Fein MultiMaster tested, reviewed
and compared to Bosch PMF 180E
Updated 19th September 2008
The Fein MultiMaster is a unique power tool developed by
Fein Industrial Power tools of Germany.
The tool has the size and shape of a small angle grinder
but performs the functions of several tools such as sanding, cutting wood
and metal and removing grout form in between tiles.
The unique and patented part of the tool that makes it
special is the fact that the head oscillates from side to side
rather than rotating. This Oscillating action improves sanding performance
and also enable the tool to plunge cut into wood like a chisel, a function
unique to the Fein MultiMaster and of great use to the user.
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I first came across the Fein Multimaster 4 years ago at a tool show in
London. Since then I have been testing the tool with my team of
assorted tradesmen and amateurs.
The Fein MultiMaster is probably the most impressive power tool I
have used and was very popular with the test team.
In 2006 I was privileged to be asked by the Fein company to test and
evaluate a new prototype tool that had a tool-less locking mechanism
for the many blades and accessories.
After a lot of testing and comparing models I was so impressed
with the new quick release mechanism that I gave it one of my coveted
Golden Shed Awards.
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New Fein MultiMaster generation!
The prototype I tested in 2006 is now available and
known as the FMM250Q.
It has more power than the original and most
importantly the superb QuickIN rapid change system for changing tool
heads.
The original MultiMaster used a special "Allen" bolt
method which could be annoying and needed a special manufacturer
supplied "Allen" key to do.
The new QuickIN system is just a spring loaded lever
and takes seconds to operate.
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What jobs can the Fein Multimaster do?
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Detail
Sanding
Using the conventional delta shaped sanding head with Velcro pads
Also using a finger style head with Velcro pads
There is also a dust extractor for almost dustless sanding!
The rapid side to side action of the Fein is very efficient at
clearing dust from the sanding sheet and the Fein MultiMaster
matches or beats most detail sanders in my opinion. |

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Rasping - removing thicker material
If you have thick material to remove like gloss
paint, varnish or general crud then the carbide coated metal rasping heads
of the Fein MultiMaster are the most cost effective and efficient
tools to use.
Available in both
delta and finger shaped heads.
This carbide rasp is extremely durable and will
outlast any sandpaper or abrasive and save you money in the long term.
Combine the power of the fine MultiMaster with the
strength of this carbide coated blade and you have one nasty tool
capable of removing layers of material in seconds.
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Grout removal
Using the special carbide coated metal rasping heads
a disc attachment. The disc is flat on one side to facilitate removal
of the grout right down to the floor or up to the ceiling or
other barrier.
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Powered Scraper
The scraper blade turns the Fein MultiMaster into
one of the best decorating tools ever. The sharp flat blade and small
vibrations cut into and lift paint, glues and cement rapidly and often
in sheets.
This use of this attachment alone could saved me the
cost of the whole tool on one decorating job.
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buy Fein Multimaster top set
buy the cheaper Fein Multimaster start set
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Precision Plunge Cutting
For me the best application of the Fein MultiMaster
is the ability to plunge cut into wood and plaster board.
using the amazing e-cut blade you can cut accurately
vertically or horizontally into walls, skirting boards, door bottoms,
architrave and floorboards.
I don't know any other tool that works like this and
this feature has impressed every one of my testers who used the
MultiMaster
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The Bosch PM180 E compared to the Fein Multimaster
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