View source for Engineering:Multi-tool (power tool)


 
[[File:Oscillator-Fein-Multimaster-350Q.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Fein Multimaster without tool]]
A '''multitool''' or '''oscillating tool''' is a [[Engineering:Power tool|power tool]] that [[Oscillation|oscillates]] (rather than rotating or reciprocating), 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. "Master Tool" is also a trade name used in North America, short for the original tool by [[Company:Fein|Fein]] called the [[Engineering:Fein Multimaster RS|Multi-Master]]. Attachments are available for [[Engineering:Saw|saw]]ing, sanding, [[Chemistry:Rasp|rasp]]ing, [[Engineering:Grinding (abrasive cutting)|grinding]], scraping, cutting, and [[Engineering:Polishing|polishing]].

== History ==
[[File:Elektrische Gipssäge.JPG|thumb|Elektrische Gipssäge, a cast saw by Ortopedia, Kiel, Germany]]
This type of oscillating tool was originally developed by the German manufacturer [[Company:Fein|Fein]] in 1967<ref>{{cite web |last1=Boland |first1=Neil |title=The Unlikely Origins of the Oscillating Multi Tool |url=https://www.allfasteners.com.au/news-articles/the-unlikely-origins-of-the-oscillating-multi-tool |website=AllFasteners |access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref> with a design intended to remove plaster casts easily without cutting the patient.

This saw was patented as a circular saw with an angular oscillating saw blade. It was used primarily in orthopaedics for cutting plaster casts. The crescent pattern of the oscillating rotation cut through the hard cast without damaging the patient’s skin. The plaster cast saw was equipped with a more powerful gearbox to upgrade it to a chassis saw. The plaster [[Engineering:Cast saw|cast saw]] formed the basis of FEIN's range of sophisticated oscillating power tools.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Fein Power Tools from the inventor of the electric hand drill |url=https://fein.com/en_us/about/company/history/ |website=Fein Power Tools Inc. |access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref>

== Uses ==

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 or accessory in any orientation allows cutting in areas that are otherwise virtually 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.<ref>{{cite book|title=Applied Mechanics Reviews|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8gB10bO5_fIC&pg=PA52|year=1974|publisher=American Society of Mechanical Engineers|pages=52–}}</ref>

The accessory is fitted to the tool by a mechanism which allows that accessory to be rapidly rotated back and forth (oscillated). This creates [[Physics:Friction|friction]] with the sanding attachments, or rapid cutting motions with the saw and grinding attachments.
The narrow angle of [[Oscillation|oscillation]] allows for precise control over the tool as it does not kick like a rotating or reciprocating 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, particularly the circular-shaped saw  used in hospitals to cut the orthopedic plaster used in cases of bone fracture, once the immobilization time is over. <ref name="Nandyala2020">{{cite book|author=Sooraj Hussain Nandyala|title=Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering Vol.45|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qcTpDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA3|date=26 May 2020|publisher=Trans Tech Publications Ltd|isbn=978-3-0357-3389-1|pages=3–}}</ref>

The oscillating blade does not clear [[Engineering:Swarf|swarf]] in the same way as a rotating blade, so it is necessary to move the tool back and forth to allow accumulated sawdust to clear from the cutting area. Improvements in battery technology such as [[Engineering:Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion battery]] 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==
[[File:Blade for multicutter.jpg|thumb|upright|Scraper blade for an oscillating power tool]]
[[File:Sawblade for multicutter.jpg|thumb|upright|Saw blade for an oscillating power tool]]
Various attachments and blades are on the market, giving these machines a wide variety of uses. The blades can be separated into 5 main categories: cutting; tile, grout and 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.

The Starlock interface was launched by tool manufacturer Robert Bosch GmbH and [[Company:Fein|Fein]].<ref>[https://www.toolsofthetrade.net/power-tools/corded-tools/bosch-and-fein-announce-changes-to-oscillating-tools_o Bosch and Fein Announce Changes to Oscillating Tools], Tools of the Trade, 1 December 2015</ref> The interface is compatible with a number of other manufacturers.

==See also==
*[[Engineering:Fein Multimaster RS|Fein Multimaster RS]], a well known oscillating multitool whose patent expired in 2008
*[[Engineering:Cast saw|Cast saw]]
*[[Engineering:Die grinder|Die grinder]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/power-tools/oscillating-tool-uses/ The Family Handyman - Popular uses for the oscillating tool]

{{Power tools}}

[[Category:Hand-held power tools]]
[[Category:Saws]]

{{Sourceattribution|Multi-tool (power tool)|1}}