Recommended Multi-tool Metal Cutting Blade

[Greatwhitewing]

I have a Dewalt Lion multi-tool.

I read some reviews and the Bosch OSC114C rates high but is discontinued from a 2014 review on toolguyd.com

The Dewalt actually rated poorly. Amazon reviews of metal blades also seem to have a lot of negative reviews.

I was also have trouble finding a reliable source for Bosch blades if they are the best.

What's a good choice to have in the bag for when I need to cut metal?

Thanks

 

[ishiboo]

What's your location? The Bosch OSC114C's are stocked at every Home Depot in the US and available for shipping.

 

[Trey T]

Look for blade with carbide. With multi-tool, using anything less than carbide will dull really fast; I know this because I have several blade that got so dulled that it became a nice scraper.

Keep in mind that multi-tool is not meant to replace such tools as reciprocating or band saw. They're designed to reach into a space that no other tools can do, that's it. Multi-tool, when cutting (not sanding), should only be used sparingly- like never- during a project.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

What's your location? The Bosch OSC114C's are stocked at every Home Depot in the US and available for shipping.

I am in Central MA. I'll check them out

 

[Greatwhitewing]

Look for blade with carbide. With multi-tool, using anything less than carbide will dull really fast; I know this because I have several blade that got so dulled that it became a nice scraper.

Keep in mind that multi-tool is not meant to replace such tools as reciprocating or band saw. They're designed to reach into a space that no other tools can do, that's it. Multi-tool, when cutting (not sanding), should only be used sparingly- like never- during a project.

I understand the very part time nature of using a multi-tool for metal cutting. Just don't want to buy a blade for every small job.

 

[Trey T]

I understand the very part time nature of using a multi-tool for metal cutting. Just don't want to buy a blade for every small job.

For what it's worth..... Here's my take on the tool (not to be personal):

Generally, I believe that a job can be completed with high standards w/o having to use multi-tool. The tool is to aid our process or workflow, not to change them or take short-cuts. That's the danger of the invention of this tool, it prevent people from using their brain to become a true craftsman.

 

[the gypsy]

I think you are over-simplifying things. A multitool has its' place like any other tool in the toolbox. I use mine if I want to cut into drywall as I hate to use a sawzall on a wall with electrical wires running in it or anything of the sort, confined spaces as you mentioned and other uses. But I must agree with you I will not be ripping or cross cutting any material no matter how thin it is.

 

[ishiboo]

For what it's worth..... Here's my take on the tool (not to be personal):

Generally, I believe that a job can be completed with high standards w/o having to use multi-tool. The tool is to aid our process or workflow, not to change them or take short-cuts. That's the danger of the invention of this tool, it prevent people from using their brain to become a true craftsman.

More or less, but I've found quite a few cases where the multi-tool is the best option... especially when it comes to remodeling. Being able to flush cut/plunge cut with precision comes in handy sometimes. The last time I used mine was to make some plunge cuts in vinyl siding... in the cold here in Wisconsin in winter vinyl siding tends to crack into a thousand bits and pieces if you use the "correct" methods.

I had to cut up a bunch of wire shelving in precision form, which uses thin steel welded wires. I have a lot of metalworking tools for cutting including several metal cutting circular saws, portable bandsaw, plasma cutter, etc... but the best option turned out to be the oscillating tool for keeping the remaining steel wire straight and unbent, and having flush cuts which weren't sharp like bolt cutters or diagonal pliers would do.

They definitely come in handy... and I've never owned any but I will pick some carbide blades up for next time I have to do a task.