Woodworker's Journal 2010-34-2, страница 47
Many woodworkers are also DlYers, and I'm certainly one of them. While the finish is drying on a woodworking project, I've always got the perpetual home improvement list to keep me busy. In my shop, woodworking and remodeling tools occupy the same space. If you're like me, today's expanding assortment of multi-tools probably has your curiosity piqued, and for good reason: one tool and a handful of attachments can help you complete dozens of different project tasks. W hat's not to love about versatility? Just a few years ago, Fein Tool's MultiMaster was the only kid on the block. But then the company's patent expired, and four other manufacturers — Bosch, Craftsman, Drernel and Rockwell — were quick to follow suit with their own multi-tools. Now there are six primary models. We've received many letters from you over the past year inquiring about them. So, consider this article lo be your official welcome to the brave new world of multi-tools. What Makes Them Tick Key to a multi-tool's versatility is its oscillating motion. The shaft of the tool, onto which a multitude of different attachments mount, moves side to side in a tight Hurry of motion. Depending 011 the tool, this can be from 5,000 to 21,000 oscillations per minute (opm). But, while the attachment only moves a few degrees right and left, it's enough action to cut, grind, scrape, sand and polish. Unlike a circular saw or router, a multi-tool doesn't generate rotating forces during operation that invite kickback, so it's safe to use and easy to control. All of these tools allow attachments lo be articulated and locked into various positions for light-quarter work. When equipped with a narrow blade, a multi-tool can make plunge cuts in boards, flooring or drywall. Outfit it with a detail sanding pad and you can squeeze into tight spots when, say, you're removing finish between chair spindles or cleaning out some dried glue on an inside corner joint. Offset flush-cutting blades enable you to undercut door casings without removing them or work adjacent to other finished surfaces without damage. Install a scraper blade, and you've got a power chisel for peeling up vinyl llooring or removing paint. The fine, linear cutting action also makes it possible to steer an abrasive blade along a grout line for removing it without chipping tiles. Name a reasonably soft material— nonferrous metal, thin sheet steel, plastic, hard or soft woods, rubber, foam board — and there's probably a multi-lool blade lliat can cut it. You Today's Shop continues on page 50 ... One Tool, Four Core Functions ... Many Project Possibilities CUTTING: Offset end-cutting blades enable a multi-tool to make plunge and flush cuts without the risk of kickback. GRINDING: Since these tools cut in a linear motion, they offer precise grinding capability for grout and mortar removal. SCRAPING: Side-to-side oscillation also functions for scraping tasks, such as paint removal, with a scraper blade. SANDING: Install a triangular or teardrop-shaped sanding pad on a multi-tool, and it becomes a detail sander for many applications. Woodworkers Journal April '2010 www.journal-plaza.net & www.freedowns.net 49 |
