Oscillating tool/saw??

[homebuilt burner]

Who's got one and what do you use it for?? What brands do you like?

I have an upcoming job I think one would be useful for and know nothing about them. Cutting 2x lumber into a blind corner is what I will be needing.

 

[kbs2244]

The two things I use mine for the most is trim sawing when remodeling,
(if you have some right there with a vacuum, you can avoid drop cloths)
and removing the interior partitions in plastic tool boxes when repurposing them.

 

[cgrutt]

I have a Fein supercut and love it. One of my favorite and most versatile tools. Use it for many projects including hardwood floors, tiling, sanding, plumbing, roofing and others. I've even used it to replace double pane glass in aluminum windows. Great tool.

 

[dogdog]

X2 on Fein.... I can use it for hours before it heats up and I feel vibrations on the hand.

Can't speak about others, I know the rockwell / HF I have also used, will do the job but they heats up hot, and vibrations on the hand more....

 

[Boilerhouse]

I just bought a Makita a couple weeks ago to help with some jobs I am doing with our cottage renovation. It has been amazing. The model I got does not have a quick change blade feature but I don't find this to be a big deal. I am currently using Rockwell bi-metal blades because they were convenient to get and fairly inexpensive.

 

[Kaizen]

I have a battery rigid one. My go to tool when doing drywall. Trimwork and things you had to use a chisel for before. It broke the reverse switch after a year. Nice tool but would go for corded. I find the blades ridiculously expensive. You hit one nail and it's garbage.
Did try the hf one. Died pretty quick.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I used a $60.00 Hausmann for several years infrequently. It died and I splurged on a ~$200.00 Rockwell.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/rockwell-f80-4-2a-oscillating-multi-tool-0542317p.html#srp
The Rockwell is a much better saw.

 

[davethorik]

I have a Milwaukee M18 cordless and it has cut hundreds of pieces of trim. After using it over a year my biggest complaints are...you're prone to hit the variable speed dial with your fingers while in use, not a big deal but annoying. Also, battery is angled into base of the tool so you cannot stand it up (you have to pay attention sometimes as the blade gets hot and can melt plastic flooring, standing it up would be nice for this).

I have also used a Dewalt 20v xr brushless quite a bit. It is louder and more annoying than the Milwaukee. The quick blade change is nice although the spring and arm mechanism is bulky and intrusive. The Dewalt will stand up on the battery which is nice. I prefer the Milwaukee's on/off switch to the variable speed trigger on the Dewalt, you can lock it on but only at max setting. Also, after extended runtimes the Dewalt gets very warm in the hand grip area, which the Milwaukee doesn't do. Both vibrate a slight amount.

If you go cordless, get a large battery. These tools kill the common 1.5/2 ah batteries in no time.

 

[gnpenning]

When the patent ran out I bought a dremel. Works good but the vibration and heat got old. I had a chance to pick up a Fein for a great price. Much better unit but a much larger frame. For most things it's not an issue. Last week I had to cut a piece of pvc that was in a culvert. No way the Fein was getting in their. As it was the Dremel barely made it with the blade at a sever angle. Glad I kept it. For everything else the Fein is superior.

 

[va.grouseman]

I have a Bosch and it's one of the handiest tools I have.---Best thing for cutting Plexiglas that I've found.---Every thing else I've tried chips or splits it.---I has a hundred different uses.

 

[Git]

I have two Feins - a corded one (I think it was called a multimaster - it's 10 years old) and a newer cordless Super Cut

With that being said - I am tired of their ******** changing the blade configuration. One blade type has a hole where it goes on the tool, another has a star pattern and now they are coming out with a third (I haven't kept up on it), I think it is called the Starlock. To me it is just a money grab since it is a proprietary type blade

Fein was the original inventor, their patent expired in 2010 and there really isn't a reason to buy Fein (IMO) - especially for the homeowner/DIY enthusiast

Cordless is great - pick the battery platform you want (I have Makita) and go with their version of the tool. It really isn't rocket science or that complicated of a tool

 

[Musicinabottle]

Another Fein owner stumbling into the headlights. I really like mine. They kind of **** for sanding because the center of the plate doesn't move (oscillate) so they aren't very effective.

 

[ddawg16]

I have the HF variable speed model....couldn't pass it up when it went on sale for $19.95

I use the dog **** out of it. It's one of those tools you don't realize how bad you need it until you get it.

Besides doing cuts that nothing else will do.....it is by far the best way to lift up glued down vinyl..........I've used it so much for that I have to keep dressing up the stripping blade for it.

 

[Git]

Ryobi(I think) makes a 99 cent adapter to allow the use of those old Fein and new Fein and all other ******* blades. I think ryobi even built a holder in the handle to hold the adapter when not used. Look at HD for them.

I have the Fein adapter. You have the '99' cents part right. But it was $29.99 and the blades don't really line up right when using it. I will have to check out the Ryobi version - thx

 

[kaymccampbell]

I got about 10 years out of my HF one. It was the cat's pajamas. Then I upgraded to the Dewalt one. What a difference!

 

[trekgod3]

Sonicrafter f80

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a reman Craftsman. It was cheap ($20 ?). Great for sanding in tight spots. Sure wish it had a quick change !

 

[MoonRise]

You could have searched the forum and found at least 2-3 other threads about OMTs.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=342437

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355189

Here is a cut-n-paste of some of what I previously wrote in some other threads about OMTs.

The two 'best' are usually Fein or Bosch, the newest versions with the Starlock system.

Other brands usually work, some better and some not so better.

Lowest price? HF single speed model. It's LOUD, vibrates like crazy, need to use (and not lose) a hex key and two (or three) hands to change blades, not super powerful. On 'sale' (sale or coupon), it's about $10-$20. It works (somewhat). Did I mention that it is LOUD?

But the newest Fein and Bosch Starlock machines have tool-less blade changes (other machines have tool-less blade changes, so that is not the only 'difference' between brands/models), simple and quick and you don't even have to touch the 'old' blade!

And the $#^@@ 'new' (proprietary to Fein and Bosch so far) OMT blade interface works nicely. And there really is no price difference between Fein/Bosch Starlock blades and the previous version (the semi-universal OMT blade interface) Fein/Bosch blades.

And YES, get 'good' blades. **** blades are ****. And 'decent' name-brand blades seem to run about $8-$10 per blade for 'regular' blades (not diamond or carbide grit tile/grout blades). And they do make bi-metal and carbide-tipped OMT Starlock blades

But the biggest benefit (and what makes the newest Fein and Bosch OMTs with the Starlock blades the 'best' IMHO) is how 'smooth' they are. Powerful (for an OMT, they are not a 15 amp circular saw or 11 amp angle grinder, after all) and both companies seem to have really-really worked on vibration reduction (among other things).

Best high-end bang-for-the-buck IMHO? The new Bosch GOP40-30C OMT with StarlockPlus. Variable speed, 4 amp motor, LED light in the nose (not the greatest, but usually 'adequate' in dark/darker areas, nowhere near enough light to work in a shadowed area in bright sunlight though), hard case and a decent assortment of blades. Decently long(ish) power cord (no having to instantly reach for an extension cord). Pretty darn smooth and not overly loud (unlike the HF single speed version!). And the tool-less blade change? Really slick and handy and quick, no touching the (probably HOT) blade you were just using, just flip the blade change lever and the old blade pops right off, let go of the lever and push the new blade onto the nosepiece until it clicks into place, done. Slick. And the motor is soft-start, so it ramps-up in speed instead of instantly going to full speed. Nice for control when starting the tool.

The recent Starlock Feins (250W MultiTalent and 350W MultiMaster) are also very nice, with very good vibration reduction. But a bit more expensive then the (already higher-end) Bosch. And no light in the nose. If that matters to you. YMMV.

Check CPO Tools. They usually have competitive pricing. And despite the name, they also carry/sell new tools as well, not just refurbs.

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.

Bosch GOP40-30xx corded OMT with the new Starlock blades.

The ** varies depending on which kit you get.

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/bos...tools-25337-c/

Or the Fein MultiMaster FMM 350 QSL, again with the Starlock blade interface. Again, different kits available.

https://fein.com/media/datasheet/342759en_us.pdf

https://fein.com/en_us/

https://fein.com/en_us/multi-tools/t...n-multimaster/

Yeah, it's a bit annoying that Fein and Bosch came up with a new OMT blade mount interface. But it works.

And both of the tools I mentioned have a pretty nice tools-less and no-touch blade mount or dismount system. No touching a hot blade to change it, just eject it!

Both the new Fein and Bosch OMT versions are (relatively) quiet (for an OMT, all things considered. Still need hearing protection when using them at full speed, but the Bosch is quiet enough on low speed that it isn't really heard in the next room in the house. At night. ). And they are much smoother operating with less vibration into your hands. Variable speed, and more power than most 'older' versions of OMTs.

For me, the Bosch seems to have a bit more 'value' in the kit than the Fein (Bosch kit at around $200 had most of the blades as the Fein FMM355 QSL TOP kit at ~$350 IIRC).

The Fein felt 'nice' to my hand, the Bosch felt even better. To me.

The Fein release lever is on top of the tool head, the Bosch swings out-n-around the tool head.

Fein 'invented' the OMT.

Fein and Bosch collaborated on the new Starlock (in it's current three different possible configurations) tool-to-attachment interface.

The Bosch GOP40-30 lists 4.0 amps power input, 3.3 lbs, 3 degree tool oscillation, a "ball joint cord swivel", and 8k to 20k opm, among other features/specs.

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/bos...tools-23414-c/

The Fein FMM350QSL lists 350 watts power, 3 lbs, 10k to 19.5k opm, and a 16 ft cord.

An info page about some different OMTs.

http://www.protoolreviews.com/catego...i-oscillating/

 

[dogdog]

I have the Fein adapter. You have the '99' cents part right. But it was $29.99 and the blades don't really line up right when using it. I will have to check out the Ryobi version - thx

Not sure which one I have but it was a multimaster $500 version then... , I bought some time around 2010 or earlier.... and I don't needed any adapter for Craftsman or HF blades.... haven't try other brand blades yet....

I just lift that locking switch... seat the blade... press in that locking pin flat, then lock that switch.... it just seats flat then I am good. I think the newer one have a different mechanism..... when I was checking out their display..

 

[lbhsbz]

I had the original Fein and it was very good. I then tried out a Dewalt brushless 20V unit and immediately bought one due to the true variable speed. The Fein, and others, have an on/off switch with a dial...you can only run it so slow, which is still too fast for certain things.

I use mine for all sorts of stuff...wood and metal. The Fein went too fast for most metal cutting and would eat blades like nuts. The Dewalt, being infinitely variable, can be slowed down so I can cut whatever I want without cooking blades.

One thing I liked and hated about the Fein was the cord...it was long enough that most of the time I didn't need an extension cord, but I always got pissed off wrapping up that long *** cord to stick it back in the drawer.

 

[engineer2]

Rockwell Sonicrafter kit from Menards.
Seems well-built and it's heavy.
Nice long cord.
Will take blades or tools from other manufacturers.

Just used it to cut out old laminate flooring from around a cabinet.
Will be using it in a few weeks to grind out tile grout.

 

[Showkey]

With all the copies and clones..........the market is now full of **** blades, which can make the best tool a POS. Buyer beware. When you buy 10 blades for $10 don't expect too much. I have some FEIN blades that are 15 years old.

 

[dogdog]

no this guy --> lbhsbz is right , the fein does burn through blades like crazy even with their brand..... especially if I "assist" the cutting by force but most of the time it was hitting the nail or other harder embedded objects.

 

[ryan20021982]

I don't have one but just ordered the m12 Milwaukee one for 1 reason and that is I restore toolboxes and to get in to the corners to sand is a pain especially in the older ones that have built in dividers so I got one to get the sander heads down in there. And I only chose Milwaukee because I have a bunch of other tools and batteries already so only need the tool.

 

[dnschmidt]

It depends on how much you use it. If you're using it a lot you've got to go Fein due to the lack of vibration. That's why you're paying so much money for it. If all you're doing is cutting a hole in drywall to install a receptacle any one will do. Sort of like grinders, if you're grinding all day long a Metabo is the only way to go also due to the lack of vibration if you're grinding one weld then HF grinders spin just as fast.

 

[ford33]

I have a corded fein. It is superior to my former Drexel. The fein has less vibration transmitted to the hand and stays cooler. I prefer it.

It will cut near anything and does it well.

 

[larry4406]

I bought a Makita 18v. I have used it for 2 jobs that would have been near impossible without it. Limited access plunge cut then horizontal rip. Worked excellent.

 

[Fretters]

Who's got one and what do you use it for?? What brands do you like?

I have an upcoming job I think one would be useful for and know nothing about them. Cutting 2x lumber into a blind corner is what I will be needing.

Cutting through old window and door frames when taking them out has been my main use. A handsaw will only get you so far when you're removing without risking damaging plaster and (brick|stone)work. The multitools are worth their weight in gold when you need one.

 

[Hutchinsonkw]

I have the porter cable version. I am currently using it to undercut door jams and trim nails behind base boards the prior owner tiled in.
I don't use it often but when you need it it's invaluable.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Probably the most used/versatile tool I have. I use for everything from cutting jambs to stripping finishes. I have the dewalt 20v. I have tried the Milwaukee and I absolutely hate the head angle. There's an odd contour to the Milwaukee that makes it odd to use for straight tight stuff like trying to cut a line between objects. Blades are pricey and they don't last, but the tool itself is very useful.

 

[metaldad]

another for the rockwell.
you live in wisconsin, you have a menards nearby.
11% off ends today.

 

[Showkey]

11% off ends today.

Been saying that for over month..........it's like a continuous 11% lately.

 

[sberry]

The super cheap one isn't much good, the Performax at Menards looks identical to the DeWalt and the others. Only difference is the color plastic.

 

[Scenicruiser]

I have used the same fein for over 20 years, only have used it for cutting out windows. Top notch tool but have not used any of the newer contenders.

 

[homebuilt burner]

Wow, lots of fein fans on here. Thanks guys. I am headed to look at some and wanted some input.

 

[kctyphoon]

It's great for cutting molding that's already installed on the wall for whatever projects come later.

 

[engineer2]

Fein was the original patent holder. It was originally designed for safely cutting off plaster casts. Once the patent expired everyone came out with one.

 

[bert1913]

back in 2008 i bought a fein 250 multimaster for a little over $300 (before their patent expired) the blades were so expensive that i made my own. i used the scraper blade that came with the kit and grinded a fine tooth hand saw blade into usable pieces that i screwed onto the scraper blade.

i replaced wall of the wall to wall carpet in my house with laminate flooring. i used the multimaster to under cut the door jambs so that the thicker flooring would slide underneath it.

 

[frankthezapper]

Yes, for plaster casts we always had DeSouter from England, they were so exotic and magical in that they cut plaster but not skin....... then about 20 years ago!!! started seeing the modern equivalents. Now I have Einhall (German brand from China) and various $20 Chinese copies, corded and battery.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I have the Ridgid job master I think it's called and love it you can exchange the head for a mini sawzall,router,right angle drill,right angle impact, and a jigsaw it works so great an is reversible and has a variable trigger and a light it's nice and small and doesn't vibrate your hand or get hot it cuts like a beast very fast the head clips on tight and has no play mine is the gen4 the gen5 is even nicer and the heads interchange. I'd look into this one for the price each head is only 50 bucks and has a lifetime warranty and replacement on batteries even.