Multi Master vs Dremel vs Bosch
Multi Master vs Dremel vs Bosch.
One tool I don’t yet have is a multi master. I know lots of guys have raved about the Fein. I’ve just noticed that there is is some competition. With Bosch and Dremel now putting out a version. I’m not sure how long they’ve been out. But was wondering if they compare to Feins model. I believe they are not quite as expensive.
And the other question is do I really need one? I’ve got the Bosch Fine Cut as well as Jamb cutting saw ( circular type ) as well pretty much anyother saw. I know the MM does other stuff as well. The Fein MM infomercial makes it sound like you can do an entire Kitchen remodel with only the MM! Seems a little over the top . but whatever – If a tool makes a job that much easier, I’ll look at it any day.
Edited 5/20/2009 2:22 pm by alrightythen
Replies
have the MM....
the Dremel is a real wimp... (played with a demo)...
DIIK how the Bosch is...
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You could get the HF versin for $39, then get the router speed control for $20, and have all the functionality of the MM for MUCH less money. The only real beef FHB had with the HF model was it's lack of speed contol. The router contorller gives you that control.
Tu stultus es
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
What is HF version? And was there a FHB article I missed? View Image View Image
Multifunction tool $39
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=65700
and router speed control $19
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43060
and I have no idea where that srticle went. I did a search and it doesn't come up on the site. It was about 2 issues ago though.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
Thisiscarpentry.com had a review of all of them in the latest issue'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
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THAT WAS IT!
Thanks for saving my sanity, unfortunatly that link only goes to the current issue, not the last one.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
That's the right issue. It's on page 142Click on the front page with the Milwaukee slider, then pick Tools in Use from the table of contents.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
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Yeah, when did we write about the Harbor Freight version? Couldn't have been in the last 5 years, because I've never seen it come across my desk.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Sorry, I may have been mistaken. I get my information from both the honored heros at FHB as well as the rascally scalywags at JLC.
But I couldn't find the review at JLC either, which makes me wonder if i just hallucinated the article comparing the MM, with the other main makers of MM type tools, like Bosch, Dremel, Rockler, and HF.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
there was a threaad discussing these tools a couple months back. You might have confused that witha print article in your mind.FWIW, I have rarely used my finecut bosch since I got the fein Multimaster
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Maybee you should! there is a whole raft of them out now, including sub $100 LithIon cordless from Craftsman and HF.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
"Maybe you should!"Come on now, Paul...give us some credit! They've been out for testing for some time now.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
I'll do the review for alot of free MM and an assortment of blades for each :)
Have the Dremel, like it for detail cuts, like small knotches in HW or ply. Also for cutting existing mouldings. Blades are small and relatively inexpensive compared to the Fein. The sanding feature is not very good but is quicker than hand sanding details. The Multi-Max gets hot if you use it for too long.
Have the MM, awesome tool. Use it for 20 mins and it's barely warm. Blades are pricey, it will bring a tear to your eye if you hit a nail. The sanding attachments are fantastic.
The Fein is a well made tool that will last years of steady use. I like the Dremel, but don't think I would add it to my will.
Bosch blades fit the Fein MM and they have some narrower blades that Fein does not offer and they cost about half as much - $11 vs $21.The Bosch blades also come with a depth of cut gauge printed (or maybe etched) on the blade. I don't know how long that would last, but it is an interesting feature.
BruceT
You can actually get a dedicated depth stop for the MM, made by Fein. $$$$ I'm sure. I won't bother- just use a big black Sharpie mark on the blade.
Go with the rockwell unit. It's damn close to the fein in power and it costs less than a third of it. I have one and have been enjoying using it since I got it. They don't have a quick release version like the fein yet, but I imagine down the road they will.
The Dremel blades have a depth gauge as well.
Bosch Blades fitting the MM? Maybe the old one, I have the newer quick release Fein it has a star pattern arbor. Would be nice if they did fit, I picked up a 3 pack of Fein blades yesterday, ouch!
Yeah, I have old style MM. Probably verything fits that one.BruceT
I bought the Fein and asked about the Bosch at the same store. The guy there said "get the Fein" we have never had one come back. The Bosch is cordless and the sales guy said it is also gutless. I did not try it.
I think we are talking about a heavy duty commercial tool (the Fein) versus a whole crop of new imitators for the home market. I have not used the Fein for all it's many functions but what I have done, it does well. Could I have saved money on a cheaper tool, no doubt in the short term but I don't just buy tools based on price.. I like the handling, the durability, the sound, the power of a fine tool. One that does the job and is also a pleasure to use.
For a tool nut, the Fein fits.
Sedna1
I didn't know the Bosch was cordless. I wouldn't expect alot of cordless tools to compete with corded. Todays cordless drills becoming the exception. View Image View Image
Bosch DOES have a corded version in the EU market. It think it's 220v.
I was in a rush when I saw the Bosch unit. I thought it was corded, but must be mistaken, if it's not here yet.
View Image View Image
Edited 5/20/2009 11:04 pm by alrightythen
Have the older non-quick change MM and the Bosch cordless. Both have always done what was asked of them. Do not expect the little Bosch to act like an 18yr old on viagra. For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
I have the Bosch cordless 12 volt. works great, but the battery goes down pretty fast with constant cutting. Mike
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.
The Dremel isn't all that bad. It cuts fine and the blades are cheap. I've only got a couple of months on it but it has taken some
abuse so far.
Best thing about the Dremel is the inexpensive blades! Been buying them for my Multimaster.
Seems that the Fein MM is one of the few TV infomercial products that actually deliver the goods, so to speak. I doubt, though, that Billy Mays will be hawking it.
I have the older version Fein MM (before they re-designed the blade holder to eliminate slippage). It is a fabulous tool, smooth operating and the speed control enables some really fine work.
I saw the Bosch today for $167.50 at Bosch repair service location. Uses the same 12V (really 10.8V) lithium batteries and charger as the PS20 drill driver and the little impactor. It is about the same heft as the MM, but not nearly as smooth running, so it's not as comfortable to hold. Would be very handy if you work a lot on sites without power.
Bosch blades fit the Fein MM and they have some narrower blade styles that Fein does not offer and they cost about half as much - $11 vs $21.
You are missing several choices...
The Harbor Freight - which the boys have mentioned. I actually used one on a job. Belongs to the super. For under $50, OK. The blades reminded me of recycle beer cans, but it did the cuts and did not go up in smoke.
I have the Dremel because I had a lot of HD gift cards then. I rate it a DIY tool. The sanding pads have been handy. The scraper really did the job when I had to remove elastodeck mastic from a drip edge. HD carries a very minimal selection of blades. Not $$$$ like Fein.
The one I would look at is the Rockwell Sonicrafter. Fondled one at Ganahl. Metal nose, seems to have a more profession heft. Lots of media for it and not Fein$Priced.
<http://www.toolsnob.com/archives/2008/11/rockwell_sonicrafter_review.php>
When I run across one, I probably will pull the trigger. The medium version with speed control seems to be the space to be in.
I can always hope for a half off sale on Fein.
The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
the ones I mentioned were the only ones I've seen around here or heard about.
thanks for bringing up the others
sounds like Fein is the way to go. View Image View Image
I would love a Fein.But not at the $399 sale price. (That was Amazon, assuming I am stupid. The $400 Fein was on sale for $399.)I don't do enough of that type of work to make me buy. I do enough to justify the Dremel or the Rockwell. I did not think I would use the sander thingie, but I have and it has been handy. Often it is the sander of first resort because it's in the van. You have to book the belt or the orbital ahead. I do not normally dress for sanding.The knock on the Bosch is the battery life. It would not have worked on the elastodeck scraping. I ran the Dremel for several hours and two scrapers. Never got hot. Just ran.The ToolBear
"You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert
I got lucky. I have the older fein which accepts the dremel blades. The dremel blades last longer at a third of the price.
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