Harbor Freight Multifunction tool

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  • Harbor Freight Multifunction tool

    Out of the box:

    Comes with straight cutting blade, round cutting blade, scraper, and sander.

    Pros:

    Tool body is well made, machined aluminum and heavy abs plastic. Feels much more substantial than the orange Chicago Electric tools (it's maroon)
    Double insulated.
    Easy changing of attachments (30 secs or less)
    Good documentation with full diagrams
    $35 after sale & coupon


    Cons:
    Loud--wear ear protection
    There isn't much resistance between the on/off position on the switch, but it's managable.
    Some attachments better than others

    First Use:
    I needed to cut some oak baseboard while still on the wall. Decided to try this as it was much cheaper than the $99 competitors. With the straight blade, it went through the oak baseboard like butter. Easy to control, vibration wasn't bad. I then switched to the sanding attachment which honestly, wasn't very good. This could be due to the small area and the stock sandpaper, so I'm undecided on that. I then switched to the round blade--it went through schedule 40 pvc ok, but was a little more difficult to control. I haven't tried the scraper. I did try it on some scrap drywall, and it almost cut it too quickly.

    The tool handle isn't very ergonomic, so users with smaller hands may not like it. I didn't have any trouble. I'd recommend opening the box first in store. Not having much experience, I can't really comment on the quality of the blades.

    All in all, I need to play with it some more, but it could be a contender for the gem list when compared to competitors at $100 or more.

    I've not done a real tool review, so hopefully this is helpful
    Tags: Power Tools
      • eezlock
        #1
        eezlock commented
        04-05-2011, 12:53 AM
        Editing a comment
        HF multi-function tool

        I have that very same tool ...a single speed model and so far I like it pretty well.
        I has worked perfectly the entire time I have had it (4 or 5 months) with no problem. I use it about every time I'm in the shop and working on a project,
        especially in the sanding mode. I have found the triangular shaped sanding sheets at Lowe's (Dremel brand) and Shop brand at Big Lots, works as well or better than the HF sheets in my opinion.

        Drawbacks to this tool (1) noisy, (2) in sanding mode, blows a lot of dust
        all everything around it, I made a modified vent exhaust to blow the air forward
        instead of letting it escape anywhere it wants too. (3) would like a better way
        of changing blades without using an allen wrench.

        Not a full review here on this tool for sure...just my input all the same, hope it helps someone else that is thinking about buying one in the future. eezlock
        • BigguyZ
          #2
          BigguyZ commented
          04-05-2011, 10:49 AM
          Editing a comment
          I've burned through two of these bad boys. I like it, and for $30 or so it's a great deal. However, I did recently purchase a Sonicrafter at Menards on sale. I'll say, it's a MUCH better machine. Well worth the extra $$. And, it comes with an adapter that will allow the tool to work with pretty much any other blade. Get the Tool Shop accessory set for $20, and you'll have enough blades and more than enough sand paper to last.
          Posting comments is disabled.

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