Bosch has just announced their new 18V brushless cordless oscillating multi-tool (MXH180). The new Multi-X features tool-free blade changes, similar to their corded MX30, and a new powerful brushless motor that is said to provide corded performance and unprecedented runtime.
The new oscillating multi-tool looks to be the first tool released with Bosch’s CORE branding, and will be joined by additional brushless, high-performing, and long-running power tools in coming months.
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The MXH180 is said to deliver up to 30% more power and run for up to 65% longer, thanks to its newly designed brushless motor. Tool longevity is said to be 3X longer as well.
Additional Features and Technical Specs:
- 8,000 – 20,000 variable speed OPM
- OIS accessory compatibility
- compact size (12-5/8″ length)
- light weight (4.35 lbs)
- tool-free blade changes with no removable parts
- reduced vibration
- minimal maintenance (no motor brushes to check or replace)
- ergonomic gripping zones
- constant response circuitry for maintained speed under heavy loads
Pricing
It looks like the MXH180 will only be available as part of the MXH180BL kit, which includes the tool itself, an exact-fit tool insert tray, an L-Boxx storage case, and one accessory blade for $229.
Users can add their own Bosch 18V batteries or chargers to the kit, or purchase a SKC181-101 kit ($99) that includes a charger and BAT620 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery pack. A complete one-battery kit will therefore be priced at about $328.
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First Impression
Oscillating multi-tools are popular, but cordless models have notoriously poor runtimes. It’s unavoidable for tools like these that are run continuously.
More power and longer runtimes? Sounds good to me. But the brushless technology comes with higher costs.
Users will likely have mixed reactions to Bosch’s kit decisions. Personally, I like how the tool will be bundled as part of an L-Boxx kit, but that’s probably because I purchased a Bosch 18V kit and already have a compatible charger and batteries.
Some new Bosch users might appreciate having a la carte tool and charger + battery starter kit options, others might balk at having to pay a little extra for the L-Boxx tool box.
Overall I am excited about the new brushless multi-tool.
Bosch’s Build Your Own Kit stance makes perfect sense, but I wonder how their users and target audience will respond. With a tool like this it can be hard to predict whether users would want the tool bundled with compact batteries, high capacity batteries, one of each, or none at all.
Javier
Thats great news. 2013 is the year for brushless
Stuart
Indeed. I think 2014 will be the year everyone catches up.
Scottthetec
I have the 12v version. Works awesome. I do remodeling/interior repair and I don’t get the dig everyone has about battery life. I use it for quick cuts while working onsite and I get about 10 mins of continuous run time per battery; I carry three or four batteries. If the job requires continuous cutting or sanding longer then 10 minutes, I will probably use a corded tool.
I would bet this is an awesome tool. I like Bosch. Too bad I’m already invested in 18v Makita.
John S
I just got the top of the line corded bosch OMT – it is great!
fred
I’m impressed at what competition will do. Once Fein’s patents ran out the proliferation of new oscillating tools has resulted in some nice innovation and a choice in price points too.
Steve R.
I’m assuming this type of tool will be primarily used indoors, which places it close to outlets. There may be occasional use outdoors and/or in places where a cord would get in the way. That is unlike tools such as a drill or Sawzall, where much of the contractor’s use would be outdoors and/or up high, where a corded tool is more difficult to use. Drills, by their nature, don’t seem to require great gobs of torque and generally aren’t used continuously, so going cordless is a natural fit for them. Also, the cordless versions of many tools seem to lack enough oomph to do a job properly, though they are getting better. Having to change batteries often throughout a workday (for contractors) would make this version less desirable because of downtime, unless there was a lot of close-in work that is hampered by a power cord.
I purchased a Dewalt 20V reciprocating saw last year for yardwork. It’s used periodically to cut tree limbs, bushes, etc. The downtime during these tasks is an annoyance, but I have several batteries that I switch among. I’m also not on the clock (time is money), so I can put up with that inconvenience. That may not be acceptable for a contractor.
I can see this as more of a backup tool for short-term close-in work, and where the majority of its use would be best served with the corded version for continuous running capability (such as removing ceramic tile or vinyl flooring). As you mentioned, run times on cordless tools are still anemic compared to their corded versions, so I see this as more of a niche product. Pricing on this product may also keep sales down (at $328, plus tax, plus additional blades), compared to its competitors.
Javier
Every one has different needs. Just because a cordless tool doesnt fit your needs doesnt mean it doesnt work for others. I have the m12 multitool and for my needs its nearly perfect. I use it for flooring installs cutting door jambs, cutting clean cuts in drywall, sanding, scraping and the fact that its cordless has made the jobs easier and quicker. On one job I had to scrape the flaking paint and old wood from under the eaves of an entire home. Doing so by hand with a hand tool would have taken ages and a corded tool would have only slowed me down vs a cordless tool. In that job battery recharges were about the same amount of time as it took to deplete a full battery. Ofcourse I could always use a bit more power and a lot more runtime and thats where these new 18v brushless multitools come in. A corded tool just wouldnt cut it for me but thats not to say it would be a perfect fit for others.
Fred
Tight spots, odd angles, interior corners just off the top of my head.
I have both a 12v hackzall and 18v recip. I also have a corded one. Got a ton of sanders. Coping saw, hacksaw, dovetail saw? check check check. I have two corded oscillators. Still find there are enough situations to have a cordless oscillator that it would seem like I’m exaggerating. I rarely make an overhead cut with a corded tool at all anymore.
Though this one is bigger than a 12v, I can see it having its uses. Brushless or not, I’d rather have the 12v with extra batteries, personally.