Multi power tools...

Carlos · **on:** December 28, 2011, 01:56:17 AM

Recently I found about the existence of "oscillating power tools". These are electrical tools which work by oscillating an head (instead of the traditional rotary movement) in tight angles (3-5º). Fitting diverse accessories, several functions can be obtained: cutting, sanding, grinding, polishing, scraping...

Turns out this concept has a few years (couldn't find when) and from what I've researched it was invented by the german Fein (also didn't heard of them before). When their related patents expired, other makers started to build their own oscillating tools.

From what I've seen this seem to be the supreme power MULTI tool. Lots of functions done easily, and allows to do traditional hard to do jobs, like making a perfect square on a wall or wood.

Here's the toolsnob series of articles about this type of tool: http://www.toolsnob.com/archives/cat_oscillating_tools.php

And a youtube demo of the bosch version (new model, professional lineup):

I'm seriously thinking about getting a model, but from the domestic/DIY lineup (less €€). I mean, I don't even know for what, but this is so cool. Damn.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2011, 02:16:10 AM

They are cool and I drool over them every time I go to a hardware store! I like them a lot, but I'm not sure they are really anything I need. They replace a few different tools, but since I have most of the tools they would replace, I don't really have a need for one!

Def

tattoosteve99 · **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2011, 03:02:54 AM

Well I own one (Fein) and I can tell you first hand this things rocks! You would be better suited trying to buy 15 tools that compares to this one. I find more uses for this tool than you could imagine. If I could carry around a power pack to power this thing it would probably be right beside my LM. (too big though)

jzmtl · **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2011, 03:37:03 AM

Looks pretty neat, may have to pick up a cheap one to see how it works.

It's funny though that the patent expired so now everyone is using it and no one is crying foul, yet in the knife industry people would up in arms over the same type of thing.

Smitty44 · **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2011, 06:01:52 AM

I have the one made by Dremel,really like it for tight places to sand or rasp,and cutting into places that a saw won't go.

Carlos · **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2011, 01:52:45 PM

As I live on a flat, I tend to keep the least possible amount of stuff. Even for SAKs and MTOs and only have dedicated a part of a drawer

Power tools I have only 2 cordless 3,6V screwdrivers and an old B&D drill. So a tool like this should be a feast!

There are cordless versions of these tools, but the reviews says they lack "juice" and can work 10 min at most. Which goes along with my opinion on battery powered tools... But it will make them portable.

The Bosch pmf 180 E is at £47,98 at amazon uk which is a good price, considering the cost of the professional models (FEIN, blue boschs, dremel, ...).

chip · **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2011, 02:23:48 PM

I have the professional cordless Bosch tool but i use it rarely because i also have a company corded fein tool in my possession most of the time which i use constantly.

The main reason the fein gets used more is you can change blades quickly without tools, the Bosch requires an allen key, and the fein is just more ferocious in its action and works better and quicker.

That said the oscillating tool is a fantastic thing and is worth every penny. it makes cutting out sections of skirting board without damaging the wall a doddle. also great for cutting the bottom of door arcs cleanly and quickly when fitting flooring.

And for cutting out sections of plasterboard (dry wall) especially if you think they may be cables behind it.

I dont know how i lived without it.

Screwtape · **Reply #7 on:** December 28, 2011, 08:09:07 PM

The fein tools are beautiful piece of work. I've not got one now but in the past when we had them in the workshop they've been very useful.

In case your wondering about the company heres an interesting wiki snippet

C. & E. Fein GmbH is a manufacturer of high-end power tools founded in 1867 by Wilhelm Emil Fein and his brother Carl Fein. They are located in Stuttgart, Germany. Fein became famous for their grinders, electric screwdrivers and the Fein Multimaster RS. Fein invented the hand-held electric drill in 1895 and was responsible for many other innovations.

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