Fein Multimaster, or Dremel for boat use

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Elemental

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or more generically, oscillating versus rotary for a multitool.

In particular, I have a gelcoat gouge to grind out for gel repair (20cm x 0.7cm - don't ask ...). I was going to use it as an excuse to buy myself a Dremel rotary cordless tool - but I'm also swayed by the idea of an oscillating multitool. It seems to me that for cutting/grinding type tasks then the oscillating tool may produce less mess as the dust isn't being thrown everywhere by a high velocity rotation.

However, I guess that the rotary can drill/cut round holes more readily than an oscillating tool or is there some kind of attachment for doing that nowadays? I can't justify buying both ... Which would you buy?
 
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Both.
The smaller Dremel is good for things that require a smaller tool. The Fein is good for big jobs.
 
Both are useful things, but cleaning out a gelcoat scrape is not hard to do with manual tools.
Although I might use my Dremel to sharpen my 'pound shop chisel' for the task.
 
I’ve got both but think that I would use a Dremel for that job. I bought an oscillating tool for a particular job and was surprised at how often I use it. Dremel have had some stick for quality recently. Mine is mains powered and has more oomph. You say that you can’t afford both but I bought my oscillating tool from Lidl. Cheap and cheerful and it does the job and my Dremel was half price in a sale. Other makes than Dremel are available. It all depends on how often you intend to use them.
 
I have both, an old Dremel and a Bosch oscillating tool, I think for a gouge in gel coat the oscillating tool is too fierce for the job, I have used the Dremel for gel coat reapirs but find the hand tools (needle files, broken hacksaw blades and Stanley knives etc.) are less likely to run away and cause even further damage to be repaired.
 
Praxinoscope said:
I have both, an old Dremel and a Bosch oscillating tool, I think for a gouge in gel coat the oscillating tool is too fierce for the job, I have used the Dremel for gel coat reapirs but find the hand tools (needle files, broken hacksaw blades and Stanley knives etc.) are less likely to run away and cause even further damage to be repaired.
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:encouragement:
 
Different tools.
I have a cheepy Dremel corded type, €20 and does lots of little grinding and cutting jobs.
I also have a Skill multitool that is very good at lots of other jobs, not a lot of overlap.
 
Different tools for different jobs. I have a Bosch multitool (cheapie c/w Fein) and a Dremel. Both will be replaced if anything goes wrong with them. (BTW I've had nothing but bad luck with my "electronic" dremels so I've gone back to the chapter version).
 
Topcat47 said:
Different tools for different jobs. I have a Bosch multitool (cheapie c/w Fein) and a Dremel. Both will be replaced if anything goes wrong with them. (BTW I've had nothing but bad luck with my "electronic" dremels so I've gone back to the chapter version).
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That's giving us chapter and version.
 
I have used a Fein in woodworking but I cannot imagine using one for that task, and I have used a mains Dremel for GRP stress crack repair. For tools that are only infrequently used, a budget type can make good sense IMO – as can mains power, unless usage really justifies the convenience and extra cost of a rechargeable.
 
Hydrozoan said:
I have used a Fein in woodworking but I cannot imagine using one for that task, and I have used a mains Dremel for GRP stress crack repair. For tools that are only infrequently used, a budget type can make good sense IMO – as can mains power, unless usage really justifies the convenience and extra cost of a rechargeable.
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A Fein for GRP sounds a little heavy, but they are superb for jobs involving light wood use. Cutting or dressing/sanding just brilliant. A battery powered Dremel could be handy for very light GRP use?
 
pagoda said:
A Fein for GRP sounds a little heavy, but they are superb for jobs involving light wood use. Cutting or dressing/sanding just brilliant. A battery powered Dremel could be handy for very light GRP use?
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Sure. I meant by 'that task' the OP's GRP job (not woodworking). My stress crack repair was on a locker lid I could work on at home, and if using a mains Dremel (or other tool) on a boat one would of course need to ensure that it could not fall overboard.
 
I agree my workshop has the fein the boat has the Lidl one. I have a Lidl battery rotary tool on the boat aswell.

The Fein is the rolls Royce of the multi’s but comes with a catch, the price!
If you are going to use it after this job then a good investment but if not buy cheap.
 
BlowingOldBoots said:
Both.
The smaller Dremel is good for things that require a smaller tool. The Fein is good for big jobs.
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What Old Boots says...
I have both. On the subject of Dremells, they do a tile cutter / grout cleaner head. It is the dogs do dah's when it comes to fine grp work. My existing one is over five years old and still sharp!
 
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