Best Oscillating Tool?

[lumbajac]

I'm look for the best, most bang for my buck, oscillating tool.  Several out there now from the original Fein Multimaster to Rockwell to Rigid.  Looking for professional grade.  What do you guys recommend?

 

[nickao]

Fein

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I second that!  I'm on my second model, when they came out with the new version, had to have it.  The company even repaired my old one for free long out of warranty.  I just had to pay shipping to Pittsburgh.  They paid the return.

 

[Neill]

If you are a Festool user you appreciate the best tools, regardless of price.  To me, it's the Multimaster.  They also make some awfully good vacuums.  The old Turbo II was my favorite before I purchased my CT-22.

It has been said that Festool will not make a product unless they feel they can make the best.  I think that Fein is so good that Festool has not even tried to compete with them in this market.

As far as bang for the buck, take into account longevity.  Fein has the track record that others cannot equal.

Neill

 

[stvrowe]

Fein.  Stopped by their booth at the IWF and they had competitions between the Fein and its competitors.  It was quite amusing at times and one guy shouted out "Whatever you do, don't buy the Dre...." when it wouldn't even cut more than 3/4" into a piece of hardwood flooring.

 

[lumbajac]

Looks like I'll be purchasing a Fein Multimaster.

Thanks all.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Go for the variable speed model.

 

[Kevin D.]

Fein variable speed.  I'm just a home hobbiest who also likes to do my own renos, and although years ago, I reluctantly paid the price for the Fein, I really am glad I did.  You have no idea how often you'll reach for it.  It is just an amazing tool.

Note that also there are not only the standard Fein with or without variable speed, but also a professional grade model available as well which is well over double the price.  It is called the Supercut.

http://www.acetoolonline.com/Fein-Power-Tools-s/8351.htm

Fein Multimaster Brochure here:

http://www.fein.de/media/corp/documents/FEIN_MultiMaster_us.pdf

Supercut Brochure here:

http://www.fein.de/media/corp/documents/FEIN_FSC20_Construction_US.pdf

Also, just so you know, I had originally waited about two years before buying mine, looking out for them to go on sale.  They never do!  Then again, that was before the patent expired.  I have the older style that you have to wrench tighten to attachments to, rather than the newer quick clasp mechanism.  So look out if you are contemplating buying a used one.  The newer model is preferred imo.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Kevin,

The Fein Supercut is not a professional version of the Multimaster.  The two are made for different uses.  The Supercut is larger and heavier and specifically made for flooring installers, while the Multimaster, like the name says, handles a wide variety of tasks.  This information was given to me by their engineers when I originally was in the market for one pondering over which model to choose.

 

[ossietim]

Also the best and cheapest blade are available from http://www.imperialblades.com/         ( as far as i know the owner David Zielke  used to work for fein)

Supercut = 2degrees of cut from centre -400watts

Multimaster=1.6 degrees of cut-180watts

 

[Kevin D.]

Kevin,

The Fein Supercut is not a professional version of the Multimaster.  The two are made for different uses.  The Supercut is larger and heavier and specifically made for flooring installers, while the Multimaster, like the name says, handles a wide variety of tasks.  This information was given to me by their engineers when I originally was in the market for one pondering over which model to choose.

Did not know that.  Thanks!

 

[Kodi Crescent]

I believe the Supercut is the professional version of the Multimaster.  I was recently in the market for an oscillating tool, and the Supercut is available in carpenter, flooring, and tile installer kits.  The Supercut has a more powerful motor, and it has a wider degree of oscillation.  Its also twice the price though.

The Multimaster does go on sale occasionally.  I believe the Top kit with case and all that stuff is about $360 now.  Its just never on sale when you or I buy it.  I paid $400 for mine, only to see it go on sale about 6 months later.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

When I realized that someone had permanently borrowed my MM (old style) I bought the Dremel in a pinch and it sucks.

I want to get a supercut, the regular one is too slow in imo. 

 

[Kevin D.]

The Multimaster does go on sale occasionally.  I believe the Top kit with case and all that stuff is about $360 now.  Its just never on sale when you or I buy it.  I paid $400 for mine, only to see it go on sale about 6 months later.

I bought my Top kit at a woodworking show for $379, 6 or 7 years ago.  In Canada, the retailers for Fein Multimasters are few and far between.  Only since the last 2 years is there a retailer within a reasonable drive for MM supplies.  I had bugged that retailer for years that his company should carry this line.  He kept not really showing much interest in doing so, but they did, he said they were flying off the shelf.  He was genuinely surprised that folks would pay that much for this type of tool.  Too many folks in my opinion are used to big box store cheapo tool prices, or so that's what he had thought himself.

 

[chrisrosenb]

When I realized that someone had permanently borrowed my MM (old style) I bought the Dremel in a pinch and it sucks.

I want to get a supercut, the regular one is too slow in imo. 

Darcy,
I owned a Fein Multimaster for 15 or more years & only used it a couple of times. I just did not like it. It was one that had the blade held on by an allen screw.
I remember that the blade would not stay tight & it just did not cut very good.
A few months ago I got a deal on a Fein MultiMaster FMM 250Q Top. This thing is great. I now use it more than a reciprocating saw.
 

 

[Dan Clark]

Fein Multimaster Top Kit. Most of the time you'll wonder why you spent so much for that thing. Until you need it, that is. Then it is be worth every penny.

Dan.

 

[Eli]

No comparison. It fills a niche. Today I cut jamb for tile. Last week I trimmed a corner of subfloor. The week before I shaved a stud for a jamb install. I've cut cornice, fixed LX box holes, anytime you need to trim back drywall or plaster. It's irreplaceable when you need it. Usually it comes out, aces one tiny job, and goes back in the case. But that one little job could take you an hour with a boxful of other tools.

 

[windmill man]

If you are a pro, the supercut is the way to go. Tough as nails loads of power, heavy industrial quality. It may be twice the price but it 10 times the machine.

John

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Mine was the old allen head bolt that held the blade on.

I got it second hand.

I will save my pennys and get the supercut sometime.

 

[erikfsn]

I much prefer my Fein Supercut to one of my coworker's Multimaster. The Multimaster struggles through cuts that the Supercut sails through.