Bosch PS50 Multi-X Oscillating Tool Arrives for Review

The last time we were this anxious for something was when Star Wars: Episode I was released. Back then, our hopes were crushed like an ant trapped under an excavator tread ("Mee-zo ruin Star Wars"), so we're hoping this time things are different. At first glance, the situation looks positive; the tool feels good in the hands, the case is top-notch, and there's a great removable blade storage system. No floppy-eared, comic sidekicks in sight.

We're going to dig into this one (and the new Dremel oscillating tool, which showed up a few days ago) this weekend and we'll have some thoughts up for you soon.

PS50 Cutting Kit at Amazon
PS50 Carpenter Kit at Amazon

Bosch PS50 Multi-X Oscillating Tool

Finally it's here! Bosch's long awaited entry into the oscillating tool world, the PS50 Multi-X. We've been looking at Euro-Bosch's pmf 180 e multi for over a year now, thinking that when they released it in the states, we'd be getting something identical, but that doesn't seem to be the case at all.

First, the new PS50 sits on Bosch's compact 12-volt battery system (much like the PS20 that we reviewed yesterday), so, if we're not wrong, this is the first battery powered oscillating tool out there. This also makes it a nice compliment to Dremel's corded oscillating tool due out in October (which isn't all that surprising actually, seeing as Bosch owns Dremel). Oscillating tools might be the most versatile tools in the market, so a cordless version only makes it more portable, more hassle free and just easier to use.

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Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool System

We just got word the other day that Dremel, one of our favorite tool companies, is on the verge of releasing a new oscillating tool. This is some unexpected news for us. We've been carefully watching the potential release of Bosch's PMF 180 E Multi oscillating tool and here comes Dremel out of nowhere with their own model. If you've never played around with an oscillating tool, you've got something coming. Not only are they precise, but they can be used an a staggering number of situations; everything from sanding to flush cutting to grinding to polishing. Continue reading: "Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool System"

Proxxon Oscillating Detail Sander - Review

We're big fans of the Fein MultiMaster. In our opinion, it's one of the best tools to come around in a long time. And we thought that it stood alone, with no other tool like it. We've been hearing about the Bosch PMF 180 E Multi, a similar tool that's available in Europe and may or may not be coming to the states, but what we didn't know about was the Proxxon Delta Sander. It's the Mini-Me of the MultiMaster and we were lucky enough to get a chance to test one out.

The basics of the tool are the same as the Fein. There's the oscillating head with interchangeable blades, sanding pads, files, scrapers, and polishers. If you're familiar with the Fein, then all the controls will be familiar to you. The accessories change out the same way, with a little hex key, and there's a little dial to control oscillation speed.

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Proxxon Oscillating Detail Sander

UPDATE: Our review of the Proxxon Oscillating Detail Sander is here.

So everyone knows that the Fein MultiMaster is an outstanding tool and there is a lot of buzz right now about Bosch's similar PMF 180 E Multi and whether or not they'll be releasing it in the states, but did you know that there is another oscillating tool out there? We sure didn't, until we were flipping through the latest Garret Wade catalog. It's made by a company called Proxxon and they refer to it as their oscillating detail sander.

Strangely, the only place we could find any real information on the tool is at the Garrett Wade site, Minicraft, and ToolsAndMore.us. It's not on Proxxon's website and although it does show up in a hobby message board, no one who wrote about it seems to have any first hand experience with the tool.

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Bosch PMF 180 E Multi

Our pals over at Toologics got the big scoop yesterday when they posted about Bosch's new PMF 180 E Multi. It appears to be very similar to the amazing Fein MultiMaster and since the Bosch name screams quality, it should be quite a tool, not to mention some much needed competition in the niche market of oscillating tools. As reported at Toologics, the tool is only available in Europe at the moment, but it appears to be selling at less than half the price of the Fein. No word yet when it's coming to the States.

We did a little research and found the tool on Amazon's German site. With the help of an online language to language application, we translated the lone posted comment. The reviewer had this to say,

Hello, I have bought the device today and am inspired by the achievement circumference. It substitutes for several other Bosch devices and is useable for work which could be differently barely managed (the Terse take a short-cut, doors shorten etc.). On the homepage of Bosch a nice video about the achievement circumference is put nowadays. Hence, I can only recommend you the device.

Very well put.

Fein MultiMaster

Update: We now know why we couldn't find any info on Fein's new generation of MultiMasters. It's because there wasn't any. Fein didn't officially release the tool until this past weekend. But now, it's out there and it's got a nice new website as well. Check it out here.

If you've never heard of the Fein MultiMaster, you have no idea what you're missing. It's powerful, precise, and because of the range of accessories available, might be one of the most versatile tools out there.

The actual tool has the look and feel of an angle grinder, but instead of spinning, the MultiMaster oscillates back and forth. The range of motion isn't that extreme (but it's quite powerful), so there is an extraordinary amount of control. Unlike a rotary tool, you never have to worry about the MultiMaster spinning out of control and zipping an unwanted mark in your work piece. The accessories are changed out with a little hex key (we've seen a new model advertised that has a keyless change out, but we couldn't find it on the internet).

We've used the Multi-Master and have been really knocked out by how detail oriented you can get. The blade attachment is prefect for detailed flush-cutting and also gives you the ability to do a plunge cut. We really liked Bosch's fine cut saw, but compared to the Fein, it might as well be a Sawzall. You could probably perform surgery with this thing.

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