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.

"blueman" wrote in message
...
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.


My son just purchased the Dremmel Multi Max. Amazing tool. Had to make a
flush cut against a panel (thick plastic pipe) and this worked great. It
is sorta like the tool a doctor uses to remove a cast. Cuts the cast but not
the skin. I could put saw against my finger and caused no harm. WW

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:35:10 -0400, 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.

Whatever you do, don't waste your money on a single speed unit. My
brother but a Fein but cheaped out and got the single speed. He's been
kicking himself for over 5 years now!!!

wrote in news:21sl35p0l84mrc7klemh17l06hanhe051o@
4ax.com:

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:35:10 -0400, 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.

Whatever you do, don't waste your money on a single speed unit. My
brother but a Fein but cheaped out and got the single speed. He's been
kicking himself for over 5 years now!!!


Seeeee! Good reason to buy HF. If it was a HF it would have died long ago
and he would not have to kick himself for 5 years...and counting. :-)

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.

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:35:10 -0400, 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.



I have a multi-Dremmel and use it more than I thoght I would. One
reason I decided on the Dremmel was the availability of parts. Plus,
it is reasonably priced. I have heard stories about the motor burning
out--I'm sure that happens, but I have stressed the motor for 10-15
minutes with no problems. I bought mine (plus a few accessories) at
Amazon.

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.

I'm just going to discuss the blades briefly. You can buy them anywhere,
but based on my experience with HF's reciprocating saw blades I wouldn't
bother buying them there. When I got my reciprocating saw I got a package of
the cheap blades and they were just about worthless. In fact I am
happy with the saw, since I am not a professional and only use it
occasionally. But I buy good blades, wherever I happen to be. The
blades are definitely the biggest expense for a saw. I expect for the
multi-tool it will be just about the same. You can shop around for
less expensive blades, but don't go too cheap.

Bill

My dremel was from Home Depot, about $65. I've used it many
times since then, and it's paid for itself. Never used one
of those oscillating things.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Phisherman" wrote in message
...


I have a multi-Dremmel and use it more than I thoght I
would. One
reason I decided on the Dremmel was the availability of
parts. Plus,
it is reasonably priced. I have heard stories about the
motor burning
out--I'm sure that happens, but I have stressed the motor
for 10-15
minutes with no problems. I bought mine (plus a few
accessories) at
Amazon.

BillGill wrote:

I'm just going to discuss the blades briefly. You can buy them
anywhere, but based on my experience with HF's reciprocating saw
blades I wouldn't bother buying them there. When I got my
reciprocating saw I got a package of the cheap blades and they were
just about worthless. In fact I am happy with the saw, since I am not a
professional and only use it
occasionally. But I buy good blades, wherever I happen to be. The
blades are definitely the biggest expense for a saw. I expect for the
multi-tool it will be just about the same. You can shop around for
less expensive blades, but don't go too cheap.


"Blade" is a bit of a misnomer for these multi-function tools. They're not
really "blades" in the sense we're used to thinking about. They're not
sharp, they don't really "cut" (more like gnaw). You can't really "dull"
them, since they're "dull" to begin with. You CAN wear the cutting blade
down to where it has no teeth, but then you have a brand-new "scraper"
blade!

Conversely, you can take a "scraper" blade and notch it with a Dremel rotary
tool and have a brand-new "cutting" blade.

It's so confusing.

About the closest thing to which I can compare the cutting blades is a
stiff, thin, wire brush.

On Jun 18, 5:35*pm, 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?

HF had a coupon online about a month ago, I used it to buy the HF
multi-tool and an extra package of hook and loop sandpaper sheets for
about $30 out the door. I would describe myself as a "very occasional"
user of the tool. Have used it for one or two things, no complaints so
far. I couldn't bring myself to spend the money for the Fein, as
little as I plan to use it.

The main reason I bought it was to do a little bit of patch work on a
damaged area of a wood floor. Seemed like the right tool for the job.
If I remember, I'll let you know how it worked out, when that job
bubbles to the top of my honey-do list.

Jerry

On Jun 18, 7:35*pm, 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.

I bought my HF multi tool about a month ago and it already has many
hours of heavy duty use on a rehab project. Compared to the hours of
use other tools get in comparison to the HF, it seems silly to spend
any more than $40 or so on any multi tool. One thing about them, they
are SLOW! For digging up old linoleum and tile they are very
effective, but for trimming wood in a saw mode, if anything else will
do the job, forget the multitool. I anticipate using it for electrical
box cutouts in drywall where it should be better than a RotoZip.
Regardless, used within its limits, the multitool is fairly handy. You
just won't be needing it for many hours a day on a construction site
or major project.

Joe

HeyBub wrote:
BillGill wrote:
I'm just going to discuss the blades briefly. You can buy them
anywhere, but based on my experience with HF's reciprocating saw
blades I wouldn't bother buying them there. When I got my
reciprocating saw I got a package of the cheap blades and they were
just about worthless. In fact I am happy with the saw, since I am not a
professional and only use it
occasionally. But I buy good blades, wherever I happen to be. The
blades are definitely the biggest expense for a saw. I expect for the
multi-tool it will be just about the same. You can shop around for
less expensive blades, but don't go too cheap.


"Blade" is a bit of a misnomer for these multi-function tools. They're not
really "blades" in the sense we're used to thinking about. They're not
sharp, they don't really "cut" (more like gnaw). You can't really "dull"
them, since they're "dull" to begin with. You CAN wear the cutting blade
down to where it has no teeth, but then you have a brand-new "scraper"
blade!

Conversely, you can take a "scraper" blade and notch it with a Dremel rotary
tool and have a brand-new "cutting" blade.

It's so confusing.

About the closest thing to which I can compare the cutting blades is a
stiff, thin, wire brush.


The shape of the blade may not make a difference, but the material might.
I figure that was the big problem with the blade pack I got at HF.

Bill

Joe wrote:
On Jun 18, 7:35 pm, 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.

I bought my HF multi tool about a month ago and it already has many
hours of heavy duty use on a rehab project. Compared to the hours of
use other tools get in comparison to the HF, it seems silly to spend
any more than $40 or so on any multi tool. One thing about them, they
are SLOW! For digging up old linoleum and tile they are very
effective, but for trimming wood in a saw mode, if anything else will
do the job, forget the multitool. I anticipate using it for electrical
box cutouts in drywall where it should be better than a RotoZip.
Regardless, used within its limits, the multitool is fairly handy. You
just won't be needing it for many hours a day on a construction site
or major project.


Agreed. Each tool has its optimum use, although I see you've found "many
hours of heavy use" for the little feller.

Yesterday I used the tool to cut down two trash trees that were too big for
shears (about 2") and too small to dig out the chain saw. Can't wait for
Halloween to see how it works on pumpkins...

It's nice to have options.

BillGill wrote:
HeyBub wrote:
BillGill wrote:
I'm just going to discuss the blades briefly. You can buy them
anywhere, but based on my experience with HF's reciprocating saw
blades I wouldn't bother buying them there. When I got my
reciprocating saw I got a package of the cheap blades and they were
just about worthless. In fact I am happy with the saw, since I am
not a professional and only use it
occasionally. But I buy good blades, wherever I happen to be. The
blades are definitely the biggest expense for a saw. I expect for
the multi-tool it will be just about the same. You can shop around
for less expensive blades, but don't go too cheap.


"Blade" is a bit of a misnomer for these multi-function tools.
They're not really "blades" in the sense we're used to thinking
about. They're not sharp, they don't really "cut" (more like gnaw).
You can't really "dull" them, since they're "dull" to begin with.
You CAN wear the cutting blade down to where it has no teeth, but
then you have a brand-new "scraper" blade!

Conversely, you can take a "scraper" blade and notch it with a
Dremel rotary tool and have a brand-new "cutting" blade.

It's so confusing.

About the closest thing to which I can compare the cutting blades is
a stiff, thin, wire brush.


The shape of the blade may not make a difference, but the material
might. I figure that was the big problem with the blade pack I got at
HF.

Possibly, but the blades you got for your reciprocating saw are not the same
kind of blades as those for the multi-function tool. For example, the MF
blades don't get dull.

For the MF tool, you could probably make your own blades out of beer-can
metal and they'd work just as well.

On Jun 19, 3:30*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
BillGill wrote:
HeyBub wrote:
BillGill wrote:
I'm just going to discuss the blades briefly. *You can buy them
anywhere, but based on my experience with HF's reciprocating saw
blades I wouldn't bother buying them there. *When I got my
reciprocating saw I got a package of the cheap blades and they were
just about worthless. *In fact I am happy with the saw, since I am
not a professional and only use it
occasionally. *But I buy good blades, wherever I happen to be. *The
blades are definitely the biggest expense for a saw. *I expect for
the multi-tool it will be just about the same. *You can shop around
for less expensive blades, but don't go too cheap.

"Blade" is a bit of a misnomer for these multi-function tools.
They're not really "blades" in the sense we're used to thinking
about. They're not sharp, they don't really "cut" (more like gnaw).
You can't really "dull" them, since they're "dull" to begin with.
You CAN wear the cutting blade down to where it has no teeth, but
then you have a brand-new "scraper" blade!

Conversely, you can take a "scraper" blade and notch it with a
Dremel rotary tool and have a brand-new "cutting" blade.

It's so confusing.

About the closest thing to which I can compare the cutting blades is
a stiff, thin, wire brush.

The shape of the blade may not make a difference, but the material
might. I figure that was the big problem with the blade pack I got at
HF.

Possibly, but the blades you got for your reciprocating saw are not the same
kind of blades as those for the multi-function tool. For example, the MF
blades don't get dull.

For the MF tool, you could probably make your own blades out of beer-can
metal and they'd work just as well.

You're just flat out making stuff up and/or extrapolating from little
use/experience and basing your advice on that.

There's almost nothing in the tool world where "all steel is created
equal". If you're starting with crap blades, I'd bet that they work
as crap blades and die like crap blades, so maybe you could cut up
beer cans to make blades and not notice a difference.

I've tried aftermarket blades on the Fein, and there's little doubt
the Fein blades are better quality steel. The blades are also sharp -
at least the E-cut blades are - so I really don't know what you're
talking about. There's a guy online who posted about making his own
MF tool blades from Japanese saw blades. I haven't tried that, but
the Fein steel is in the same ballpark as your standard Japanese saw
blade steel.

The Bosch blades I've used are pretty good, but not as good as the
Fein. The Harbor Freight blades aren't worth the shipping charge. I
keep trashed blades on hand for trash work, but sometimes you have to
sacrifice a blade.

Blades are consumables and are a cost of doing business - even if
you're not getting paid for it, it's still the cost of doing
business. I had to cut off an old brass steam radiator valve that was
stuck in the corner of two walls. It was in a bathroom and access was
very limited. I couldn't get big ass wrenches on the thing, tried a
torch to loosen it up, nothing worked. If I got too heavy-handed I'd
end up breaking loose the nipple somewhere down in the floor, and I'd
have never known it until there was a big problem with mold or other
rot. I wasn't about to rip up tile or rip out the ceiling below.

Out came the Fein and a good metal cutting blade. I cut through the
valve vertically (perpendicular to the threads) in two places and made
a horizontal cut along the top of the two cuts. I had to cut through
~3/8" of old brass and it did take a while, but it worked and worked
beautifully. I had a strong light on the cut and I could see just
where the nipple threads started to telegraph through the brass in the
kerf. I took off the valve with the wrench and was _very_ pleased to
see that there was not a single mark on the nipple threads.

The MF tool took a little longer but was far more controllable than
any other tool. The variable speed was indispensable, as was the
quality blade. I essentially killed a $25 blade, but I would have
burnt through five or six of the crap blades, maybe two or three of
the Bosch blades. Still, for $25 I got a factory job and peace of
mind.

You are happy with your HF MF tool to cut pumpkins and the like, and
that's great, but you have no experience with a higher quality tool,
so you shouldn't go making blanket statements based on nothing more
than your emotions. That's some sort of advice - certainly not good
advice.

R

RicodJour wrote:
On Jun 19, 3:30 pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
BillGill wrote:
HeyBub wrote:
BillGill wrote:
I'm just going to discuss the blades briefly. You can buy them
anywhere, but based on my experience with HF's reciprocating saw
blades I wouldn't bother buying them there. When I got my
reciprocating saw I got a package of the cheap blades and they
were just about worthless. In fact I am happy with the saw, since
I am not a professional and only use it
occasionally. But I buy good blades, wherever I happen to be. The
blades are definitely the biggest expense for a saw. I expect for
the multi-tool it will be just about the same. You can shop around
for less expensive blades, but don't go too cheap.

"Blade" is a bit of a misnomer for these multi-function tools.
They're not really "blades" in the sense we're used to thinking
about. They're not sharp, they don't really "cut" (more like gnaw).
You can't really "dull" them, since they're "dull" to begin with.
You CAN wear the cutting blade down to where it has no teeth, but
then you have a brand-new "scraper" blade!

Conversely, you can take a "scraper" blade and notch it with a
Dremel rotary tool and have a brand-new "cutting" blade.

It's so confusing.

About the closest thing to which I can compare the cutting blades
is a stiff, thin, wire brush.

The shape of the blade may not make a difference, but the material
might. I figure that was the big problem with the blade pack I got
at HF.

Possibly, but the blades you got for your reciprocating saw are not
the same kind of blades as those for the multi-function tool. For
example, the MF blades don't get dull.

For the MF tool, you could probably make your own blades out of
beer-can metal and they'd work just as well.

You're just flat out making stuff up and/or extrapolating from little
use/experience and basing your advice on that.

There's almost nothing in the tool world where "all steel is created
equal". If you're starting with crap blades, I'd bet that they work
as crap blades and die like crap blades, so maybe you could cut up
beer cans to make blades and not notice a difference.

I've tried aftermarket blades on the Fein, and there's little doubt
the Fein blades are better quality steel. The blades are also sharp -
at least the E-cut blades are - so I really don't know what you're
talking about. There's a guy online who posted about making his own
MF tool blades from Japanese saw blades. I haven't tried that, but
the Fein steel is in the same ballpark as your standard Japanese saw
blade steel.

The Bosch blades I've used are pretty good, but not as good as the
Fein. The Harbor Freight blades aren't worth the shipping charge. I
keep trashed blades on hand for trash work, but sometimes you have to
sacrifice a blade.

Blades are consumables and are a cost of doing business - even if
you're not getting paid for it, it's still the cost of doing
business. I had to cut off an old brass steam radiator valve that was
stuck in the corner of two walls. It was in a bathroom and access was
very limited. I couldn't get big ass wrenches on the thing, tried a
torch to loosen it up, nothing worked. If I got too heavy-handed I'd
end up breaking loose the nipple somewhere down in the floor, and I'd
have never known it until there was a big problem with mold or other
rot. I wasn't about to rip up tile or rip out the ceiling below.

Out came the Fein and a good metal cutting blade. I cut through the
valve vertically (perpendicular to the threads) in two places and made
a horizontal cut along the top of the two cuts. I had to cut through
~3/8" of old brass and it did take a while, but it worked and worked
beautifully. I had a strong light on the cut and I could see just
where the nipple threads started to telegraph through the brass in the
kerf. I took off the valve with the wrench and was _very_ pleased to
see that there was not a single mark on the nipple threads.

The MF tool took a little longer but was far more controllable than
any other tool. The variable speed was indispensable, as was the
quality blade. I essentially killed a $25 blade, but I would have
burnt through five or six of the crap blades, maybe two or three of
the Bosch blades. Still, for $25 I got a factory job and peace of
mind.

You are happy with your HF MF tool to cut pumpkins and the like, and
that's great, but you have no experience with a higher quality tool,
so you shouldn't go making blanket statements based on nothing more
than your emotions. That's some sort of advice - certainly not good
advice.


Thanks for playing "Guess the posters attitudes and experiences."
Unfortunately, you didn't win. Better luck next time.

I have used quality tools. In fact, I own TWO Stanley screwdrivers! (I used
to have three, but one grew legs. I suspect my worthless brother-in-law was
somehow involved since he has a screwdriver that looks suspiciously like the
one I used to have.)

You are correct about varying quality in steel. The usual trade-off is
hardness vs. brittlness. Harder steel lasts longer but is prone to
shattering - more malleable steel won't break, but won't hold an edge. Think
carving knive vs butter knife.

In your experience of using up a $25 dollar blade vs five or six $2.00
blades (HF 3 for $6), I'm sure there's an economic lesson there we should
all consider.

I'm glad it all worked for you.

P.S.

Just finished another experiment.

I took a "scraping" blade about 2" wide and notched it with a rotary dremel.
Cut about 20 notches, each about 1/16" deep.

The resulting modified blade cuts wood.

Not as fast as if it had pointed teeth instead of notches, but it DOES cut.

On Jun 19, 7:10*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
RicodJour wrote:
On Jun 19, 3:30 pm, "HeyBub" wrote:

For the MF tool, you could probably make your own blades out of
beer-can metal and they'd work just as well.

You're just flat out making stuff up and/or extrapolating from little
use/experience and basing your advice on that.

There's almost nothing in the tool world where "all steel is created
equal". *If you're starting with crap blades, I'd bet that they work
as crap blades and die like crap blades, so maybe you could cut up
beer cans to make blades and not notice a difference.

I've tried aftermarket blades on the Fein, and there's little doubt
the Fein blades are better quality steel. *The blades are also sharp -
at least the E-cut blades are - so I really don't know what you're
talking about. *There's a guy online who posted about making his own
MF tool blades from Japanese saw blades. *I haven't tried that, but
the Fein steel is in the same ballpark as your standard Japanese saw
blade steel.

The Bosch blades I've used are pretty good, but not as good as the
Fein. *The Harbor Freight blades aren't worth the shipping charge. *I
keep trashed blades on hand for trash work, but sometimes you have to
sacrifice a blade.

Blades are consumables and are a cost of doing business - even if
you're not getting paid for it, it's still the cost of doing
business. *I had to cut off an old brass steam radiator valve that was
stuck in the corner of two walls. *It was in a bathroom and access was
very limited. *I couldn't get big ass wrenches on the thing, tried a
torch to loosen it up, nothing worked. *If I got too heavy-handed I'd
end up breaking loose the nipple somewhere down in the floor, and I'd
have never known it until there was a big problem with mold or other
rot. *I wasn't about to rip up tile or rip out the ceiling below.

Out came the Fein and a good metal cutting blade. *I cut through the
valve vertically (perpendicular to the threads) in two places and made
a horizontal cut along the top of the two cuts. *I had to cut through
~3/8" of old brass and it did take a while, but it worked and worked
beautifully. *I had a strong light on the cut and I could see just
where the nipple threads started to telegraph through the brass in the
kerf. *I took off the valve with the wrench and was _very_ pleased to
see that there was not a single mark on the nipple threads.

The MF tool took a little longer but was far more controllable than
any other tool. *The variable speed was indispensable, as was the
quality blade. *I essentially killed a $25 blade, but I would have
burnt through five or six of the crap blades, maybe two or three of
the Bosch blades. *Still, for $25 I got a factory job and peace of
mind.

You are happy with your HF MF tool to cut pumpkins and the like, and
that's great, but you have no experience with a higher quality tool,
so you shouldn't go making blanket statements based on nothing more
than your emotions. *That's some sort of advice - certainly not good
advice.

Thanks for playing "Guess the posters attitudes and experiences."
Unfortunately, you didn't win. Better luck next time.

I have used quality tools. In fact, I own TWO Stanley screwdrivers! (I used
to have three, but one grew legs. I suspect my worthless brother-in-law was
somehow involved since he has a screwdriver that looks suspiciously like the
one I used to have.)

Chuckle, Chuckle. Have you used any other MF tool besides the HF?
Other blades?

You are correct about varying quality in steel. The usual trade-off is
hardness vs. brittlness. Harder steel lasts longer but is prone to
shattering - more malleable steel won't break, but won't hold an edge. Think
carving knive vs butter knife.

Think metallurgists who actually know what they're doing, and a
company that isn't trying to cut every conceivable corner in costs.

In your experience of using up a $25 dollar blade vs five or six $2.00
blades (HF 3 for $6), I'm sure there's an economic lesson there we should
all consider.

Yes indeedy. The lesson is I'm not going to take the time dicking
around with a slower cutting blade and having to change it every three
minutes.

The $25 blade is not dead, it's been sacrificed - think of it as
maimed. I still use it where I might run into nails and for cutting
into drywall and stuff. I'm just as concerned with making my dollar
go as far as possible as you are. I just don't think my time has no
value.

I'm glad it all worked for you.

Me, too. Thanks. I actually took pictures of the cut off valve and
emailed them to my brother. I knew he'd get a kick out of the
surgery.

P.S.

Just finished another experiment.

I took a "scraping" blade about 2" wide and notched it with a rotary dremel.
Cut about 20 notches, each about 1/16" deep.

The resulting modified blade cuts wood.

Not as fast as if it had pointed teeth instead of notches, but it DOES cut.

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!!!

I got the Harbor Freight machines.

It's works quite well. You the blades are kept on with a allen head cap
screw and you have to really tighted it to keep it from slipping but ...

The problems a

1) The blades are 'ok' for wood but don't think about using it as a "saws
all" to cut nails.

2) Harbor Freight doesn't seem to ever have the replacement blades on
hand.

It's starting to "smell" like HF might have violated some patent or another
and the tool will become an orphan.

Don't know this for a fact; it's just my opinon.

RicodJour wrote:

Thanks for playing "Guess the posters attitudes and experiences."
Unfortunately, you didn't win. Better luck next time.

I have used quality tools. In fact, I own TWO Stanley screwdrivers!
(I used to have three, but one grew legs. I suspect my worthless
brother-in-law was somehow involved since he has a screwdriver that
looks suspiciously like the one I used to have.)

Chuckle, Chuckle. Have you used any other MF tool besides the HF?
Other blades?

No to the "other MF" question. I HAVE used other tools (undercut saw, angle
grinders, rotary drills, etc., to do the things that the maligned HF MF tool
does easily) and I HAVE used Dremel blades in my HF tool. As an aside, I saw
a Dremel-brand MF tool at Home Depot last night for a mere $199.99. 'Course
it was probably for a "kit" containing stuff you'd never use like a blade
for shaving Yaks in advance of branding ...



You are correct about varying quality in steel. The usual trade-off
is hardness vs. brittlness. Harder steel lasts longer but is prone to
shattering - more malleable steel won't break, but won't hold an
edge. Think carving knive vs butter knife.

Think metallurgists who actually know what they're doing, and a
company that isn't trying to cut every conceivable corner in costs.

Could be. At a nominal cost of 65¢ per pound for plain steel vs. $1.00 per
pound for high-tensile strengh steel, the savings on millions of one-ounce
blades could add up.




In your experience of using up a $25 dollar blade vs five or six
$2.00 blades (HF 3 for $6), I'm sure there's an economic lesson
there we should all consider.

Yes indeedy. The lesson is I'm not going to take the time dicking
around with a slower cutting blade and having to change it every three
minutes.

The $25 blade is not dead, it's been sacrificed - think of it as
maimed. I still use it where I might run into nails and for cutting
into drywall and stuff. I'm just as concerned with making my dollar
go as far as possible as you are. I just don't think my time has no
value.


Agreed. It's the difference between doing hobby work around the house and
getting paid for it on a job site. In a golf tournament, 10-under par wins
the pot, but playing for fun, at 40-over par, means you get extra time on
the course and get to hit the ball a lot more. Same with league bowling. In
a perfect game, you only get to chunk the ball twelve times, whereas I, when
bowling for fun, get at least twenty throws! My method usually means more
beer, too.

John Gilmer wrote:
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!!!

I got the Harbor Freight machines.

It's works quite well. You the blades are kept on with a allen
head cap screw and you have to really tighted it to keep it from
slipping but ...
The problems a

1) The blades are 'ok' for wood but don't think about using it as a
"saws all" to cut nails.

2) Harbor Freight doesn't seem to ever have the replacement blades
on hand.

It's starting to "smell" like HF might have violated some patent or
another and the tool will become an orphan.

Don't know this for a fact; it's just my opinon.

You can use Dremel blades, available at Home Depot and Lowes.

On 6月21日, 上�4时12分, "HeyBub" wrote:
John Gilmer wrote:
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!!!

I got the Harbor Freight machines.

It's works quite well. Â* Â*You the blades are kept on with a allen
head cap screw and you have to really tighted it to keep it from
slipping but ...
The problems a

1) Â* The blades are 'ok' for wood but don't think about using it as a
"saws all" to cut nails.

2) Â* Harbor Freight doesn't seem to ever have the replacement blades
on hand.

It's starting to "smell" like HF might have violated some patent or
another and the tool will become an orphan.

Don't know this for a fact; it's just my opinon.

You can use Dremel blades, available at Home Depot and Lowes.- éš�è—�被引用文å*— -

- 显示引用的文å*— -

Hi, noticed these comments about the brands oscillating tools and the
blades. We are a munufacturer and supplier in China for kinds of
oscillating tools and the working blades, like Harbor Freight multi-
tool, at reasonable competitive prices. We would be happy to
communicate or help some on the machines or blades. Please visit our
webstie: www.harpow.com to check. Regards. Email:

On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:54:04 +0000,
(meniko) wrote:


I have a Harbor Freight multi-tool. varable speed. The tool works great
for me. Their blades are worthless. I went on line and found one that
works great.

A link or source name for this blade would be appreciated as I am
looking at this tool as a near future purchase.
--
Mr.E

lid wrote in news:jqjh8611tvqg34ct60rr743jmhgv9qfoko@
4ax.com:

On Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:54:04 +0000,
(meniko) wrote:


I have a Harbor Freight multi-tool. varable speed. The tool works great
for me. Their blades are worthless. I went on line and found one that
works great.

A link or source name for this blade would be appreciated as I am
looking at this tool as a near future purchase.

Ditto!

I did learn on this group that the Dremel plunge blade fits the corded
fixed speed HF tool.

The Stucco site is not a help forum, it's an
*advertising* forum that invades real forums
(like "alt.home.repair", part of "usenet")
parasitically in order to generate free
advertising for itself, which continually
advances its search engine placement, thereby
increasing its own revenue through its click-
through advertising commissions.

So the first thing you should do is write them
an email and tell them to quit spamming.

Then try to find your way here through proper
channels. Please do a google search on "Usenet"
and post the regular way.



--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"meniko" wrote in message
roups.com...

Gotta luv the Dremel I use it on almost every project.


--
Airport Shuttle

'' (http://www.yourcityride.com)
Message origin: TRAVEL.com

Stormin Mormon wrote:
The Stucco site is not a help forum, it's an
*advertising* forum that invades real forums
(like "alt.home.repair", part of "usenet")
parasitically in order to generate free
advertising for itself, which continually
advances its search engine placement, thereby
increasing its own revenue through its click-
through advertising commissions.

So the first thing you should do is write them
an email and tell them to quit spamming.

Then try to find your way here through proper
channels. Please do a google search on "Usenet"
and post the regular way.

If you are going to repeat this EVERY time someone does this, maybe you should
post a URL that actually tells them how usenet is accessed. Your success rate
might be better.

I use my dremel every couple months. Like the function. Don't like how
the abrasive wheels break. Don't like the dentist sound it makes.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Airport Shuttle"
wrote in message
...

Gotta luv the Dremel I use it on almost every project.


--
Airport Shuttle

'' (http://www.yourcityride.com)
Message origin: TRAVEL.com

On 11/23/2010 2:04 PM, Mr. paddington wrote:
responding to
http://www.homeownershub.com/mainten...uy-379415-.htm
Mr. paddington wrote:

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 bought the HF $39 unit and have already got my $39 worth out of
it. I ordered an extra set of blade, but haven't used any of them
yet. I used the unit while working to screen in a back porch. That
included cutting slots where no other type of tool would go and to
cut off thin pieces of wood to make way for the screens. I also
built railing with balusters to mimic the original ones the builder
had installed. I've really enjoyed using it. BTW, a bunch of years
back, I used a Fein and, honestly, I can't see any difference. The
Fein would probably last longer. The Fein tools seemed to wear
quickly. I had to use a mototool to cut new teeth in the flat
scraper blade.

A Happy User

Mr. paddington wrote:

I bought the Harbor Fr. Multi tool because the price was so
reasonable but I wish I had invested in a
more expensive one. When you attach the blade onto the spindle, it
will not stay tight and the vibrating
of the motor causes it to come loose, no matter how hard you tighten
it. Maybe all of the brands do
the same thing, I dont know but it is very frustrating. Also, after
one use, the teeth on the blade were
worn completely smooth. Is there a brand that doesn't use a hex tool
to attach blades?


Did you try a lock-washer? Works for me.

Mr. paddington wrote:
responding to
http://www.homeownershub.com/mainten...uy-379415-.htm
Mr. paddington wrote:

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.

I bought the Harbor Fr. Multi tool because the price was so reasonable but
I wish I had invested in a
more expensive one. When you attach the blade onto the spindle, it will
not stay tight and the vibrating
of the motor causes it to come loose, no matter how hard you tighten it.
Maybe all of the brands do
the same thing, I dont know but it is very frustrating. Also, after one
use, the teeth on the blade were
worn completely smooth. Is there a brand that doesn't use a hex tool to
attach blades?




The "dish" washer that comes with it works well if you put it on the
right direction and TIGHTEN it.

What would you prefer instead of a "hex tool"?

Reviews are mixed.
That they give you an extra set of brushes with it is telling...

I talked to a contractor about his. He seemed to think it
was acceptably reliable. And given the perils of construction work,
leaving it behind, theft, dropping off the roof, the cheap price
was a plus.

The Homeowners Hub site is not a help forum.
It's an *advertising* forum that invades real
forums (like "alt.home.repair", part of
"usenet") parasitically in order to generate
free advertising for itself, which continually
advances its search engine placement, thereby
increasing its own revenue through its click-
through advertising commissions.

So the first thing you should do is write them
an email and tell them to quit spamming.

Then try to find your way here through proper
channels. Please do a google search on "Usenet"
and post the regular way.



--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Mr. paddington" wrote in message
roups.com...
responding to
http://www.homeownershub.com/mainten...uy-379415-.htm

HF on sale this weekend with coupon for $19.99.

That's a good deal.

On Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:00:13 -0800 (PST), Thomas
wrote:

HF on sale this weekend with coupon for $19.99.

That's a good deal.

Since I just did some sawing of door stops to put new thresholds in
I'll pipe up about mine.
It's the "variable speed" "high end" model from HF.
Went big time because as I recall it less failures and DOA's than the
cheaper one according to the reviews.
It was 59 or 69 bucks, can't remember.
Don't think it's really "variable."'
More like high/low speeds - as far as I can tell the switch has 2
fixed positions. Think I used both and there was no big difference.
Cut through the stops like butter using the straight blade.
Think the stops are oak, but they're old and dry.
I should have coped them, but didn't want to pull them off.
Don't worry, I've got good matching color wood putty.
If you've seen multi-tool commercials where they put the blade against
their skin - don't do it. It can make you bleed.
Remember to turn it off before you start to lay it aside.

So it was real handy for that job. I scribed the stops and the blade
went right through the marks. No real deviation, and the blade even
had no trouble trimming an extra 1/16" or so on a couple that were too
tight.
It will bounce a bit if you relax your grip too much so I scratched
the door frames a little bit.
Don't worry, I've got good matching color marker pens.

I bought this mostly because I anticipated the stop cutting and
cleaning some grout.
But I really like the triangular sander. Gets in tight spots.
Dangerous. Could get me doing stuff my natural laziness has
saved me from doing.

Can't say how long it will last, but I like it.
If it works good cleaning out the grout in the bathroom, I'll get my
money back.

--Vic

Vic Smith wrote in
:

On Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:00:13 -0800 (PST), Thomas
wrote:

HF on sale this weekend with coupon for $19.99.

That's a good deal.

Since I just did some sawing of door stops to put new thresholds in
I'll pipe up about mine.
It's the "variable speed" "high end" model from HF.
Went big time because as I recall it less failures and DOA's than the
cheaper one according to the reviews.
It was 59 or 69 bucks, can't remember.
Don't think it's really "variable."'
More like high/low speeds - as far as I can tell the switch has 2
fixed positions. Think I used both and there was no big difference.
Cut through the stops like butter using the straight blade.
Think the stops are oak, but they're old and dry.
I should have coped them, but didn't want to pull them off.
Don't worry, I've got good matching color wood putty.
If you've seen multi-tool commercials where they put the blade against
their skin - don't do it. It can make you bleed.
Remember to turn it off before you start to lay it aside.

For a good time call 800-HF-TOOLS

Take the blade off. Put it in your pants pocket and turn it on.


So it was real handy for that job. I scribed the stops and the blade
went right through the marks. No real deviation, and the blade even
had no trouble trimming an extra 1/16" or so on a couple that were too
tight.
It will bounce a bit if you relax your grip too much so I scratched
the door frames a little bit.
Don't worry, I've got good matching color marker pens.

I bought this mostly because I anticipated the stop cutting and
cleaning some grout.
But I really like the triangular sander. Gets in tight spots.
Dangerous. Could get me doing stuff my natural laziness has
saved me from doing.

Can't say how long it will last, but I like it.
If it works good cleaning out the grout in the bathroom, I'll get my
money back.

--Vic

Stormin Mormon wrote:
The Homeowners Hub site is not a help forum.
It's an *advertising* forum that invades real
forums (like "alt.home.repair", part of
"usenet") parasitically in order to generate
free advertising for itself, which continually
advances its search engine placement, thereby
increasing its own revenue through its click-
through advertising commissions.

So the first thing you should do is write them
an email and tell them to quit spamming.

Then try to find your way here through proper
channels. Please do a google search on "Usenet"
and post the regular way.

Top posting is not proper usage of usenet. Please look up the FAQ for usenet to
learn how to use it before posting.

wrote:
On Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:00:13 -0800 (PST), Thomas
wrote:

HF on sale this weekend with coupon for $19.99.

That's a good deal.

Might be a good deal if you only want to use it ONCE and then toss it
in the garbage. EVERYTHING sold at Harbor Freight is GARBAGE, right
off the shelf.

Hmm... If it's a "good deal," how can it be "garbage?"

I've got a bucket-load of HF's free flashlights. Now, instead of cursing the
darkness...

I wouldn't be surprised if HF quit the free flashlight business and started
giving away their Multi-Function Twitching Tool.

Bob F wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote:
The Homeowners Hub site is not a help forum.
It's an *advertising* forum that invades real
forums (like "alt.home.repair", part of
"usenet") parasitically in order to generate
free advertising for itself, which continually
advances its search engine placement, thereby
increasing its own revenue through its click-
through advertising commissions.

So the first thing you should do is write them
an email and tell them to quit spamming.

Then try to find your way here through proper
channels. Please do a google search on "Usenet"
and post the regular way.

Top posting is not proper usage of usenet. Please look up the FAQ for
usenet to learn how to use it before posting.

Cut him some slack. He's locked in to the missionary position.

On Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:10:40 -0600, wrote:

On Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:00:13 -0800 (PST), Thomas
wrote:

HF on sale this weekend with coupon for $19.99.

That's a good deal.

Might be a good deal if you only want to use it ONCE and then toss it
in the garbage. EVERYTHING sold at Harbor Freight is GARBAGE, right
off the shelf.

Shhhhhh--- don't tell my $100 compressor, $5 brad nailer, $12 angle
grinders, or $40 multi tool. 'cept for the multi tool those other
guys are several years old and have gotten some use- especially that
compressor.

If I was in business and having a tool die would cost me money I would
buy good tools-- but many of the HF tools are just fine for casual
use.

Jim

On Thu, 25 Nov 2010 07:50:59 -0600, "HeyBub" wrote:

Bob F wrote:
Stormin Mormon wrote:
The Homeowners Hub site is not a help forum.
It's an *advertising* forum that invades real
forums (like "alt.home.repair", part of
"usenet") parasitically in order to generate
free advertising for itself, which continually
advances its search engine placement, thereby
increasing its own revenue through its click-
through advertising commissions.

So the first thing you should do is write them
an email and tell them to quit spamming.

Then try to find your way here through proper
channels. Please do a google search on "Usenet"
and post the regular way.

Top posting is not proper usage of usenet. Please look up the FAQ for
usenet to learn how to use it before posting.

Cut him some slack. He's locked in to the missionary position.

Now *that* is kinky. Who has the key? Ironing Broad?

On Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:10:40 -0600, wrote:

On Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:00:13 -0800 (PST), Thomas
wrote:

HF on sale this weekend with coupon for $19.99.

That's a good deal.

Might be a good deal if you only want to use it ONCE and then toss it
in the garbage. EVERYTHING sold at Harbor Freight is GARBAGE, right
off the shelf.

Besides the multi-tool I picked up a flat pry bar and a pack of the
LED flashlights while I was there.
Think I got a cheap drill set too.
There's a HF not too far from me. Only time I was there.
Did look like they had a lot of junk there. I avoided it.
I don't need many tools. Got most of them already.
My son is a heavy truck suspension mechanic and goes there pretty
often.
Sometimes he'll spend big bucks for a Snap-on or Matco because it's
exactly what he needs now and the truck is right there.
But he laughs at over a hundred for a Snap-on wrecking bar when he
can get a non-shiny one for 15 bucks at HF.
They all break the same.

Cheap Chinese hand and power tools are here to stay. Fight it if you
want. Just remember when you feel good about buying that Craftsman,
DeWalt, Makita, etc, etc, the feeling goes away when see "Made in
China" somewhere on the box.
Watch for the "Made on China" mark on Snap-on too.

--Vic