blueman wrote:
I know that the Fein Multimaster is supposed to be the gold standard
but at $200+ for even the base model (and $400 for the Top with quick
change, case, and attachments), the tool seems quite overpriced. Plus,
they charge a fortune for blades at about $15 a pop.

At the other extreme, Harbor Freight (yes, I know all the "bad" about
Chinese made/plastic/knock-offs etc.) offers a Multi-Function power
tool that seems to be perpetually on sale for about $39. Perhaps even
more importantly, the blades are $6 for a set of 3!!!

In the middle perhaps is the Dremmel Multi-Max Oscillating kit for
$100 with blades going for about $10 a piece.

Has anybody had experience with these or other oscillating
multi-function tools? If so do you have any perspectives on the
cost/benefit ratios of these different models?

i.e., Is it worth paying almost 10X for the Fein and its blades? Do
the blades really last 10 times longer? Is the tool itself
significantly more powerful or durable or comfortable to use or quiet,
etc.?


Now again please spare me the general rantings about Harbor Freight. I
am asking *specifically* about this tool. In fact, I usually subscribe
to the principle of buying high quality tools and "paying and crying
only once" but the difference here seems to be so substantial and
because of the high price of Fein blades the pain and crying is not
just a one-time thing. Also, I have in general had good experiences
with Harbor Freight for buying occassional use tools that I otherwise
couldn't either afford -- and if it's a tool that I find I really
like, then I consider the $20-50 spent as the cost of a home trial
and don't mind upgrading to a name brand. On the other hand, I
wouldn't trust Harbor Freight for heavy duty precision power tools
such as a sliding compound miter saw.

The blades are (as far as I know) interchangeable between the units - I've
used Dremel blades in my HF (and Dremel says their blades fit the Bosch and
Fein). You can buy a Fein and use HF blades (or vice-versa). Know this:
there is nothing special about the blades. They are simply a flat bit of
steel whose working part has been cut with the metal equivalent of pinking
shears. They do not have sharp edges, they have no set to the teeth.

The blades do not dull, they only wear down. Working it over with a small
triangle-file and you're back in business.

The Fein blades may last 15% longer [they're made of Cobalthorium-G], but
longer than what? If all you're cutting is wood or PVC, a single blade will
last almost indefinitely. Cutting copper pipe is a different story and
sawing stainless steel may burn up a blade fast enough for you to notice. I
wouldn't use the tool to cut concrete or brick.