Multi-function tools: any good?
Discussion
Perusing the new Toolstation catalogue t'other day I noticed an interesting little device:
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+Tools/AEG/AE...
In much the same vein as the Fein Multimaster, Bosch GOP etc, but as well as the usual oscillatory functions (sanding, plunge cutting, scraping) this AEG item has an extra "head" attachment allowing it to work as an angled drill as well. (There's also an impact driver and a hammer attachment, apparently, but we don't seem to get those in the UK...)
Looks like it'd be rather useful, and I'm quite tempted to give it a go, but before parting with the best part of £200 I'd like to know if it's any good! Anyone got any experience with this machine?
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+Tools/AEG/AE...
In much the same vein as the Fein Multimaster, Bosch GOP etc, but as well as the usual oscillatory functions (sanding, plunge cutting, scraping) this AEG item has an extra "head" attachment allowing it to work as an angled drill as well. (There's also an impact driver and a hammer attachment, apparently, but we don't seem to get those in the UK...)
Looks like it'd be rather useful, and I'm quite tempted to give it a go, but before parting with the best part of £200 I'd like to know if it's any good! Anyone got any experience with this machine?
Simpo Two said:
How badly do you need an angled drill?!
It'd certainly be useful, drilling cable holes between joists springs to mind, quite often I find I need to drill holes or drive screws where my little 12v DeWalt drill-driver just won't fit and it's awkward to get a decent grip on an ordinary screwdriver.Also would have plenty of use for the little plunge-cut saws that these things have, and the carbide-grit blades would be ideal for trimming tiles.
Of course all this is assuming that these gadgets actually perform as well as the manufacturers would like us to believe...
I drill cable holes between joists with an ordinary mains drill, just angled down a bit. Over the 2" width of a joist it doesn't make any difference.
I have the Bosch Multitool, which is excellent as a 'get out of jail' tool when nothing else will do, but being oscillating doesn't have any great power. Because all the wear is concentrated on an inch of blade they wear out quite quickly and are expensive to replace. The carbide jobbie is good for chasing short runs in plaster or breezeblock, and as a detail sander I've used mine for modelmaking. But overall it's for light duties only IMHO.
You can get the Bosch for £60-£80 depending on how many blades it comes with, so you're paying £120 for a right-angled drill...
I have the Bosch Multitool, which is excellent as a 'get out of jail' tool when nothing else will do, but being oscillating doesn't have any great power. Because all the wear is concentrated on an inch of blade they wear out quite quickly and are expensive to replace. The carbide jobbie is good for chasing short runs in plaster or breezeblock, and as a detail sander I've used mine for modelmaking. But overall it's for light duties only IMHO.
You can get the Bosch for £60-£80 depending on how many blades it comes with, so you're paying £120 for a right-angled drill...
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