Multi-tool (powertool)
Multi-tool is a common name for an oscillating Power tool powered by battery or mains. The name "multi-tool" is a reference to the many functions that this tool can perform with the range of attachments available. So far there are tools available to saw, sand, rasp, grind, scrape, cut and polish.
Use of an offset in a fitted blade allows the tool to cut flush with a surface. This is particularly useful when fitting flooring along a skirting board, cutting the skirting to allow the board to slide under for a neat finish. The small form of these tools and the ability to mount the blade/accessory in any orientation allows cutting in areas previously unreachable. The ability to cut a complex or precise recess without the need to remove the work piece from where is it fixed greatly increases productivity. Small and precise cuts are possible even on end grain, a small sliver can be easily removed from timber cut too long for a perfect fit.
The accessory is fitted to the tool by some mechanism which allows that accessory to be rapidly rotated back and forth (oscillated). This creates friction with the sanding attachments or rapid cutting motions with the saw and grinding attachments. The narrow angle of oscillation allows for precise control over the tool as it does not kick like a rotating tool can. The angle of oscillation creates increasing friction further from the center of the tool as these areas travel a greater distance. The increased friction is particularly apparent with the triangular sanding and grinding attachments which allow the operator to reach into corners and confined spaces, a feature unique to this type of power tool. The saw blade attachments use the angle of oscillation in the same way.
The oscillating blade will not clear swarf in the same way as a rotating blade so it is necessary to move the blade back and forth to clear built up sawdust and clear the blades.
Improvements in battery technology such as Lithium Ion have allowed for tools which can be small in size and weight but still perform well enough to compete with mains-powered equivalents while freeing the user from the restrictions of cables.
Blades and accessories
Various attachments and blades have come on the market giving these machines a wide variety of uses. The blades can be separated into 5 main categories: cutting, tile, grout & masonry, sanding, scraping and polishing.
Cutting blades are standard saw blades with various tooth configurations for cutting different material. They are either straight blades with the teeth on the end, allowing the user to 'plunge cut' directly into the material they are cutting or circular blades. Bi-metal blades offer smaller hardened teeth that allow the user to cut soft metals and the popular Japan tooth blades have large teeth that cut wood quickly but cannot cut metal
Tile, grout and masonry attachments are either carbide or diamond coated and allow the user to clear grout between tiles or do light masonry work.
Standard sanding attachments allow the user to sand flat surfaces and specialty attachments such as the profile sanding kit allow detailed profile sanding work to be done.
Polishing is possible with the help of polishing pad attachments that are becoming more popular.
The arbor attachment on all machines has varied widely since these machines started production, with many machines using a proprietary arbor configuration. Many after-market blade companies have created universal arbor attachments that are compatible with most, but not all, oscillating multi-tool machines.
See Also
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