Fein’s MultiMaster oscillating multi-tool has an easy mold handle which lets you use it over long periods, and several attachments to make it invaluable in the shop.
Now in its 24th year of building the MultiMaster, Germany-based Fein Power Tools offers two models of the venerable MultiMaster and three packaging kit options. In terms of common features, Fein’s FMM250 and FMM250Q tools are fairly close cousins. Both have 250-watt (2.3-amp) continuous duty motors. You can ramp them up or down between 11,000 and 20,000 opm for a wide range of tasks. Soft start, EFC and overmolded barrels should make these 2.6- and 3.1-lb. machines easy to manage for extended uses.
Fein’s QuickIN lever system (on the FM250Q) allows you to change the head accessories without any external tools.
What principally sets the two MultiMaster models apart is how you install the attachments: the FMM250 uses an Allen screw, like other multi-tools here. The FMM250Q features Fein’s QuickIN tool mount. It’s a flip lever that unlocks a post, holding attachments in place. Blade swaps are easy to do.
The profile sanding set on the MultiMaster has six rubber blocks for fine precision sanding works, V-grooves, concave, and convex shapes, and more.
In terms of kit options, Fein’s “Start” kit ($259 as of 2010) includes the base model FMM250, sanding pad and paper, flush-cutting wood blade and a scraper. Or, you can step up to the FMM250Q model in the “Select” kit ($389) and get the Start attachments, plus a segmented round blade and a grout blade. The $499 “Top” kit comes with the FMM250Q, dust-collection accessory, all of the aforementioned attachments of the other kits, more sandpaper and a hard case. You also get a nifty profile-sanding accessory. It works like a clothespin to hold six different-shaped rubber blocks and small sheets of sandpaper. This could come in real handy for sanding routed profiles and trimwork.
