Best Oscillating Tool?

I'm sticking with the Fein MultiMaster since it has a dust pickup that is compatible with the CT22's 27mm hose.  Those little rascals can sling a cloud of dust, so any abatement is quite welcome. 

[smile]
 
Frank Pellow said:
See http://www.milwaukeetool.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=2426-22&CategoryName=SC%3a+M12+Cordless+System&cm_mmc=ExactTarget-_-HD+New+11.09.10-_-25190417-_-Hero%3a+Learn+More

Iwas tempted to purchase the Bosch vsariation but was put off by the very short battery life reported by just about every review that I read.  I hope that Milwaukee has done a better job.  If I hear good reports, I will probably purchase one.
Click to expand...

Bosch has gone corded too with the GOP 250 CE. The prices for this tool and it's accessories are much more reasonable than for the MM. I think I'm gonna get this one.

[attachimg=#]
 
A word of caution based on what Sparky said, these things do throw a fair amount of dust. I don't have an MM. Just don't use it enough to buy one. A buddy has one I can use the couple times a year I need it. Even though the MM cost is high I would buy it rather than one without DC. I've used his with and without DC hooked up. Working in someone's kitchen or bath, the DC is a real time saver. Just a thought.
 
Alex said:
Bosch has gone corded too with the GOP 250 CE. The prices for this tool and it's accessories are much more reasonable than for the MM. I think I'm gonna get this one.

[attachimg=#]
Click to expand...

That's good to know Alex and it gives me another possiblity.  I think that I would be happier with a corded variation of this tool.
 
jujigatame said:
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.
Click to expand...
I have the Jobmax as well and for the money, I love it.  I paid $134 (Canadian) for the set with 2 batteries, charger, drill, ratchet head, and driver and little tool bag.  Oddly, I can't find the multi-tool head in store.  It seems you need to order this online.  I was installing a cyclone and breaking down a tablesaw the past weekend and found the ratchet head to be very handy.
 
Not too long ago, Fein introduced a cordless variation of the MM as well, which should have significant better battery life then the Bosch cordless, judging by the size of the battery.
I must however say that ( at least in my hands ) the balance felt way off, way to much to the back.
And since this is a reciprocating tool with a lot of vibrations inherent to the concept, I think the mass should be centered as much foreward as possible.

I was not enticed to buy one, but I am a VERY content MM user, and will probably buy a Fein SuperCut as well, somewhere next year as budget allows.
As long as you don't think it's a delta-sander ( I have a full delta sanding set with it - not impressed - just my opinion ) you can hardly go wrong with this machine.
You don't need it often, but when you do, you certainly don't want to be without it.
Dust collection is so-so at best, but then again, I compare it to Festools. At least there IS dust collection, and for an add-on it functions admirably, I guess.

We hardly see any Milwaukee tools over here in mainland Europe, but what I have seen, certainly made a decent impression so I think it´s a safe bet this Milwaukee tool will perform.
OTOH: Fein´s MM is tried, tested and proven millions of times in the workfield, and most guys I know that have one, wouldn´t want to miss them for it has a tendency to get you out of awkward spots, and has proven to be very reliable.

I haven't even the foggiest idea about pricing of Fein's MM in the US, let alone in relation to the Milwaukee tool, but I thought the Fein MM ( I purchased the "Top" set, full accessories in a decent Fein carryingg case ) was actually quite affordable. It's the consumeables that break your back..... [crying]

Regards,

Job
 
jvsteenb said:
Not too long ago, Fein introduced a cordless variation of the MM as well, which should have significant better battery life then the Bosch cordless, judging by the size of the battery.
I must however say that ( at least in my hands ) the balance felt way off, way to much to the back.
And since this is a reciprocating tool with a lot of vibrations inherent to the concept, I think the mass should be centered as much foreward as possible.
Click to expand...
Job,
The recently introduced cordless fein is a supercut
AFSC_18.jpg

There's also a cordless version of the multimaster, but that has been available for quite some time now
101675.jpg
I read some very negative experiences with the cordless multimaster on the jlc forums.

(It could also be they introduced a new cordless multimaster aswell, but sofar I have only seen the supercut advertised)

As for the balance, I haven't held the new cordless version, but I have 2 corded supercuts; both are the fsc 2.O model, but the newer one has the quick-in keyless bladechange. The newer one is heavier in the front due to the keyless bladechange mechanism, and I prefer the balance of the older one. (but the convenience of not needing the allen key every time I change the angle of the blade makes the new one my go to tool).
On the older model I had installed a festool plugit pigtail, but I removed that later because it changed the balance and made it less comfortable to use; so for me, I prefer balance over weight to the front or back.
 
I found it interesting that I started this thread originally back on Sept. 3rd and here it pops up again today - same day that I received my slightly used Fein Multimaster FMM250Q. 
 
Corey,

You will learn to love and rely on your "new to you" tool.

Peter
 
I really like the concept of these tools and if I were a contractor I would own one in a heartbeat but try as I may I can't think of a purpose for my using one.  I'm quite sure that after owning one for a couple of years it would still only have been used for some "test cuts".  I even thought perhaps it would be useful with the sanding pad but I understand from MM owners there are far better Festool choices for even that.  I'm looking forward to finding an occasional purpose so i can then be perplexed as to which one to buy.  [unsure]
 
Ron

I've had a multimaster for maybe 10 years.  It's amazing how many ways I have found to use it:

- undercutting nails when replacing a window sash that had rotted
- cutting out and replacing a threshhold on a door
- cutting in electrical boxes into drywall and even plaster lath
- sanding when painting or finish sanding the inside corners of boxes and drawers
- tile gout removing
- removal of caulk on the bathtub where it joins the wall
- and many more

It's a very versatile tool - one that I use a lot more than you would think.  It is great for remodeling which I did 12 years ago on my home.  But i still use it for occasional repairs and builds.

neil
 
neilc said:
Ron

I've had a multimaster for maybe 10 years.  It's amazing how many ways I have found to use it:

- undercutting nails when replacing a window sash that had rotted
- cutting out and replacing a threshhold on a door
- cutting in electrical boxes into drywall and even plaster lath
- sanding when painting or finish sanding the inside corners of boxes and drawers
- tile gout removing
- removal of caulk on the bathtub where it joins the wall
- and many more

It's a very versatile tool - one that I use a lot more than you would think.  It is great for remodeling which I did 12 years ago on my home.  But i still use it for occasional repairs and builds.

neil
Click to expand...

Neil,

Maybe we should start a thread on ways we have used our MM. 

I used to use a hacksaw to cut piano hinges to size.  Now I use my MM and smooth out the rough edges with the rasp.  Like butta!

I also made a toy forklift for my Grandson.  I used the triangle sander to shape the fenders and other small details.  I did not have my Deltex then.

I made a shoe rack for my wife.  I used the MM to make cutouts to get it to fit around the base molding in the closet.

Neill
 
The best value may be the Harbor Freight.  I've had mine for about a year and it's an adequate tool.  Paid $41 including the two year replacement warranty.  There are a number of pretty decent third party universal blades.  My Festool dealer stocks a pretty good one.
 
Woodcraft is now carrying a line of third party manufacturer blades for the Multimaster.  Significantly less expensive.  I tried to pick some up locally but they sold out quickly.

Peter

EDIT:  Here is a linkImperial Blades

[attachimg=#]

 
Peter [thanks] for the info and link for the blades.  My woodcraft store is on the other side of towm so I dont get over there often so I was unaware that hey got smart and started carring a lower cost replacement blade.  I unfortunatly go through a few blades a week cutting shims when I hang my exterior doors and down here in FL most homes are made with block or concrete walls so every now and then i accidently hit or nick the block while cutting the shims and well you know the rest.  A bunch of ?#*!@ to myself and off to the truck for a new blade. 

My 2 cents on Oscillating Tools.........I own the origional Fien Multimaster and  tell you thet thing is build like a tank. You cant ask for a more versitile or better built tool.  Hands down my pick for the best oscillating tool..  I also own a Rigid 12V cordless one as well that I use dialy to cut shims on the exterior doors I install.  As far a cordless goes it would be a toss up for me as to Rigid or Bosch.  I know Rigid is less expensive (thats why I bought it) and seams to be holding up fairly well.  I have been using it daily for over 6 months now and no issues.  The Rigid has the removable head so you can interchange it with other attachments such as palm nail attachment, sander, cutter, and others.  Anyway thats my 2 cents so everyone have a good day and I will see you on the forum!  [thumbs up]

Troy B
 
Chris,
Thank you for the link to imperial blades. Just bought the Fein MM for a job at the house. After spending 2 days worth of work re-ducting our bathroom with 24 feet of 6 inch duct in a 7.5 inch ceiling, through a obstacle course of the most bizarre framing I have seen it has paid for itself many time over. But those blade are expensive! and not as resistant to nails as shown.

The major frustration during the job was not having the T15 with the right angle chuck and the eccentric chuck. My old Panasonic does a beautiful job but is bulky and heavy when you are working in a ceiling all day. I saved 900 dollars by doing this job myself including the cost of the Fein. I am debating if one can justify a new tool after the job is done [wink]
.

Bruce
 
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