Oscillating Cutting Tools

Variety of Materials

• By switching out the blade, oscillating tools can be used with a wide variety of materials, including wood, laminates, metal, grout, adhesives, drywall and even stone. The oscillating motion also offers better control and precision, safer operation and less dust than traditional tools.

Variety of Projects

• Oscillating tools often easily accomplish what other tools can't. They are ideal for automotive panel and bodywork repairs and perfect for remodeling boats. They are also ideal for long, exact cuts such as expansion joints in parquet and laminate. Refinishing old wooden furniture; building models; grinding out cement, concrete or plaster; cutting drywall to install an electrical outlet; or cutting an old pipe flush to a wall are more easily accomplished with oscillating tools. As an example, because oscillating tools allow users to make cuts in tight spaces, they turn the process of installing new flooring into an easy job. You can: (a) effortlessly remove old floor coverings with an oscillating cutting tool, (b) use a scraping blade to power-scrape tacky flooring adhesive behind existing flooring, (c) use a cutting blade to cut rolls of carpet in manageable pieces, (d) use a wood cutting blade to flush-cut baseboards, and (e) avoid time-consuming touch-up work by cutting an existing baseboard without damaging the wall or floor.

Important Tool Features

• In order for an oscillating cutting tool to work and perform properly, the material makeup of the cutting tool is important. An oscillating cutting tool should provide hardness at elevated temperatures, toughness against impact forces, resistance to wear and chemical stability. A versatile oscillating tool should provide variable speeds to match speed to the application. If you require a constant speed under pressure, look for an oscillating tool with electronic feedback. You should also consider weight, ease of blade attachment and types of blades available. An important safety feature in an oscillating tool is an electronic brake, which stops the tool immediately when you turn it off. An ergonomically designed tool would provide a small grip circumference and soft grip areas for comfort and control. The tool should be small enough to reach into corners and other tight spaces.

Choosing a Tool

• Oscillating tools vary greatly in price ($70 to $400 as of March 2011). The price you pay depends upon where or how you plan to use the tool. A professional should expect to pay the highest price, but homeowners could spend around $100 for home improvement projects. No matter which oscillating tool you choose, you're sure to find that you are able to repair, remodel and restore with ease.