REVIEWS
MultiMaster tool. Honest Fein multimaster review
This multi-purpose Fein MultiMaster tool could really take the place of a dozen other tools each dedicated to a single function. But first, let's get the tech specs out of the way. The power rating of the Fein MultiMaster FMM 250Q is 250 watts, so be sure you have a heavy-duty power source - don't plug this into a flimsy extension cord! Speed can be varied from 11,000 to 20,000 oscillations/minute. The starter kit includes a soft grip, a locking star arbor, and forty (!) accessories:
- a solid sanding pad, with five each of sanding sheets with grits 180, 120, and 80
- a perforated sanding pad, with five each of perforated sanding sheets with grits 180, 120, and 80
- a universal ECUT 44 mm saw blade
- an HSS saw blade
- a Carbide tipped saw blade
- a rigid stopping knife
- a sanding kit for profiles
- a dust extractor
- a triangular carbide perforated rasp
- a plastic carrying case
The Bad Things about Multi Master tool
This multi master oscillating tool costs a lot - be prepared to pay big for it. Also, the blades the MultiMaster tool uses are expensive to replace, each one costing more than $15 each - and these blades have a very short lifespan. One blade wore out the first time I tried to cut a 10p nail, and it didn't even finish the cut.
For an oscillating tool, the variable speed control is difficult to adjust, and the control is located in an awkward position at the back. It's also hard to see the blade when the tool is running.
The plastic carrying case is flimsy - its walls are not much thicker than a few sheets of paper, and it doesn't fully open 180 degrees, only to 90 degrees.
I like the sanding attachments, but the pads fit the cloth-backed sandpaper only (of which you get five small squares of each of the three different grits). Paper-backed sandpaper won't attach, and it's hard to find supplies of the cloth-backed variety.
There's no Owner's Manual for the Fein MultiMaster tool, and the FEIN website isn't much help on Fein oscillating tools - you'll have to figure out lots of things on your own.
The Good Things about Fein MultiMaster tool
The quality of the MultiMaster tool is excellent - there's great design, the result of combining good materials with painstaking manufacturing processes. Think back to those days when quality was king in tool manufacture, and you'll have an idea of the excellence of this tool.
Functionally, this oscillating tool is perfect for sanding and for flush-cutting, with absolutely no lack of power (remember that 250 watts?). You'll save time using this tool versus any manual method, and even when compared to most other power-tools. Changing the attachments is quick and easy too - the quick-clamping lever pops open and closed, yet it still holds each and every accessory piece tightly and firmly. All the attachable accessories have an eight-edged pattern, allowing attachment adjustments in increments of 45 degrees.
Dust extraction is excellent - the device does a fine job pulling in dust during any lengthy period of sanding. Use the tool to remove hardened grout like it was soft putty, or to cut tough-to-get-to nails - the tool slides and cuts under siding like butter. Sand with ease those window frames that you want to repaint - the profile kit for sanding, which uses rubber inserts to form the profile for the sanding surface, is much better than the one for Porter Cable (which had to be returned to the store because of poor performance).
The attached extension cord is 16 feet long! How many power tools do you own with an attached cord that long?
Fein MultiMaster tool is Good? Bad?
Here's a couple of thoughts that could make you go either way for this Fein Multi Master tool. Read them, and decide for yourself if it's good or bad for you.
The Fein MultiMaster tool is heavy - it's not a one-handed tool, and must be guided with both hands.
You do need some hand strength when attaching accessories.
Here's what I'd suggest if you buy this oscillating tool:
- at first, use the MultiMaster tool only with the attachments in the set - buy other attachments after you've verified how the old attachments work and whether they last;
- score lines for cutting wood, using a chisel or razor blade - otherwise, vibration on the un-scored wood will ruin the piece;
- wear ear protection - it's noisy;
- find and buy a metal case that fits the MultiMaster tool - be sure the case has lots of compartments.
So, you can read Amazon customer reviews here
Summing Up
This Fein MultiMaster tool is VERY useful, especially if you're doing renovations or remodeling. I'd consider it a vital addition to any remodeler's or contractor's toolkit. But, expect to buy more attachments - I had to get $500 worth. Also, be prepared to spend in total what you paid for the tool when you buy replacement supplies (sandpaper, blades, etc.). But I will say this - the Multi Master is a serious tool!
You can buy it at Amazon through
this link
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