CMU School of Drama


Friday, October 12, 2018

Dremel MM45-05 Multi-Max Review - Dremel Ramps Up The Amps

Home Fixated: Four years ago, we took a look at Dremel’s version of one of the most useful tools in the power tool universe: the oscillating multi-tool, or OMT. The 3.5-Amp Dremel Multi-Max MM45-03 had good power and an assortment of features that made it appealing to both pros and serious DIYers. So how to make a good thing better? (Cue demonic laugh) – MORE POWER, of course!

4 comments:

DJ L. said...

This appears to be quite the improvement from the original Dremel oscillating multi-tool that I know and love. When Dremel’s first version of the oscillating multi-tool came out, I immediately had to have it. What drew me to it was how versatile it looked. When I got it, I used it a ton. Since primarily my work is home improvement, this was an absolutely amazing tool to add to my arsenal. From using the sanding pad to get into tight corners on steps and cabinets to cutting holes in drywall for retrofit electrical boxes and even to removing old and dirty grout, this tool was perfect for home renovations. Since then I have even purchased two more versions of this tool. One that fits into my 12-volt Milwaukee cordless tool set and one for my Dewalt 20-volt set. To put it lightly, this tool is a must have for anyone doing home improvement. Hopefully I’ll get my hands on one of the new 5-amp models soon.

Julien Sat-Vollhardt said...

Oscillating Multi-tools are part of a family of relatively newer tools which are only just starting ot become widespread in the scene shop repertoire. At face value, almost all of it's uses are right for various segments of our industry. The ability to make discrete pocket holes in basically any thickness of material replaces the trusty old drill and jigsaw technique. The tool is invaluable for scenic painters when sculpting foam, because the small vibrations of the blade slice through material rather than rip through it. And the sanding shines through in all the myriad places where rotary palm sander just won't do the job to get into those tight spaces. One of the improvements it seems dremel has made in this model is the toolless blade changing system, which is a godsend for any scene shop at the educational level, because it means a couple less loose parts to worry about losing. Although I'm not sure about the plastic mechanism's reliability in the long term, this is on par with the recent addition of of the easy tool change features on jigsaws.

GabeM said...

I have always been a fan of Dremel brand tools for a number of reasons. The first happens to be the diversity of the line of tools. No matter what job you are trying to get done, chances are, Dremel has a tool that can help you out. With this new Multi-Max tool, Dremel has really started to perfect a system that had very little flaws, to begin with. One of the most important things this article brought up is the added rubber around the body of the tool. I found this important because the constant vibration in the tool was always something that made extended use uncomfortable, so I am glad they addressed this issue. The power behind the new 5 amp system is also nothing to laugh at. Plunge cuts are something that Dremel has always boasted that their tools can do well and that feature only gets better and more reliable with more power you equip the tool with.

Chris Calder said...

Dremel has always been a trusted brand in home tooling. The Multi-Max, in particular, was one of the first tools that I purchased. The applications that it offers are very vast given its price and size. Every tool consumer looks for something that is compact and provides an extensive variety of applications.

Dremel revolutionized the oscillating cutting tool, and it is rare to be on a job site that is without a tool that is at least comparable to the multi-max. In my personal opinion, this particular model is very restricted given that a power cord tethers the user. I surprised that Dremel as a whole hasn’t moved to battery operated tools given the advancements that have been made to the tech. If Dremel lacks one thing over its competitors, it is the portability, almost every other tool company that makes oscillating tools have a battery option, and for many consumers, this is a deal breaker. I hope to see this reputable brand continue to innovate and incorporate a battery equivalent to future product lines.