-MIKE- wrote in :

I know this group and what a huge can of worms I just opened up, but
we'll see if I can though this with any actual information. :-D

I have the Harbor Freight and I wrote the book on it. It is well
documented in here that I have been its staunchest defender. So even
though it probably will, I would like this thread to not quickly
escalate into the same, tired, old, rehashed over and over again too
many times already, HF multitool debate. :-)
After probably eight years with the thing, it's still going strong,
but I'm looking to upgrade for a few reasons.

1. Noise & Heat. The HF gets so hot you could fry an egg on it.
Plus, it's so fricken loud!!!
2. The new oscillating tools I've seen have a quick release and
that's very appealing to me.
3. I'm hoping the brand name tools actually perform better. After
using the HF for so long, I think I will able to very quickly
determine if this is the case.

So again, this may a be futile request, but I would like opinions
about oscillating tools from those who have actually used them.
I'm looking for quieter, cooler, faster, non-tool blade release, and
probably NOT battery operated, although I might be able to be
convinced.

Blade universality isn't that important since most have adapters or
already accept all blades.

LAST THING: I already know Festool is the best and Fein is a close
second. But I don't have six hundred bucks to spend on an oscillating
tool. All the other brands have options under $150, so I'm sticking
with those.



I have the Bosch, asked about it here a couple years ago. It doesn't
have the non-tool blade release, but uses a hex wrench and socket cap
screw. It is MUCH quieter and vibrates the body of the tool MUCH less
than the HF version. I can't speak to cooler or faster, as I usually
don't have either tool on long enough to find out.

I wonder if one of your local stores would be willing to let you take
the tool out of the box and turn it on. Even without cutting, you'll
notice a big difference.

I still have the HF tool, it's down at the club and sometimes gets used
more than the Bosch that replaced it.

Puckdropper
--
Make it to fit, don't make it fit.