Which multi cutting tool?

kangoora

Hi, After spending a couple of days repairing some broken floorboards in my bathroom I've decided to bite the bullet and buy a multi cutting tool. Using a handsaw wasn't fun and I figure spending a bit of money will save me a lot of time. I've already got an 18v cordless hammer drill/driver.

I'm considering a multi-tool as purchasing 3-4 different electric tools would probably be overkill for my usage.

To be honest it will probably only get used a few times a year but I don't want to buy something cheap and nasty which could blow up after being used half a dozen times.

I'm leaning towards this one, not least because it comes with a full set of accessories, 2 x LiOn batteries and a carry case (seems to have a lot of great reviews also)

https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dcs355d2-gb-18v-2-0ah-li-ion-xr-brushless-cordless-multi-tool/10048

So, any tradsmen on here think this is an OK buy for home DIY (is it overkill?) or recommend something else to look at?

Looking forward to responses.

jk0

Other than a drill, all my power tools are mains operated. I also have a mains version of that Dewalt thing. It's never been a problem plugging mine in.

sevenhills

jk0 wrote: »

Other than a drill, all my power tools are mains operated. I also have a mains version of that Dewalt thing. It's never been a problem plugging mine in.

Something like this.


https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7235548


Maybe this too


https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8239062

keith969

kangoora wrote: »

Hi, After spending a couple of days repairing some broken floorboards in my bathroom I've decided to bite the bullet and buy a multi cutting tool. Using a handsaw wasn't fun and I figure spending a bit of money will save me a lot of time. I've already got an 18v cordless hammer drill/driver.

What do you want to do? Almost always a dedicated tool is going to be better for a specific task.

If it's sawing, which you mention, handsaws have their place along with jigsaws, circular saws, mitre saws - the list is endless.

I've built up many over the years as needs dictate. I would say that mains powered ones are a better investment as they will last, no batteries to wear out and possibly be irreplaceable.

Gloomendoom

I would use a circular saw rather than a multi-tool for cutting floorboards.

onomatopoeia99

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I would use a circular saw rather than a multi-tool for cutting floorboards.

Depends whether doing it in situ or not. A circular saw may be a bit impractical if the board is nailed in place.

My multicutter is a Makita that uses the LXT batteries, as are all of my battery powered tools. It does what I expect it to.

Gloomendoom

onomatopoeia99 wrote: »

Depends whether doing it in situ or not. A circular saw may be a bit impractical if the board is nailed in place.

Why? You set the depth of cut to the thickness of the floor board and cut across then lift up. If they are tongue and groove, you also run the saw along the join.

Works for me.

Hasbeen

kangoora wrote: »

Hi, After spending a couple of days repairing some broken floorboards in my bathroom I've decided to bite the bullet and buy a multi cutting tool. Using a handsaw wasn't fun and I figure spending a bit of money will save me a lot of time. I've already got an 18v cordless hammer drill/driver.

I'm considering a multi-tool as purchasing 3-4 different electric tools would probably be overkill for my usage.

To be honest it will probably only get used a few times a year but I don't want to buy something cheap and nasty which could blow up after being used half a dozen times.

I'm leaning towards this one, not least because it comes with a full set of accessories, 2 x LiOn batteries and a carry case (seems to have a lot of great reviews also)

https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dcs355d2-gb-18v-2-0ah-li-ion-xr-brushless-cordless-multi-tool/10048

So, any tradsmen on here think this is an OK buy for home DIY (is it overkill?) or recommend something else to look at?

Looking forward to responses.

Would say overkill for a few times per year.

Try here its cheap but great at any returns 12 month warranty or Bosch at £30 https://www.homebase.co.uk/xu1-250w-multi-function-tool_p389397

stator

I bought an oscillating multi tool for cutting into floorboards, it's extremely slow. It takes ages to go all the way through but the best thing about it is that it leaves a nice tidy cut, whereas a circular saw will leave massive grooves on the floorboards next to the one you are cutting.


I've started using my dremmel rotary tool with diamond cutting discs for a lot of my cutting. It's quicker but probably dangerous as it can overheat and can 'scortch' the wood.

kangoora

keith969 wrote: »

What do you want to do? Almost always a dedicated tool is going to be better for a specific task.

If it's sawing, which you mention, handsaws have their place along with jigsaws, circular saws, mitre saws - the list is endless.

I've built up many over the years as needs dictate. I would say that mains powered ones are a better investment as they will last, no batteries to wear out and possibly be irreplaceable.

A few jobs spring to mind:

• Putting up some basic shelving in garage
• Another floorboard repair I've been putting off for months
• Stripping out downstairs loo tiles and re-tiling
• Embedding TV cables into wall and papering over them - they look bad at the moment hanging from the TV.
• Putting up shelving in living room alcove (wall to wall) for DVD/books/Blu-ray collections. Would give me more storage space and allow me to get rid of old bookcases we are currently using.

Good point about mains powered. I did have a drill/driver with sanding attachments I bought in USA many years ago that the batteries died on and I couldn't get replacements for so I had to chuck it out.

Just did some more research and I can pick up something equivalent to the De Walt (but mains pwered) for as low as £50 with lots in between the £50 to £200 range - such as (not sure how durable it will be).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D36FKF2/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07D36FKF2&pd_rd_w=3DAee&pf_rd_p=8e5be0e3-b258-4b06-8b6e-695b24f935a4&pd_rd_wg=uHbdp&pf_rd_r=C22Q7RXAMKY38YDSTAKY&pd_rd_r=ecf79e42-1fc5-11e9-bb21-ab21ac58d050

Starting to suffer from analysis paralysis........

keith969

From the sound of it you just want to cut boards, a mitre saw will do that and is a good investment.

A jigsaw is also useful as is a circular saw

A belt sander is another good buy, I've a Bosch one that is over 20 years old and still going strong.