Festool Vecturo Oscillating Tool System

We’ve been keeping our eyes and ears open for news about the upcoming Festool Vecturo OS 400 oscillating multi-tool for a few months now. The Festool Vecturo is currently scheduled to launch in Europe in September 2014, and although details are still scarce, Festool has released a slew of new images to tease you with.

There are quite a few oscillating multi-tools currently available, and new corded and cordless models pop into existence from time to time.

Given the compatibility with Fein SuperCut blades, it is a reasonable expectation that Festool designed the Vecturo to be a heavy duty oscillating tool.

With this being Festool’s first foray into the oscillating tool market, expectations are high. Here’s what we know about it so far:

Features

• Fast Fix quick-change blade clamping mechanism
• Adjustable depth stop
• Plunge cutting guide and positional aid
• SuperCut-compatible blades and accessory interface
• A range of cutting blades will be available
• Twist-to-lock removable power cord

Fast-Fix Quick-Change Blade Clamp

The Vecturo will feature a Fast Fix blade change mechanism that offers quick and easy blade changes.

To remove a blade, lift the top lever, and let the blade clamp drop down to release the blade. To install a blade, hold it to the tool, insert the blade clamp through the blade and back into the tool, and squeeze the Fast Fix lever back down to secure the blade in place.

Festool Vecturo Oscillating Tool Blades

Festool engineered the Vecturo with a SuperCut-compatible interface that makes blade attachment and removal even easier than with others tools that feature tool-free blade clamping mechanisms.

It looks like there will be at least 7 different types of Vecturo cutting blades available when the tool launches.

There will also be a flush-cutting blade that will work well with the depth stop to make precise cuts in flooring.

Despite the benefits of the new Vecturo interface, I hope that there will be adapters that allow for use with other brands’ blades. Festool likes to go the proprietary route when they can, but the ability to use Fein MultiMaster blades, or Bosch OIS-compatible blades, will greatly increase the convenience of the new oscillating tool.

Update: The Vecturo OS 400 tool and Vecturo blades will be cross-compatible with Fein SuperCut blades.

Adjustable Depth Stop

An adjustable depth stop helps make more controlled cuts horizontally, vertically, and with the tool at an angle.

Plunge Cutting Guide

Festool has also come out with a plunge cutting guide and positioning aid that helps the Vecturo make straight cuts down or into a worksurface.

The cutting guide looks versatile, and it’s compact enough to stow away in a portable toolbox with the oscillating tool. The Vecturo will likely be bundled with a Festool T-Loc Systainer, and there will probably be a nice and cozy spot for the cutting guide.

Fein also offers a plunge cutting guide, but it’s much larger and designed more for workshop use. It’s also hard to find.

If there’s limited clearance, the Vecturo oscillating tool can be set an angle.

As with the adjustable depth stop, the plunge cutting guide is used with quick-attach mounting hardware that is fixed to the tool. This allows you to change the tool angle when necessary, and for quick installation and removal of both accessories.

But if you don’t anticipating needing to use the depth stop or plunge cutting guide, and will be working in tight quarters, you can remove the mounting hardware to use the Vecturo in its bare state.

Festool Vecturo System

That’s all we know of thus far, that there will be the Vecturo OS 400 oscillating tool, blades, and two attachments. Surprisingly, we haven’t seen any sanding attachments yet, or any dust collection attachment. Then again, it’s possible Festool intends for the Vecturo to be used mainly for cutting tasks, and their Rotex sander to be used for sanding.

Here’s a quick preview video:

ETA: September 2014 in Europe, USA launch TBD/TBA

First Thoughts

A Festool oscillating multi-tool is certainly exciting, but I have two concerns. First, how much will it cost? Festool tools aren’t inexpensive. Even Fein has felt the pressure from competitors and released a budget-friendly MultiMaster with sparse accessories. With the Vecturo looking to be a premium oscillating tool a la the Fein SuperCut, don’t expect it to be priced at the same level as entry-level tools.

I can appreciate the advantages the new blade interface provides, such as quick blade changes and easier blade rotation. But how much will the blades cost? Will they be easy to find? Will the tool work with other brands’ blades? Will the blades work with other brands’ tools? Many Festool tool owners like to stick with Festool accessories, but a lot of folks have become accustomed to working with universal interfaces.

Update: As edited into the post, the Vecturo will be compatible with Festool blades, as well as Fein’s SuperCut blades.

Overall, the Festool Vecturo looks to be an appealing tool, and I’m very excited about its release. It will be interesting to see how the Vecturo compares against competing tools, and I also find myself wondering if there will be any other special features that will give the new Festool oscillating tool an edge.