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multi masters

woody18428 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on May 27, 2009 10:11am

hi everyone  i am considering buying a multimaster not sure which one to get  dremnel , rockwell  , or the fein   this would be a tool i really woudnt use alot  does anyone have  the rockwell or the dremnel ? REAL REASON i am going to buy one is that , i have to trim a bottom rail ( oak ) on a ref. cabinet and this tool seems like it would work best . I did consider using my trim router with a straight bit . But like always i think this would be one of the tools that once you have it can be very handy

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  1. Shep | May 27, 2009 10:21pm | #1

    I've had the Fein for close to 10 years, without a single problem with it.

    My only complaint is that the blades are kind of pricey, but since I usually figure one into the job, its not all that big a deal.

    1. MSA1 | May 28, 2009 04:45am | #5

      youre in luck. I have the older model too and the dremel blades fit and they last longer. 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

      1. Shep | May 28, 2009 01:42pm | #9

        I'll have to try them. I wonder if anyone local sells the dremel blades.

        1. CAGIV | May 28, 2009 04:38pm | #10

          Is it only the older style MM that can use the dremel blades?

          We bought our MM last year sometime and I cringe everytime the guy's say we need new blades...

           

          1. gordsco | May 28, 2009 09:41pm | #12

            I have the newer quick change MM and the Dremel.

            The blades are not interchangeable.

            The MM is by far the better tool but the Dremel blades last longer. 

          2. MSA1 | May 28, 2009 11:59pm | #16

            If your collar has the star pattern on it them you're outta luck. I think the quick release chucks all have the star pattern. I have the older style with the screw and washer. 

            Family.....They're always there when they need you.

        2. frammer52 | May 28, 2009 07:26pm | #11

          HD has the blades.

          1. Shep | May 28, 2009 11:36pm | #13

            Thanks. I'll check it out next time I'm there.

          2. frammer52 | May 28, 2009 11:43pm | #14

            You might want to check out harbor freights blades also.  They are cheap and work well.  I read on another web site that they also fit some models.

        3. MSA1 | May 28, 2009 11:58pm | #15

          If you can find them in stock, Lowes carries them. I paid $9 for a straight cut blade. IMO it lasts longer than the Fein but has a slightly coarser tooth pattern. I just did a "built in kitchen surgery" job and it lasted the whole week for me including hitting a few nails. 

          Family.....They're always there when they need you.

        4. Pelipeth | May 29, 2009 02:26am | #18

          The local HD sells the dremel blades, in my local.

  2. Sancho | May 28, 2009 01:54am | #2

    you think you wouldn't use it alot.

    Its the most useful tool I own

  3. calvin | May 28, 2009 04:26am | #3

    If you are buying it to cut down the bottom of a reefer cab rail I caution you that you are better in your thinking of using a router.

    The cut will be better, straighter and quicker.  If you must, you can square up the corner with it.

    But to rip a pc of oak 36'' you  won't be the happy man the multimaster makes of most people.

    A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

     

  4. brucet9 | May 28, 2009 04:43am | #4

    Think of a MM as a powered hand saw. It will be more accurate than a casing saw, but still a hand-guided cut; not like the accuracy of anything with a ripping fence.

    For short distances I have been able to make very accurate cuts; good enough to piece in a scarf joint to repair a door casing or brick molding, even part of a door jamb or to cleanly remove a center stile of a face frame.

    I don't use mine but once or twice a month, but when I do, it is often for a task that nothing else can do.

    I saw the Rockwell at Ganahl Lumber. It looks like a good tool and the heft is about the same as the Fein, but it lacks the quick-change blade mount.

    BruceT
    1. DanH | May 28, 2009 05:23am | #8

      I think of it as a power chisel.
      As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

  5. MSA1 | May 28, 2009 04:47am | #6

    You think you wont use it often. Mine is always on the truck. I dont leave home without it.

     

    Family.....They're always there when they need you.

  6. User avater
    davidhawks | May 28, 2009 04:49am | #7

    The Dremel has been worth every penny of the $100.00 it cost me.  Paid for itself just by cutting a few baseboards where I was adding a door.

    Calvin's right though; use a fence-guided tool for that cab. rip.

    The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.

  7. JTC1 | May 29, 2009 12:44am | #17

    >>.....buying a multimaster not sure.....one to get  dremnel , rockwell  , or the fein <<

    I would vote for the Fein, but it is the only one I have direct experience with. Worth every penny.  Blades are pricey, but billable and a large selection is available.

    I like the quick change star shaft as it lets you adjust the relative position of the blade to tool body very easily and securely.  But of course, no other manufacturer's blades fit.

    >>  this would be a tool i really woudnt use alot <<

    That's just what you think now.....

    >>  i have to trim a bottom rail ( oak ) on a ref. cabinet ......... I did consider using my trim router with a straight bit .<<

    Probably a better choice as you can guide it - but don't let that hold you up on buying a MM!

    >>.....i think this would be one of the tools that once you have it can be very handy.....<<

    And you would be correct.

    Jim

    Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
  8. rasconc | May 29, 2009 05:27am | #19

    Do not have it but have turned many on to it who seem happy so far, it is the Harbor Freight $39-49 one.  Got a Craftsman Club (yeah I know) thing the other day and they have a 12v one that looks very much like my Bosch.  They also have a little angle nailer that could be interesting using the same battery system.

    For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
    1. frammer52 | May 29, 2009 08:57pm | #20

      HF has a basttery operated one now for 59.95!

      I have the other and am very happy.  I am not currently in the trade right now, but used it in remodeling my kitchen.  It works well and is still working!!

      1. rasconc | May 29, 2009 09:03pm | #21

        I have seen the ad but not the goods, or the wired one for that matter,

        Bob

         For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

        1. frammer52 | May 29, 2009 09:32pm | #22

          I have taken to buying tools from them that I would not be using on a regular basis.  I have found them to be satifactory.  I have a friend, woodworker, who has 2 oftheir 12"slider saws and swears by them.  He told me that it takes a little time to square it up at first, but it stays put and works well.  He bought their extended warrenty and has never had to use it!

          1. rasconc | May 29, 2009 09:46pm | #23

            Pretty much the way I feel.  Their hand tools have as good a warranty as Craftsman.  I need to take an adapter for the through socket set I got, the peening for the catch ball was a little deep.  I think it is a super wrench set for what I paid for on sale.

             For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

          2. frammer52 | May 29, 2009 09:52pm | #24

            The Chinese seem to be making better tools now>G<

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