Metal-Cutting Oscillating Blades

[Stuey]

Over at ToolGuyd I conducted paid testing of 3 brands' oscillating tool blades for Bosch.

I'm a scientist by training, and so I eliminated all of the variables I could by constructing a testing sled and protocols to follow.

If you use metal-cutting oscillating blades, take a look at Parts 5, 6, and 7 of my post series, which discusses cutting speed, cutting performance, and durability.

http://toolguyd.com/tag/omt-metal-blade-comparison/

If you only look at one post, look at Part 7, which shows blade wear.

http://toolguyd.com/oscillating-tool-metal-blade-best-durability/

I tried not to say this in the posts, but I am shocked at how different the blades perform. The Bosch blade is thicker and has carbide teeth. Imperial and Dewalt blades are thinner and with bimetal teeth and titanium nitride coatings.

I thought that, since the blades are pretty close in pricing they would perform similarly, and that the thickness of the Bosch blade would negate the hardness benefits of carbide. Nope, I was wrong, there are substantial differences.

I when I tested the first series of blades.

 

[whyNick?]

Interesting test(s). The Bosch blades seem expensive but since even the cheapo HF blades cost $8-$10 apiece they might not be such a bad deal...

 

[Ign]

Cool! I'd like to see testing of a more "gearhead" application, like cutting an access hole in a floor pan....

 

[Stuey]

Interesting test(s). The Bosch blades seem expensive but since even the cheapo HF blades cost $8-$10 apiece they might not be such a bad deal...

The Bosch blades are $18/each, $32-35/2, or $100/10. Imperial and Dewalt blades are about the same price. If there was a substantial price difference, I wouldn't have taken on the project.

 

[Stuey]

Cool! I'd like to see testing of a more "gearhead" application, like cutting an access hole in a floor pan....

Are you volunteering?

 

[NoahG]

I keep hoping they will make a blade that can cut more than one drywall screw without dulling.

 

[Stuey]

I keep hoping they will make a blade that can cut more than one drywall screw without dulling.

Drywall screws and stainless steel threaded rod obliterated all of the blades. Bosch's held out a lot longer, but these materials are just too hard.

 

[foodgroup]

Hi Stuey, that was an interesting test, thanks for posting it.

I have never used an OMT so this is a newbie question.

I see how handy these tools are when you have a tricky access issue, but if I were cutting a nail, I would normally grab an abrasive cutoff wheel over a bimetal or carbide saw.

Do any of the blade makers have a "grinding" blade made of abrasive grit?

 

[cheechi]

All of them make abrasive, including carbide grit. However you would want to use a cutting blade if you're cutting a nail sticking out of wood. The abrasive isn't needed.

 

[Monte]

for Bosch

 

[Monte]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Lw-of9w-5sw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Stuey]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Lw-of9w-5sw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Nice!

 

[Casey69]

i noticed that about the bo$ch blades too. menards also has a 3 blade "tool shop" branded set for $10 & that's the cheapest i've found. they're fine for wood & pvc, but they don't last cutting metal. stepping up to a carbide bosch blade (or carbide-branded anything) would probably be best for metal.

regardless, i got my first cheapie oscillating tool at menards & they're great! didn't figure i'd be using it much, but can see how handy they can become.