Rockwell Sonic Crafter Review

Kastoria

I have had the Fein for a several months and just started using it regularly a few weeks ago. Works fantastic, good quality (Tool Only), comes in very handy when scratching your head on how the hell your gonna do something it always seems to have the answer - UNTIL - you burn up the blade your using and think no big deal - Then you see how much money its really gonna cost you to operate that tool. Tool is awesome, just wish Fein took the extra step on offering better quality blades, or at least the same blades but cheaper.

KarlV

In many cases, having options on the market is helpful because you can try and save some money and go with a 'good enough' alternative to a name brand or industry standard. There are certain tools, however, where it just makes sense to spend the extra cost and get the BEST brand/model available. It makes no sense to buy two (original, and then a replacement down the line) of a lesser quality tool like these when you could've just bought ONE in the beginning and have it last. IMO a Fein, Rockwell or maybe even Bosch rules out here. These have the best quality and versatility. Using a Fein for a couple years now and also seeing others struggle with broken parts or performance limitations with the cheaper brands makes me feel so much better about having spent the extra dough. Do yourself a favor and learn what you can about the better brands, and make a confident decision. Check out a review like: www.homerepairgeek.com/tools/multimaster-tool-review at the least, or better yet, get yourself to a store to check them out in person. Some hardware stores will even rent these, and it might be a good idea to try one out that way--usually they use better, more duable brands, just for the very reason that they'd be in high use and probably not treated the same as a rental. Good luck...these are amazing devices...my dad (also a contractor for many years), didn't have this for most of his career, and he doesn't know what he'd do without it!

DuMass

I’ve been using the heck out of my Sonicrafter lately cutting out rotted trim, brick mold and windowsills.
Although I still have a little trouble trying to make perfectly straight cuts through the full depth of brick mold, I find that about a 17-degree angle makes it easier and less noticeable when splicing in a new piece anyway.

The Universal end cut blades can handle a few narrow crown staples or 16 gauge finish nails, but that is just about it for ferrous metal cutting ability. They need a better blade design for this type of work.
The Precision end cut blades seem to work best for me as far as general wood cutting goes.
I just picked up a 3-pack of the new 3/8-inch wide blades for some small stuff, but these apparently are only available in the Standard end cut design at the moment.

The little finger sanding pad attachment has been working great for tight spots, even though the Velcro on the tip of the pad holder tends to heat up and melt slightly at higher speeds with heavier pressure.

BTW: This is the 73-piece variable speed kit that came with a decent assortment of blades, sanding adapters and pads, a vacuum adapter and plastic case. It has a separate storage box for the blades and attachments that fits neatly inside the larger case.

tcholdren

Great tool if you dont plan to abuse it. I Cut the bottom off four sets of door casing for new flooring. The After product was impressive to be able to make a flush cut on the floor. Blade wore pretty fast in my opinion, and the tool gets hot quick.

It paid for its self the first day. Last week removed 3"inches off a kitchen counter to allow for a wider fridge. By beeing able to cut the counter and backsplash with out removing it was very impressive.

My opinion would be to upgrade right off get the best one on the market. Tool gets to HOT to fast for use at long periods of time. The blade replacement cost sucks on all the BRANDS so shop smart when looking for your first buy!!!!

Buy a combo kit with all the blades included. Dont get suckered by buying the kit that comes with"120 pieces" vs "the 45" all you are getting is a couple more sanding pads.

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THConstruction

neolitic

If it's getting hot, you are forcing it.
Relax and let the tool do the work
Grasshopper.

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(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

tcholdren

This grasshopper already knows how to let the tool do the work .If you are going to use this tool For a Long Period of Time, Ugrade. The use of the tool is endless. Brands Varey.

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RhodesHardwood

I have been through about 5 of these. The screws stip out. I would suggest maybe buying some of the replacement screws to have them around. I found them online for about $4 each.

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