Multi-tool (powertool)
Encyclopedia
Multi-tool is a common name for an oscillating Power tool
powered by battery or mains. The name "multi-tool" is a reference to the many functions that this tool can perform with the range of attachments available. So far there are tools available to saw
, sand
, rasp
, grind
, scrape
, cut
and polish
.
Use of an offset in a fitted blade allows the tool to cut flush with a surface. This is particularly useful when fitting flooring along a skirting board, cutting the skirting to allow the board to slide under for a neat finish. The small form of these tools and the ability to mount the blade/accessory in any orientation allows cutting in areas previously unreachable. The ability to cut a complex or precise recess without the need to remove the work piece from where is it fixed greatly increases productivity. Small and precise cuts are possible even on end grain, a small sliver can be easily removed from timber cut too long for a perfect fit.
The accessory is fitted to the tool by some mechanism which allows that accessory to be rapidly rotated back and forth (oscillated). This creates friction
with the sanding attachments or rapid cutting motions with the saw and grinding attachments.
The narrow angle of oscillation
allows for precise control over the tool as it does not kick like a rotating tool can. The angle of oscillation creates increasing friction further from the center of the tool as these areas travel a greater distance. The increased friction is particularly apparent with the triangular sanding and grinding attachments which allow the operator to reach into corners and confined spaces, a feature unique to this type of power tool. The saw blade attachments use the angle of oscillation in the same way.
The oscillating blade will not clear swarf in the same way as a rotating blade so it is necessary to move the blade back and forth to clear built up sawdust and clear the blades.
Improvements in battery technology such as Lithium Ion have allowed for tools which can be small in size and weight but still perform well enough to compete with mains-powered equivalents while freeing the user from the restrictions of cables.
Power tool
A power tool is a tool that is actuated by an additional power source and mechanism other than the solely manual labour used with hand tools. The most common types of power tools use electric motors. Internal combustion engines and compressed air are also commonly used...
powered by battery or mains. The name "multi-tool" is a reference to the many functions that this tool can perform with the range of attachments available. So far there are tools available to saw
Saw
A saw is a tool that uses a hard blade or wire with an abrasive edge to cut through softer materials. The cutting edge of a saw is either a serrated blade or an abrasive...
, sand
Sand
Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles.The composition of sand is highly variable, depending on the local rock sources and conditions, but the most common constituent of sand in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastal...
, rasp
Rasp
A rasp is a tool used for shaping wood or other material. It consists of a point or the tip, then a long steel bar or the belly, then the heel or bottom, then the tang. The tang is joined to a handle, usually made of plastic or wood. The bar has sharp teeth...
, grind
Grind
The grind of a blade refers to the shape of the cross-section of the blade. It is distinct from the type of blade , though different tools and blades may have lent their name to a particular grind.Grinding involves removing significant portions of metal from the blade and is thus distinct from...
, scrape
Scrape
-Hand tools:* Card scraper, cabinet scraper or scraper, a tool for scraping wood* Hand scraper, a single-edged tool used to scrape metal from a surface* Scraper , a stone tool-Machines:* Fresno scraper, powered by an external tractor which pulls it...
, cut
Cut
Cut may refer to:* The act of cutting, the separation of an object into two through acutely directed force-Mathematics:* Cut * Branch cut, a concept in complex analysis* Dedekind cut, a partition of rational numbers* Cut-elimination theorem...
and polish
Polishing
Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action, leaving a surface with a significant specular reflection In some materials polishing is also able to reduce diffuse reflection to...
.
Use of an offset in a fitted blade allows the tool to cut flush with a surface. This is particularly useful when fitting flooring along a skirting board, cutting the skirting to allow the board to slide under for a neat finish. The small form of these tools and the ability to mount the blade/accessory in any orientation allows cutting in areas previously unreachable. The ability to cut a complex or precise recess without the need to remove the work piece from where is it fixed greatly increases productivity. Small and precise cuts are possible even on end grain, a small sliver can be easily removed from timber cut too long for a perfect fit.
The accessory is fitted to the tool by some mechanism which allows that accessory to be rapidly rotated back and forth (oscillated). This creates friction
Friction
Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and/or material elements sliding against each other. There are several types of friction:...
with the sanding attachments or rapid cutting motions with the saw and grinding attachments.
The narrow angle of oscillation
Oscillation
Oscillation is the repetitive variation, typically in time, of some measure about a central value or between two or more different states. Familiar examples include a swinging pendulum and AC power. The term vibration is sometimes used more narrowly to mean a mechanical oscillation but sometimes...
allows for precise control over the tool as it does not kick like a rotating tool can. The angle of oscillation creates increasing friction further from the center of the tool as these areas travel a greater distance. The increased friction is particularly apparent with the triangular sanding and grinding attachments which allow the operator to reach into corners and confined spaces, a feature unique to this type of power tool. The saw blade attachments use the angle of oscillation in the same way.
The oscillating blade will not clear swarf in the same way as a rotating blade so it is necessary to move the blade back and forth to clear built up sawdust and clear the blades.
Improvements in battery technology such as Lithium Ion have allowed for tools which can be small in size and weight but still perform well enough to compete with mains-powered equivalents while freeing the user from the restrictions of cables.