Oscillating flush cut saw. Which is best value?

[Musicinabottle]

I'm looking at buying an oscillating flush cutter tool and was wondering which is the best value. Also, I hate buying Chinese made things. Rubs me the wrong way and as a matter of principle, I'd pay more to buy non Chinese so are there any out there that are NOT made in china, even if I have to buy an older unit. Advice?

 

[CNGsaves]

Top of list . . . . Fein

Bottom of list . . . . Harbor Freight from $5 to $25 !!

Other GJer's will fill in the middle.

 

[beakie]

define best value.
will you use it often, for extended periods of time? the Fein would be worth the extra $$
using it for trimming your casing after new floors, a flush trim hand saw or a HF cheapo will suffice, regardless COI.

determine what you want it for, how often you will use it. $300 for a tool you use often for 10years is pennies per use.

 

[bob15]

See if Zoro Tools has and 20-30% off coupons and buy the German-made Fein. It is well worth it.

 

[dutchgray]

Fein or Bosch, my Bosch cordless is made in Malaysia, Fein are German. Those are the best IMO, they have a blade fixing standard now and I wouldn't bet against that becoming the dominant standard in time.

 

[LB-1911]

I'm looking at buying an oscillating flush cutter tool and was wondering which is the best value. Also, I hate buying Chinese made things. Rubs me the wrong way and as a matter of principle, I'd pay more to buy non Chinese so are there any out there that are NOT made in china, even if I have to buy an older unit. Advice?

Going to come down to your personal preference.

Fein or Bosch with Starlock

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Oscillating multitool recommendation
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355189

 

[Badger 13]

I have the corded Bosch and very happy with it. If I was going cordless I would go with Milwaukee since I have M18 tools.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Buy something with a quick release blade. I bought the HF model. It works great, for the 1x -2x EOY I use it. It was 20 bucks. My buddies have used it more than I have.

That said- Fein is nice. I tried the 18v Cordless model from Makita and ended up going electric.

 

[cheechi]

best value is definitely the HF varialble speed model (they also have a single speed model).

You get 99% of the functionality for whatever $20ish minus 20% coupon.

The best tool overall however is the Fein, followed closely by the Bosch. They cost much more but don't give you much more functionality. They both do give you much reduced vibration and nicer fit & finish. I know on my Fein I have an optional depth stop, similar to a hammer drill would have. Not sure what other models come with this, you can get blades that are ruled so you can see the depth, and if you start and stop often you can get pretty close to exact with that method. Takes a pretty steady hand.

Most of the rest aren't 'that much nicer' than the HF to warrant their greater cost.

 

[mv213]

My corded Bosch makes me smile every time I use it. It runs so smoothly. I used it last month to repair a pocket door. It was only the second Bosch tool I've ever bought, the first was a top-handle jigsaw, one of my favorite corded tools.

 

[ddawg16]

I bought the HF variable speed multi-tool about 2 years. I've used the dog **** out of it.....it does things you can't really do with other tools. Best $25 I've spent...

 

[metaldad]

bought a rockwell when menards had a 11% sale.
used a couple times, got into places other saws couldn't

 

[gnpenning]

I started with a Dremel. I bought mine when the patent ran out Dremel was one of the first making them. For occasional use it worked great. I started using it for longer periods of time and the vibration and heat got old. Bought a Fein with quick release. Love the quick release and no vibration or heat for long runs. The physical size is the only problem. The Dremel is much smaller and fits my hand and small spaces better. Nice to have a choice.

Fit the tool to the job.

For occasional and short run use the cheaper ones will be fine. For longer runs time and heavy use pay more.

 

[Grandmaster]

I have the makita with the quick release I have not had any regrets with it.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Thanks guys! As I absolutely will not buy Chinese, I opted for the Fein. Yes, I know it costed way more but worth it and now I got this nice warm fuzzy feeling inside. Ahhhhhh.

 

[cheechi]

I think you'll be happy with your purchase. I love my Fein.

 

[CNGsaves]

Thanks guys! As I absolutely will not buy Chinese, I opted for the Fein. Yes, I know it costed way more but worth it and now I got this nice warm fuzzy feeling inside. Ahhhhhh.

^ ^ Excellent choice OP. Monte will be happy !!

There simply is no substitute for the best. Enjoy.

 

[MarlynOC]

Dremel

 

[R_einan]

I needed a flush cut saw for some trim to convert a couple of closets to bypass doors from bifold. Had a drill and impact set from Milwaukee and bought their m18 multitool. Have used it a couple times and really like it. Was a good buy for $100 in my book since I already had the batteries and charger.

 

[nine4gmc]

I have the Dremel 4.0 amp adjustable speed and it's been the best thing since sliced bread for me...

 

[Musicinabottle]

^ ^ Excellent choice OP. Monte will be happy !!

There simply is no substitute for the best. Enjoy.

You know what they say........... The man who owns a Fein, covets no other man!

 

[MercLSU]

When you say you don't want to buy Chinese, do you mean you want a USA made tool, or just non-Chinese? If it's the latter case, some good options were already posted.

IMO unless you use it every day, or find one for sale locally for cheap with little use...it's hard to beat HF. I used a HF for years until I got an M18 version in trade. But as long as you're not dedicated to cordless and not using it every day, my vote is for HF. That's speaking strictly from a bang for your buck point of view.

 

[Musicinabottle]

When you say you don't want to buy Chinese, do you mean you want a USA made tool, or just non-Chinese? If it's the latter case, some good options were already posted.

IMO unless you use it every day, or find one for sale locally for cheap with little use...it's hard to beat HF. I used a HF for years until I got an M18 version in trade. But as long as you're not dedicated to cordless and not using it every day, my vote is for HF. That's speaking strictly from a bang for your buck point of view.

Non Chinese, The Fein is German made which works for me. I know that I could have bought something cheaper and I'm also aware that Harbor freight makes a fairly good product from examples I've used that other people bought. I also know that many companies such as Makita, whom make their products in China, are equally excellent. It just pisses me off that so many of these companies which are largely American owned, have China build their products instead of Americans, but ship them here to sell to us Americans, so we're not good enough or cheap enough labor wise to build their products, but apparently suitable to buy the stuff. I think that's just wrong and it's a form of economic terrorism. I sometimes will buy products such as the Fein as discussed in this thread because the company at least has the courage to build the product in the same country that they expect to sell it in..... Germany, and so thence pay their people and so I don't have a problem supporting a company that supports its own country and people.

 

[Monte]

^ ^ Excellent choice OP. Monte will be happy !!

There simply is no substitute for the best. Enjoy.

I am . Fein is always a good choice
And for $149.- it´s not too expensive i think (Multitalent)

 

[Musicinabottle]

I am . Fein is always a good choice
And for $149.- it´s not too expensive i think (Multitalent)

I was thinking to myself....how the hell did this Monte guy get his for under 150 bucks but then I saw that you're from Germany so the shipping saved you!

The Doctor I do work for was very impressed with the Fein and asked if he could touch it. I said NO!

 

[rslaback]

If you think that there is a chance you might also have a use for an auto hammer, compact scroll saw, ratchet, close quarter drill or impact you should look at Ridgid's JobMax line.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I've been building since 1982 and I'm amazed that I ever got along without the mighty Fein! These saws are freaken awesome to the core!

 

[rustyjames]

I've got the Fein too, very happy with it. No doubt these saws are a time saver.

 

[Monte]

I was thinking to myself....how the hell did this Monte guy get his for under 150 bucks but then I saw that you're from Germany so the shipping saved you!

The Doctor I do work for was very impressed with the Fein and asked if he could touch it. I said NO!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DRY5VRC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
149.- with free shipping

 

[jd_1138]

I don't have a Fein (but wish I did). I have a Ryobi corded one I got for $35. I love the thing. I just used it 2 days ago to install a new PVC bathtub drain for wife's friend.

It's amazing how many people still don't have a multi-tool. They're great for making intricate cuts and sanding. The pro carpenter I hired to help me lay the new laminate hardwood floor didn't have one. He used mine and fell in love with it.