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Discussion Forum

Fein Multimaster

toolman65 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on July 24, 2008 04:52am

Anyone out there have any experience with this tool? I am considering buying one and would appreciate some comments from those who have one in their toolcrib .

thanks, toolman65

Reply

Replies

  1. CAGIV | Jul 24, 2008 05:11pm | #1

    Just go out and buy one.

    You won't be disapointed.

    You're better off buying the larger kit that's around $400.00, by time you factor in the cost of blades and everything else that's included it's a better deal.

    We have used ours for everything from framing* to finish work.

    *Recently had to cut back the cheak cut on some rafters to fit against a new Hip that was going in and htere was no way to get a recip saw in there.

    Seriously though, it's one of those tools that you can not imagine all the uses for it but when you need it, you need it, and it quickly pays for itself.

    Team Logo

    1. byhammerandhand | Jul 26, 2008 04:54am | #28

      Just out of curiosity, what do you all use it for? I got one for detail sanding (in refinishing) and have been extremely disappointed in it. Leaves scratch marks like crazy. The profile sander doesn't work much better.

      1. Shep | Jul 26, 2008 06:02am | #29

        I've only used it for sanding a couple of times. But I did notice you need a light hand to minimize scratch marks.

        I use it mostly for making cuts that no other tool can do easily. I've also used it as a scraper, and removed old grout with it.

      2. User avater
        mmoogie | Jul 26, 2008 07:43am | #30

        >>Just out of curiosity, what do you all use it for?<<Grout remover, flush cutter, power chisel. Very little sanding. only when I need to clean out corners. I find you need to go one grit finer than you think compared to other sanders, and use a light touch. I've melted too many of the expensive pads.Power chisel is its most valuable function for me.Steve

      3. CAGIV | Jul 26, 2008 08:22pm | #35

        we use it mostly for cutting in tight areas and for grout removal.

        Only used the sander a few times.

        1. User avater
          DDay | Jul 26, 2008 09:17pm | #36

          How does it work as a sander? Particularly in corners and really tight areas.

          1. CAGIV | Jul 27, 2008 02:12am | #39

            I don't think it makes a great sander but it's passable.

            Never used the profile pieces yet so I can't say on that.

            I will say it saved me a bunch of hand sanding in some tight spots on a set of nightstands I'm working on.  Like the tool in general, when you need it, there is no replacement, but I would say sanding is the least used function for us.

            Beats the living day lights out of the old PC profile sander though.

          2. Sasquatch | Jul 27, 2008 02:36am | #40

            This is a good time for me to announce a Fein revelation.

            Many of you have discovered the utility and value of using the MM as a scraper to take up flooring, cut caulk for a window replacement, and anything else that requires muscular scraping.  Their scraper blades aren't cheap either.

            Today, I burnt through the last teeth on a wood blade while cutting soffit.

            Here's the trick:  You grind the edge of the old saw blade into the shape you want for your scraper.  Keep the blade from overheating while doing this.  A slow grinder works best for this.  This makes each of your old blades into a useful scraper.  You can now have scrapers that can get into corners, and scrapers with a circular shape, for instance, if that is what you need.

            I'm sure this idea will hit Fein squarely in the change purse, but they charge enough so they can afford it.  In this economy, it benefits everyone when a few of us can save some bucks and spend them more wisely.

            For those who are interested, I looked up soffit because I always wondered why we used words in construction that had no known connection to anything.  Well, here is the connection:

            sof·fit [sáwfət] noun

            bottom surface: the underside of a structural component of a building, for example, the underside of a roof overhang or the inner curve of an arch

            [Early 17th century. Via French soffite or Italian soffitto from, ultimately, Latin suffixus "fixed under" (see suffix ).]

             

            I'll let you look up fascia on your own.

          3. Piffin | Jul 27, 2008 07:16pm | #47

            I have used it for sanding the horns of windowsills - right where the casing seats and water likes to pool and cause early rot because it is so hard to prep things up tight there. The fein does fine. Still use a sharp scraper for the very tight inside corner 1/4"I just rebuilt a round window and preped the muntins for paint doing most of the sanding with the detail sander. It does not do a perfect job at that but since it is about 999% faster and easier than hand sanding th e old shapes crusted up with paint, I was willing to fall in love with it. Finished up with hand sanding. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          4. User avater
            DDay | Jul 28, 2008 04:45pm | #49

            That's what I was wonder. I wouldn't mind doing some finish sanding if the bulk of the sanding could be done with it. Thanks.

          5. BryanSayer | Jul 30, 2008 06:01pm | #89

            Remember that the motion is a slight arc. Consequently, the sanding is so-so. It might be fine for some applications, but probably not for extra-Fein furniture...

          6. KenHill3 | Jul 30, 2008 06:22pm | #90

            No problem sanding for paint grade, just turn the speed down.

  2. Shep | Jul 24, 2008 05:15pm | #2

    second with what CAG said- I do remodeling, and the MM been a lifesaver many times.

    If you go look for it with the advanced search, you'll find all kinds of testimonials for it.

    1. unTreatedwood | Jul 24, 2008 06:30pm | #3

      after reading your posts, I watched the 30 minute infomercial last night. seems like a great tool for niche work. Does stuff that others just dont get done easily. I have a bathroom to do in the near future and i may pick it up before then."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program"  -Ronald Reagan 

      1. Shep | Jul 24, 2008 06:41pm | #4

        I've had mine for 7-8 years. I know of at least 5 other carpenters who went out and bought one after seeing mine in action.

        Once you have one, you'll be wishing you bought it sooner LOL

        1. unTreatedwood | Jul 24, 2008 07:35pm | #5

          great...i really didn't need to hear that...!!!"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program"  -Ronald Reagan 

        2. User avater
          Sphere | Jul 25, 2008 02:27am | #6

          Had a rear window in Saturn wagon get busted by a tree branch, the glass dude whipped out a MM with a tapered knife type blade..zipped right thru the gasket/poly caulk in NO time flat.

          Pretty slick blade, like a pallet knife that artists use.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

          You gonna play that thing?

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0

          1. Shep | Jul 25, 2008 05:13am | #12

            I'm n ot sure I've seen that attachment.

            I have offered to take a few casts off. I figger I'd be cheaper than a doctor.

            No takers yet, tho.

        3. DonCanDo | Jul 25, 2008 01:14pm | #13

          You can make that 6 other carpenters now.  Yeah, I finally bought one too.  Thanks to you and others here on BT I knew that the Multimaster was not merely infomercial hyperbole.

          I had been planning on getting one for a long time, but I was waiting for the job where it would "pay for itself".  That job just came up.  I had to cut paneling (to remove it) even with the bottom edge of the ceiling grid perimeter track.  I couldn't remove the piece behind the perimeter strip without taking the ceiling down and the customer didn't want to do that.

          The MM worked flawlessly.  It didn't even scratch of the perimeter track.  It did take well more than an hour to cut 100' of paneling, but I can't complain because it's pretty much the only tool that could have done this job.

        4. User avater
          Luka | Jul 25, 2008 05:08pm | #14

          I wish someone would make a cheap knock-off for the DIY crowd.


          Trying to reason with someone who just wants to argue or insult, is not a reasonable pursuit.

          Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

          1. KenHill3 | Jul 25, 2008 06:28pm | #15

            Actually, I'm really surprised that Harbor Freight hasn't come up with one.

          2. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 25, 2008 06:37pm | #16

            The Dremel brand is slated for an Oct. 2008 availability..99 bucks!Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

            You gonna play that thing?

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0

          3. pebble | Jul 25, 2008 06:43pm | #18

            Heh, you beat me to it :)
            Handyman, painter, wood floor refinisher, property maintenance in Tulsa, OK

          4. User avater
            Luka | Jul 25, 2008 07:28pm | #21

            Thank you to you and Pebble, both.I'll be watching HF for their knockoff, after that. LOL


            Trying to reason with someone who just wants to argue or insult, is not a reasonable pursuit.

            Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

          5. jackplane | Jul 25, 2008 11:28pm | #22

            The best thing about getting a Fein MM is that you'll soon have a hot new GF or wife, you'll appear slimmer and more fit in the mirror, and you'll become so rich, a new boat will soon be yours!Expert since 10 am.

          6. Sasquatch | Jul 26, 2008 03:49am | #25

            You forgot to mention that those elusive bass will start to jump at your hooks!

          7. toolman65 | Jul 26, 2008 04:21am | #27

            boy! did i ever open up a can of worms with this post. all this time i've been spending money on convertibles and hair implants to attract the ladies, when all i needed was a Fein multi!seriously though, i looked high and low for a cheap copy of a fein and had no luck. If dremel is coming out with a copy, it may explain why fein has redesigned the spindle on their newest version of the multimaster. perhaps they're trying to avoid the parts being interchangable.Even if the dremel does what the fein can, i wouldn,t buy it. After buying lots of cheap tools i've come to the conclusion that the best deal is a quality tool that lasts.ps; wife found new tool, still in shipping box. been looking at new dining room sets ever since. Multitool still in box. toolman65 still in doghouse.toolman65

          8. Talisker2 | Jul 29, 2008 06:52pm | #67

            I had to send my 1 yr old MM back to be repaired.  The yoke broke and the tech said the new model is bullet proof.  That's why they redesigned it he said. BTW the repair cost's about $50. and the shipping out (FedEx $35) The covered the repair cost but not the shipping. He said it is kind of fluky with the older models, some will go forever with out breaking and others will snap the yoke.  Also they require a special jig to reassemble them so they are definatly not a DIY repair. 

            Jim

             

          9. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 29, 2008 11:12pm | #70

            I bought the first ones out when they were touted as just sanders, but they had blades available.

            I was cutting heat registers in 3/4" subfloor plywood and had the same thing break, I think I sent it back to place of purchase , probably 7 corners Hardware ( when they had full page ads in every trade mag) and they sent new one right away. I was impressed.

            I still have it, but I remember that day every time I am cutting, and try to not force it..I'll soon have the newest version, and hope it has a bit more guts.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

            You gonna play that thing?

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0

          10. toolman65 | Jul 30, 2008 04:15am | #76

            thanks for the input. i bought the new style multimaster with the toolless blade change. was told it came with a one year warranty, but when i opened the box, i found a form that said fein would up the coverage to 3 years if i registered online. WOW! a tool company that actually believes in its product. what a concept!toolman65

          11. fingersandtoes | Jul 31, 2008 07:04am | #93

            No knock on Fein, but Rigid tools at HD come with a three year warranty that becomes a lifetime if you send in the registration, so I'm not sure that's a good indication of quality.

          12. JeffinPA | Jul 27, 2008 02:50am | #44

            I'll take the slimmer, fitter and rich, but the wife is good and i am trying to sell the boat!

          13. rasconc | Jul 26, 2008 04:55pm | #31

            Don't tell Arcflash!

          14. User avater
            Luka | Jul 26, 2008 06:33pm | #32

            ???


            Trying to reason with someone who just wants to argue or insult, is not a reasonable pursuit.

            Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

          15. rasconc | Jul 26, 2008 06:37pm | #33

            http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=107014.8

          16. User avater
            Luka | Jul 26, 2008 07:06pm | #34

            Did you slap his momma ?~~~Harbor Freight... The DIY store.And most of the tools there are actually pretty good, if all they are ever going to be used for is DIY.If I were going to be using a tool on the job everyday, job after job, I'd buy elsewhere.


            Trying to reason with someone who just wants to argue or insult, is not a reasonable pursuit.

            Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

          17. rasconc | Jul 27, 2008 01:07am | #38

            I believe that is sort of what I said (not the Momma part) in the one he was replying to.  Still has not done a profile.

            Edited 7/26/2008 6:08 pm ET by rasconc

          18. User avater
            Luka | Jul 27, 2008 05:29am | #45

            He has replied.I think he's a good guy who just had a bad moment.=0)

            Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

          19. rasconc | Jul 27, 2008 05:51am | #46

            I welcome new talent and ideas, just a little heavy handed and with no profile or other explainations or introductions (may have been on some other thread though).  All I did was tell Fast Eddie that the little gun looked might it might be worth the cost of a bottle of hooch, he launched his dam*ation of HF.  I said that most here had not so harsh words.  That the conscencious was pretty much what you said.  I even welcomed him, maybe he took the chill pill and all is cool.

            I just think most people when new on a board get established or let people know their experience level before pontificating.  You can be the most expert in the field (and he might well be) but unless there is something to let people know your background it comes across a little weak.  Just one man's opinion.

            Bob

          20. User avater
            Luka | Jul 25, 2008 07:26pm | #20

            That's exactly what I was thinking.And now that dremel is going to come out with a knock-off I figure HF won't be far behind.


            Trying to reason with someone who just wants to argue or insult, is not a reasonable pursuit.

            Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

          21. pebble | Jul 25, 2008 06:40pm | #17

            I posted this in the What Tool Did You Buy Today thread but I am sure it got lost in there. A cheap knock off is coming in October. Maybe the patent expires then? Here is the link...http://onekit.enr-corp.com/1004109/fact.htmlHandyman, painter, wood floor refinisher, property maintenance in Tulsa, OK

          22. KenHill3 | Jul 25, 2008 06:45pm | #19

            Yeah, will be curious about the blade compatibility.

          23. reinvent | Jul 26, 2008 04:09am | #26

            There have been cheap knock off''s in the past and the vibrations would turn your hand numb in minutes and make you partially deaf.

        5. JeffinPA | Jul 27, 2008 02:46am | #42

          I lived like an osterich for years and to this day, still have not seen another one in the field.

          Just bought mine last month!

        6. JeffinPA | Jul 27, 2008 02:46am | #43

          Oh, by the way, what do you expect from us PA guys, ha, ha

      2. Piffin | Jul 26, 2008 01:55am | #23

        Niche work?I don't cut many niches into walls, but once I finally owned this tool, I wondered how I had ever done remodeling without it!Niche indeed... 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. Henley | Jul 26, 2008 02:38am | #24

          What are the specs on the MM ?
          The Ryobi is 1.5 Amp.
          Soft start, 10-21 thousand RPM I think they said.

        2. unTreatedwood | Jul 26, 2008 11:34pm | #37

          okay, ya got me. Nic(h)e work..."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program"  -Ronald Reagan 

  3. MSA1 | Jul 25, 2008 03:25am | #7

    This has been asked many times here.

    Buy one.

    This tool will change your life.

    1. toolman65 | Jul 25, 2008 04:02am | #8

      Thanks for the input. my fear was that this tool was too good to be true....evidently not. I,m going to purchase the package that comes with the accessories to save some green. Now, how to sneek it in the house without the wife catching me? wish me lucktoolman65

      1. Marson | Jul 25, 2008 04:21am | #9

        Wait till she finds out that you bought a tool "as seen on TV!"

      2. Sasquatch | Jul 25, 2008 04:27am | #10

        This is not a problem.  I do it all the time.  Bring it in, use it until you have broken even on benefits, and then don't brag about your new tool to the wife.

        If she notices you have a new tool, you can now explain to her how much money and effort it has saved.

        If she is a sensible woman, as most of them are, she will realize that you really like the tool and that it has paid for itself or is doing so.  Or, she will at least realize that you wanted it so bad that you had to add it to your collection before you could think of a way to convince her to approve of the purchase.

        If your relationship is otherwise enjoying fair weather, this will pass.  Maybe you will have to provide a nice restaurant evening.

      3. Shep | Jul 25, 2008 05:11am | #11

        Please include me in your will before she decides to kill ya.

        I'll be happy with just the tools.

  4. JeffinPA | Jul 27, 2008 02:45am | #41

    Like they all said.

    Just do it.

    I just posted last week in "what tool did you buy today"

    I have had it for a month.

    I do mostly renovations.

    I have used it about 2x per week.

    Removing grout to disassemble lower portion of shower so we could remove vinyl pan and do wet bed tile floor

    Cutting recessed light holes in plaster.

    Cutting out drywall for clean holes for whatever we are doing.

    Undercutting interior door casing legs

    Cutting baseboard in place.  (oh, by the way friggin awesome)

    The infomercial seems like a gimmick tool sort of.

    Just trust everyone here.

    BUY IT YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT AND WONDER WHY YOU DID NOT BITE THE BULLET BEFORE!!!!!

    1. toolman65 | Jul 28, 2008 03:32pm | #48

      thanks for the input. cutting baseboards in place and triming door jambs are what i plan to use it for the most, however, i'm sure i'll find lots of other uses....at$500.00 after taxes....i'd better!toolman65

      1. JeffinPA | Jul 29, 2008 03:43am | #54

        We just found the speed adjustment on it today.  (one of my guys who has been using it the most goes:

         

        YO Jeff, I just found a speed control on this thing and it has been on #3 out  of 6 the whole time.  You should see this thing now.

         

        HOLY S**T  I have been excited about the multimaster and been running it at half speed.

        I might use it to cut 2x4's  now. 

        It burned thru brick molding, 1x10 and some 1x2 today like butter.

        You will LOVE it for cutting base and casing in place. 

        1. Piffin | Jul 29, 2008 04:47am | #56

          "...it has been on #3 out of 6 the whole time. You should see this thing now."best laugh all night! 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. JeffinPA | Jul 29, 2008 01:40pm | #64

            "...it has been on #3 out of 6 the whole time. You should see this thing now."

            best laugh all night!

             

            No doubt.  I was giddy when I realized the full potential of the machine yesterday.

            Still made good money off of it for the last month though. 

          2. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 29, 2008 07:02pm | #68

            how many new holes in yur neighbors home show up last night???? 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          3. JeffinPA | Jul 30, 2008 12:03am | #71

            Shucks.  My neighbors, freinds, relatives, they all are getting holes cut wherever they want and them some.

            That tool is SWEET!!!!!

            (no inapproprate jokes about where the multimasters are kept at night either)

          4. User avater
            BillHartmann | Jul 30, 2008 12:17am | #72

            I have heard reports of a someone standing on street corners with a sign that says;"Will make holes for Multimaster Blades".
            .
            .
            A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

        2. Sasquatch | Jul 29, 2008 05:33am | #57

          When you use the higher speeds, especially on harder materials such as oak or dense materials, such as soffitt (masonite) material, there is a tendency to burn the blades if you do not go slowly and give them a chance to clear out the cuttings.

          I have not figured out yet what to actually use the highest speed for.  With all material, the two biggest problems are removal of cuttings (chips) and movement of the blade out of the desired line of cut.

          So far, with my limited experience cutting different materials, I think that cutting into a fairly soft and less dense material would be a good use for the higher speeds.

          My thinking is that if you want to touch the blade to your marked line in a soft material, an insulating foam panel, for instance, the higher speed will allow you to cut into the material without the blade trying to jump out of your intended cut.

          With the new, tool-less change and higher-power MM, if you are not well braced, the blade can walk away.

          I can't verify this yet, but if the blade smokes, you are not giving it a chance to clear out the chips, which shortens the life of the blade and does not improve the cut.

          Finally, I have used the wider wood blade for cutting stringers in place.  When I tried to cut too long timewise, the teeth could not clear out the chips and the teeth would start to break off at the ends of the blade.  On the other hand, I cut through ten feet of 24 year old 5/8" plywood siding with a blade that had about half of its life behind it.  I proceeded slowly.  I pretty much finished up the usefulness of that blade before I turned it into a scraper, but it saved me about six hours of work.

          Edited 7/28/2008 10:34 pm ET by Sasquatch

          1. Piffin | Jul 29, 2008 06:07am | #58

            I think that cutting into a fairly soft and less dense material would be a good use for the higher speeds."I have used the highest with red cedar and cedar siding 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          2. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 29, 2008 06:22am | #59

            Ain't it hell when ya scour the job from top to bottom... from inside to out...

            with yur MM at the ready and can't find any thing no place to use it on no how.... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          3. Sasquatch | Jul 29, 2008 06:10pm | #66

            You're not looking hard enough.

          4. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 29, 2008 07:05pm | #69

            I'll look again... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        3. DonCanDo | Jul 29, 2008 01:19pm | #62

          Thanks for posting that!

          I actually read the instruction manual, but somehow managed to miss the fact that the thing has a speed control.

          It had been set on the highest speed.  I've only used it once so far for cutting paneling and it worked perfect, but if I had reduced the speed, I might not have burned up the blade.

          1. JeffinPA | Jul 29, 2008 01:29pm | #63

            Funny Don:

            Both of us in the same boat but I needed more power "scottie" and you needed less.

             

            Awesome tool though!!!

  5. Bpawb | Jul 28, 2008 08:15pm | #50

       Has any one mentioned that this thing works great if you have,.... say..... a pulled muscle .... you can get your wife to give you a massage with it ?

       Just put on 1 of the sanding pads (with out the sandpaper of course & with your shirt on.) and there you go!   

       Ahhhh...Feels pretty good.

     

    ...paul...

    1. Piffin | Jul 28, 2008 09:48pm | #51

      I'm thinking now---I could take a worn out sanding pad and give it a new face with a big old dollop of silicone caulk - maybe shape three fingertips on it... 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. DanH | Jul 28, 2008 10:34pm | #52

        Better watch out or you'll have to buy another one for your wife.
        It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

      2. User avater
        Luka | Jul 29, 2008 02:54am | #53

        "- maybe shape three fingertips on it..."3 fingertips ?I'd have to form three large hands...;o)

        Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

  6. mkejim | Jul 29, 2008 04:31am | #55

    I have had one for years.  It's great.  Taunton online has a tip on making your own cutting blades.  Fein blades are very expensive.  I cut up a cheap fine tooth handsaw from a big box store, drilled a hole that matches the shaft on the Multimaster and that's it.  I got about 10 blades for $10 bucks and a little work.

    1. User avater
      Luka | Jul 29, 2008 09:10am | #61

      "Taunton online has a tip on making your own cutting blades."Where ?

      Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern

      1. mkejim | Jul 29, 2008 03:07pm | #65

        Not really sure if it was Taunton or not.  Anyway, just buy a cheap handsaw with the teeth you want.  Mark the handsaw blade and cut with an cutoff wheel on a hand grinder.  Drill the hole for the MM shaft and grind the edges smooth.  The only difference is that the blade you make is not offset like the MM blades but they work just as well.

    2. toolman65 | Jul 30, 2008 04:07am | #75

      thanks for the tip! great tool, but the price for blades is nuts. finally, a use for all my old hand saws (does anybody ever use them anymore?). the only thing i,ve been doing is cutting them up to make cabinet scrapers.toolman65

      1. Piffin | Jul 30, 2008 05:12am | #78

        "does anybody ever use them anymore?"I'd shoot you if you looked at my handsaws with an eye to cutting them up! Use them every week 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Jul 30, 2008 05:17am | #79

          They're from the Bronze Age right? Had em since ya was kid?Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

          You gonna play that thing?

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0

          1. Piffin | Jul 30, 2008 05:36am | #80

            No, but a nice pair of singing Distons 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          2. sisyphus | Jul 30, 2008 05:43am | #81

            Have you ever tried any of the japanese style handsaws? I've been using them for about 25 years and find them better in most respects once you get used to pulling instead of pushing. Cut line visibility, however, sometimes is a problem.

          3. Piffin | Jul 30, 2008 05:53am | #82

            Not much. Got a flex flush cutter pullsaw for dowel plugs and a Stanley toolbox saw with jap style teeth 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          4. sisyphus | Jul 30, 2008 06:36am | #83

            I was using a japanese plywod saw today (Super Sharp?) because it was quieter than the power tools and I figured it would be less likely to set off the interconnected smoke alarms throughout the building. The blade is over 20 yrs old, never been resharpened, shy a few teeth and possibly a little rusty. I've probably cut lath and laminate and all sorts of  eccentric materials with it and periodically think maybe its time to put a new blade on it (which I have stached in my shop). But it still cuts well, a tribute to its tiny kerf and good metallurgy. Most impressive.

          5. KenHill3 | Jul 30, 2008 06:56am | #84

            Anybody here put down the big bucks for the MM Supercut? Is it that more powerful? Discuss........

          6. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 30, 2008 06:59am | #85

            I and RW did....

            can't make a comparrison as I haven't used any other MM.... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          7. User avater
            IMERC | Jul 30, 2008 07:01am | #86

            hey dude....

            somebody is asking for a review.... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          8. RW | Jul 30, 2008 03:26pm | #88

            better built, more versatile, different blade attachment, . . .

            auto glass installers use them for urethanes

            so do commercial guys

            I dig mine, but I got it at a flippin steal or probably wouldn't have bought it.Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

        2. toolman65 | Jul 30, 2008 06:40pm | #91

          a hand saw, sharp and tuned, made of quality steel and a comfortable handle is a thing of wonder....until you hit a nail...or...lend it to someone who uses it to cut plaster and osb.when i say cut up to use as scrapers,i,m not talking about disstons with the wonderful scrolled handle made years ago. i mean the cheap saws with the plastic handle that never fits.perhaps its time for a new post?toolman65

          Edited 7/30/2008 11:49 am ET by toolman65

      2. JeffinPA | Jul 30, 2008 02:25pm | #87

        Re. Old hand saws.

        I get a few beers and files about once a year and sit down and sharpen my old hand saws and re-kerf them as necessary.

        I still use mine and dont keep them in the truck all the time which is annoying since I usually want them when they are not there.

        Still not much that cuts like an old sharp hand saw.

        But the multimaster is pretty friggin awesome.

        1. toolman65 | Jul 30, 2008 06:47pm | #92

          only so much room in my toolbox/truck. Used to carry a small saw until i left at a jobsite one day...never replaced it.got some handle type thingy (from walmart of all places) that allows me use sawsall blades instead. looks like a drywall saw. no fear of hitting nails...just pop in a new blade. sharpening and setting saws is a lost art. LOL!toolman65

          Edited 7/30/2008 11:50 am ET by toolman65

          1. Piffin | Jul 31, 2008 02:12pm | #94

            My basic 'sawhorse' setup is a couple of benches about 36" long, 12" wde and 22" high. Square box with tool storage in bottom shelf.
            One of them is the framing square, the speed square, and two hand saws. The other has some strings, a hacksaw, a couple chisles, and a lot of sawdust to disguise other items 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      3. joemilw | Sep 05, 2008 03:28pm | #96

        Im going to take the plunge this weekend and have a couple of projects right away that will put the MM through its paces. Full kitchen gut (side job) and 800 sq ft of hardwood floors (my house)

        I dont think that I need the top model/package, but I can decide between the starter ($200)and the next bump up($300). is it worth it to go for the mid priced select package? If not...Where are you guys getting your blades?

        Ohh and Im planning on getting this from amazon combined with a new Li-ion drill/driver in the order. Is there a cheaper place?

        -J

        1. BryanSayer | Sep 05, 2008 05:28pm | #97

          If you think the vac attachment will be useful, you are better off going for the top.

        2. jayzog | Sep 05, 2008 06:14pm | #98

          I think you have to go to the $300 model to get the quick blade mounting system. The set screw mounting on the cheaper one is really a weak link.

  7. IslandJim | Jul 29, 2008 06:52am | #60

    Remember your first VCR?  Microwave?  Sawzall?  Now you can't remember what life was like without one?  That's the Multimaster.  You're gonna lover it!  It's better than you think.

  8. MikeCallahan | Jul 30, 2008 03:08am | #73

    I use mine for cutting hardwood a lot. To guide the blade, I will often clamp or pressure kicker a straight edge at least 1" thick to guide the cut straight and clean. I will keep a wet rag handy to frequently cool the blade while cutting. I'm usually doing perfect looking finish work, so I don't like to freehand the tool. The speed control on high will make a profound difference in cutting speed. I use the lower speeds for sanding.
    I use the sander in tight spots where I can't use a disc sander.
    I bought the $300 kit. I thought it was the better deal if you are just woodworking. The kit comes with a flush cutter, the sanding attachment, the scraper, and a few other blades that I haven't used much. I bought it mainly for the flush cutting function and it has been very good. You have to use ear protection because although it does not seem loud, the high pitch whine will ring your ears for days after.

    Mike Callahan, Lake Tahoe, Ca.
    1. Piffin | Jul 30, 2008 03:57am | #74

      Uh, would you mind repeating that?I didn't quite hear it all...;) 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. toolman65 | Jul 30, 2008 04:25am | #77

      early days for me , as i just bought one and am trying to discover just what this tool can do. i find that if i use my shopvac and cut in surges, instead of constant pressure, the blade stays cooler and the chips are removed before they can gum up the blade. baby steps.toolman65

  9. unTreatedwood | Sep 02, 2008 10:43pm | #95

    I just got the 250Q.  Ended up using it most of the day, off and on Saturday while rebuilding a garage.  Paid for itself when I had to replace rotten and damaged  wood siding.  I could cut the bad stuff out without damaging nearby overlapping wood.....quickly.  Very impressive.  Can't wait to try out the other blades.

    "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program"  -Ronald Reagan 

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