Imperial Blades fit perfectly on the new Makita Oscillating Saw!

Makita has announced that there will be two multi-tool models, a Lithium-Ion cordless tool (LXMT025 and LXMT02Z) and a corded 3.0 amp tool (TM3000CX5).

The cordless model will provide the longest lasting battery life to date, with up to 15 minutes of run time using an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery.

Unlike many other multi-tools on the market, Makita has expanded the oscillation range to an additional 0.2 degrees.  The additional cutting range provides an even greater cutting area, providing Do It Yourself-ers more efficiency and creating more value per cut.

In addition, a great feature that has been implemented is the soft-start feature, which enables a longer-lasting motor.  Instead of starting your tool at full speed, it gradually increases to maximum power all while having no effect on your tool’s performance.

Within the starter kits Makita is including 14 accessories, which highlight two adapters (318248-8 and 313249-6) that will allow for Imperial Blades, Fein, Rockwell, Rigid, Dremel, and Bosch compatibility.  Also included will be a 1-3/8” bi-metal plunge blade (A-95255).

Makita’s strong history speaks wonders for the multi-tool industry as good competition always leads to better, high-quality products.

New Makita Multi Tool Video (Click Here)

Check back in the near future for a full review of both new tools!

Based on a patented tooth design for faster and more efficient cutting, the METALHEAD® line boasts destruction on varying degrees of substance.

Dave Zielke, managing partner of Imperial Blades, excitedly points out, “The new, METALHEAD® tooth design allows for faster, bi-directional cutting; but also provides versatility when cutting the toughest metal applications.  This is a game changer.”

In addition, the TWIN CUT® line will bring a utility scenario as it has the capability to cut any material with better performance than any specialty blade.

“The most unique trait about the TWIN CUT® line is that it is comprised of a new, powder metallurgical high-performance steel.  The XLS material provides a dense and longer lasting cutting edge than your typical bi-metal blade.”

As time progresses Imperial Blades continues to focus on providing effective, yet affordable ways of helping contractors and general users save time and money.

Imperial Blades is located in Madison, WI, and specializes in manufacturing innovative, high-performance saw blades.  They can be found at http://www.ImperialBlades.com.

The testing was done using a Bosch Multi X, Bosch’s fairly new, very strong and solid corded unit. The tool is mounted on a pivoting 2×4 with a nominal weight added behind the tool. The blade is set at 90 degrees to the tool body. The blades are from many of the tool and blade manufacturers. The blades are similar in looks, and they are each patterned after Fein’s E-cut design.

Although similar in appearance, the blades vary in length, width, shape, and tooth configuration. Some of the variations may seem small, but at 20,000 oscillations per minute (some 350 per second), small differences are magnified, for good or for bad. The blades which fared the best were quality blades, but it was their particular length, width, and tooth pattern which helped them cut quickly. Oscillating blades are much like a football team. Though similar looking in their pads and uniforms, each performs their task with a little different technique. You cannot test them all using the same agility drill. The thinner, more aggressive blade will cut cleaner and quicker. The longer, wider blade will cut rougher and longer. The thicker, heavier blade will cut slower, yet last a very long time. Quick. Fast. Clean. Rough. Thick. Thin. Long. Short. Aggressive. Slow. Maybe the test should have been multiple choice.

The advice being given on oscillating tools is to use light pressure. This is in response to customers burning up tools and blades by leaning on the tool. Light pressure is better than heavy handedness, but it is not the correct answer. The technique for these tools requires the correct pressure with movement. A normal power tool will either pull the chips out of the hole or throw them out of the cut. A multi tool, with its short stroke, actually packs the chips into the cut. What you are looking for is the sawdust coming out of the cut. Use the proper pressure and rock the tool. Get the chips out of the way so the blade can keep cutting.

Getting back to the testing procedure, we can now see that applying nominal pressure to the blade is not a true test of blade performance. What it ends up being is a test to see which blade performs best with light pressure and minimal movement. At this point my reasoning sounds like I am claiming a foul on a few technicalities. Yes, and No. Some of the thicker, heavier duty blades did not fare well under the light pressure. They cut a wider kerf and require more down pressure to perform. It is similar to testing tires. You need to get the proper transfer of power with the proper down force. The longer blades did not test well due to the wobbling which needs to be overcome with down force. As an example, when I plunge into hardwood flooring with a narrow blade it tends to bite and enter quickly, whereas a wider blade will have a tendency to bounce on the surface as try to gain control. Hardwoods will also tend to burn if you plunge too fast, or even plunge too slow.

Do you doubt my analysis and conclusions? I think rightfully you should. I would like to see you make up your own mind. If you look in a tradesman’s multi tool kit you will likely see several brands of blades. That’s where the real testing is being done. At Imperial we started out using multi tool blades before we starting making multi tool blades. Bottom line, you want to get your money’s worth. Test one of ours today. Let us know if we make the cut.

Full Disclosure: I work for Imperial Blades. I worked with and for Fein Power Tools for twenty-one years. I have used and sold oscillating tools since 1989. Oscillating multi tools are strange in their motion and in their accessories. They are misused and mistreated. I simply would like for customers to find the tool and blade they need, and to get the most out what they find.

You go to the counter and ask for a blade. The salesperson will respond, ”Which blade?” You’re not sure. The clerk will again respond, “What are you cutting?” The confusion can start to mount as you look at which blade for which application. You purchased this tool to do multiple jobs, and now you have to be specific about your choice of blades? At this point you will be guided to an all-purpose blade, or a universal blade, good for wood, metal, and plastic.

Blades come in many different shapes and sizes. There are also different tooth patterns and configurations. The metal used to make the blades can also be different. The many choices are the result of years of trial and error in trying to find a blade that can utilize the short but rapid strokes of an oscillating multi tool.

When in doubt always use a wood/metal blade.
But what shape should I go with?

There will be several sizes and shapes to consider. The best advice is to go with the one you are most accustomed to using. Although some blades have been designed with a unique purpose in mind, most of them are just there to give you options when you encounter various remodeling problems. Many people stay with the same blade that comes with their tool. It’s a comfort level thing. It is very similar to tires on a car. Just give me a good deal on the same type. The oscillating tools however are more like an off-road four-wheel drive vehicle. The tire selection becomes one of application and performance. This is where we are with multi tools. We want a good deal on the blades, but we also want good performance in specific applications.

After the wood and wood/metal choice, we now have to consider the shape of the blade:

If you’re not sure of what you might need, I would suggest you keep a long bi-metal metal blade, a long narrow wood blade, and a short narrow wood blade in your kit. As you develop more skill with your multi tool and as you run into different applications you can add blades to your kit. The main purpose of these tools is to get the job done quickly, accurately, and safely.

For the most part it comes down to heat and technique. Although the quality may vary greatly in the blades that are available, high temperature and poor technique are  the culprits of premature failure in any blade. A normal power tool will either pull chips out of the cut like a drill, or it will throw chips out of the cut like a circular saw. An oscillating tool with its high speed and short stroke will actually pack the chips into the cut. This increases the already high level of friction. If you force the blade into a cut you will notice a little curl of smoke rising up as you begin to smell burning wood. With other power tools we have a tendency to give them a helpful push to speed up the work. This also increases the level of friction with an oscillating tool. The generated heat soon softens the teeth, and you end up with a black and blue blade with little rounded teeth.

We want to get the chips out of the cut. This means we are taking away heat with the sawdust and making more room for the blade to cut. If you are making a plunge cut you want to rock the blade with an in and out motion. Do this with light pressure. As you rock the blade you are widening the cut so that the blade doesn’t beat against the walls of the plunge. The in and out motion helps pull the chips out of the cut and lets the blade breath a little. You can apply some beeswax or even a bar of soap to the teeth. Any type of blade lubricant that cuts down on friction will help the blade last longer. Imperial has gone a step further and coated the cutting edge of some blades with titanium nitride. This serves a dual purpose of increasing the hardness, while it also greatly reduces friction.

When you are making a long cut move the blade along the cut line with long strokes. This will spread out the heat as well as remove the sawdust. Increase your depth of cut gradually. If it is possible, tilt the blade so that the leading edge will rise above the cut. This will facilitate the chip removal. Whatever the cut might be, try to keep the blade moving. Never stay in one place. Keep it moving like you would an iron on clothes, and rock the blade like you would a chainsaw to help clear the chips and get a better bite.

A few good techniques and an awareness of the heat being generated will help you get more life out of your blades. The type, length, and shape of the blade will also play a part in how hot things will get. The selection and use of blades will have to be another discussion.

Here are some of the questions: What does an Oscillating Multi Tool actually do?
Why do I need one?
What are some of my choices of tools?

An oscillating multi tool pivots back and forth very fast with a short stroke. This allows you to cut, sand, and scrape into tight spaces where you cannot use a larger power tool. It also reduces the amount of work you would have to do by hand. In many cases where you have a project in a confined area you will use a handsaw, a hammer, a chisel, a drill, a circular saw, a jigsaw, and some sandpaper to get the job done. This is where these new oscillating tools make your job easier, faster and safer

Do you really need one of these tools? With the oscillating tools you’re not so much making something as you are renovating something. If you live in an older home you always have several projects on your list that require a little cutting, sanding and scraping. Some of you have rental property and are always doing repairs. Many of you just like to remodel your own kitchen or bath. A few of you have a boat that requires constant attention. There are many other areas of need for an oscillating tool, but any of these will qualify you right away for the purchase of one of these new tools.

The choice of which tool to buy becomes more confusing every day as companies bring to market their version of the Multimaster. The standard of these tools is the originator of these tools, the Fein Multimaster. The Multimaster has stood the test of time, and with that time has continually upgraded and improved an already fantastic tool. If money is not a problem, or if you would use the tool on a regular basis, then this would be your tool. They have several kits and prices, but let’s use $400 as our price mark. For a professional, this tool can pay for itself in as few as two jobs with the time it saves. For the homeowner, this tool will allow you to do work that you might have to normally hire that professional to do. A four hundred dollar tool and your labor can replace a four thousand dollar contractor’s bill. Each of the new oscillating tools will accomplish this to a certain level. The prices will range from $40 to $400. The choices will be cordless and corded. In general terms the cordless will have less power than the corded with the exception of the new Fein cordless. It boasts equal power to its corded brother. It also carries a $499 price tag. Both Multimaster’s have their patented quick release blade change. Some of the more popular brands with oscillating multi tools are Bosch, Dremel, Rockwell, Porter-Cable, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Craftsman, Skil, Genesis, and Harbor Freight.

This all brings us back to the questions of which tool should we get and why do we need it. I have used the Multimaster for many years and I have used many of the new tools on the market. The new Bosch has a good blend of price and power. The new Porter-Cable has a quick release blade change. Many contractors use the Rockwell and even the Harbor Freight tools. I like a solid tool. When you pick it up it will be heavier than it appears. The motor will have plenty of copper to produce the power and reduce the heat. The heavier gears will be more durable. With that said, a lighter weight tool is not necessarily a bad tool. It’s like comparing pick-up trucks of different sizes. It really comes down to how much are you going to haul and how often. With the price range of oscillating tools there are plenty of choices. You can start out with a less expensive tool and see how often you end up using it.

Over the life of the tool the real cost will be in the blades. As you use the tool the applications will made easier by the proper blade. This is where Imperial can be of service in both cases. Imperial offers a wide variety of blades with high performance at a reasonable price. In short, they cost less and last longer.

The Master-Force Utila-Tool 2.2 Amp Oscillating Tool is designed for home projects and the do-it-yourselfer. The tool is made from durable plastic and has rubber grips. There is a variable speed dial that allows you to change from 11,000 OPM all the way up to 20,000 OPM. And like most oscillating tools it is great for difficult cuts in tight or hard to reach areas.

The kit we tested was purchased at Menards and came with the tool, bag and several attachments.

Tool Specifications
Amps: 2.2A
No Load Speeds: 11,000 – 20,000 OPM
Variable Speed Dial: Yes (6 Speeds)
Oscillation Angle: +/- 1.4°

Construction
Housing Material: Plastic
Tool Length W/O blade: 10 1/2″

Up Side

The Master-Force Utila-Tool works great in hard to reach tight spaces, just like most oscillating tools. It will save you tons of time and replace many of the hand tools in your tool box.

The Master-Force Utila-Tool comes with a nice long power cord that is well constructed. The corded tools tend to have more power and there is no need to worry about changing or charging batteries.

The Master-Force Utila-Tool has a nice 2.2 amp motor that will get you through almost any job.

Down Side

The Master-Force Utila-Tool is a great tool for the price and will work well for the  home owner and hobbyist.

When we were testing the tool we noticed that it tended to heat up on long jobs and may require taking breaks in cutting to allow the tool to cool.

The blades that come with the Sonicrafter did not stand up to the nails we tried to cut. These blades were expensive (over $10 each) and were dull after only a few nails.

Recommendations

As always, take time to find the correct speed and amount of pressure for each cut. Applying to much pressure will shorten the life of your blades and may result in a pour cut.

This tool may overheat on long hard cuts. If the tool becomes hot to the touch, give it time to cool before making more cuts.

It is important to wear the proper safety equipment when using any power tool. Safety goggles, dust mask and gloves if necessary.

Conclusion

This is one of the lowest priced tools we have tested. It will only be suitable for the home owner and hobbyist. It may require cooling time between cuts. If you’re planning to use this tool all day we would recommend a more industrial tool like the Fein Supercut. All in all the Dremel and Bosch tools are much better built tools but will cost a bit more.

QUALITY

FEEL

POWER

VALUE

OVERALL

Bosch PS50

The Bosch PS50 Oscillating Tool is a great tool for small home projects. This light weight cordless tool is great for difficult cuts in tight or hard to reach areas. It is especially great at cuts over head where a corded tool just gets in the way.

The Bosch PS50 we tested was purchased at Home Depot. The construction and design of this tool demonstrates the years of experience and quality you would expect from Bosch.

Bosch PS50

The kit we tested was the Bosch Carpenter Kit – PS50.
Hard carrying case
2 Lithium 12V batteries
30 minute charger
1 adapter for using other blades
1 sanding pad
only 1 piece of sanding paper
1 High Carbon Steel Plunge Cut Blade (1-5/8 x 1-1/2)
3 High Carbon Steel Plunge Cut Blade (3/8 x 1-1/4)
1 Bi-Metal Segment Blade (3-1/2 x 7/8)

Bosch PS50 Tool Specifications:
Assembled Depth: 14.15 in
Assembled Height: 4.5 in
Assembled Width: 15.0 in
Batteries Included : Yes
Battery Type : Lithium Ion
Battery charge time: 30 min
Item Weight : 8.77 lb
Manufacturer Warranty : 1 Year
Oscillation Arc Range: 2.8
Oscillations Per Minute OPM: 5,000-20,000
Voltage: 12 V

Up side

Bosch PS50

One of the best parts about the Bosch PS50 is the price. Bosch has set the price point of this tool at about half that of the Fein Tools, making it a perfect for home owners or those on a budget.

The Bosch PS50 was constructed with a comfortable grip that is smaller than the other oscillating tool we tested. Because of the rubber grip and thin girth of this tool, it will reduce fatigue on your hands. It is a very comfortable tool.

The case was well constructed from molded plastic. There is plenty of room to store your tool, extra battery, and several extra accessories.

There is a 3 level LED power meter that shows the remaining battery life. Although the battery will not last long at least you will know when you need to charge it.

There is a speed dial on the tool that has 19 different settings. The range is from 5,000 to 20,000 opm. Most cuts will require the highest speed but it is nice to have the option to change it.

The biggest advantage of this tool is simply the fact that it is cordless. It is easy to get into hard to reach places. It can sand, cut and polish without the need to plug it in. Although the battery life is short, it holds a charge long enough to finish most small jobs.

Down Side

Bosch PS50

This tool may not have the power needed for heavy jobs. We noticed that the more we stressed the tool the slower it got. This tool was designed for quick cuts in hard to reach places and not long cuts in hard wood.

The battery life is short. Although this tool comes with two batteries and a fast 30 min charger, we recommend a third battery for hard or long jobs. When cutting on hard woods you will go through a battery every 8 to 10 minutes.

The Bosch brand does not have a large selection of attachments. Although the tool comes with a multi adapter, it doesn’t work well with most other brands. Make sure the blades you buy say they will fit the Bosch tool.

Conclusion

The PS50 was designed for short, fast cutting. Be prepared to charge your batteries often. The power is not that of a corded tool. Don’t plan to use this tool for extended periods on long cuts.  For harder jobs that require hours of continuous use, a corded oscillating tool will be more productive.

You will find a ton of jobs for the Bosch PS50. It is just the right size for a cordless tool that cuts in all the tight spaces we can’t get larger tools. Don’t expect this tool to replace all your cutting tools, but this tool is a great to have as an option when you need a fast cut in a hard to reach spot.

QUALITY

FEEL

POWER

VALUE

OVERALL

Rockwell Sonicrafter

The Rockwell Sonicrafter (RK5102K) is a great tool at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for an oscillating tool at a reasonable price you should take a good look at this one. It is a great tool for almost every job.
Like most oscillating tools it is wonderful for reaching small, difficult areas to cut. This tool is perfect for lightweight jobs such as cutting drywall and copper tubing. The Rockwell is a great value for the money but it will leave you wanting more on those long difficult jobs.

The Rockwell Sonicrafter (RK5102K) tool kit comes with 72 attachments for almost any application. The weight of the tool makes it feel durable and strong. It is shaped ergonomically and has a great fit that is very comfortable. The Rockwell Sonicrafter has variable speed controls allowing the user to perform almost any application from light polishing to long cuts in hard woods. This tool kit comes with a tool bag and not a hard shell case.

Rockwell Sonicrafter

Rockwell Sonicrafter (RK5102K) kit included.
1 Variable Speed Sonicrafter
1 Semicircle Saw Blade
1 Universal End Cut Blade
1 Precision End Cut Blade
30 Sanding Sheets
30 Finger Sanding Sheets
1 Sanding Pad
1 Finger Sanding Pad
1 Triangular Carbide Grit Rasp
1 Carbide Grit Semicircle Blade
1 Polishing Pad
1 Vacuum Adapter
1 Scraper
1 Sonicrafter Adaptor
1 Hex Key

Model No.: RK5107K
Weight (in pounds): 8.05
Assembled in Country of Origin: USA

Up Side

Rockwell SoniCrafter

The Rockwell Sonicrafter works great in hard to reach tight spaces, just like most oscillating tools. It will save you tons of time and replace many of the hand tools in your tool box.

Unlike battery powered multi tools you will never have to worry that you will not finish your projects. The Sonicrafter comes with a nice long power cord that is well constructed. No need to worry about changing or charging batteries.

The Sonicrafter has a powerful 2.3 amp motor that will get you through almost any job. It is almost as powerful as the industry leading Fein Multimaster (2.5 amp motor).

The Rockwell name brand is industry known for their solid and durable designs. They stand by their products and provide great customer support.

Down Side

Rockwell SoniCrafter

The Rockwell Sonicrafter is a great tool for the home owner and hobbyist but may heat up on long jobs and may require taking breaks in cutting to allow the tool to cool.

The Sonicrafter is well designed but weighs more than most other oscillating tools. It is not unbearable but you will defiantly notice the extra weight.

The blades that come with the Sonicrafter did not stand up to the nails we tried to cut. These blades were expensive (over $10 each) and were dull after only a few nails.

The dust extraction system did not work well for us. Although, the tool does not create much dust, so this attachment seems unnecessary.

Recommendations

As always, take time to find the correct speed and amount of pressure for each cut. Applying to much pressure will shorten the life of your blades and may result in a pour cut.

This tool may overheat on long hard cuts. If the tool becomes hot to the touch, give it time to cool before making more cuts.

It is important to wear the proper safety equipment when using any power tool. Safety goggles, dust mask and gloves if necessary.

Conclusion

This is one of the best tools for the home owner and hobbyist. It is well built and works great for most all applications. Although it may require cooling time between cuts, it is powerful and can make all the cuts the expensive tools make. If you’re planning to use this tool all day we would recommend a more industrial tool like the Fein Supercut. All in all Rockwell made a great tool that we would recommend.

QUALITY

FEEL

POWER

VALUE

OVERALL

Skill Multi Tool

The Skil 2.0 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tasker tool is a great tool for home projects and the do-it-yourselfer. The tool is colored “Skil Red”, it is made from durable plastic and has rubber grips. The body design boasts a built in dust extraction duct that can easily connect to any shop vac. There is a variable speed dial that allows you to change from 12,000 OPM all the way up to 22,000 OPM. And like most oscillating tools it is great for difficult cuts in tight or hard to reach areas.

The Skil 2.0 we tested was purchased online at Toolking.com.

• Amperage: 2.0
• Cord Length: 6 ft.
• Oscillating Angle: L / R 1.4 °
• Oscillations Per Minute: 12,000-22,000
• Voltage: 2.0 amps
• Weight (lbs.): 2.75

TOOL KIT INCLUDES

• 1400 Oscillating Tool
• (1) Wood/Metal Plunge Blade
• (1) Wood/Drywall Segment Blade
• (1) Wood Wide Cut Plunge Blade
• 3 Sandpaper Sheets
• Sanding Pad
• Adapter
• Allen Wrench
• Carrying Bag

Up side

One of the best parts about the new Skil (1400-02) Multi-Tool is the internal dust extraction system. It is built right into the body of the tool and seems to work extremely well. It will connect right up to any shop vacuum and makes keeping your working area dust free a snap. Even though the tool doesn’t create much dust, we still think this is a nice addition.

The tool is built with a rubber bumper on the end of the tool. This will help to prevent scuffs on the objects you’re working on.

The variable speed control on the tool has a range is from 12,000 to 22,000 opm. Most cuts will require the highest speeds but it is nice to have the option to set the speed.

The biggest advantage of this tool is simply the fact that it is priced under $90.00 and it is compatible with most of the aftermarket attachments. With all the options you will have for blades, there are hundreds of tasks you can complete.

Down Side

The tool comes with a bag and not a hard shell case. The bags work fine but don’t stack and store as well as the hard shell cases.

The Skil brand does not have a large selection of attachments. Although the tool comes with a multi adapter, it doesn’t work well with most other brands. Make sure the blades you buy say they will fit the Skil tool.

The power cord is only 6 foot long and you may need an extension cord.

The Skil Multi-Tasker will leave you looking for more power on long hard cuts. The 2.0 amp motor will heat up and strain when cutting metals and hard woods.

Conclusion

This tool doesn’t have the power or durability of the Multimaster or Bosch corded tools but it comes in at a fraction of the price. The home owner and hobbyist will love the versatility of this tool. We do not recommend this tool for the job site.

If you are looking for a great Multi-Tasking tool on a budget this may be your best bet.

QUALITY

POWER

FEEL

VALUE

OVERALL