Best Oscillating Tool?

[AlexThePalex]

Strange discussion this has become. [blink] Nobody in his right mind would call the MultiMaster a hobbyist tool just because there's an even beefier version. It's 100% meant for professionals. Fein is strictly a professional brand and doesn't cater to hobbyists. Most people not in the trade have never heard of Fein. Of course people here have, but this happens to be a meeting place for tool nuts.  [smile]

You've got to be kidding me.  What a ridiculous statement.

Yep, I don't get it either. What's so ridiculous about my statement?

 

[Corwin]

Strange discussion this has become. [blink] Nobody in his right mind would call the MultiMaster a hobbyist tool just because there's an even beefier version. It's 100% meant for professionals. Fein is strictly a professional brand and doesn't cater to hobbyists. Most people not in the trade have never heard of Fein. Of course people here have, but this happens to be a meeting place for tool nuts.  [smile]

You've got to be kidding me.  What a ridiculous statement.

Yep, I don't get it either. What's so ridiculous about my statement?

I find you statements, "It's 100% meant for professionals. Fein is strictly a professional brand and doesn't cater to hobbyists. Most people not in the trade have never heard of Fein." to be ridiculous.  Many people that are not "in the trades" know of Fein and more specifically the MultiMaster.  It has long been advertised to the "do-it-yourselfer" for removing grout from their showers and such, in addition to small cutting tasks and many of the other uses it is capable of for "around the house" usage.  So, as I see it, it has always been marketed to the homeowner.  Actually, before participating on this forum it had never occurred to me that a "professional" would purchase the MultiMaster, as I thought that someone in the trades would have specific tools that would be more capable than the MultiMaster for each task rather than one of these do-it-all type tools.  Obviously, I was mistaken, and "professionals" do in fact find these tools useful from time to time.  But, I still think that your statements that I have quoted above are equally incorrect.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I find you statements, "It's 100% meant for professionals. Fein is strictly a professional brand and doesn't cater to hobbyists. Most people not in the trade have never heard of Fein." to be ridiculous.  Many people that are not "in the trades" know of Fein and more specifically the MultiMaster.  It has long been advertised to the "do-it-yourselfer" for removing grout from their showers and such, in addition to small cutting tasks and many of the other uses it is capable of for "around the house" usage.  So, as I see it, it has always been marketed to the homeowner. 

Well, I can't comment on the situation in America and how this particular machine is marketed there. But I do know what they do here in Holland and Germany. There's absolutely no media presence whatsoever. No advertising in any form other than in professional magazines aimed at a specific trade. No TV coverage whatsoever. I have never seen one single Fein commercial. Same for brands like Festool or Mafell. Their market share is simply too small to justify such advertising costs because their target audience is too small.

I seriously don't understand why you're getting so edgy about this hobbyist vs professional thing, like it's personal. You see, when we talk about professional grade tools it simply means they're built according to certain quality standards. Nothing more. It doesn't mean that if you have a tool from a certain brand that your branded a pro or an amateur, or that pro's are only allowed to get professional tools and hobbyists only hobbyist tools. What it means is that a tool is built to a higher quality standard so that the tool will take more of a beating and last longer. Very often it also means it has a more powerful motor, but not necessarily so.

When we call the Fein MultiMaster a professional tool, it means that it is built to this high quality standard where more expensive, tougher materials are used. You will find this quality difference most prolific in the bearings that are used, the armature, the anchor of the motor and the various accessories you can mount on the tools. Now even when the MM might not have a motor as powerful as its bigger brother the SuperCut, you can rest assured the MM is built to this high quality standard and, as a tool, will last very long under heavy use.

Because Fein builts ALL its tools to this standard.

Of course we all know the MultiMaster is Fein's most well known and successful tool. So it is entirely possible that, even though they didn't do it here where I live, they felt it wise to try to expand their market in America by also advertising the tool towards hobbyists/homeowners. That doesn't mean it is all of a sudden designed and built to the standards we are used of brands that do cater for a large part to hobbyists. I mean brands like B&D, green Bosch and whatever specific brands you have in The States, built and design their tools to a specific price point so it will fit in the budget of the hobbyist. Fein most definitely is not one of those brands. Any usefull version of the MultiMaster for instance starts here at a price of 250 euro and upwards. That's way too high a price for the average hobbyist's budget. But it costs this much because it is built with expensive and durable materials.

And when I talk about Fein as brand, I don't base my judgment merely on just one of their tools. Maybe what you say is true about the MultiMaster, but what about the rest of Fein's catalogue? Do you have any idea what sort of other tools they make? From what I've read here their vacs are very popular in The States, but beyond that? Well, beyond that, Fein makes a lot of very specialist tools only used in some specific trades. Most of Fein's tools wouldn't even be of any interest to hobbyists/home owners. The MultiMaster might be Fein's most successful front runner but they have a large catalogue with all kinds of weird tools most people wouldn't even know what they are for.

Here is their US catalogue. Maybe you should browse it a bit to understand what Fein really for company is and who they cater to.

 

[mouppe]

I have found many professionals here have never even heard of Festool. On the other hand, my brother-in-law who is having his house renovated and is definitely not even a hobbyist woodworker saw one of the contractors using a Fein Multimaster and wants to get one. There is not such a big gap between professionals and hobbysists as some would think.

Woodworking is my hobby but I still want the best tools. This is the FOG for crying out loud. Not everyone here is a professional and I am sure the same goes for Fein owners too. Sure, most of the Fein catalogue is very application-specific but that goes for most of the specialist tool companies, including the dark blue-and-green.

Richard.

 

[Corwin]

Alex,

Nice post.  You are correct about how the MultiMaster and the vacuums are their products that are well known here in the USA, and it is those products on which I based my misguided opinion.  My mistake, I was wrong and I do apologize for my reaction.  

 

[RONWEN]

Here in the U.S. there are a number of do-it-yourself TV programs on Saturdays and as you would imagine a lot of associated advertising.  All Summer long they have been airing a 1/2 hour long commercial for the Multimaster which is hosted by a do-it-yourself type lady demonstrating the functions with both homeowners and contractors involved.  They have successfully made the Multimaster name well known to hobbyists.

 

[Dan Clark]

Hey Dan,

I can remember when someone referred to you as a hobbyist, and you objected, stating that all the remodeling you were doing didn't feel like a hobby.  And I know that you put a lot of consideration into your tool purchases to perform your "hobby" work.  I'm sure you wouldn't chose a poor quality tool because you are "just" a do-it-youselfer.  I'm not sure what point you are attempting to instill upon me with your post above, as I do understand all of those considerations.  But, to be clear, the point of my posts here is that whether labeled a "professional" or "hobbyist" one of the considerations we all make in selecting our tools is for their ability to perform the tasks at hand.  And it is not just the "professional" that needs the bigger, tougher more industrial quality tool as suggested in John's post.

Corwin,

I wasn't disagreeing with your point or saying that a pro needs a bigger, tougher, more industrial tool more that an amateur.  I was simply indicating that a pro has to consider profit when making tool purchase, while an amateur does not. 

Regarding me... While I'm an amateur in my remodeling efforts, I choose better tools based on preference most of the time.  However, there is a profit motive to some extent. 

Unlike most pros, I'm less concerned about buying tools that will work all day, every day.  OTOH, a tool needs to perform it's function well and consistently because I haven't much extra time and energy available.    If it eats into my personal time, that's one thing.  However, if the wrong or poor quality tool wastes so much time that it eats into my professional time, then it's cutting into my income.  At that point, I start acting like a trade professional and my purchase decisions become based more on what is profitable and less on personal preference. 

This was the driving force behind my purchase of a Kapex and getting rid of my Makita LS1016.  I could accept  hassling with the LS1016's runout issue with my first one, but I couldn't accept the runout issue with the second LS1016. Even though I didn't want to spend twice as much to buy a Kapex, I was wasting so much time with the Makita's issues that it cut into my work time.  In other words, I couldn't afford to spend any more time on the Makita and decided that the Kapex was a more cost-effective purchase.  (Yes, I wanted a Kapex.  But "wanting" was not a good enough reason to buy one.  When not having one indirectly affected my income, that was a good reason to buy the Kapex.)

Regarding the Multimaster versus the Supercut, both are high-quality, professional-level tools IMO.  "Professional-level" in this context means that they can produce high quality results when used correctly and can stand up to heavy usage.  It does NOT mean they are meant only for professionals. 

I'm very happy with my Multimaster.  While there have been a few times that I wished that I had a Supercut, but for me it would be overkill.  OTOH, if I was doing enough work where the extra power of the Supercut would make a difference in my income, I'd buy one in a flash.  Simple as that.

Here's an interesting thread on JLC about the MM vs the SC: http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47804 .  Check out post #3, where this fellow mentioned a discussion with a Fein salesman:

The Fein salesman told us that realistically the Supercut is unnecessary for residential construction and the extra power becomes useful for commercial window guys who need to remove those fat butyl caulking beads.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[petiegolfer]

I used my MM last week...it quickly and efficiently allowed me to enlarge some holes in kitchen cabinets to plumb the washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen of our new home.

Inside the cabinet it also shortened the plastic waste pipe for the dishwasher which had been its top left very close to the underside of the work surface cutting an inch off the top allowed the dishwasher waste hose being much more easily fed into the waste pipe. This could not have been done with a reciprocating saw due to the limited access that is always under kitchen sinks!

These type of jobs are done by tradesmen and home owners...that is why the MM is useful to both.

Having the right tool for the job is important for who ever is trying to do something. If you are looking for the best possible results...the best tool will be the one you want...irrespective of your profesional or non professional standing.

Of course the results even from the best tool for the job are down to God given skills and ability wether professional or not!

 

[lumbajac]

Alex said -- "When we call the Fein MultiMaster a professional tool, it means that it is built to this high quality standard where more expensive, tougher materials are used. You will find this quality difference most prolific in the bearings that are used, the armature, the anchor of the motor and the various accessories you can mount on the tools. Now even when the MM might not have a motor as powerful as its bigger brother the SuperCut, you can rest assured the MM is built to this high quality standard and, as a tool, will last very long under heavy use."

As the original poster, I think Alex nailed it as far as answering my original intent in terms searching for an oscillating tool of "professional grade" - where I wanted the best tool for the best value.  Thank you for taking the time Alex for your well thought out post on this subject.

Dan Clark nailed it on the head as well in his description of buying the better tool when the lesser starts cutting into his own time and potential profits (personal and/or professional).  Excellent point Dan - thanks for your well constructed response as well.

It sounds like Corwin is satisfied.  As the OP I am satisfied and will be purchasing the Fein Multimaster at an appropriate time... we can probably move on now to other topics.  May this be the last post regarding this topic unless someone else has something pressing to add.

Thanks.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I think you'll be very happy with your future purchase.

Fein tools are professional level tools.  It's just that with the down swing of the economy, Fein chose to put on these half hour infomercials to the general populus to keep themselves afloat.  I don't see anything wrong with that.  Let them try and get a greater market share.  If Festool decided to do the same, I'm all for it.  Anything to keep these good companys going.

My personal experience with the Multimaster:  I've been using it for exactly 10 years.  Bought the original type with the hex wrench.  I do construction and repair, frame to finish, foundation to roof.  If you were to take away all of my power tools and leave me just one, I'd use hand tools and the Multimaster.  I've had so many instances where it's gotten me out of a jam mostly where time was a constraint or no other tool would get in there.  When the new version with the quick change came out, I grabbed one because it saved me even more time not having to deal with the wrench and turning blades during use.  This is definitely the most useful tool in my large arsenal of tools and I highly recommend it to someone serious about work in their house or others, amatuer or pro.  ...and it doesn't hurt that there's a great company behind it!

Just so we're clear, I don't work for Fein, test tools for Fein or receive compensation from them.  I just appreciate a good dependable tool and company.

Ken

 

[RONWEN]

I think you'll be very happy with your future purchase.

Fein tools are professional level tools.  It's just that with the down swing of the economy, Fein chose to put on these half hour infomercials to the general populus to keep themselves afloat.  I don't see anything wrong with that.  Let them try and get a greater market share.  If Festool decided to do the same, I'm all for it.  Anything to keep these good companys going.

My personal experience with the Multimaster:  I've been using it for exactly 10 years.  Bought the original type with the hex wrench.  I do construction and repair, frame to finish, foundation to roof.  If you were to take away all of my power tools and leave me just one, I'd use hand tools and the Multimaster.  I've had so many instances where it's gotten me out of a jam mostly where time was a constraint or no other tool would get in there.  When the new version with the quick change came out, I grabbed one because it saved me even more time not having to deal with the wrench and turning blades during use.  This is definitely the most useful tool in my large arsenal of tools and I highly recommend it to someone serious about work in their house or others, amatuer or pro.  ...and it doesn't hurt that there's a great company behind it!

Just so we're clear, I don't work for Fein, test tools for Fein or receive compensation from them.  I just appreciate a good dependable tool and company.

Ken

I agree totally, I can't resist watching each time it's on.  I just hope that I don't see them turn up for sale in Wal-Mart.  [eek]  I love their tool & quality but I can't find a purpose for owning one myself.  Maybe I should just bite the bullet & buy one and set it in the middle of the shop -- sooner or later I'll find a purpose.

 

[Kodi Crescent]

Ron - The MM is like a sidearm.  It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

[RONWEN]

Ron - The MM is like a sidearm.  It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Excellent point -- I'll invest that money in a SIG Sauer P229 .40 Caliber  [cool]

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Excellent choice, Ron and when you're having the end of the barrel threaded for your silencer, ask them to make an adapter for the triangular sanding pad and E-cut blades.  Then your 007 sidearm will be complete.  I wouldn't use it with the tile cutting kit as the dust that would get in the barrel could cause a misfire.  [dead horse]

 

[Alaska Ranger]

Marketing Ploy:
Fein .45 - Piecemaker ;D

 

[wnagle]

I use a .40 cal Glock,  a couple of them actually.  They are definitely faster than the Fein MM, bot the pro version and the Hobby version.  Kinda noisy and they leave a little more mess!  [tongue]

 

[RONWEN]

I use a .40 cal Glock,  a couple of them actually.  They are definitely faster than the Fein MM, bot the pro version and the Hobby version.  Kinda noisy and they leave a little more mess!   [tongue]

Do you prefer the Glock to the Sig...(for remodeling)?

 

[Ken Nagrod]

What happened to the good ol' days when you'd just jump out of a tree on your target, take his woman and his tools?   [smile]

 

[wnagle]

You can have the woman,  I got the Glock to protect the tools!

 

[jujigatame]

Just another point of view...

I have the Ridgid 12 volt Jobmax, and I love it.

I'm quite sure it is not as powerful as a MM, probably not even close, but I have used it to cut copper pipe, PVC pipe, wood trim and moldings, grout, and a few other things and it works fine... no pun intended.

I don't use it every day, and if I did, I'd probably want a MM.  But it was a kit with a 90 degree drill, a ratchet head, a 90 degree impact driver, and the multi tool for under $200 total.  For use every now and then, it is great.

Add in the lifetime warranty and I am very happy with the purchase.