Replies

1. 
   calvin | Nov 03, 2017 07:54am | #1

   Jon

   jonrossen wrote:

   Fein (since I think April 2016) has a new mounting system on their MultiMaster tool (and all their others as well I think) called 'Starlock' that allows for even quicker accessory change.  Wondering if anyone has used one of their newer models with this new mounting system and what your impressions are. Is it a big improvement? It is my understanding that the tools released with the Starlock system aren't any different from their immediate predecessor except for the new mounting system.

   i have the original and got the newer blade adapter for it.  Works well, but like the old sawzall, the damn Allen wrench.

   I have used the newer model several times, it works well.  Quicker blade mount and cannot remember any loosening which allowed the blade to spin in its mount.

   In the right hands the oscillating tool is a godsend.  I'd get the variable speed if that is not the standard.  For some sanding and to cut nails you'll find it handy.  Save your old worn blades to cut drywall.

1. 
   DanH | Nov 03, 2017 01:51pm | #2

   Steel-cutting blades

   Slightly different topic:  Has anyone found a source for steel-cutting blades.  The "combo" blades work OK for ordinary nails but poorly if at all on screws, and forget about cutting through any sort of steel stock.

1. 
   Mike_Mahan | Nov 04, 2017 12:04pm | #3

   Slitting Saw Blades.

   I've never tried them but a friend of mine has had good luck adapting machinist's slitting saw blades.

2. 
   jonrossen | Nov 06, 2017 07:31pm | #4

   ...Fein...

   calvin wrote:

   jonrossen wrote:

   Fein (since I think April 2016) has a new mounting system on their MultiMaster tool (and all their others as well I think) called 'Starlock' that allows for even quicker accessory change.  Wondering if anyone has used one of their newer models with this new mounting system and what your impressions are. Is it a big improvement? It is my understanding that the tools released with the Starlock system aren't any different from their immediate predecessor except for the new mounting system.

   i have the original and got the newer blade adapter for it.  Works well, but like the old sawzall, the damn Allen wrench.

   I have used the newer model several times, it works well.  Quicker blade mount and cannot remember any loosening which allowed the blade to spin in its mount.

   In the right hands the oscillating tool is a godsend.  I'd get the variable speed if that is not the standard.  For some sanding and to cut nails you'll find it handy.  Save your old worn blades to cut drywall.

   Could you please clarify?  It was my understanding that the new Starlock blades can be used on MultiMaster versions that are earlier than the latest model that was released in April 2016.  The info on the Fein website suggests that this pertains to *all* their earlier models, not just the one that preceded the latest one.  So with that said, why did you need a blade adapter?  According to the chart on the Fein site it doesn't state that adapter is ncessary.  Of course since you stated that your model is the original one, and perhaps that model is not listed in their compatibility tool on their site.

1. 
   calvin | Nov 07, 2017 06:06am | #5

   Sure

   The original style of blade was a single hole with a hex head "clamping screw w/ attached washer.

   You could use the newer blades when they came out but binding would cause them to spin on the arbor.

   So, Fein offered an adapter to replace the washer screw.  One part is a washer with one side abrasive that goes against the saw head.......while the other side has 4 raised nubs which fit into some of the holes in the new blades.  Now, while spin out is still possible, it occurs rarely.

   ill try to find a link.

   This is similar to what I have, but it says sold out......

   http://multifitblades.com/multimaster-636-star-adapter.html

   try contacting Fein if your interested.  The adapter I have came from them.  If they are following Festool and others, parts are stocked for a max 10 years b/4 you're sheet outta luck.

   https://www.amazon.com/Fein-3-01-09-189-01-0-Mount-Adaptor-MultiMaster/dp/B000F6G896

   the above is the disc I have.

1. 
   jonrossen | Nov 07, 2017 07:48pm | #6

   Thanks for the info...

   I see, makes sense now and it verifies what I have been speculating.  So, it seems that the adapter is necessary for very old MultiMasters that use the Allen screw  / blade with single hole configuation.  I guess perhaps it's models before the model number became 'MM something'.  The Fein website doesn't even mention this but instead only focuses on relatively newer pre-Starlock machines.  Essentially, for these types of older machines you can use most of the Starlock blades without any sort of adapter.  You can use Starlock, Starlock Plus, but not Starlock Max.  I think Starlock Max is for their other machine that's a bit more pricey than the MultiMaster.

   Thanks for the clarification.  I was just curious as I do have a new one with the Starlock system and was asking mostly on behalf of a friend.  Btw, the new Starlock blade changing system is quite nice.  It's quite fast!   The odd thing was the manual.  With the typos, odd sentence structure and unhelpful illustrations, it turned something easy to figure out and intuitive into a 'head-scratcher'.  After seeing videos demonstrating the new system, I sort of already knew how to use it.  However, I then decided to look at the docs to make sure I wasn't doing something I shouldn't be and thats when I got confused.

1. 
   calvin | Nov 08, 2017 05:23am | #7

   Planned obsolescence.......

   sometimes I wonder about improvements and "new"

2. 
   DanH | Nov 08, 2017 07:40am | #8

   You should see the situation with bicycles.   About every 3 years the big companies come out with a technology that is incompatible with the old stuff.  Makes repair parts and upgrades harder to find, and of course it appeals to the testosterone in guys.