I’m sitting here watching an infomercial for the multi master. I know that many of you pros swear by it, especially the saw blade. But what about the other functions, such as the sander, rasp, scraper etc? It works like magic on TV, but how about in real life? Does the detail sander really work (unlike the Bosch one I bought). Can you remove window glazing without ruining the sash? Does the rasp effectively remove paint and other materials? Is the scraper really usefull? I want to believe, but not get fooled again.
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It's so good, even peanut butter won't stick to the roof of your mouth.
Oh - and the kids won't slam the screen door.
Forrest - lovin' my MM
It is the slickest thing..but the blades ain't cheep. I have the original ( before it was called the MM, just a Fien sander with accesories) . I see the top front of the MM is now covered, my ol one has the bearing exposed and it leaks grease , gets messy. Time to upgrade I guess.
Just a week or so ago I had to replace some jamb legs lower 1' that were rotted out, brickmould too..all against a stucco wall on a fixed sidelight(S) , that was the first tool I grabbed outta the van. Used TREX and screws,new brickmould, puttied the heads w/bondo, and switched to the sanding pad...slapped on some primer and it was invisible.
A truly cool tool.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I have irriatable Vowel syndrome.
Speaking of upgrades...MM is coming out with a new model in 07 which will have an improved mounting design that will eliminate slippage between the blade and the tool spindle. Supposedly, the torque will be increased by 40%. The blades will have a star shaped hole instead of a round one, which will lock into a star shaped design on the mounting gizmo. Check the coastal tool website. Maybe I should wait....???
HMMMMM? well, I only have 2 old blades ( which I guess will be obsolete for the model) so unless you had a slew of stuff to fit the old style I would ( and will) wait.
I lost the proper washer for the saw blades so I made one outta a neoprene gasketed screw washer...and yes, that design needs improvement...often the blade can vibrate loose. Maybe a tooless attachment change would be in the works..mine is an allen wrench sockethead cap screw...I don't know about MM.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I have irriatable Vowel syndrome.
I think there is a lot of misconception about what the Multi-Master can do. It's a very specialized tool. In repair and remodeling work, you may have to cut a small piece that is in place. Something like a baseboard or a clapboard. In the past, you would score a line with a knife, cut in with a chisel and repeat until you were through. The MM will do this type of job. It won't make long or large cuts. It's only as precise as your hand and it's not particularly fast. You won't be cutting down a door jamb that is proud of the wall with it or using it instead of a toe kick saw. More than anything else, I use it to cut off shim shingles after hanging doors. Whatever you cut with it must be firmly attached or it will just vibrate.
I find all detail sanders to be basically useless except for rough work and some paint prep. The Fein is not random orbit and leaves tell tale spring like marks. The edge of the pad will mark anything it bumps up against. I tried using it around some balusters in a stair case. I ended up doing twice the work by hand to remove the swirl marks. It's the best detail sander but it's still a detail sander.
I have not used the rasps. The scraper blade will dig into soft materials. It may help in removing glazing compound but it could cut right through the muntins.
The MM is very nice to have when making trimming cuts on materials that are in place. The material can't be large, long or thick. If you often find yourself getting out the chisel, get an MM. It's a lot of money if you don't run into this situation very often. Some trades, like tilesetters, may find more uses.
It is a very well made tool. The feel of quality is immediately evident. You'll wish some of your other power tools were as good. If you are a remodeling contractor or install kitchens and interior trim, you will want one. If you are a hobbyist or homeowner, it's not a magic pill for those jobs that take plain old work and patience.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
You are very correct. I also hate to admit it, but baack about 1990 when I got my SANDER..it was about 600 bucks, no lie, just like the Virtuex biscut joiners were..6 large.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I have irriatable Vowel syndrome.
The blades are awesome, and I really like the triangular sander for working it tight places . great for sanding inside edges of face frames.
The down side is the cost of the sandpaper disks $$$
When it comes to the saw blades/cutting, the tool is worth every penny.
Post your wifes' email here and everyone can tell what your perfect Christmas would be<G>
Dont forget flush cutting. Its the bomb
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I've used mine to cut 2x 's.there is a thread about making your own saw blades.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter WFR
"But when you're a kibbutzer and have no responsibility to decide the facts and apply the law, you can reach any conclusion you want because it doesn't matter." SHG
Me to Ive used mine to cut birds mouths once inna pinch :>)
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