Fein Multimaster Clones...

[Eastbourne Handyman]

I use the Fein MM Q daily.
If I use it I put a new blade in and charge the customer! Where's the problem - it's part of the job costs.
BTW Bosch blades fit the MM Q without any problem.
In fact, when renovating old box sash frames my weapon of choice is to use the 10mm Bosch blade (in preference to the fein blade) to enlarge the existing mortices for new pulleys. I've got the whole Bosch 10.8 series and love 'em all (except the impact driver which is worse than useless) and I will get a naked Bosch/fein copycat as soon as they come in. A boy just can't have enough toys.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I use the Fein MM Q daily.
If I use it I put a new blade in and charge the customer! Where's the problem - it's part of the job costs.

That is fine if you are doing a job for a paying customer, but "the problem" is that a lot of people here are just hobbyists and are using it for jobs around the house. Not everyone can shuffle the cost of blades onto someone else.

To add to the list of Multimaster clones, from the UK I would like to present the Worx Sonic Crafter!

Details are:

250W
Variable speed 11,000 - 20,000rpm.
Oscillating function for multi application with one tool for sawing, cutting and sanding.
Accessories include 1 multi material saw blade, 1 plunge cut wood saw blade, 1 delta sanding plate, 15 sanding sheets.
Soft grip for optimal handling and control.
Carry case included.
Manufacturer's 3 year guarantee.
Exclusions: warranty does not cover professional use.

Price is 69.99 GBP which is US$125.28 at today's exchange rate, or about 54% of the price of the Fein FMM 250Q MultiMaster Basic kit (machine and box only, no accessories).

Forrest

 

[Eastbourne Handyman]

Point taken Forrest. Thank you.

 

[stvrowe]

Does anyone else see the irony in comments about the cost of Fein accessories on the Festool Owners Group??  ;D ;D ;D
BTW - I do think they are pricey.
Steve

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I'm happy with the corded power of my supercut.

I'll second that...

That T-shaped wrench thingy in the picture, is that to fasten the blade nut? (mine has a L-shaped allen key, with a philips head on the other end)

BTW, rumour has it that they're introducing a new one with quick release blade change.

REALLY?? I love my Supercut, but I'd be even more excited about one with the quick-change! I wonder if they could make it to it could quick-change with BOTH Supercut and the Multimaster parts? My boss has a MM, but I'm really hesitant to give up my Supercut....

 

[jaegerhund]

Hey Tom -- I have the Multimaster and like it but I've never used a Supercut --- how would you compare the two?

Thanks,

Justin

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Hi Justin!

I haven't compared the tools side-by-side with identical blades to test for power, but the when I bought it the Supercut was rated at over double the watts of the old Multimaster, and has a hex-shaped cut-out in the blades (versus the round or star-shaped hole in Multimaster) so the blades absolutely won't slip. So, versus the old Multimaster, for me it was a no-brainer. The newer Multimaster draws 250 watts, whereas the Supercut draws closer to 400 watts. The Multimaster is limited to Multimaster blades and pads, whereas the Supercut uses its own blades PLUS has an adapter for the Multimaster accessories. The new Multimaster does have that neat new tool-less blade change though, which works pretty nicely. The biggest hurdle getting into a Supercut is its price tag, roughly $800 these days versus around $300-$400 for a Multimaster. The Multimaster kits tend to come with a nice spread of accessories, including a blade or two, some scrapers, sanding pad, and maybe a profile kit (I think the newer one comes with dust extraction for the sanding?). My Supercut Carpenters kit came with the tool, a variety pack of roughly 10 blades, a Multimaster adapter, and some sanding pads.

So, I'd say if you're a pro and you plan on using the tool to do a lot of cutting, the Supercut is really quite cheap once you factor in the blades. If you're on more of a budget or simply don't need the power or cut a lot, I'd say it's hard to go wrong with the Multimaster. I don't know if I helped much, I know you already own a Multimaster. I guess what I'm saying is you've got a VERY nice tool. The Supercut is pretty sweet as well, just think of it as an "Uber-Multimaster". 

 

[jaegerhund]

That's cool Tom -- I appreciate the info as always  --- ramble on if you feel the need  .  I have the new multimaster and have been putting it to use remodeling around the house.  Every now and then I wish it had a little bit more juice and find myself pondering about the Supercut --- I don't need it but what does that matter  ;D.  It does seem like a impressive tool but if I had it, I'd probably be looking for a Megacut or Superdupercut or something --- never satisfied I am. 

Thanks again,

Justin

 

[Frank Pellow]

Wow.

That Bosch is the ugliest tool I've ever seen. Really, you can't do that by accident: tools
tend to look great "naturally", via the form-follows-function principle. I guess someone
at Bosch's I.D. department decided it needed some "styling".

Then you must have missed this...

from the "Festool copy cat" thread.

I don't think that the Bosch is all that ugly but I certainly think that the thing submitted by Michael is the ugliest tool that I have ever seen.  And, it's the ugliest by far.

 

[Frank Pellow]

I use the Fein MM Q daily.
If I use it I put a new blade in and charge the customer! Where's the problem - it's part of the job costs.
BTW Bosch blades fit the MM Q without any problem.
In fact, when renovating old box sash frames my weapon of choice is to use the 10mm Bosch blade (in preference to the fein blade) to enlarge the existing mortices for new pulleys. I've got the whole Bosch 10.8 series and love 'em all (except the impact driver which is worse than useless) and I will get a naked Bosch/fein copycat as soon as they come in. A boy just can't have enough toys.

The problem is that the customer that most of us have to charge is ourselves.

 

[mikefromNH]

Will the blades for these be cheaper and work on the Fein that I already own???

These will work and are quite a bit cheaper.

http://www.multiblades.com/Flush-Cutting-Blades.html

In the TIPS section of the above link their is info on what models these blades will fit. I have an older MM without the star drive shaft and have never felt that blade slippage was a problem. But there are adaptors available.

I believe that even the new MM can use a blade without the star cutout -- not too sure though.

 

[jaegerhund]

Will the blades for these be cheaper and work on the Fein that I already own???

These will work and are quite a bit cheaper.

http://www.multiblades.com/Flush-Cutting-Blades.html

In the TIPS section of the above link their is info on what models these blades will fit. I have an older MM without the star drive shaft and have never felt that blade slippage was a problem. But there are adaptors available.

I believe that even the new MM can use a blade without the star cutout -- not too sure though.

Yep!

 

[John Langevin]

I just received three of the Multi-Cut blades and tried them out briefly. I am still getting some blade slippage so I think I will order the star adaptor and weld it on. I was pretty pleased with the blades especially the Japanese one, it cuts much faster than the Fein; and I love the cost savings.

 

[joiner1970]

I just treated myself to a MM 250Q set, been wanting one for years but always thought I wouldnt get much use out of it but in the first day I used it 3 or 4 times.

I needed one for that pain in the ass job every now and then when you need to cut off a section of old skirting to patch in a new section, before I would use a handsaw and chisels now it takes seconds.

I was a bit dissapointed with the sanding pads I only used it once and when peeling off the sandpaper the velcro started to peel from the pad.

Anyone here have any good websites,tips or tricks for the Multimaster I looked at the above one thats quiet good.

 

[mikefromNH]

Here is a link to a JLC thread on how to make your own blades

http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37465&highlight=multimaster+blades

And another company that makes knockoff blades:

http://www.flushcutblades.com/feintm-multimaster.html

 

[vteknical]

I love my Multi-master however, I still bend over and take it if a customer buys is or not.  Fein's blade prices are criminal!  Hope this shakes up their monopoly a little bit!! 

O.k. now the business part of me says, hell they've afforded themselves the luxury of charging these insane prices. 

 

[Les]

What set would you guys recommend? I have no specific use just around the house and furniture and cabinet making.

 

[jaegerhund]

What set would you guys recommend? I have no specific use just around the house and furniture and cabinet making.

I've had the multimaster for about a year now, and I can say I don't know how useful of tool it would be for furniture and cabinet making.  It is a fairly good detail sander .  But I've found that the tool really is geared towards certain home remodeling jobs -- making cuts and cutouts that would be difficult with other tools.  It has proven itself useful in restoring double hung windows --- deglazing , and the like.  I find myself wondering if the tool is worth what I payed until a scenario pops up that is handles well.

The safety aspect of the tool is nice.  It is nice when making cuts to have a tool that won't bite you back. 

It doesn't seem to kick up as much dust and debris as a spinning/rotary type tool.

The rasp type attachments are very nice for removing rot when doing epoxy repairs.

Justin