Fein MultiMaster FMM 250Q Top Variable Speed Sanding and Scraping/Cutting Tool with Case
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Fein MultiMaster FMM 250Q Top Variable Speed Sanding and Scraping/Cutting Tool with Case
Customer Review: A Daily Used Tool
Summary: 5 Stars
When we bought our first Fein Multimaster we were a little skeptical about it's cost/usefulness. We have two of them now, and there is rarely a day that we do not pull one of them out. Remodeling, Renovating, Additions, cleaning, repair, etc. There is always a job that the 'FINE TOOL' makes easier and cleaner. We have talked to other contractors/friends that have bought the knock-offs (i.e. dremel) and are less than satisfied with their durability. They always comment on how much more powerful the Fein is and how many times they have had to get their knock-off repaired. The variable speed makes it great for very delicate projects and demolition projects too. It oscillates so it doesn't throw a ton of dust in the air. It's great for cutting jambs on doors when doing flooring to. We probably won't buy a jamb saw because this is multipurpose and does a great job. A couple of suggestions: I would look around for different blades and attachments from after market sellers too since they can vary in cost and quality a great deal. Whatever you do, buy one with the orange case. You won't regret one of these.Customer Review: A Five Star Tool but too expensive for casual users
Summary: 5 Stars
I think the other reviews of this device are pretty much on target. This is an excellent tool and it does what it advertises. But does a tool that basically vibrates fast really need to cost four hundred dollars? Here are my thoughts:
1.) The patent on this tool has expired and there are several multimaster "clones" out there. A short list: Rockwell, Dremel, Harbor Freight Tools, Bosch. Of these, the Bosch is probably the best, and it even takes the Fein blades. However as of this writing you can only buy the uncorded version in the United States. This is not the sort of tool that should be powered by a battery.
2.) All of the attachments work very well. The sanding function is terrific and if you haven't used an oscillator of this type before (for instance if you're used to using a Black & Decker "Mouse" or something similar) you will be pleasantly surprised at this upgrade. The other attachments also work well, but I would not use the E-Blade or any E-Blade to cut metal, unless it is very thin. Don't try to cut hard metals.
3.) I agree that the plastic case inserts are not professional grade. The case itself is acceptable, but I prefer the Bosch cases.
4.) The blades. Buying replacement blades for this tool can be a drag. The Fein blades are of course very good, but at a starting price of $15 and up you're talking about a further outlay of hard earned money. Yes, there are other options, including the Harbor Freight Tools option or making your own blades, but remember these options void your warranty and aren't as good as the Fein blades. BTW, yes you can use round blades with this tool; you don't "need" the star-shaped quick attachment feature that is under the screw, although it obviously helps.
The verdict: if you are a casual user and only plan to do the work this tool requires a few (less than four) times a year, I wouldn't spend the money. Buy a clone tool instead. Of the clones mentioned earlier, I would avoid the Rockwell--the blades don't work with any of the others. Bear in mind that this tool shines best when used for the things shown in the informercial; while you can probably ditch your reciprocating saw after you buy the multimaster (remember, the Multimaster is a trim tool, you'll still need that saw for framing jobs), I would still keep around my jigsaw and a few other tools.
In addition, if you are the type of person who has to have the best of the best then I would say that this tool is for you. Sure you can de-grout a bathroom with a dremel or similar tool for about 1/4 the price, but this is surely not the point for somebody like that.
If you are a professional user, in my view this is a no-brainer. Spend the money on as many multimasters as you can afford. They will pay for themselves many times over within a few months.
Customer Review: A Godsend
Summary: 5 Stars
In just a few words... How did I ever live without a Multimaster? I am a remodeling contractor by trade, I have found so many times where the Multimaster is THE tool to get the job done. The surgical precision is much less damaging in lath and plaster than a recip. saw. This tool is worth every penny.Customer Review: A little bit of money but great tool
Summary: 5 Stars
I spent quite a bit of time looking at the different cutter but decided on the Fein since I knew I would be using it a lot since I do remodeling for a business. The versatility of this tool is great. It does cutting, sanding and grinding that other tools can't do. I am very happy that I spent the extra money for the fein. The quick blade change alone will pay for itself, no lost wrench or fumbling with the dropped screw.Customer Review: A solid & versatile tool for renovation
Summary: 5 Stars
The Multimaster works by moving the blade (or the sanding foot) in a random orbital motion. So unlike a rotary tool, the blade doesn't pull you through the material. That means you can control the depth and speed of the cut very precisely. The tool feels solid but not heavy and it doesn't vibrate in your hand. All the energy goes into the cutting device you've attached to it, and you don't gat tired holding on to it.
It's a very useful tool if you're doing removations. I bought it for sanding profiles like wood molding, and it is quite useful as a profile sander. But it does much, much more. Example: we wanted to move the old vinyl floor in a kitchen and install tile. The vinyl was glued to luan plywood, and both layers ran under the counters and the dishwasher. With one of the Multimaster's saw blades, it was relatively simple to make a clean, straight verical cut in line with the face of the cabinets, back under the toekick. That let me pull up the vinyl and luan from the open floor area and leave it in place under the cabinets. I don't know how I would have been able to do that with any other tool except perhaps a Bosch RotoZip.
It's expensive and the new (250 TOP) version comes in a cheesy plastic case, although to be fair, the metal case that the old (Model 625) version came in was stamped from very thin sheet metal. (If you buy something other than "Top" complete kit, the tool comes in a cardboard box.) But the case is the only light-duty item in the package.
Even if the packaging is cheap, the tool and the accessories are definitely well made and the attachments that are available make it very versatile. If you're taking apart a room in your house or someone else's house, this is a great tool to have.