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Product Reviews » Bosch 12v Max Multi-X Carpenter Kit
Bosch 12v Max Multi-X Carpenter Kit
Model PS50-2B
By Bruce Kieffer
Photos by Bruce Kieffer
Posted: April 14, 2010
Being the frugal woodworker I am, I had to ask myself if this Bosch Multi-X wasn't one of those "Do I really need this" tools? To my surprise, I find it more useful than I imagined. It lives on my bench for quick access, and I use it to do many odd jobs that are much harder to do with other tools. I keep it equipped with the triangular sanding head and 180-grit sandpaper so I can use the tool to quickly remove pencil marks from workpieces. That alone doesn't justify the cost of the tool, but that and the many other tasks it performs does.
Interchangeable Accessories
There are many accessory tools available for the Multi-X, and changing tools is quick and easy. An Allen head bolt locks accessories to the accessory holder which has locating pins so accessories can be positioned at any of 12 locations at 30° intervals. Accessories include wood and metal saw blades, a triangular sanding pad and many different grits of sandpaper, a grout removal tool, and scrapers for removing paint and caulk. There's also a dual-purpose adapter that allows you to mount the Bosch accessories at any angle relative to the tool, and to mount competitor attachments as well.
Small Powerful Batteries
This is a lightweight, variable speed, battery operated cordless tool. It uses the same lithium-ion battery as the rest of Bosch's Litheon™ 12V Max tools. That's nice because you only need to keep one battery charging, and it will work for all the tools. No bench top full of battery chargers! The batteries are small, they charge in 30 minutes, they're powerful, and they hold a charge and run for a long time. The Multi-X also has a battery charge indicator that shows you how much "juice" remains. Now I know I've said this before: I'm impressed with these tools, and with how far cordless tool technology has come in the past 30 years.
How it Works
The Multi-X is small so it's easy to get it into tight spaces. It has a variable speed oscillating head that ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM). That's fast! The side-to-side travel of the oscillation is short so it's easy to control the tool since it doesn't jump around when used. The variable speed feature shines when you're sanding because the tool at 20,000 OPM is very aggressive. Slowing it down gives you much greater control. One thing to note: It sands faster than you might think, so use a fine grit sandpaper and the slowest speed to start, hold the tool flat and with light pressure, and move it over the surface quickly. It won't take you long to get the "feel" of the tool.
Uses
Here's a short list of tasks the Multi-X can tackle:
Finish sanding cabinet inside corners in preparation for applying finish.
Sanding in tight corners when smoothing between coats of finish on frame and panel doors and cabinets.
Flush cutting decorative plugs. See the Tip below about making a flush cutting blade.
Tip
I made a dedicated flush cut saw by removing the saw tooth "set" on the bottom side of one of my wood cutting accessory saw blades. I turned the tool on and held the tool flat on a shapening stone for a few seconds. That removed the tooth set on the bottom side of the saw blade so now the saw won't scratch when it's flush cutting.
Kieffer's Opinion
Take it from me... This tool is great for sanding, cutting, and trimming. You'll find many uses for it in your shop and home. It's cordless, compact, and portable. It really shines when you need to reach in and cut something in a very tight space. In my shop I've use it to clean up the walls of mortises, trim tenon ends, flush cut screws and blots, and sand pretty much everything. And in my home I've used it to undercut door jams and casings, cut plumbing pipes between joists and studs, and remove grout and caulk from tile joints.
Product & Ordering information:
Bosch 12v Max Multi-X™ Carpenter Kit Model #PS50-2B
$187
877-267-2499
5 Comments
I like it.
I bought this tool at the Woodworker's Show...Just introduced I had to wait over a month for delivery...I have used it to de-grout two bathroom...Make unusual angle cuts (only with this tool)...Under-cut door jams for flooring...Sanding in small and unusual places...Battery system from Bosch is excellent...Very worth the price....
The last time i looked I was still Human. how many more days? when you are 82 the mortality tables do not give you a lot
I got a refurbed unit (like new) for half price, and this tool is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I used the scraper blade to separate two pieces of lumber that I had glued together -- without splintering! I didn't think I had a chance of getting them apart. I use this tool all the time for sanding, cutting, removing caulking, etc. Usually by the time you've drained one battery, the other one has recharged. This tool is the best. And you can use other manufacturers blades (Dremmel).
The tool allows very accurate cutting. My most unusual use of the tool was in the repair of my heater blower in a 2004 Sebring convertible. I know it sounds nuts. After family of mice moved into to the blower housing the heater fan control module burned out. I picked up the replacement part. It would not fit into the housing through the orginal slot. I brought the part back to Chrysler. Said it was to big and it would not fit through access slot. "No, thats the right part, you will have to modify the opening" What??? Let's try the new saw. I was able to remove 1/16" from the slot and the replacement part fit great. I guess the Chrysler repair manual needs an update. I've had this saw for about 18 months and like the typical guy, skipped the manual. Then one day I find a little red button on the side of the saw, when depressed it gives you an approximate battery life reading. Many uses to be discovered.