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Independent Tool Review
by Peter Brett - July August 2007
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Fein Multimaster 250
Most of us need one – We just don't know it yet
I will skip all the puns about doing a Fein job, Feintastic machine etc because I am sure that they have all been done before. But that doesn’t mean that the puns aren’t true or worthy. Every time I use one of the Fein oscillating machines I am struck once more by just how useful they can be and I end up wondering why every tradesman and every household in the land doesn’t have one. It can make amateurs into experts, and experts into seeming magicians, by the ease with which it tackles what were difficult jobs using ordinary tools, into easy tasks that leave you gasping with astonishment. All that is required it seems, is a steady hand and an innovative brain. Ah hah, perhaps this is where we as a country are going wrong...... But we are noted for our sense of humour!
Perhaps some of the very few criticisms that could have been levelled at previous Fein MultiMaster models was that changing the cutters/blades etc was a bit slow since it involved using a hex key and that direct dust extraction was not really possible. Holding a vacuum nozzle near the cut was always quite effective, I found, but having the extra hand free wasn’t always possible.
These two criticisms have now been firmly dealt with. On the new Fein model in order to change tools, a lever on top of the body is lifted (it was quite firm at first but got easier the more it was used) the tool is inserted at the correct angle on the geared foot and then a spindle put through. When the lever is pulled back, the tool is gripped very firmly and won’t move until the user moves it.
Dust extraction, as you can imagine, was a bit more problematical, but Fein has come up with a good solution that works well. A plastic shroud is fitted over the main spindle, it clicks into place, and then a flat pipe fits under the main motor housing. This is held with a semi-circular band. A set of supplied adaptors can then be used to connect to a vacuum machine.
The only downside of it for me was that the grip on the body for my small hands was compromised. But for the pleasure of being without a noseful of dust I was prepared to put up with it. For some jobs however, like removing tile grout, the only dust solution remains a good facemask.
Fein has also put a great deal of thought into the design of the carry case. Inevitably, with a machine like this, there are lots of small, easily lost, bits that need to be accommodated. The solution is a compact case, quite light, with custom designed compartments for all the bits needed. The compartments have lids, so will contain the components when the box is turned on its back to be carried. The lovely 5 metre long length of cord so necessary with a Fein machine is also easily wrapped in an oval above the machine. You do not end up with the familiar scenario of stuffing the cord in like a live snake that is intent on escaping and then slamming the lid down.
I have used most of the MultiMaster applications in real life situations. The latest one was removing plaster coving from a ceiling without damaging the plasterboard wall or ceilings in the process. Very dusty, I assure you, but very quick and a lot easier than any other method I could think of.
One thing included in this kit that I haven’t used was the profile sander kit. Again, cleverly designed, it consists essentially of a strong “crocodile clip” for holding the abrasive paper with a space for holding sanding profiles firmly too. This clip is then inserted into the MultiMaster at the desired sanding angle and away you go. Again, I was simply amazed at how easily this sanding system works. With the high oscillation rate and the correct abrasive grade, results are quick to show. The ingenious amongst us could probably also make up a profile from hard rubber, plastic or wood for those non-standard profiles that Fein has not thought of.
I also had a bit of fun shaping a brass reinforcing foot for a three legged Shaker table using the fine toothed semi-circular(?) saw provided in the kit. It did need a steady hand and a good vice to help complete the job, but it was easier cutting than my usual pair of snips. Another very useful addition is the sharp scraper/cutter blade. It will cut straight into carpets and floor tiles as a preparation to raising them, and then the scraper function can be used to scrape off the nasty pile of adhesive left behind.
Using the carbide edged discs to remove broken ceramic tiles in situ is another classic Fein MultiMaster trick. It does take a steady hand, but works really well. What I haven’t had the opportunity to do until now was to use the rough carbide sanding disc to remove the cement-like adhesive left underneath floor tiles for example. The abrasive is very rough, but works quickly to remove the adhesive. The delta shape of the sander means that even the smallest corners can be cleared easily too.
So far I haven’t found any reason to undermine my assertion that every tradesman should have a MultiMaster. But of course, what many tradesman will tell you is that the cost of tools is outrageous and of course they get stolen, dropped or otherwise destroyed.
The retail price of the kit I was sent to test is about £175, which may be a bit steep for someone to lay out in one go. However, a smaller kit is available at around £110 that has the basic sanding and cutting accessories, but is nevertheless the same basic machine. All the user needs to do is to add the accessories he or she needs, thus saving the cost of unwanted bits. Fein has therefore done it’s bit to ensure that the MultiMaster is as affordable as possible.
I don’t know what you’re waiting for!
Independent Review by Peter Brett
Airstream Communications