What Is The Best Oscillating Tool For A Carpenter?
Over the years, oscillating multi-tools has gained more popularity among different users most especially the carpenters. The reason for this is not farfetched; the tool can cut and smoothen wooden surfaces, cut off nails, scrape and remove paint on various surfaces, among many other functions.
Sure, a multi-tool is a great addition to any serious wood worker’s toolbox but what is the best oscillating tool for a carpenter?
With so many varieties available in the market today, selecting the best oscillating tool can be a challenge. That’s why we have created this article to show you how to select the best oscillating tool for you.
How To Select The Best Oscillating Tool?
When it comes to finding the right multi-tool for you, there are certain factors you need to consider. These factors include:
Type Of Oscillating Tool — Corded Or Cordless
Corded oscillating tools also known as the electric multi-tool come with an electrical cable to plug the tool into an electrical outlet and power it for as long as you want.
Corded multi-tools offer more power to tackle longer and tedious job such as removing grout. This type of tool is probably the best option for professionals such as a carpenter who rely on the tool for their day to day activities. However, this tool cannot be used in areas with no supply of electricity.
Cordless multi-tool offers a higher level of convenience (portability) compared to their corded brothers, which means that you can reach different areas of your workspace without being restricted or fretting over the length of your tool’s electrical cable. They can be used outdoor especially where there’s no electricity supply and also for a detailed job.
Cordless tools are powered by a battery which may require frequent charging if you are a busy type. They are usually not as powerful as their corded counterpart and might be suitable for a hobbyist who performs occasional home improvement projects.
Read more: Corded or Cordless Oscillating Tool? Which Tool Should I Choose?
Type Of Work
Why do you want to buy an oscillating tool? What task(s) will you be performing with the tool? How often do you have to operate the tool?
These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself when buying an oscillating tool. The answers to these questions will direct and guide you on the features you need to watch out for and the type of oscillating multi-tool that suits you best.
To select the ideal multi-tool for your carpentry work, you’ll need to select a tool that will effectively handle your wood cutting and sanding operation.
While a DIY enthusiast or home improvement weekend warrior may go for a cordless tool with some amount of power, a professional such as a carpenter might want to go for the type that is strong enough to withstand heavy and regular use.
The bottom line is:
The type of work you want to tackle with the tool will determine the kind of tool and the type of attachment or accessories you have to look out for.
Ease Of Use
This has to do with the weight, vibration, the tool grip, the ease of operating the tool, strategically and ergonomically placed on and off switch as well as the variable speed trigger, and the ease of changing its accessories.
You may also want to select a tool with a longer cord, bright LED light, quick change accessory system and many more features.
When selecting an oscillating tool, examine the tool, and it features and determines how easy it is to use for your applications.
Weight
The weight of a multi-tool is another important factor to consider. Attacking a very demanding task (that requires holding the tool for a long time period) using a heavy multi-tool can result in muscle cringe. If you do not want to feel like you are visiting the gym by working with your tool, then you will have to go for lighter tools.
Typically, electric multi-tool is lighter; their cordless counterpart is a bit heavier due to the weight of their battery. The weight of an oscillating tool can also be an advantage. If you plan to use your tool for sanding operations, a heavy tool might be the best for you.
Vibration
As the multi-tool performs it an oscillating movement at very high speeds, they can vibrate and can also be very noisy.
While working with a tool that vibrates a lot, your body can be set in motion can, and this may affect the accuracy of your work.
It is advisable to go for a tool with less vibration if you want to be stiff as you work or if you want to make a clean and precise cut.
Oscillating Angle
Most oscillating tool brands have their standard oscillating angle. How big or small a multi-tool oscillating angle is, will determine how fast or slow its blade will cut through a material.
The bigger the oscillating angle, the slower the blade will move or cut through a surface. The smaller it is, the faster the blade will cut.
So it is important that you select the oscillating angle that is convenient for you.
Durability
You need to consider the material used in manufacturing the tool before you make your decision. The material used in making the tool will determine how strong and durable the tool is as well as the job it can handle.
Tools made of quality and strong materials are more durable and can be used for tougher jobs you.
Amps
The amps of an oscillating tool help to determine how long the tool’s motor can run without overheating. Multi-tools with higher amperage can handle longer and tougher jobs than those with lower amperage.
I will suggest you go for a multi-tool with more amperage to tackle your woodworks.
Variable Speeds
When selecting the best oscillating tool especially for your carpentry works, it is more advisable to go for the tool with variable speeds and an ergonomically placed variable speed trigger.
A tool will not only allow you to select the right speed for the job, but it will also help you to control the tool while you work easily.
This will help to produce more favorable results when handling detailed and intricate jobs.
Number Of Accessories
The oscillating tool comes with various numbers of attachments and is sold as a kit. Some oscillating toolkits offer more accessories and features than others.
When shopping for an oscillating tool, it is important to select one with more number of accessories and features that will serve most of your carpentry work.
Universal Fitment
The blades that come along with your oscillating tool will eventually wear out. What happens if you cannot find a blade replacement to tackle your job? The tool will become useless, isn’t it?
That is why you have to be sure you can find accessory replacements for the tool before you purchase it.
Today, some oscillating tools like Bosch GOP40–30C support the use of blades of one tool brand on another tool brand.
With this, you can easily switch to the blades of other brands and continue your work if you cannot find the blade produced by your tool brand.
Brands
There are several brands of oscillating tools. Each of these brands works tirelessly to provide their users the best oscillating tool with the best working experience.
While some brands are very popular and offer their users some exciting features to boost their efficiency and productivity at a higher price, others are averagely popular and provide their users with average features at lower prices.
Some brands are more durable (especially the high-end tool) and offer a warranty to cover damages, while others don’t.
So it is advisable to go for the popular brands or the one you trust while selecting the best tool for you.
Price
This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying a multi-tool. You may choose to go for the popular and high-end brand with several tops of the line features, but what happens if you have no purchasing power, not enough cash to pay for the tool?
The tool will only hang on your wish list, and that’s not where it will get your job done, absolutely not. So you have to plan ahead of time, and consider the prices by reading the oscillating tool reviews to know what you are really up against.
A hobbyist, occasional home builder or home improvement weekend warriors may go for cheap oscillating tools, but a professional or a frequent user (such as a carpenter) should go for higher end tools that have all the features you need.
Whichever tool you buy, make sure you select the one that meets your needs and not necessarily above your budget.
Conclusion
Manufacturers produce oscillating tools to make life easy for people from all walks of life. This tool was initially designed to help doctors remove casts safely in their offices. But now, it has become an indispensable tool for contractors, carpenters, DIY enthusiasts and much more as it plays an important role in boosting their trades.
Selecting the best oscillating tool for a carpenter to handle your job can be a challenge. The increase in the number of the tool brands and models further compounded the issue. But with the guide above, you can easily find the best oscillating tool for you.
