bosch multimaster tool vs fein multimaster

I needed a portable multimaster type tool to do some work on an outdoor shed that I was working on. I purchased the Bosch Multimaster tool or Multi-X as it is called by Bosch to do some of the trim carpentry work for me since this seemed like my only option. In the past I have always been a faithful Fein Multimaster user but Fein has not yet introduced a cordless version of their multimaster tool.

I read many of the Bosch Multimaster reviews and understood that with every review the main drawback with this tool is the battery life. Still I needed a multimaster tool in a remote area and this seemed like the tool to get for the job. Plus I was able to get the Bosch Multimaster complete with all the specialized carpentry bits I needed all for less than $200.  Much less then the price of the Fein Multimaster even without any blades at all.  I figured that the cordless Bosch Multimaster would still come in handy for certain jobs that I could not use the Fein Multimaster tool for.  Also all of the Fein Multimaster blades are compatible with the Bosch Multimaster so I would not have to go out and buy any new blades. The Bosch Multimaster tool, being a new tool, has a limited choice of blades but it still has enough selection of blades for most of the common carpentry and grout removal tasks that the oscillating multimaster tools are made for.

When I opened up the Bosch multimaster I was surprised at the build quality of this tool.  It was not the cheap piece of plastic type of tool that I was expecting.  It seemed reasonably well made and the switches and variable speed rotary switch seemed to operate reasonably well.  For a sub $200 tool I was reasonably happy with the build quality.  The Bosch Multimaster documentation states that it goes from 5000-20000 RPM while the Fein Multimaster lists its oscillations at 12000-21000.  I am sure that Fein is more correct in listing oscillations rather than RPM since this is an oscillating tool.  What all this means I am not really certain.  Having used the Fein Multimaster for several years I always keep the dial more or less centered for just about every project I have done.  Almost never really vary the oscillations but the ability to adjust the oscillations is definitely a handy option to have.  When I turned the Bosch Multimaster on I would say that the on and off switch was a bit more flimsy and had a more plastic feel then on the fein supercut but not a real big deal in my opinion.  When I powered up the Bosch Multimaster the first thing that I noticed was the increased vibration as compared to the Fein Multimaster.  I could vary the speed on the Bosch Multimaster and seemed similar to the Fein Multimater's variable speeds.  The increased vibration seemed like a trade off that you get with a cheaper tool.

I did not see any real advantages to the Bosch Multimaster over the Fein Multimaster other then it being cordless. The Bosch Multimaster does have one feature that the Fein Multimaster does not have and that is that the Bosch Multimaster has a 240 degree variable angle head adjustment. This feature seems basically useless to me for a hand held tool since if you want to vary the angle of attack then you just tilt the tool the appropriate angle and have at it. I guess there may be certain situations in tight quarters where this variable angle might come in handy but it just seems like a gimmicky type of feature that could potentially break in the future.

When I actually got around to using the Bosch Multimaster I found that with a full charge it still does not have as much power as the Fein Multimaster. The Bosch Multimaster will cut through most wood and perform well for most projects but I am sure there will be instances when the power of the Fein Multimaster is needed. Still the Bosch Multimaster tool was able to do the wood cutting the tasks I needed in a reasonable amount of time. The increased vibration of the Bosch Multimaster did not seem to be too big of a deal but it did bother me since I was used to the smooth precision feel of the Fein Multimaster.

The limited battery life of the Bosch Multimaster is not going to be a big deal for most DIY projects.  A full charged battery will last 5-10 minutes and this is more then enough time for most DIY home improvement projects. The batteries only take 30 minutes to totally recharge so using the two included batteries and alternately recharging them will keep you basically going full speed for a while. It can be a real hassle to always have to keep changing out the batteries and recharging them. The batteries are not too easy to remove so you basically have to stop everything your doing to change out the batteries. Doing any type of long project would probably be frustrating using this tool. The cheap price and cordless capabilities make this tool adequate for short and simple projects. Using this tool to to repair my shed worked fine and I was able to complete the work and do a good job. For the small price I was not too disappointed with this tool and I am sure I will have a use for it in the future. On the next project I just hope I am within reach of a power outlet so I can go back to my trusty Fein Multimaster tool.