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Bosch Oscillating Tool speed selection .

7K views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  runswithscissors 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Purchased a Bosch Var speed osc tool. How do I select the tool rpm ( speed ) to suit the material I cut? Example if cutting nails do I use max speed? Is there a speed- usage table somewhere ? Thanks
 
#5 ·
I have gotten excellent performance out of a couple of HF's cheapest (single speed) oscillating tools. They have a variable speed model, but I have never felt a need for slower speeds. It's possible, though, that a slower speed would be better for cutting nails. Anyone know about this?

I use mine in just about all the ways they suggest; plunge cutting, sanding, lino removal, etc. I rarely use my reciprocating saw anymore.

By the way, Grizzly has the best prices for blades that I have seen, and they have a universal base that fits just about any tool.
 
#6 ·
By the way, Grizzly has the best prices for blades that I have seen, and they have a universal base that fits just about any tool.

- runswithscissors
How do those last? I bought some cheap ones at a big box store and could literally watch them burn up while plunge cutting MDF molding. I want some good priced omes that hold up at least a little while.
 
#8 ·
I think Grizzly's hold up as well as others. They do tend to create a lot of smoke when plunge cutting, but I think that's the nature of the beast, as a lot of friction is created. For wood I like the coarse toothed ones that are similar to the tooth style on a Japanese pull saw.

For nail cutting, even Lennox reciprocating saw blades wear out fast. I did see video one time of a oscillating blade that could cut dozens of nails, but I don't remember the brand, and remain somewhat skeptical about this claim.
 
#9 ·
I think Grizzly s hold up as well as others. They do tend to create a lot of smoke when plunge cutting, but I think that s the nature of the beast, as a lot of friction is created. For wood I like the coarse toothed ones that are similar to the tooth style on a Japanese pull saw.

For nail cutting, even Lennox reciprocating saw blades wear out fast. I did see video one time of a oscillating blade that could cut dozens of nails, but I don t remember the brand, and remain somewhat skeptical about this claim.

- runswithscissors
I'll have to give them a shot next time I order. For nails, I stick to my dremel with cutoff wheels, it works great and the discs are pennies. My main use of the oscillating multi tool is plunge cutting into molding, usually baseboards and door moldings. Really nothing else comes close to working as good for this particular use case.
 
#11 ·
As a general rule, the harder the material you're cutting, the slower your speed needs to be. Like I said though, that's just a general rule. An oscillating tool is kind of a different animal than most tools. My general thinking is to just set it where it cuts efficiently and doesn't burn up blades too quickly.
 
#12 ·
I haven't worked with Hardie plank, but it's pretty hard, I think. I know a diamond blade is available from HF, and blades imbedded with carbide as well. I used a diamond blade to cut out a 2' X 3' hole in my kitchen ceiling for a skylight. It cut through plaster and wire lath with amazing ease. I got sparks as I went through the steel lath. But that was a semi circular blade which might not fit in your tight spot.
 
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