Oscillating Multi Tools

I'm considering the purchase of a Bosch 2.5 amp Multi Tool (i.e. the one with a good ole' fashion 110V AC cord). Any thoughts? Other reccomendations?

I have the Dremel. Works well

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/dremel-multi-max-in-action/30060/page1/

Oscillating multi tools? Their purpose in life is to preoccupy the wife so I get more race car time.

skip the Bosch and print out the $29.95 harbor freight coupon. it is awesome, I've used mine for a couple years commercially and it still works great. downside is the blades for the name brand models do not fit.

I'm using the Chicago Pneumatic air-powered multi-tool. With the head modified slightly to accept the name-brand blades (Fein blades are awesome) it's the best $24.99 I've spent in a while. If the electric tools are any bit as good, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, I'll be an elitist and say that the original (the Fein MultiMaster) is the way to go - expensive but both fantastic and nearly indestructible.

I got one for Christmas and it has been pretty cool so far. The HF model is decent, you need a tool to change blades which the Fein doesn't require, but it has plenty of power and is built pretty well.

If you're going to use it A LOT, buy the Fein. Can't kill it; as Mike said, not cheap, but worth it.

We have the cheap H-F one. Sucks as a detail-sander, but works great as a saw in tight places.

I got the Dremel Multi-max, my Father in law has the H-F one. We are both happy. There are some tasks these tools have no equal at (cutting the bottom off of door trim for flooring, cutting square holes, removing your own cast!) and some they are just useless at. I'm wondering who had the patent on these that just expired allowing a GLUT of them to come on the market. This Idea isn't new, however in the past few years the Homeowner level version of these tools have exploded onto the market.

nocones wrote: I'm wondering who had the patent on these that just expired allowing a GLUT of them to come on the market.

Fein held the patent and you're correct - it expired recently.

I have had the Fein for years now. Bought before you could get the copy versions. It really is a cool tool. Great for Pergo install trim work and wood boat restoration is nearly impossible without it.

Does the HF version have the ability to adjust the vibrating speed or is it just one speed?

I needed one and after research I bought the Rockwell brand. Easier to find then the Fein and better the the HF model. Menards had a sale on them plus a discount and a rebate. I saved about $50 over the regular price. It did what I asked of it.

Wood magazine did a comparison review in the March 2011 issue. Unfortunately, it's not available free yet:

http://www.woodstore.net/osmu.html

I think the H-F model has adjustable speed, but I'll take a look tonight when I get home.

Thanks for all the input folks. I read the article that Ian F mentioned and took the middle ground. I purchased the 2 amp Craftsman unit. It was 80 bucks...I had a 50 buck gift card. So far this thing is cuttin' through grout like a champ.

Ian F wrote: http://www.woodstore.net/

man that sounds like a gay porn site if I've ever heard the name of one...

Ignorant wrote:

Ian F wrote: http://www.woodstore.net/

man that sounds like a gay porn site if I've ever heard the name of one...

I guess I'm too much of a wannabe woodworker... as that never occurred to me...

Ian F wrote:

Ignorant wrote:

Ian F wrote: http://www.woodstore.net/

man that sounds like a gay porn site if I've ever heard the name of one...

I guess I'm too much of a wannabe woodworker... as that never occurred to me...

I'll only let you know that out of a place of love. I found out the hard way that manhole.com is not a site dedicated to sewer design.

I'll keep that in mind... fortunately, I'm a sparky and rarely have reason to research sewer systems...