THE MULTI-CUTTER

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THE MULTI-CUTTER

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The Multi Cutter is a versatile tool with an oscillating cutter / blade. They are used for cutting, grinding and scraping, depending on the cutter fitted. They are very popular with trades people because they are so useful. They are supplied as mains corded or with a battery pack.

LITHIUM-ION RECHARGEABLE BATTERY VERSION

The battery version of the Multi Tool has some advantages:

There is NO electrical cord to trip over.
No electrical cord to accidentally sever.
No trailing cord to hamper cutting and the direction of cut.
The rechargeable tool can be used where there is NO electrical supply.
It is generally a safer tool compared to the ‘mains’ corded version.

The battery version of the Multi Tool has some disadvantages:

If the battery is not charged up, the tool cannot be used.
It is common for a trades person to have two batteries (one charging, whilst the other is in use). This is an added expense.
A separate charger must be purchased.

CORDED - MAINS VERSION (with typical cutters / blades)

The mains corded version of the Multi Tool has some advantages:

As long as there is an electrical supply, the multi tool can be used.
There is no need to stop work, in order to recharge.
Corded versions are cheaper than rechargeable battery versions.
There is no need to buy extra accessories, such as a charger or second battery.

The battery version of the Multi Tool has some disadvantages:

Great care must be taken so that the user does not trip over the mains cord.
The length of the cord / extension determines the distance that can be worked, from an electrical supply.
care must be taken to avoid accidentally severing the mains cord.
The cord can hamper accurate handling of the multi tool.
If there is not an electrical supply, the multi tool cannot be used.
It is generally regarded as being less safer than the battery version due to its requirement for a 240volt supply.

THE CUTTING PROCEEDURE

When cutting, the speed is set according to the material being cut. When the ‘ON’ switch is pressed, the blade moves from side to side at a high speed, sawing through the material. Waste material is ejected either side of the blade.
A large variety of blade types are available. Each blade is selected according to the material being cut. Some blades are ideal for natural woods or composite boards (e.g. plywood), metal and plastic.

Shown below is a wood post being cut using a multi-tool and typical blade. This type of tool allows the post to be cut low to the ground. Using other tools / saws would make this a difficult procedure.

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