Multitools for the multi-talented: Bosch, Dremel, and Fein
Repair, Restore, Remodel; This is How a Multi-Tool Will Increase Your Productivity
Repairs, restorations, and repairs require a tool that offers always skillful payoff. For all these applications, and many more – there exists one tool to champion over all others, the multi-tool. A multi-tool, as the name reflects, is a tool – one tool – that performs many functions. Considering the needs of adaptability and work-ability a multi-tool is unfeignedly indomitable . The design of most multipurpose tools, makes them ideal for tight space applications and close quarter work in corners and on floors. Utilizing oscillation technology, or a speedy, successive back and forth motion, a multi-tool sands and cuts , scrapes and grinds with unbeatable treatment and precision than any other option available. This oscillation , exemplifies and delivers optimal control, precision, and accuracy in all its applications.
Where it all began, Fein
From the company that created the world’s first oscillating MultiMaster well over 41 years ago, there are several multipurpose tools availableon the market. Just before the funky seventies Fein perfected the first power tool to utilize this coveted oscillating or back and forth Mechanization. Starting out the Fein MultiMaster Start is a high performance tool designed around beginners and simple home-repairs and restorations. The Start is the first link in Fein’s MultiMaser offering (behind the MultiMaster Select and MultiMaster Top), but at no sacrifice to quality, performance, or professionalism. The Start is a true-blue MultiMaster capable of all grinding, scraping, cutting, and sanding applications; and utilizes some of the most advanced accessories for sawing, scraping, and so on. The Start’s lightweight and ergonomic simplify use and controllability. With a powerful variable speed (up to 21,000 OPM) 250 watt motor – Fein’s Start is both strong and diverse. This superior versatility makes the Start a great tool for simple renovations like flooring, tile work, windows, and cabinets. Fein’s Multi-Master Start includes one sanding pad (with hook and loop design for easy changes on the job) and five of each type of sanding sheet in 60, 80, 120, and 180 grain. The start also includes: a key and mounting bolts – a rigid stopping knife for lifting linoleum, carpet, adhesive residue, paint, tape etc. – and a (29mm) universal E-Cut blade for base and flooring work. The E-Cut blade is ideal for door jambs, baseboards, toe kicks, and other flooring applications. It also cuts like butter through wood, drywall, plaster, and plastic and synthetic materials. The blade has an unique fine tooth pattern for enhanced control, accuracy, and blade life – and a flush cut design that provides perfectly perpendicular cuts for flooring and tight areas.
Two more Fein Options: Top and Select
Fein’s MultiMaster Select and Top both offering the features of the Start with a few more benefits. The Fein MultiMaster Select is a highly professional restoration and renovation solution created with Fein’s tool-free quickIN rapid clamping system which allows for quick and simple keyless accessory changes but still offering the same powerful, variable speed motor. In addition the Select includes a carbide tipped blade and an HSS segmented blade. The essential carbide blade is for removing damaged tile joints and carving grooves in plaster, concrete, and other similar building materials. The segmented blade is flat and high-speed, created for cutting fiber-glass, carbon-fiber, 20 gauge sheet metal, and hardwoods. The segmented shape of the blade allows it to cut right angles (ninety degrees) without over-cutting. Now, the Fein MultiMaster Top is created to help craftsmen professionally complete the most detailed jobs or hobby projects. It includes the same accessories as the Start and Select, and all the additional ones necessary to champion a wide range of applications. The Top includes a perforated sanding pad with 5 more of each grain (60, 80, 120, and 180, perforated), a profile sanding set, dust extraction device, plastic carrying case, and a triangular, perforated, carbide rasp for grinding filler, adhesive, concrete, stone, and wood. Fein’s MultiMasters are in general more expensive than their competitors, but, Fein also has the experience, technology, and length of service to provide an exceptional tool .
Bosch’s Multi-tool
After losing their patent around a year-or-so ago , they have some tough competition. The new Bosch Multi-X multifunction tool powered with a professional, high-performance 12v motor. Oscillating from 5,000 – 20,000 OPM, Bosch’s variable speed dial is created to provide an enormous range of applications and speed adjustments needed for a handy man’s very multifaceted range of projects. Bosch’s Multi-X has multiple position pre-settings rotating in 30 degree segments, and a tool holder with a 240 degree angle adjustment for more efficient tool handling. Weighing just over 2 lbs Bosch’s multi-tool offers a comfortable ergonomic design with a small perimeter, and soft grip. This well-heeled design reduces operator fatigue and stresswhile maximizing performance on the job. Their multi-tool offers a no-mar plastic nose to protect your work and materials while in the shop. The Multi-X is powered with Bosch’s Litheon battery science which provides lithium ion technology to obtain premium battery life and power. Litheon batteries are compact and lightweight providing maximum power in a more efficient package. You’ll really like Bosch’s built-in fuel gauge for battery charge control. Considering its wide range of applications, the Bosch Multi-X is ideal for seasoned workmen and carpenters, and serious do-it-yourself-ers alike.
Other Bosch Options
Bosch’s Multi-X is workable with a large range of premium performance Bosch accessories including: plunge cuts for both metal and wood, sanding pads, and grout removal and flush cut accessories. An etched depth gauge for accurate capacity measurements, and Bosch’s universal interface are also available. The interface makes the Multi-X compatible with accessories and attachments from other manufacturers. Two Multi-X package options: the PS50-2A and PS50-2B. The Bosch Multi-X PS50-2A includes: An HCS plunge blade, sanding plate set, sanding paper , two Litheon twelve volt max batteries, adapter, 30 minute charger, and carrying case for security and convenience. The PS50-2B Multi-X includes everything from the previous package, with three additional HCS wood plunge cut blades and an HCS wood segment blade. Bosch’s Multi-X is versatile, durable, efficient, and backed by Bosch’s Provantage three year tool protection plan.
Dremel’s Offering
Dremel has also introduced a Multi-Max multifunction tool that gives the competition plenty to worry about . With a 1.5 Amp motor is powerful enough to zip through an 1-1/4in. oak door jamb, Dremel’s Multi-Max is very tough. Ranging from 10,000 – 21,000 oscillations per minute this tool has a broad speed range for optimized control and versatility. Dremel Multi-Max tool also has an efficient and compact design to provide extra worker comfort and control, and better access into confined or tight spots. The Multi-Max has a separate on/off switch which maintains speed setting even after the tool is shut off, and an electronic feedback to ensure consistent speed throughout even the toughest instances. The tool also features a Quick Fit mechanism which allows for faster, easier use, and changes accessories up to twice as a fast as other tools. The Dremel Multi-Max kit includes: a sanding pad with three pieces of tough sanding paper for wood, metal, and chipboard – a flexible scraper for tough removal of caulk and adhesive – a 3in. wood and drywall half-round blade which is also ideal for plastics – a 3-1/4in. wood blade for wood, plastic, and drywall cutting – and a carrying case for convenience and portability. Also coming with Dremel’s two year limited warranty, the Dremel Multi-Max is compatible with a number of other grinding, cutting, and sanding accessories devising it one of the most versatile tools available today.
Then There’s Rockwell
The most recent front-runner in the race of the Oscillating Multi-Tools comes from Rockwell in the form of the SoniCrafter, a high-frequency, high-performance multi-tool with a broad range of abilities. I’d like to say a few words about one of Rockwell’s most satisfying SoniCrafter kits, the RK5102K 72 piece professional.
About the Rockwell RK5102K
This deluxe kit is fast becoming one of the most popular multi-tool options in the marketplace today. Offering more than comprehensive inclusions and the power and capacities to conquer nearly any, every, and all applications, this flourishing popularity comes at no surprise. The tool’s oscillating movement is the key to its incredible efficiency; this technology results in smooth, simple operation, and the versatility to perform in all situations with uncommon high-performance. The tool can cut, saw, scrape, sand, shape, polish, and remove grout with professional precision, and operation is friendly to every type of user. Whether you’re a beginning do-it-yourselfer, a homeowner, or the most seasoned craftsman the SoniCrafter is designed to be comfortable in the hands every user.
The flexibility of a multi-tool is utterly unprecedented . For sanding, grinding, cutting, and scraping there is no challenger to its accuracy and functionality. With unique oscillation technology the multi-tool incisively and perfectly takes work to a new level.
