Anyone use a fien multimaster?

[rahimlee54]

I was just flipping channels and an infomercial was on and I was wondering if anyone had ever used one of these.

 

[romanf]

I have a couple of these units. They are absolutely awesome and work even better than advertised. I have removed grout, cut tenons and mortises, sanded metal doors, removed caulk, etc.

These machines are very capable and easy to handle and to use.

 

[PeteQuad]

I have the Bosch cordless version and it is a great tool. If you are a pro, relatively short battery life might be a pain for you. I have three batteries so it's not an issue for me. In general the tool concept is great though. Thanks Fein!

 

[Mt. Gomer]

I have a couple of these units. They are absolutely awesome and work even better than advertised. I have removed grout, cut tenons and mortises, sanded metal doors, removed caulk, etc.

These machines are very capable and easy to handle and to use.

Agreed, very handy to have around.

 

[Joe Scharle]

I have one and need to point out that the blades are ridiculously expensive. Some people really like the Harbor Freight version too. The scraper is slick on caulk as well as dried glue.
Cost of blades is my main complaint. I have about 10 hours on it and about 5-7 blades. The detail sander attachment is more trouble than sanding by hand. The primary advantage of this type tool is the ability to plunge cut; when nothing else will get into the space!

 

[Bas]

I have the Harbor Freight version. Like most HF tools, it's loud and gets warm pretty quickly. But, I believe the other knock-offs (Craftsman, Dremel) have the same problems. At $30 (with coupon), it's pretty good value for the money.

This tool is unbelievably handy on many DIY projects. It is great for cutting into drywall & door jambs, and the scraper can get lots of stuff you'd normally have to hack hours by hand. Like Joe said, it's great for plunge cutting or working in a confined space. I needed to make a hole in some 2x4s in a very tight area last month, far too tight for a hammer and chisel. The multitool made short work of it.

The blades definitely don't last too long. In fact, the three blades that come with the kit are almost as expensive as buying them separately!

 

[Mark Stewart]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=116&pricetype=

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917438000P?keyword=nextec

I have been looking at these for a while but never knew any one who used them thanks guys.

Thanks Mark:gar-Bi

 

[lottathought]

I have been looking at these for a while.
Just out of curiosity.......
If the blades are so much more expensive for the Fein.....can these blades be substituted with replacements from a less expensive brand version of this?

And how long do the blades typically last?

 

[Joe Scharle]

Fein blades $25 + each....4 nails or 8 feet of 2" hardwood.

Sears blades $6 + each....1 nails or 3 feet of 2" hardwood (Nextec, sp). These have a weaker post pattern, but will fit. However, the drive star WILL strip out the post teeth when an obstacle i.e. a large nail is encountered.

 

[lottathought]

Joe..thanks for the info. Can you clarify one point though?..the stripping out..is that on the blade or the Fein tool?

 

[Joe Scharle]

The blade reams out due to sudden shock. The drive spur post on the Fein is hardened.

 

[lottathought]

It would almost have to fall apart at the slightest use to be a bad choice with those price differences though. :wink_smil

 

[Joe Scharle]

I keep Fein E-cut blades (Amazon has good prices in their email flyer from time to time) in the case for when I know, or suspect that there is metal hidden in the cut line. Otherwise, I just burn up some Sears. And they do smoke! But they cut good right up until they 'light up'.