advice needed on purchasing a multi-tool

[Joey]

im looking into buying a multi-tool and what comes to mind would be the dremel http://www.homedepot.ca/product/dremel-multi-max-kit/916712#BVRRWid...

 

and rockwell http://www.lowes.ca/products/toolguide.aspx

 

both are on sale right now for $99 and im hoping to get one before the end of this weekend.

the fein brand is definitely not included because of its price --- im just a weekend woodworker/DIYer so a tool that cost that much is not necessary.

 

anyone can share insight and infos comparing the 2 products i mentioned above?

would really appreciate it coming from those who have used it.

thank you.

[Tom Fitzsimmons]

Ken, I'm finished now with the paint removing, thank God. 

I used a Paint Shaver Pro ($$$) and its dust tube connected to a hose which ran to an Oneida Dust Deputy dust collector, which got its vacuum from a small shop vacuum.  After shaving the paint, I sanded it with 60 grit paper using a Porter-Cable 343VS random orbital sander which I also connected to the dust collecting system.

I'd say I collected 200 lbs or more of paint and sawdust during the project, and my house is just a little one-story place built in 1913!  The clapboards look like new lumber.

[John Schaben]

Hi Tom - Congratulations on getting the worst part of the job done. With everything cleaned up it should be down hill from here.

Those Dust Deputy things are awsome.

Tom Fitzsimmons said:

Ken, I'm finished now with the paint removing, thank God. 

I used a Paint Shaver Pro ($$$) and its dust tube connected to a hose which ran to an Oneida Dust Deputy dust collector, which got its vacuum from a small shop vacuum.  After shaving the paint, I sanded it with 60 grit paper using a Porter-Cable 343VS random orbital sander which I also connected to the dust collecting system.

I'd say I collected 200 lbs or more of paint and sawdust during the project, and my house is just a little one-story place built in 1913!  The clapboards look like new lumber.

[Ken Darga]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your reply.

That was a big undertaking.

Congrats on your accomplishments.

 

The next time I have to do a ''big'' paint scraping job, I'll surely look into the ''Paint Shaver''.

The prep work certainly is a big undertaking, and the tool you've used cut down the labor time.

Tom Fitzsimmons said:

Ken, I'm finished now with the paint removing, thank God. 

I used a Paint Shaver Pro ($$$) and its dust tube connected to a hose which ran to an Oneida Dust Deputy dust collector, which got its vacuum from a small shop vacuum.  After shaving the paint, I sanded it with 60 grit paper using a Porter-Cable 343VS random orbital sander which I also connected to the dust collecting system.

I'd say I collected 200 lbs or more of paint and sawdust during the project, and my house is just a little one-story place built in 1913!  The clapboards look like new lumber.

[Tom Fitzsimmons]

Ken, John, thanks for the kind words and for the tips on other ways to remove paint in the tight corners of a house.

[Robert]

Definitely buy a corded version and consider the new Porter Cable MT which has  tool-less blade changes and positive lock for the blade.

 

Keep in mind that blades are expensive and I have not found one that is extremely durable.

[Joey]

yup, expensive blade attachments!

just make sure to use a particular blade for what its for. dont overwork them is what ive been told.

 

[Fins59]

I made a cupola recently for my new detached garage.  Used asphalt shingles on roof.  Started cutting/trimming shingles with roofing knife like I always did in past, resulting in blisters on hands, sore wrists, etc.

Then I thought of my multi-purpose tool setting idly  in drawer.  Man, does that work slick....like a knife cutting thru hot butter.  Might be hard on "half moon" shaped blade but well worth it.

[Ken Darga]

Fins59,

I can relate to the pain you've endured.

 

Cutting/trimming shingles---

Here's what worked  best for me---a Roto-Zip tool, with the cut-off wheel fitted into the right-angle attachment.

For close quarters cutting, and the like, the 1" wide saw blade on the Dremel Multi-Max, worked well.

Made the cutting tasks much faster and easier---

it was almost fun.

 

[John Schaben]

Which cutoff wheel Ken? Seems like most would get gummed up

Ken Darga said:

Fins59,

I can relate to the pain you've endured.

 

Cutting/trimming shingles---

Here's what worked  best for me---a Roto-Zip tool, with the cut-off wheel fitted into the right-angle attachment.

For close quarters cutting, and the like, the 1" wide saw blade on the Dremel Multi-Max, worked well.

Made the cutting tasks much faster and easier---

it was almost fun.

 

[Fins59]

Ken - You're right, it was actually fun.  I don't have Roto-Zip so HF multi-tool (cheapie) has to do.

About 4 years ago I did (by myself) my house/garage - a total of 90 bundles and now recently did my detached garage - about 50 bundles.  Cut and trimmed all of that by hand with roofing knife.  Now that I'm finished, I discover how easy (and fun) the multi-tool makes the job.  (that's usually how it goes:))

[Ken Darga]

John,

I've used the ''masonry'' cutoff wheel, 

the rpms on the lowest setting.

There was only a small amount of residue, on the edge, but it kept cutting.

 

John Schaben said:

Which cutoff wheel Ken? Seems like most would get gummed up

 

[John Schaben]

Hmm, thanks Ken, I wouldn't have thought of the masonary blade. Isn't that the diamond one?

Ken Darga said:

John,

I've used the ''masonry'' cutoff wheel, 

the rpms on the lowest setting.

There was only a small amount of residue, on the edge, but it kept cutting.

 

John Schaben said:

Which cutoff wheel Ken? Seems like most would get gummed up