In 2009 it was reported that the Dremel Multi-Max was the most popular power tool sold in the United States. So naturally it makes sense in 2010, right before the holiday gift season, a cordless Multi-Max 8300-01 ($138, Ohio Power Tool) might make its way into stores. In the oscillating tool world there is definitely a need for both cordless and corded versions of these tools although most of the time we would favor the corded tool.
Battery Life
The first thing to consider when looking at any cordless oscillating tool is battery life. With so many tasks for 1 tool you will need to make sure you will have the battery life for whatever it is you plan on doing. We were actually pleasantly surprised at the battery life for the cordless Dremel Multi-Max 8300. With a fully charged 12V battery we got 21:32 minutes of run time. The battery gauge lasted 8:11 with 3 bars, 16:00 with 2, at 20:12 the last bar started blinking and at 21:32 minutes the tool shut off completely. This test was at the highest setting (10) so it could potentially go longer in lower setting; it could also last far less time with heavy use such as using the grinding accessories.
The good news is the only time you would normally run an oscillating tool for 21 minutes strait would be in a sanding application and if you think that will be one of the main tasks for the tool we would recommend going with the corded Multi-Max 6300-05 ($99, Ohio Power Tool).
Corded vs Cordless
Cordless tools definitely offer much more freedom when you are working outdoors, on a ladder, in tight spaces or pretty much anywhere else. In terms of overall power we were also surprised to see the cordless and corded Multi-Max tools had pretty similar performance. For everyday professional use there are certainly better oscillating tools available but the price on the Dremel units and overall quality are very good. The cordless Multi-Max does come with 2 batteries which is very important for uninterrupted use.
Dremel Multi-Max 8300-01 vs Bosch Multi-X PS50-2B
One of the closest competitors for the new cordless Dremel will be the Bosch Multi-x PS50-2B ($179, Ohio Power Tool) which is interesting because they are both owned by the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. Although you certainly wouldn’t know it as the accessories and batteries are not compatible. In use these tools are very similar. The Dremel offers a slightly wider range of oscillation speed with 3000-20,000opm vs Bosch with 5000-20,000opm. The Dremel is also 1/3 lbs lighter and the new Dremel batteries do last several minutes longer than the Bosch BAT411 (although we have not tested the runtime on the new BAT412). Where the Dremel 8300 has a disadvantage is with the Multi-Max Accessories, they are lower priced but fewer of them and lower quality as compared to the Bosch. Check out the different Bosch Accessories. The PS50-2B also comes with many more accessories in the case vs the Multi-Max bare bones kit. Another advantage the Bosch Multi-X has is it compatible with all the Bosch 12V Max tools, which you very well may already own. The Dremel only shares batteries and chargers with the Cordless 8200 Rotary Tool.
Overall
For the money the Cordless Dremel Multi-Max is a great deal and a great tool! At only $39 more than the corded Multi-Max version it will be very hard to pass up. The accessories with the unit are pretty skimpy so if you are picking it up for yourself make sure you get exactly what you’ll need. I have no doubt this will be on a lot of holiday wish lists this year and for your weekend handyman we think it’ll be a real nice tool.
