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 Multimaster 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 shopmade 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, St. John’s, None
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #192
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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.