool body as well.

I have the Multi-tool head with a full assortment of oscillating tool accessories from Ridgid This was on sale for $20 post Christmas https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/ridgid-14-pc-multi-tool-blade-kit now its $40.


Direct Tools is a great source for the add ons but prices vary widely from time to time as i mentioned.
https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=jobmax

I have the multitool, rotary drywall cutter and right angle drill head attachments. I find these are all pretty adequate. They all work well, but I would never compare the drill to my DeWalt brushless for instance. I have never used the Fein but I understand that to be the class act of oscillating tools, but then again costs $400.

I will say each of the Jobmax attachments are very secure and so the end product feels solid like it could have been a single tool designed to be that single tool. There is variable speed with all attachments and the LED light is a nice bonus. There is substantial cost savings to doing it this way with having a single body.

 

[sberry]

If you are going to get a Rigid or DeWalt skip right over or rather back up and get one about half price from Menards in Performax. They make a cheaper one, its not as good. About 40 or 45$ and comes case and blades and it a spittin image of the others. Different color case and actually might have a better cord. Someone does make a better tool,,,, it cost a LOT more but this is 3x the cheap HF. Has a full power motor.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I have never used the Fein but I understand that to be the class act of oscillating tools, but then again costs $400.

The Fein is $169.

https://www.amazon.com/MultiMaster-QuickStart-StarlockPlus-Oscillating-Multi-Tool/dp/B01E73VU36

Since Amazon is the seller you can get Home Depot to price match.

 

[strutaeng]

I've the corded Ridgid. I used it cut some laminate flooring under a kitchen peninsula, about 3' and hated them damn thing! The vibration is insane. I thought I was getting that vibration white finger or what ever that syndrome is called.

I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND it. Luckily I have not used it since. I did buy the right angle drill attachment, which worked great.

I really wish I would have bought the DeWalt.

 

[peteco]

I have the Ridgid Jobmax. It has worked fine. A dedicated oscillating tool should work better, but the flexibility of the Jobmax with the other heads makes it the winner for me.

 

[kngelv]

I have a Bosch and would recommend it or a Fein.

James

 

[BlindViper]

I have 3 makita multi tools. 2 are battery 1 is corded. On a full charge on the battery there is no difference in power. Hi from southern York, PA. I would base your decision on where you shop Home Depot carries bosch blades and dremel. The bosch blades fit makita with no adaptor. The dremel blades just dont last at all. Lowes carries the dewalt and porter cable and dremel blades.

 

[bob15]

Wait for a 20% off coupon from zoro and buy the Fein.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have a Bosch that I like quite a bit and it cuts well. I started out with a Dremel that I gave to my brother. The Bosch does not heat up like the Dremel did when making longer cuts and cuts much faster. I also like the Fein, Hitachi, and Makita. All corded.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Just buy the Fein.

Second that on the Fein. Only multi tool I know of that is not made in China.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think the Fein would be Fein for me.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I think the Fein would be Fein for me.

The man who owns a Fein..... covets no other man.

 

[tonyciambrone]

Buy another HF

If you really needed a right angle attachment you would have bought one for your drill or impact already.

OMT, imo, is not a priority tool for most guys. Drywallers, tile guys, maybe finish carpenters sure but a $30 job is plenty for most of us.

 

[sberry]

For 10$ more can get a better one than the bottom line HF. Menards had a cheaper one too for 30$, its not the same tool, it only had 2.8A motor. The better ones have 4.5 or 5 or so.

 

[HenryAZ]

Since I was already into the Bosch cordless ecosystem, with several extra batteries, I expanded to add an angle grinder and just recently an oscillating tool. The Starlock blade change system is the shiznitz. Haven't had a chance to really put the oscillating tool to a good workout yet, but it is quiet and hardly any vibration. I have good corded tools also, for everything except the oscillating tool. I don't hesitate to grab a corded angle grinder or 1/2" drill (also Bosch). I also have a nice 3/8" right angle Makita drill (corded) that I bought some 40 years ago. It was very handy in a millwork shop, where I worked for 25 years, and still is useful around the house.

 

[jonshonda]

If you don't currently own any (recent) battery powered tools from Dewalt, Mil, Bosch...then corded is the way to go. If you did own a decent amount of cordless, I would say stick with your brand and expand on it.

That being said, everything I have been buying lately has been corded (with the exception of 18v Bosch drill/driver combo). My thought process behind buying corded is that they should be heirloom quality tools I can pass down to my kids, when/if needed, whereas the chances of batteries lasting for more then a decade is pretty slim. And we all know the only guarantee with battery tech is that it's going to change and leave customers with antiquated tools.

Long story short, I bought he Bosch. Has a nice cloth zippered carrying case for tool and attachments, and a plastic case for the attachments.

 

[trekgod3]

My vote is for the Sonicrafter F80

 

[bimmer1980]

thanks for all the feed back guys!

I'm not in a super hurry on this, but I would like to replace the Harbor Freight at some point....

I do have the 18V Bosch right angle tight quarters drill, so I had contemplated the Bosch line of tools... Most of my other cordless stuff is the Dewalt 18v line.....

 

[Rabid Badger]

Here's a massive comparison test that includes every tool mentioned in this thread and then some:

https://www.protoolreviews.com/buying-guides/best-oscillating-tool-review-and-shootout/37382/

 

[engineer2]

The Rockwell is a beefy tool, is universal fit and tool-less attachment changes. I bet most are tool-less these days.

 

[paulsomlo]

Fein corded - best price was on ebay through CPO, using one of the ebay promo codes, which are offered on a regular basis.

 

[Brosieden]

I've got a Fein and a Dewalt, and had a cordless Makita that I sold cause I never used it.

In addition to echoing the thing about tool-less blade changes, I'd strongly suggest getting something with a variable speed dial, as opposed to variable speed trigger.

 

[Rusty Bolt]

I went through 3 Harbor Freight oscillating saws on a project last year. I bought the top of the line Dremel because it had the biggest motor. It works fine. I don't recommend it because it the Harbor Freight blades don't stay on. The blades look the same but they vibrate off pretty quickly. It might be a razors and razor blades business model. Take a loss on the tool and make it up on the blades.

Toolless tool change is a must have.

I don't use it very often but when I do, it's really handy. Like when lying on my back under a kitchen sink and cutting off the corroded faucet. There was no other saw that would fit. That one job made it worth having a oscillating saw.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I might take a look at that Performax, it does look pretty well built compared to the HF and the reviews look good

 

[86Vette]

I have used a $60 B&D corded oscillating tool for about 6 years now. I like it so much I bought the same model after the first one got stolen. It uses universal blades that I can get very cheaply on Amazon.

 

[sberry]

I might take a look at that Performax, it does look pretty well built compared to the HF and the reviews look good

It looks, feels and weighs the same as the rest. Looks like the case came from the same mold. I like the plastic cords better than real rubber that rot off.
I got one in case I need it. I got along without one for 30 yrs and still don't really use the thing. My helper used it a couple times. I cut a couple holes in with it, worked.

 

[GarageGuy89]

Buy another HF

If you really needed a right angle attachment you would have bought one for your drill or impact already.

OMT, imo, is not a priority tool for most guys. Drywallers, tile guys, maybe finish carpenters sure but a $30 job is plenty for most of us.

+1...had my HF one for almost 6+ years now. Think I paid $5 for it on a counter sale when I walked in one day. Use it once every blue moon for a 5 second job. Sounds like this might be your case as well.

 

[bimmer1980]

Here's a massive comparison test that includes every tool mentioned in this thread and then some:

https://www.protoolreviews.com/buying-guides/best-oscillating-tool-review-and-shootout/37382/

That is a pretty decent comparison. Thanks for posting.

 

[bimmer1980]

After much contemplation... more than necessary for such a simple tool.... I did stop at Lowes last night to look at some of OMT. They did not have all the tools there, but enough that I could get a close look at most of them. While the Bosch is intriguing, I ultimately selected the Rockwell F80. It seemed to be about the best bang for the buck at $118 from Amazon... Plus, I was able to use some points I had accrued, so it was no cash out of my pocket....

To be candid, I was not a big fan of how the blade is secured on the DeWalt and Porter Cable. The spring clamp does not seem that secure during heavy loads...

I did debate going cordless, but the thoughts posted above about long term and not having legacy batteries to deal with was a good point.... To go battery, I would have needed to go with the Bosch, and I wasn't quite ready to pony up $200 for the Bosch bare tool....

The Rockwell F80 should show up by the end of the week and maybe I will get a chance to use it this weekend....

 

[engineer2]

Congrats! You will like it.
I'm currently creating a headlight polishing kit to use with oscillating tools. Waiting for some parts to arrive.

 

[La Petite Tools]

So after reading this thread and some other info I think i'm going to get a Fein just wanting to know where to get the best deal. everywhere i look the starter set with the hard case is $249.00 anyone have any lines on good deals?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E73VTX2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[paulsomlo]

I got the 350QSL with just one blade, CPO on ebay was the best price. If you can hold off, there will most likely be an ebay promo code soon.

 

[La Petite Tools]

I got the 350QSL with just one blade, CPO on ebay was the best price. If you can hold off, there will most likely be an ebay promo code soon.

What kind of deal did you get? I was hoping to maybe find something and get $50 off just so i could spend that on a blade set. I need the hard case for protection when I have the tool with me at work sites.