Re: Which oscillating multi-function tool to buy?

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:35:10 -0400, blueman <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>I know that the Fein Multimaster is supposed to be the gold standard
>but at $200+ for even the base model (and $400 for the Top with quick
>change, case, and attachments), the tool seems quite overpriced. Plus,
>they charge a fortune for blades at about $15 a pop.
>
>At the other extreme, Harbor Freight (yes, I know all the "bad" about
>Chinese made/plastic/knock-offs etc.) offers a Multi-Function power
>tool that seems to be perpetually on sale for about $39. Perhaps even
>more importantly, the blades are $6 for a set of 3!!!
>
>In the middle perhaps is the Dremmel Multi-Max Oscillating kit for
>$100 with blades going for about $10 a piece.
>
>Has anybody had experience with these or other oscillating
>multi-function tools? If so do you have any perspectives on the
>cost/benefit ratios of these different models?
>
>i.e., Is it worth paying almost 10X for the Fein and its blades? Do
>the blades really last 10 times longer? Is the tool itself
>significantly more powerful or durable or comfortable to use or quiet,
>etc.?
>
>
>Now again please spare me the general rantings about Harbor Freight. I
>am asking *specifically* about this tool. In fact, I usually subscribe
>to the principle of buying high quality tools and "paying and crying
>only once" but the difference here seems to be so substantial and
>because of the high price of Fein blades the pain and crying is not
>just a one-time thing. Also, I have in general had good experiences
>with Harbor Freight for buying occassional use tools that I otherwise
>couldn't either afford -- and if it's a tool that I find I really
>like, then I consider the $20-50 spent as the cost of a home trial
>and don't mind upgrading to a name brand. On the other hand, I
>wouldn't trust Harbor Freight for heavy duty precision power tools
>such as a sliding compound miter saw.

Whatever you do, don't waste your money on a single speed unit. My
brother but a Fein but cheaped out and got the single speed. He's been
kicking himself for over 5 years now!!!