We reviewed the well-received Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool last year and found it to be one of our go-to tools for any number of particular uses for which it continues to be well-suited. It's an extremely adept tool and works well, plus you can find accessories in just about any hardware store or home improvement warehouse. With that said, we thought we had heard the last of the Dremel multi-tool, especially when the company announced the cordless version of its Multi-Max line. Now, the company has gone back in and modified the original Multi-Max 6300 corded tool into two new versions - and both are very impressive in their own right. Today we look closely at the new MM20-01 Oscillating Tool Kit to see what makes it tick.
Having reviewed the popular (for good reason) Dremel Multi-Max 6300 Oscillating Tool last year and it really became one of our go-to tools for undercutting, cutting in electrical boxes and various other task for which a multi-tool is perfectly suited. Because Dremel was first to market following the release of the Fein patent, its accessories are very popular and found in just about any hardware store or home improvement warehouse. Even with all that behind it, we thought we were pretty much at the end of the Dremel story. I mean, they have both a corded and cordless model - so what else is there? Apparently more power. The company has tweaked their Multi-Max 6300 corded tool into two brand new models. Today we're taking a sneak peek at the new MM40-01 Oscillating Tool Kit - paying particular attention to their new tool-less blade change.
Dremel's 3000 is its newest rotary tool and updates the line to include some very handy and ergonomic features. One of these is the new EZ Twist nose cap. The cap has an integrated wrench used to tighten accessories and which takes away the need to include a separate wrench that can be misplaced. The tool is also a bit shorter than the Dremel 300 series, but its rated at 1.2 amps, so it's powerful enough to handle tasks requiring both power and finesse. The new rotary tool has a more efficient fan design with side vents for better cooling. The Dremel 3000 also claims to be quieter and runs with less vibration. From our initial viewing of the tool, we like the new design, which also offers a trumpet-shaped nose cap which yields a secure and comfortable hold on the tool during use. Dremel is targeting the 3000 Rotary Tool for cutting, grinding, sanding, carving and polishing.
Wagner is a name that is well-known for it's line of project paint sprayers. When we saw a release that debuted their newest Power Painter EZ Tilt series, we knew we had to give it a try. Wagner sent us the newest Power Painter Max with EZ Tilt (model 0525032) and their new Optimus Dual Tip Technology. The project we had in mind was a small addition on the back of a local home. While the siding was made of T1-11, the real attraction was that eaves and a small porch roof meant that we'd have to do a lot of overhead and angled spraying. With a typical electric project sprayer, this presents a problem. Wagner, however, has claimed to have licked this with their new EZ Tilt suction tube. The principle is simple enough - a weighted, one-way nozzle sits in the supply bucket. When you tilt the sprayer up, the paint - and more importantly, the EZ Tilt suction tube - drop to the bottom of the attached 1-1/2 quart cup. This allows the Power Painter to be used vertically and still pull paint through the suction tube and into the sprayer.
With just about every tool manufacturer making oscillating multi-tools now, almost everyone has one. If you have been one of the few holding out for other options like a tool-free blade change system, you are now in luck - Fein's expensive FMM-250Q Top system isn't the only game in town. You need to check out the new Porter-Cable PC250MTK Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit. This new tool from Porter-Cable has what might be an even better tool-less blade change system than the original from Europe. With this new convenience comes the catch that for now you can only use the Porter-Cable blades and accessories.
Can anything good come out of Walmart? Skil seems to think so. Beginning in May they will release their new corded oscillating multi-tool, dubbed the Oscillating Multi-Tasker 1400-02. It's a 2-amp tool that works with the new Bosch OIS line of accessories. The SKIL Power Tools 1400-02 Oscillating Multi-Tasker comes as part of an 11-piece multi-tool kit that is meant to be a go-to or catch-all tool for home improvement professionals as well as the casual user or do-it-yourselfer. All-in-all, Skil has positioned the tool at a price point and in a configuration that makes it very palatable and desirable for those who still haven't jumped into the multi-tool revolution. If you haven't yet used an oscillating multi-tool, this product may just sell you on its benefits.
Bosch Power Tools and Accessories announces the next generation of professional OIS (Oscillating Tool Interface) oscillating tools with its MX25EK-33 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit, designed to ease flush-cutting, plunge cutting, sanding, grinding, grout removal, scraping and many more time-consuming and tiring applications. Ideal for renovation, construction, woodworking, and home repair tasks, its compact size makes it small enough for working in corners and other tight spaces. Paired with Bosch oscillating multi-tool accessories, the MX25E delivers quality results with minimal effort.
Bosch Power Tools is upgrading its industry leading Airsweep 13-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner Vacuum products with a long-awaited new filtration and containment options for improved dust control and disposal. When Bosch Airsweep Vacuums are used with Bosch HEPA filters, it exceeds EPA requirements when cleaning potentially hazardous lead-based materials, enabling contractors, remodelers, painters, plumbers and other tradesmen to comply with the EPA's latest ruling to prevent lead contamination and poisoning. We got to use it at the 2010 Bosch New Tools Event and found it to be a really well-built machine that was easy to use, ergonomic, and very efficient.
At this point we'd have to say that there is no reason not to have a few Dremel tools around the shop. The Trio is yet another product that is simply easy to use and handy for a variety of tasks, from sanding to cutting to routing. The trick with the Dremel is understand its target market. This isn't a professional's tool - simply because it's flexibility precludes it from being the very best at anything that it does - but it IS extremely flexible, and provides a value that is almost unheard of and unseen in the marketplace. Like the MultiMax before it, this is one of those tools that makes a great gift for any DIY or enthusiast.
I wouldn't have thought that a shop vac would get me excited. After all, they are nothing new and have been helping do-it-yourselfers and professionals clean up jobsites for years. But, winter is here and I find myself engaging in a lot of clean-up around the house lately. After using a traditional shop vac for several years and suffering the poor ergonomic design of the vacuums in general, I was excited to see a new form factor hit the market. Ridgid has quite possibly redesigned the genre by producing their WD7000 Smart Cart vacuum that offers, among other things, complete accessory storage and increased maneuverability. This is a very new kind of shop vac - and it's broken the mold.
Woodworkers looking for premium performance and durable design in dust collection will likely be pleased with the new 1-1/2 HP Dust Collector (50-786) from Delta. This is one of their newest collectors added to their line of premium dust management products. The new dust collector delivers power and filtration above that of previous dust collection offerings and packs it into a durable sheet metal frame design for added stability and maneuverability.
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