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.
|
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. |
|
|
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.
|
|
buy the cheaper Fein Multimaster start set
|
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.
|
|
|
buy the bi-metal segment sawblade for the Bosch all rounder |
|
|
|
