Dremel Mult Max vs Fein Multi Master

[Tileworks]

Hello,

I've been dreaming about a Fein Multimaster for about a year but keep putting it off ($300-$400 egads!)

Today, while in Home Depot, I saw a display complete with TV and video showing off a new Dremel Multi Max tool that looks similar to the Fein, at only $100.00

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Tools/Pa...?pid=Multi-Max

Has anybody else seen this, and better yet... has anybody used it and is it equal to the Fein? (and then to that end, anybody brave the Harbor Freight version {I usually don't do Harbor Freight anything}?).

- Bob

[SevrinJ]

Yah I too have been eye balling this one. What I do like is it has the the speed control. I would have bought one already but I'm waiting until they start stocking the blades around here before I get one.

[duneslider]

I haven't seen any diamond/tile blades for the dremel yet. I have been looking at the dremel too.

[ckl111]

I just bought one last week. I don't intend to use it every day so I couldn't justify spending $400 on the Fein. I have never used a Fein so I can't compare the two for you.

It is very light so I'm sure it isn't as sturdy as the Fein but it does the job flush cutting baseboards for me. I'm sure it's more suited for homeowner use than professionals but for the price I thought, what the hell.

They have a grout removal blade for $30 which comes in handi if I have to remove a broken tile. The blades are a lot cheaper than Fein blades although there are sources for knock off Fein blades at a reasonable price. Not sure if these places will eventually carry knock off Dremel blades.

The blades are tightened with an allen key as opposed to the newer Feins which have a quick connect mechanism. All in all, for $100, I'm not going to lose any sleep if it doesn't last 10 years. I'll buy this now and wait for the fein to drop in price due to the new competition. I also saw a cordless Bosch one for $200.


Funny story: I never used one of these before so I didn't know about the speed control. I was sawing away at a baseboard, taking forever and wondering what a piece of crap. Finally discover the speed control, cranked up the oscillations and it worked like a charm.

[SevrinJ]

Colin what blades does that come with ?

[ckl111]

Includes

* Dremel Multi-Max tool
* Flexible Scraper Blade, MM610
* ¾” Wood Flush Cut Blade, MM440
* 3” Wood and Drywall Saw Blade, MM450
* Hook and Loop Pad, MM11
* 60, 120, and 240 Grit Paper, Wood, MM70W
* Storage Case
* Getting Started Booklet




Most of the blades are less than $10 except for the grout removal Blade. That one was about $30. Comes in 1/8" or 1/16" thickness.

[silvercitytile]

sweet im going to homers mananna. i'll look

[Bellsfloors]

Here is a link to Amazon and some reviews:
reviews on Oscillating Dremel

I bought this Dremel Rotary tool 1 year ago and the bearings are already wearing out from light usage.
Rotary Dremel Tool Reviews
Haven't even had a chance to try all the attachements yet. I would bet the inner workings of the oscillating tool are pretty much the same as the Rotary. I think I would stick with the Fein tool until Dremel improves their quality back to what they use to be.

[gwataloo]

I've been eyeballin the Feins too,but decide to go with this one http://www.rockwelltoolsdirect.com/sonicrafter.php. I justed ordered it last week ,so I can't tell you how it does yet.

[ckl111]

Haven't even had a chance to try all the attachements yet. I would bet the inner workings of the oscillating tool are pretty much the same as the Rotary. I think I would stick with the Fein tool until Dremel improves their quality back to what they use to be.

As I said before, I don't expect this tool to compare to Fein's quality but it suits my needs. If you will give this tool heavy use then you can justify getting a Fein. I paid close to $400 for my first dewalt impact gun but it was worth it given the heavy use I gave it. The price has dropped dramatically since competition arrived.

Dremel was bought by Bosch so I hope it will have a positive influence on Dremel and not used by Bosch to compete with cheap crappy tools without a negative impact on the flag ship brand.

[SevrinJ]

Just for those who are interested I looked at the blades for the dremel the other day and on the back it said they fit the Fein. The grout removal blade was $34 and the others $10 like Colin had said.

[HS345]

I looked at the Dremel, the Bosch cordless, and the Rockwell, about a month ago. They all looked very cheap to me. I even posted a couple of pics here.

The Dremel blades, while inexpensive, are quite small, and look good only for extreme light duty use. Additionally, they only fit older Fein models.

The Bosch blades look heavier duty, compared to the Dremel, but only fit the Bosch model.

The Dremel is, IMO, a light duty, home owner, type tool. I can't imagine a light duty application in the professional arena. But, if anyone buys one, please give a review here. I am curious to know if I am way off base.

FYI, The Fein is variable speed, although they do make a less expensive version that is not variable speed.

[SevrinJ]

Greg,

how often do you use the sped control on your Fein ?

[HS345]

Not very often, but it is nice to have when you need it.

It will save you about a hunnert bucks though, not to have it.

[gwataloo]

Well I got my Rockwell, it seems to be pretty good quality, I've never seen or tried a Fein to compare to. I tried it on some grout joints and cut a door jamb in my basement with it.It was pretty slick. I'd say for under $200, it's worth it. Now time will tell how it holds up.