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.

[Ken Darga]

John,

No, not the diamond blade.

 

The masonry 3-1/2" dia cutting wheel, is the ''abrasive'' composite material type, available and sized for the Roto-Zip tool--- # RZMAS Masonry Cutting Wheel---ZIP wheel for masonry.  For use with the ZIPMATE right angle attachment.

It also effective for cutting plastic material.

 

Another cutting wheel is available for ''metal cutting''.

 

Dremel offers smaller size cutting wheels, for use in their rotary tools.

 

Great tools---handy for many tasks.

 

John Schaben said:

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

 

[John Schaben]

Thanks Ken, I've got those blades too.  I was thinkin that diamond blade would be a little pricey for me to risk on shingles, the abrasives a lot cheaper.

[Norman Fisher]

Joey said:

eventually got the rockwell sonicrafter ... was on-sale at lowes.

im liking the 'half-circle' attachment ... it has more control.

they added the adapter so bosch, fein accesories can be used.

thanks for the comments.

 

[Ken Darga]

John,

The diamond blades will clog up in a hurry, cutting asphalt shingles.

 

John Schaben said:

Thanks Ken, I've got those blades too.  I was thinkin that diamond blade would be a little pricey for me to risk on shingles, the abrasives a lot cheaper.

[patrick in memphis(collierville)]

hi Joey, I had done a good deal of research on these tools and found that there is only one brand of oscillating multi tool that compares with the fein. That is the rockwell sonicrafter it produces the same amount of power at a fraction of the cost. all the others are lower powered units as of the time when i was looking 6 mo. ago.i prefer to "buy a tool once".alot of other tools dont stand up to my type of use.If you feel you will not use the tool regulary the dremel is also a decent unit."just my opinion and the specs the manufactures give"good luck your friend in  wood chip making.

[Joey]

patrick in memphis said:

hi Joey, I had done a good deal of research on these tools and found that there is only one brand of oscillating multi tool that compares with the fein. That is the rockwell sonicrafter it produces the same amount of power at a fraction of the cost. all the others are lower powered units as of the time when i was looking 6 mo. ago.i prefer to "buy a tool once".alot of other tools dont stand up to my type of use.If you feel you will not use the tool regulary the dremel is also a decent unit."just my opinion and the specs the manufactures give"good luck your friend in  wood chip making.

thanks patrick...i got the rockwell brand. used it right away chipping away and liking it! thanks for your input.

[Derek]

Here's the one I got... the Rigid Job Max. It sort of redefines "MULTI" tool. ;)

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/power-tools/ridgid-job...

 

It has a right-angle drill, a right-angle impact driver, an auto-hammer, an oscillating tool, and a 3/8-in. square drive ratchet. There's even a jig-saw head coming out soon.

 

[Mike Thompson]

I bought the exact model in the link.  I have not had great luck with it.  It works OK, but it gets very hot, and seems to have a lot of vibration.  I have not used other brands, I am guessing they might not have the vibration and heat problems. 

[John Schaben]

Hi Mike - Which link? There are two in the OP and more in the thread.

If you are referring to the Dremel, I agree with the heat. You can help this a bit by making sure your hand doesn't block the cooling vents on the motor but it still runs hotter than I'm comfortable with. As far as vibration, I kinda expected some from an oscillating tool so that doesn't bother me to much. It does get worse as you load up the tool but I think that's kind of a tail wagging the dog thing.

Mike Thompson said:

I bought the exact model in the link.  I have not had great luck with it.  It works OK, but it gets very hot, and seems to have a lot of vibration.  I have not used other brands, I am guessing they might not have the vibration and heat problems. 

[Ken Darga]

Allow the cutting tool to do the work---

forcing it will overload and contribute to overheating.

 

I have a Dremel, and haven't experienced overheating---

of course I don't normally run it continuously, for hours at a time.

 

Re vibration---

That's the only time I get a buzz---

since I don't drink.

 

 

 

[D Anderson]

You want a cheap throw away and decent performance try Harbour Freight, no im not nuts!  I had the dremel and not pleased, bought the Fein Awesome, but I use the Harbour Freigth in places I would use the Fein, pvc pipe in irrigation ect, if it dies wait for a sale and you can buy the blades you need by the money you save. Fein is Pro!

[Roger Deshaies]

I agree with the Chicago elec Multitool from Harbour Freight....yes, it is made in china, but I wanted to try one before I bought an expensive one, and it worked very well for what I needed, sanding, and cutting so I bought a second one when on sale. Watch for the sales, I paid 39.95 for the first, but watching for sales and sales pages in woodworking mags and I have bought a second for 19.95 and one for a relative for 24.95 over the past year....NO COMPLAINTS.