Inexpensive Multimaster Sawblades
Learn how to create inexpensive Fein Multimaster replacement blades from affordable Japanese saws.
One of the most useful devices I own is the Fein Multimaster oscillating tool. The problem is that when I accidentally run a sawblade into an unseen nail, the teeth become chewed up and pretty much useless. Recently, I’ve been making oscillating tool replacement blades from relatively inexpensive ($20 or so) Japanese saws. This type of saw cuts on the pull stroke and typically includes coarse teeth on one edge and fine teeth on the other. I can get the equivalent of about 10 replacement blades from one of these saws. Ten regular replacement blades for my Multimaster would cost hundreds of dollars. Because the Japanese saws have two types of teeth, each of my shop-made blades does double duty.
To make the blades, I first mark the blade size required. Then I drill two holes with a 3/8-in. twist drill mounted in a drill press. Next, I cut the blade to size with a cutoff blade mounted in an angle grinder. Then I carefully adjust the size of the drilled holes with a tapered reamer so that they fit neatly over the mounting ring on the tool. So far, I’ve made blades one at a time as required. Heavy users could prepare several at a time. I make sure that I have at least one original tool blade on hand because the offset in the original blade can be a major benefit in some cutting operations.
— Bob Kelland
From Fine Homebuilding #192
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View Comments
Is this an old,old tip? Ten replacement blades cost hundreds of dollars? Try carbide blades, which can be found on amazon for about 8/blade, lose the fein and get a new quick-change tool and change blades as you go.
I now buy 80 blades for $45 on Amazon. I never buy the $17/ blade ones at the big box stores.