The oscillating multi-tool market is bustling, and it’s never been a better time to pick one up. But while there are quite a few makes and models already available, we haven’t seen anything yet from Black & Decker or Dewalt.
To put things in perspective, here are the new models that came out within the past few months:
- Milwaukee M12 Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool
- Bosch MX25 Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool
- Skil Oscillating Multi-Tasker
- Dremel Cordless Multi-Max
- Rockwell Cordless Sonicrafter
We know that Porter Cable is coming out with both corded and cordless oscillating tools later this year, but nobody has heard anything about Dewalt or Black & Decker’s plans yet. I’m going to go ahead and guess that we will see such tools released this year.
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My reasoning is that it really does not make sense for Porter Cable to be the only Black & Decker brand to come out with their own oscillating tool. Look at what happened in 2010: Dewalt announced their 12V Max tool lineup, and then Porter Cable came out with theirs. Black & Decker also released their own 12V Max drill/drivers, although we’re not sure when that happened. Granted all three designs are different, but that’s even more of a case why each brand might come out with their own oscillating tools – to be able to cover the entire range of tool users.
So, we are officially predicting that Black & Decker and Dewalt will be coming out with their own oscillating multi-tools in 2011. If I had to guess, I would say that would happen ahead of Father’s Day or the winter holidays. I was half-right, half-wrong when I predicted Milwaukee’s tool release plans last year, but I’m a bit more confident about this one.
What do you think? Will B&D and Dewalt step into the oscillating multi-tool ring this year, or not?
Dan
I agree Dewalt will release one as part of the new 12VMAX line in 2011. It will be an interesting design to see with the flat battery pack.
Stuart
I was thinking along those same lines. I’m still entertaining the idea that if Dewalt enters the oscillating multi-tool market, it will definitely be with a corded model first.
It will be interesting to see if a theoretical 12V Max product line expansion will include a different type of cutting tool, perhaps similar to Makita’s new 3-3/8″ mini circular saw.
fred
This is a tool category where I’ve found the cordless variety has a serious disadvantage in many applications. I’m guessing that folks who have only light-duty tasks and have already bought into a battery tool platform – will be satisfied. What we found over the years is these tools can be power hungry when used for sanding and grinding (e.g. tile) tasks. We even stepped up to the Fein Supercut – and carry it to jobs we know will require its power. In the shop air sanders are the way to go – and we even bought a Fein in this category. All this being said – we bought a couple of the Milwaukee cordless tools – since we were heavilly invested in the M12 line for our installers and trim crews. Our conclusion about these – is that they have limited use – best suited for light duty work and work up on staging or ladders. So if I were only buying one tool – I’d opt for the corded variety – and maybe that thought will also appeal to Dewalt.
PS – I wouldn’t mind seeing some competition develop for Fein’s Supercut and some of their other specialty tools.
Stuart
I have to agree with what you said – the most common gripe I hear about 12V oscillating tools is that they drain batteries way too quickly. But, with recharging times down to 30 minutes for full charge and maybe 15-20 minutes for 75-80% charge or better, this is becoming less of an issue.
That said, I again agree that unless there’s a particularly pressing need to go cordless, a corded version would be better as one’s first oscillating tool.
I haven’t heard any buzz about any brand developing a Fein Supercut competitor, but if I had to guess, I’d say Bosch would likely be the first to try.
Alec Rawls
If DeWalt does not come out with an 18v I will be miffed. I decided to go with their system for the rest of my cordless tools (3 drills and three saws), largely because they have been good about making their batteries frontwards and backwards compatible. (I have about 8 batteries.)
I will NOT get a DeWalt that doesn’t use their 18v’s. If they do that to me, I’ll go with a plug-in from some different manufacturer. But that’s not what I’m expecting. I think they’ll come out with a high end 18v model with a slick quick-change set up, and if they’re smart, they’ll make their attachment pattern at least compatible with the Dremel, since the Dremel’s are the only widely available blades at this point, and one of the only blade patterns with 3rd party blades.
If they get it right, I’ll gladly pay big bucks, same as the Fein, which I was going to get, until I saw that none of the third party stuff would fit.
steve
I wish there was a oscillating multi tool that not only cuts vertically in straight lines but has a router attachment for curved depths too.
At the moment I am forced to consider buying two tools for one job.
The Black and Decker RT650KA Rotary Multi Tool is ideal for what I need for those straight depths but if I want a curved corner I have to use another machine !
I can only assume you can’t have an oscillating router bit.
Stuart
No, there’s no oscillating router bit available, at least that I know of.
Would the Dremel Trio (currently ~$95 via Amazon) be similar to what you’re looking or? If you go for a Dremel rotary tool (or the B&D version if it’s compatible), there are router attachments that allow for plunge cuts and edge/corner routing. Of course a compact router should also be suitable.
Or maybe the curve’d cut you’re looking for can be accomplished with a vertical cut and some sanding/grinding/shaping? I can’t really visualize the type of cut that you’re talking about.
Don
I too think Dewalt’s will come out soon.But I think they are testing the porter cable (witch is now @ lowes) to see how it works ,then make changes and release a better dewalt tool.
Stuart
That may be possible. If such a tool is still in development, then it’s possible that Dewalt’s working on pro-grade accessories. Although, my experience with the PC ones has been pretty positive, so I’m not sure much refinement is necessary on that front.
David
Voltman Batteries out of Mansfield, Ohio did a fine job of rebuilding my Dewalt 18V and 24 V battery..The 19V last over ten years while their 24 V lasted six months..