Oscillating cutting tool

[RStewart]

Hi all
Looking for real life experience with brands, corded, cordless, any guidance is appreciated. I think I need one.
Thank you.

 

[mach158]

I have the cheapy from harbor freight and it has more then paid for itself with the small detailed cuts it can make, especially when you need to do a plunge cut. Mine is corded but I can see how cordless may be nice but wasn't needed for me.

I went with the cheapie because I just needed it for a small project and figured if I got one use out of it then it was well worth the money. I have used it several times since and other than some blades getting dulled fast (HF blades too) it is a great investment.

I have had no issues with mine and still performs the same as new.

 

[Cruzan80]

I have two, and my impressions:

One is a Bosch corded, quick-change, variable speed, all the bells and whistles. When I was comparing all different ones, most people rated it very highly, at or possibly above the Fein. Works wonderfully, comfortable, air vents are in a place that is hard to block (killed a Dremel version this way, by my hand blocking the vent at the back). Quick change is a nice feature, as is the wheel on the back. Cord sits in an orbital style plug, so no risk of bending it when moving the tool around. The case is "meh", has a hard time fitting the cord comfortably and closing easily.

The other is a cheap HF unit. One of their $10 specials. Single speed, hex key blade change, the basics. This thing only comes out for the dirty jobs, and every time it reminds me why I have a nice one. However, it has earned a spot in my workshop simply for being there for grout removal, sanding and other uses where it will inhale a lot of dust, and I don't mind if I kill a $10 tool vs $200+. Had one die thru abuse, and bought another for the exact same reason.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have a craftsman 12v. When you can use them, it can really make life easier.. Run times on mine are not very impressive.. I'd get a corded if I didn't already get this one as a gift.

 

[CTyankee]

I've had a chance to use a few different ones in the construction field. My 2 cents.

Fein. Still the standard, impossible to kill.

Rockwell..Best bang for the buck, with all the features.

Harbor freight...What I use regularly. Does the job, no frills, less durable than the others.

Depends on how much you want to spend and how much and heavy use it's going to get. My boss would have burned up my HF years ago the way he leans on his Fein.(he's had it 10+ years)

I found the Rockwell to be quite impressive. It would be my choice if I was going to spend more than 20 bucks for one.

Never used a cordless, so I can't comment.

 

[jd_1138]

When I was in the Ryobi One+ system, I had a cordless oscillating multi-tool. It was nice and did the trick. Then I sold all my Ryobi stuff to a friend and went DeWalt.

I didn't see myself buying a DeWalt multi-tool anytime soon, so I bought a $28 Ryobi corded one at HD. It works great -- powerful, adjustable speed.

Definitely get one. You'll love it. I used my corded Ryobi one just yesterday to cut some PVC drains in the basement to fix the bathtub drain. Went through like butter. Definitely get some decent blades and sanding discs -- the el cheapo ones ****.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-2-Amp-Multi-Tool-MT100GBF/205336128

It's actually $10 less than the HF variable speed one. Some of the stuff that a multi-tool can do can also be done with other tools (like a sawzall), but the multi-tool is lighter, safer, and more precise. I used it on my recent shed overhaul, used it to replace the back door, etc..

 

[Mustang1167]

I have a ryobi jobplus multitool. Works well. I was already invested in ryobi tools when I bought it. The heads interchange with the ridgid platform.

 

[jd_1138]

I have a ryobi jobplus multitool. Works well. I was already invested in ryobi tools when I bought it. The heads interchange with the ridgid platform.

Yeah there are a lot of those Job Plus/Job Max attachments -- right angle drill, hammer, recip saw, jigsaw/sabre saw, etc.. But they're kinda pricey at about $50-$60 a pop. For that price, may as well just get the full size tool for the same price or just a little more, because they're beefier than the Job Plus/Job Max attachments. I guess the main advantage of the Job Plus/Max stuff is it'd take up less room in a tool bag.

 

[RStewart]

Thanks all. Corded should work for me. I'll look into Rockwell. Sounds reasonably priced with vari speed and accessories.

 

[the gypsy]

I have the Canadian equivalent of Harbor Freight. which is the King multitool. All I would like to say is that I prefer the King to the Dremel. The Dremel heats up very fast and stays hot for a long time. Meanwhile you can work the King longer before it heats up and never did it get as hot as the Dremel.

 

[the gypsy]

I also want to point out that I got the Original Fein before the onslaught of the Oscillating Multi tools hit the market. That thing can work day and night and never gets hot, maybe warm but never hot. But it is not in the same price range at all. Often I ask myself, Would I buy another Fein. It will have to be heavily discounted for me to consider it as there are many Multi tools in the mid price range that are as good or better (corded and cordless).

 

[FigureItOut]

I've had the Dewalt 20V, the M18, Bosch 12 volt and a corded Sonicrafter. By far my favorite was the Dewalt. The ergonomics were nice, I liked the variable speed trigger, and the blade change system was the best. I'd still have one even though I don't have other Dewalt cordless anymore, except that the huge drawback is the blade mount pattern is the same as virtually everyone else uses. So if you want to take advantage of the tool-less blade change, you were limited to Dewalt blades, which are garbage.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

 

[RStewart]

Thank you all. Keep the real life job experience coming.

 

[Jmonnty]

I have a Fein, and have used the Rockwell.
The Fein is a finely made tool, runs forever without getting hot and the vibration on user end is barely noticeable.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I finally picked up a Milwaukee M12 version for some drywall cutting about half a year ago, and I don't know how I lived without it for so long (using razor blades, LOTS of razor blades). Works great with every task it's been put to.

 

[jd_1138]

I finally picked up a Milwaukee M12 version for some drywall cutting about half a year ago, and I don't know how I lived without it for so long (using razor blades, LOTS of razor blades). Works great with every task it's been put to.

Yeppers. The multi-tool is a tool that a lot of people don't have, but once they get one they love it. I am going to use mine tomorrow to sand the old paint off the engine shroud on an old 4 stroke single cylinder engine I bought, so I can repaint it. It's easier to manage/hold than a regular power sander because the blade goes side to side, so the tool doesn't try to take off on you like a regular sander would do.

 

[fourjeepin]

Ridged corded was my first. I received it as a gift and had no idea how great a tool it would be. My only complaint is it requires a too, to change the blade. I added the cordless Ridgid this past year. It is my go to as it is rare for me to need it for more than a coupl of mins.

 

[Todd.Brock]

For as little as I use them, the HF has done the trick. Noise and vibration aside, I wish I had a tool-less blade change option. Something about cake and eating it, I suppose.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: i love my Fein that i picked up off Craigslist about 5 years ago with several blades. if you put in the right blade for the job it can run for hours. just be careful if you have elbow issues if you run it that long either cutting out grout or some job cause it will make your elbow pretty sore.

i just cut some 3/4 inch thick rubber horse and 1.5 inch thick rubber gym mats with maybe not even the correct blade on my Fein and it worked great.

i also have a Ryobi 18v that only has one blade that if i can find more blades for it might come in handy on quick jobs.

if you check the thread Tools of the old World and here's the link there are a few posts about Fein and videos on it and i was impressed at the improvements on the new fein so if price comes down or mine ever gives up the ship i'll probably buy a new one.

here's the link to the Tools of the old World thread for more information on Fein and other tools.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952

 

[red94chev]

I have the Grizzly corded one with a few different blades. It's proved itself pretty dang useful.

 

[MoonRise]

Cheap?

HF single speed corded version. Noisy, have to use (and not lose ) a hex key to change blades, vibrates like crazy. And it's noisy.

But for $10 or so, on 'sale', it's hard to beat.

But want a 'real' OMT? At the ~$200+ price point? The newest Bosch or Fein with the Starlock blade system. Smoother, and quieter, and more powerful, and multi-speed, and better feel (to my hand anyway). And quieter.

YMMV.

 

[Monte]

If you use a multi tool often i would take the Fein.The only tool with very little vibration and it´s also not as loud as the others. The starlock system is awesome too !

 

[shawhite]

I went with the new Bosch 40gop. The couple times I have used it so far I have been pleased. I too like the starloc system the fein and Bosch are using

 

[Cope]

I have the Porter-Cable, my son-in-law has the HF, and a friend bought the Rockwell. All three have been used a bit trimming door framing for ;laminate flooring, and all three worked well. I suspect the P-C and Rockwell will out last the HF, but so far it has been a bargain.

 

[Master Caution]

I got a Porter Cable corded version a couple years ago during a Black Friday sale. I found it is great for small projects and tight areas. It works when no other power tool can get in to do the job; very impressed with its versatility thus far.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I recently bought a DeWalt corded cutting tool. I slightly wish I would've just bought the cordless one for in field use. Which would just be with the metal cutting blades. But I'll settle for the corded version for now. It works well. I haven't used it much but I'm satisfied with it. Especially because DeWalt seems to have a lot of options as far as blades and what not. I'd say it's a good buy. Although I may sometime in the future purchase the 20v cordless one as well. I don't care for a cord in the way.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Speed-Racer]

I have the Fein FMM 350Q, have used(abused) it for hardwood flooring installation. Undercutting the baseboards and replacing sub-flooring. It is a great tool and I would purchase again. Quality long power cord, you don't need extension cords with it, very controllable and low vibration.
Think its loud, so if the other brands are louder watch out. You can eat thru blades, but it does jobs that other tools cannot. Amazon has good prices and my Home Depot now sells this model.

 

[HCNDM]

I have the Fein FMM 350Q, have used(abused) it for hardwood flooring installation. Undercutting the baseboards and replacing sub-flooring. It is a great tool and I would purchase again. Quality long power cord, you don't need extension cords with it, very controllable and low vibration.
Think its loud, so if the other brands are louder watch out. You can eat thru blades, but it does jobs that other tools cannot. Amazon has good prices and my Home Depot now sells this model.

Second the fein 350q. I dont know how I could have renovated my house without it.

In terms of vibration performance and sound it also beats the cordless lxt Makita handsdown. Not that the Makita is a bad machine the fein is just that much better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jd_1138]

Cheap?

HF single speed corded version. Noisy, have to use (and not lose ) a hex key to change blades, vibrates like crazy. And it's noisy.

But for $10 or so, on 'sale', it's hard to beat.

But want a 'real' OMT? At the ~$200+ price point? The newest Bosch or Fein with the Starlock blade system. Smoother, and quieter, and more powerful, and multi-speed, and better feel (to my hand anyway). And quieter.

YMMV.

There exist a lot of different OMT's between those 2 extremes -- Porter-Cable, Ryobi, Rockwell, DeWalt, Makita, Ridgid, Dremel, etc.. I'd stay away from the fancy $200 ones unless you're a pro and stay away from the HF one unless you're having to eat ramen noodles every night.

It's like when someone asks for a torque wrench recommendation, and half the recommendations are for HF $10 ones and the other half are for Snap-On/Mac -- ignoring all the Tekton, Craftsman Pro, SK, etc..

 

[Davefr]

There exist a lot of different OMT's between those 2 extremes -- Porter-Cable, Ryobi, Rockwell, DeWalt, Makita, Ridgid, Dremel, etc.. I'd stay away from the fancy $200 ones unless you're a pro and stay away from the HF one unless you're having to eat ramen noodles every night.

So where's the "sweet spot" in the $50-100 range?

 

[RStewart]

Thanks to all. Don't want this to turn into a slugfest. I'll hit Lowe's and depot and pick one with all your valuable input. Nothing like real life experience. Thanks again. I'll report back tomorrow.

 

[bczygan]

Would you guys just stop posting threads about wonderful and useful tools ...

I went to HF and promised myself I would only LOOK at them...

Bill

 

[lbhsbz]

I have a fein and I've used the HF...the fein is far superior.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I recently tried to buy the Bosch because of the good reviews. It said Lowes had them on line in stock but when I went there they did not have the Bosch. I needed it for a job the next day so I ended up getting the Rockwell. It is very nice compared to the Master Mechanic cheapo one I had previously that stopped oscillating. It just makes noise. But the Rockwell works much better and also had good reviews. I used it for 1 1/4" inch oak flooring and had no issues with it at all. The Master Mechanic would struggle quite a lot which is why it probably no longer works.

 

[toyotadriver]

I have the variable speed HF. I'm sure others are better but this is a tool I rarely use. But, when I need it, nothing else will do. I've been very happy with mine.

 

[stg454]

Fein is the best I've ever used. Very user friendly.

 

[nh_yota]

I've had the Bosch for a few years now and it really comes in handy. I only use it maybe once or twice a year, but it's one of those tools that can really save your *** and then you're thankful that you have it. I use it mostly for cutting trim and cabinets, and for when I need just a little bit more clearance and need to trim something in a tight space.

I chose the Bosch because I've never had a Bosch tool that I didn't like, and because the parts/attachments are available everywhere. The Fein is nice but a little too expensive for occasional use.

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

I got the P-C a few years ago when Lowe's had a sale on them for $49.00. I also have the cheapie HF too, and a Rockwell SoniCrafter F50 I picked up off of Craigslist for cheap. The P-C is nice and works, The Rockwell is nice and works, the HF works but is loud! If I had to do it all over again, I'd scour Craigslist for a Rockwell Sonicrafter.

 

[engineer2]

I like my Rockwell because it takes any brand of attachment.

 

[jd_1138]

I got the P-C a few years ago when Lowe's had a sale on them for $49.00. I also have the cheapie HF too, and a Rockwell SoniCrafter F50 I picked up off of Craigslist for cheap. The P-C is nice and works, The Rockwell is nice and works, the HF works but is loud! If I had to do it all over again, I'd scour Craigslist for a Rockwell Sonicrafter.

CPO has them for about $100

http://www.cpooutlets.com/rockwell-rk5141k-4-amp-sonicrafter-34-piece-kit/rkwnrk5141k,default,pd.html

Or the more basic Rockwell for $41 at Amazon. This might be the best bang for the buck. I probably should've gotten this instead of the $30 Ryobi, but the Ryobi has been great so far.

https://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-SS5121-2-5A-Sonictool-6-Piece/dp/B00KQOMUAS

CPO has it for 3 bucks more.