Fein MultiMaster tested, reviewed
and compared to Bosch PMF 180E and Bosch GOP10.8v-Li
Updated 11th December 2011
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.
Latest News -Under testing
Bosch bring out 2 cordless versions of the 3 in 1 multi-tool.
This Bosch GOP tool uses 10.8v lithium ion batteries and is the same blades as the Bosch mains 3-in1 tool featured on this page.
The new 10.8v GOP costs about £140 and comes with a range of accessories. 1 sander head, 5 sheets of abrasive, a saw blade, and 2 Lithium Ion Batteries that also fit other Bosch tools.
The Blue Bosch GOP is from the professional range of tools, in 2011 Bosch will do the same tool in its standard Green coloured DIY range.
The new model (PMF 10.8 Li) is very similar but uses different batteries and charger so it is not compatible with the most popular Bosch 10.8v Li-ion batteries. Approx price £117 with 1 battery.
click to buy new bosch cordless multitool from a fredshed partner site
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
What jobs can the Fein Multimaster do?
|
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. You can also fit a dust extractor to the Fein but to make it work effectivly you will need to buy the special sanding sheets that have holes in them, see below
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
use the link below to see prices from my partners at tooled-up.com
buy the Fein Multimaster start set
or use the links below - any purchase made directly from these links will support this site and my work testing tools
|
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
|
|
The Bosch PM180 E compared to the Fein Multimaster
|
I don' generally like copies of innovative tools but as the 25 year patent has run out on the fantastic Fein MultiMaster there is nothing illegal about Bosch making a copy of it and using their vast marketing machine to make this superb genre of powertool more widely available. Also the Fein costs about £180 which is too much for most DIY users. The Bosch PM180 E has less power (180w against 250W) but is under £70 which is more affordable. Also the blades are cheaper too. I have extensively used the Bosch PM180E and can report that it does the job, but with a bit more noise and vibration than the Fein. It is also a bit fatter and not quite as nice to handle. The tool comes with 2 saw blades and a sander attachment with 6 pads. It has a 19mm dust extraction hole. Watch this space for more test updates.
|
|
|
use the links below to buy from my partner tooled-up.com OR THE LINKS OPPOSITE IF THEY ARE BETTER
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT MY WORK TESTING AND REVIEWING TOOLS PLEASE COME BACK AND USE MY LINKS WHEN BUYING BLADES FOR YOUR TOOLS
buy Bosch PMF 180 from fredshed partner buy the bi-metal segment sawblade for the Bosch all rounder buy the bi-metal segment sawblade for the Bosch all rounder
The blades above fit Both Bosch tools and the older Fein Multimaster |
|
|
Latest News Under testing Bosch bring out 2 cordless versions of the 3 in 1 multi-tool. (one blue- one green)
Cel -Power launch cheaper one battery version! This Bosch GOP tool uses 10.8v lithium ion batteries and is the same blades as the Bosch mains 3-in1 tool featured on this page. The new 10.8v GOP costs about £150 and with its 2 fast charging Lithium Ion batteries it is ideal for quickly whipping out to do a small to medium size, sawing or sanding job. I have used this now for several months and am very impressed. Since owning this I have hardly used my mains powered Fein and Bosch copy as I mostly do small jobs and the cordless batteries are mostly up to the jobs I do and in any case can be recharged partially and quickly. The new green DIY model (PMF 10.8 Li) is very similar but uses different batteries and charger so it is not compatible with the most popular Bosch 10.8v Li-ion batteries. Approx price £117 with 1 battery. I have used both tools and cant tell the difference in use. I would expect the blue pro version to be more durable and will report back here in the future to show how my test samples last. CEL MULTIPRO 10.8v Li-ion Cordless Multitool I have not used this yet but know the inventor well and am sure this Uk designed tool will make a good alternative to the cheaper green range Bosch. Ideal for people who have smaller jobs to do and less money to spend. It comes with only 1 Li-ion battery that lasts about 20 mins before needing a 1 hour recharge, so keep this in mind. |
buy Bosch GOP from a fredshed partner
|
|
|
Best Deal on Cordless Multitools Bosch GOP10.8V-LI Multicutter in Systainer Case with 30 accessories! This deal includes more accessories like those pioneered by Fein. There are blades for plunge cutting, in detail or along lines and also a wider range of abrasives. buy Bosch GOP from a fredshed partner or use the links opposite for more deal on 10.8v li-ion mini power tools |
|
|
